100+ Free Skibsførereksamen Practice Questions

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Sample Skibsførereksamen Practice Questions

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1On 21 March at meridian transit, the Sun's declination is 00°00.0'. An observer facing South measures the sextant altitude of the Sun's lower limb as Hs = 54°20.0'. The index error is 2.0' on the arc, height of eye is 16.0 m (dip = -7.0'), and the total altitude correction (semi-diameter, refraction, and parallax) is +15.8'. What is the observer's true latitude?

A.35°33.2' N

B.35°47.2' N

C.54°26.8' N

D.35°19.2' N

Explanation: Applying the corrections gives apparent altitude Ha = 54°20.0' - 2.0' (index error) - 7.0' (dip) = 54°11.0'. Adding total correction +15.8' yields true altitude Ho = 54°26.8'. True zenith distance ZD = 90°00.0' - 54°26.8' = 35°33.2' North; since declination is 00°00.0', the latitude is exactly equal to the zenith distance, 35°33.2' N.

2In the Northern Hemisphere, an observer measures the true altitude (Ho) of Polaris as 48°15.4'. The Local Hour Angle (LHA) of Aries is 084°20'. From the Nautical Almanac Polaris tables, the tabulated corrections are a0 = +42.6', a1 = +0.4', and a2 = +0.8'. What is the calculated true latitude of the vessel?

A.47°59.2' N

B.48°59.2' N

C.48°15.4' N

D.47°15.4' N

Explanation: The standard Polaris reduction formula is Latitude = Ho - 1° + a0 + a1 + a2. Subtracting 1° from Ho gives 47°15.4', and adding the sum of the three almanac corrections (+42.6' + 0.4' + 0.8' = +43.8') yields a true latitude of 47°59.2' N.

3Using the Marcq Saint-Hilaire intercept method from an Assumed Position (AP), an OOW calculates the zenith distance and altitude of star Vega as Hc = 38°42.0' with an azimuth of 065° True. The true observed altitude from sextant sights after all corrections is Ho = 38°51.5'. How should the intercept and line of position (LOP) be laid off?

A.9.5 nautical miles Towards 065° True, with LOP drawn along 155°–335° True

B.9.5 nautical miles Away from 065° True, with LOP drawn along 065°–245° True

C.9.5 nautical miles Towards 065° True, with LOP drawn along 065°–245° True

D.18.5 nautical miles Away from 245° True, with LOP drawn along 155°–335° True

Explanation: The intercept is calculated as Ho - Hc = 38°51.5' - 38°42.0' = +9.5' (9.5 nm). Because Ho is greater than Hc, the intercept is plotted Towards the geographic position of the celestial body along azimuth 065° T, and the position line (LOP) is laid off perpendicular to the azimuth line (065° ± 90° = 155°–335° T).

4In Latitude 40°00' N, the Sun's declination is 20°00' N and Local Hour Angle (LHA) is 045°00'. From ABC tables: A = 0.839 S, B = 0.515 N, giving C = 0.324 S. The calculated true azimuth is 256.1° True. The simultaneous gyro bearing of the Sun is 258.1° G. What is the gyro compass error?

A.2.0° High (2.0° West)

B.2.0° Low (2.0° East)

C.0.5° High (0.5° West)

D.4.0° Low (4.0° East)

Explanation: Gyro error is determined by comparing True Bearing and Gyro Bearing: Gyro Error = Gyro Bearing - True Bearing = 258.1° - 256.1° = +2.0°. Because the gyro reading is higher than true, the gyro compass is 2.0° High (or 2.0° West), meaning gyro courses steer to the right of true.

5Overcast weather prevents an OOW from observing the Sun at exact meridian passage, but the Sun becomes briefly visible 7 minutes after transit. Under what conditions is an ex-meridian reduction calculation mathematically valid to determine latitude?

A.When the body's hour angle is sufficiently small for the selected ex-meridian method and the altitude correction can be treated as proportional to the square of hour angle

B.Only when the observer is exactly on the equator and the body is within 5 minutes of transit

C.Whenever the body's azimuth is within 90° of prime vertical regardless of hour angle

D.Only when the true altitude of the body exceeds 85° above the horizon

Explanation: An ex-meridian reduction uses a near-meridian approximation in which the altitude difference from meridian altitude varies approximately with the square of a small hour angle. The permitted interval is not one universal 20–30 minute rule; it depends on latitude, declination, altitude, desired accuracy, and the tables or method used. A seven-minute offset can be reduced if those method limits are satisfied.

6A vessel plans a great circle passage from Tokyo (Lat 35°00' N, Long 140°00' E) to San Francisco (Lat 37°00' N, Long 122°00' W). Difference of longitude dLong is 98°00'. Using spherical trigonometry, cos(D) = sin(35°)·sin(37°) + cos(35°)·cos(37°)·cos(98°) = 0.3452 - 0.0910 = 0.2542. What is the great circle distance compared to the rhumb line distance of approximately 4,860 nautical miles?

A.4,516 nautical miles, saving approximately 344 nautical miles

B.4,860 nautical miles, offering identical distance with a simpler heading

C.5,120 nautical miles, requiring greater distance to avoid adverse northern currents

D.4,120 nautical miles, saving over 740 nautical miles

Explanation: The angular distance is D = arccos(0.2542) = 75.27°. Converting degrees to nautical miles (75.27° × 60 nm/°) yields 4,516 nautical miles. Compared to the rhumb line distance of 4,860 nautical miles, the great circle track saves approximately 344 nautical miles.

7A great circle route departs from Position A (Lat 40°00' N, Long 070°00' W) with an initial true course of 050.0° True. Using Napier's Rules on the spherical PZX triangle, cos(Lat_v) = cos(Lat_A) · sin(Initial Course). What is the latitude of the vertex (highest latitude reached)?

A.54°04' N

B.48°22' N

C.62°15' N

D.40°00' N

Explanation: Using the spherical formula cos(Lat_v) = cos(Lat_A) × sin(Initial Course) gives cos(Lat_v) = cos(40°00') × sin(50.0°) = 0.76604 × 0.76604 = 0.58682. Taking the inverse cosine yields Lat_v = arccos(0.58682) = 54.068°, which converts to 54°04' N.

8When planning a trans-oceanic passage across the North Pacific in winter, a pure great circle track would take the vessel north to Lat 56° N where severe icing and storm depressions prevail. What is the navigational purpose of choosing a composite great circle track?

A.It limits the maximum latitude to an agreed safe parallel by combining two great circle arcs with an intermediate rhumb line track along that parallel

B.It allows the vessel to sail at constant engine RPM without changing heading for the entire oceanic transit

C.It eliminates the need for ECDIS cross-checks by following a single charted traffic separation scheme

D.It guarantees that current and wind drift cancel out exactly across both halves of the ocean

Explanation: A composite great circle route is designed when the vertex of a pure great circle passes through dangerously high latitudes containing sea ice, severe weather, or land masses. The route consists of an initial great circle arc tangential to a chosen limiting parallel, a rhumb line passage along that parallel, and a final great circle arc to the destination.

9What is the defining navigational property of a rhumb line (loxodrome) on a standard Mercator projection chart?

A.It intersects all meridians at the same angle and appears as a straight line

B.It represents the shortest spherical distance between any two oceanic points and appears as a straight line

C.It always curves towards the Equator regardless of latitude

D.It requires continuous course adjustments at every change of watch

Explanation: A rhumb line crosses all meridians of longitude at a constant true angle, allowing an automatic steering gear or helmsman to maintain a constant compass heading. On a Mercator projection chart, rhumb lines plot as straight lines.

10A container vessel has a maximum static draught of 12.2 m. The passage plan calculates maximum shallow water squat as 1.3 m, company policy requires a minimum net Under Keel Clearance (UKC) of 1.5 m, and the minimum predicted height of tide is +0.6 m. What is the calculated safety contour value to be configured in the ECDIS?

A.14.4 m (or the next deeper available depth contour on the ENC)

B.12.2 m (matching the vessel's static draught)

C.13.5 m (static draught plus squat)

D.15.6 m (static draught plus squat plus gross UKC without tidal allowance)

Explanation: Safety contour is calculated as Static Draught + Squat + Required UKC - Height of Tide = 12.2 m + 1.3 m + 1.5 m - 0.6 m = 14.4 m. If the Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) does not have a 14.4 m contour, ECDIS automatically defaults to the next deeper available contour (e.g. 15 m or 20 m) to protect safety.

About the Skibsførereksamen Exam

This entry represents Skibsførereksamen as the Professionsbachelor som skibsfører route governed by BEK nr. 1349 af 23/11/2018, not the separate conventional route under BEK nr. 687/2023. Søfartsstyrelsen lists the examination as leading first to Styrmand af 2. grad and ultimately Skibsfører after the required service. Danish is the default assessment language for Danish-delivered programmes; institutional rules may allow English for specified work, including bachelor projects. This English MCQ bank preserves Danish terms but is not an official translation or substitute for chartwork, simulator, oral, project, or practical performance.

Assessment

The professional-bachelor route combines nautical theory, management-level competences, practical training at sea, institution-set assessments, and an externally assessed bachelor project. Current programme information describes a multi-year degree with two practical periods.

Time Limit

Varies by module and institution; no single national assessment duration is published

Passing Score

02 where the Danish 7-point scale is used, or pass where an assessment is graded pass/fail

Exam Fee

Assessment is part of the programme; the current Søfartsstyrelsen certificate-of-competency application fee is DKK 855 (Approved maritime education institutions under the Danish regulatory framework)

Skibsførereksamen Exam Content Outline

20%

Advanced navigation and voyage planning

Celestial navigation (sun meridian altitude, Polaris, Marcq St. Hilaire intercept), great circle vs rhumb line sailing calculations, advanced ECDIS/IBS sensor validation, and blind pilotage parallel indexing.

15%

Ship handling and manoeuvring

Hydrodynamic bank effect and cushion, shallow water squat calculations, turning circle geometry (advance, transfer, tactical diameter), thrusters, azipods, tugs, and Polar Code ice navigation.

20%

Ship stability, trim, and structural safety

IMO 2008 IS Code weather criterion, probabilistic damage stability (SOLAS II-1), cross curves of stability (KN), longitudinal shear force/bending moment limits, and grain stability calculations.

15%

Cargo operations and dangerous goods

Crude oil washing, inert gas systems, chemical/gas tanker codes (IBC/IGC), IMDG segregation rules, bulk carrier stress prevention, and Ballast Water Management Convention D-2 standards.

15%

International maritime law and administration

UNCLOS jurisdictional zones, SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC 2006, ISM and ISPS codes, Danish Sølov (statutory shipmaster responsibilities), salvage (LOF/SCOPIC), and General Average (York-Antwerp Rules).

15%

Bridge resource management and emergency response

Non-technical BRM competencies, situational awareness, error recovery, master's overriding authority (SOLAS V/34-1), contingency planning, and IAMSAR Vol. III on-scene coordination.

How to Pass the Skibsførereksamen Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 02 where the Danish 7-point scale is used, or pass where an assessment is graded pass/fail
Assessment: The professional-bachelor route combines nautical theory, management-level competences, practical training at sea, institution-set assessments, and an externally assessed bachelor project. Current programme information describes a multi-year degree with two practical periods.
Time limit: Varies by module and institution; no single national assessment duration is published
Exam fee: Assessment is part of the programme; the current Søfartsstyrelsen certificate-of-competency application fee is DKK 855

Keys to Passing

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Skibsførereksamen Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master standard worked calculations: celestial intercept, meridian altitude, great circle vertex and distance, squat in shallow water, and intact stability curve integration.

2Review the Danish Sølov (Maritime Code) thoroughly, particularly provisions concerning master's statutory duties, shipowner liability (rederiansvar), and salvage.

3Know the general 2008 IS Code numerical criteria and then check ship-type-specific criteria and approved alternatives; do not assume a universal 0.20 m passenger-ship GM minimum.

4Practice parallel indexing and blind pilotage abort points on radar/ECDIS displays under variable tidal stream conditions.

5Familiarize yourself with the 2008 IS Code weather criterion and bulk carrier longitudinal bending moment limits during high-rate loading sequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualification does Skibsførereksamen confer?

The route leads to Professionsbachelor som skibsfører. Søfartsstyrelsen lists Skibsførereksamen as the education for initial Styrmand af 2. grad certification and, after the prescribed qualifying service, up to Skibsfører.

Under which regulatory framework is the examination administered?

The professional-bachelor route is governed by BEK nr. 1349 af 23/11/2018. BEK nr. 687/2023 governs a separate skibsfører education route and should not be cited as the professional-bachelor order.

Where are the courses and examinations held in Denmark?

Current programme listings identify providers such as SIMAC and MARTEC. Applicants should use UddannelsesGuiden and the institution's current intake page because locations and intakes can change.

What is the assessment format and grading system?

The institution's study rules specify module assessments and timings; the national order requires an externally assessed bachelor project consisting of a project and oral component. Where the 7-point scale is used, 02 is passing; pass/fail assessments require a pass.

Why is this practice bank presented in English?

Danish is the default assessment language for Danish-delivered programmes, while institutional rules may permit English or another language for specified work. Maritime English remains a programme competence. This bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation, not an official translation or format simulation.

100+ Free Skibsførereksamen Practice Questions

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