100+ Free Chief Mate CoC Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Chief Mate CoC Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep

STCW II/2

Regulatory Level

IMO Standards

GH₵ 2,500

GMA Exam Fee

GMA 2026 Schedule

60%

Written Passing Score

GMA Guidelines

12 mos

Min Sea Service as OOW

GMA Requirements

5 years

CoC Validity

STCW Standard

The GMA Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) requires passing written subject papers and an oral board. Aligning with STCW Regulation II/2, the exam evaluates management-level proficiency in ship stability, advanced navigation, cargo stowage, maritime law (IMO conventions), and safety management. Our practice questions provide 100 free prep items covering all key exam domains.

Sample Chief Mate CoC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Chief Mate CoC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1As Chief Mate, what is your primary responsibility regarding the vessel's passage plan once it has been drafted by the Second Mate?

A.To ensure all charts and publications are corrected up to date.

B.To review the plan for safety, efficiency, and compliance with company policy and international regulations, then present it to the Master for final approval.

C.To execute the passage plan directly without further review, assuming the Second Mate's competence.

D.To file the plan in the bridge logbook and prepare for departure.

Explanation: The Chief Mate, at the management level, is responsible for thoroughly reviewing the drafted passage plan. This review ensures the plan's safety, efficiency, and adherence to company policies, international regulations (e.g., SOLAS V/34), and good seamanship practices. After this comprehensive review, the Chief Mate presents it to the Master for final approval, as the Master bears ultimate responsibility for the safe navigation of the vessel.

2Your vessel is on a course of 090°T at 15 knots. At 0800 LT, a target is observed on radar at 045°T, 10.0 NM. At 0806 LT, the same target is at 040°T, 8.0 NM. Calculate the Closest Point of Approach (CPA) and Time to Closest Point of Approach (TCPA).

A.CPA 2.5 NM, TCPA 0818 LT

B.CPA 3.2 NM, TCPA 0826 LT

C.CPA 4.1 NM, TCPA 0835 LT

D.CPA 1.8 NM, TCPA 0812 LT

Explanation: To calculate CPA and TCPA, we first determine the relative movement of the target. 1. **Convert polar coordinates to rectangular (x, y) coordinates relative to own ship (0,0):** * At 0800 LT (T1): Bearing 045°T, Range 10.0 NM x1 = 10.0 * sin(45°) = 10.0 * 0.7071 = 7.071 NM (East) y1 = 10.0 * cos(45°) = 10.0 * 0.7071 = 7.071 NM (North) * At 0806 LT (T2): Bearing 040°T, Range 8.0 NM x2 = 8.0 * sin(40°) = 8.0 * 0.6428 = 5.142 NM (East) y2 = 8.0 * cos(40°) = 8.0 * 0.7660 = 6.128 NM (North) 2. **Calculate the relative displacement (Δx, Δy) in 6 minutes (0.1 hours):** * Δx = x2 - x1 = 5.142 - 7.071 = -1.929 NM * Δy = y2 - y1 = 6.128 - 7.071 = -0.943 NM 3. **Calculate the Relative Speed (SRM) and Relative Distance Moved (DRM):** * DRM = sqrt(Δx² + Δy²) = sqrt((-1.929)² + (-0.943)²) = sqrt(3.721 + 0.889) = sqrt(4.61) = 2.147 NM * Time interval = 6 minutes = 0.1 hours * SRM = DRM / Time interval = 2.147 NM / 0.1 hr = 21.47 knots 4. **Calculate TCPA (Time to Closest Point of Approach) from T1 (0800 LT):** * TCPA (in units of time interval) = - (x1*Δx + y1*Δy) / (DRM^2) * TCPA = - ((7.071 * -1.929) + (7.071 * -0.943)) / (2.147^2) * TCPA = - (-13.640 - 6.668) / 4.61 * TCPA = - (-20.308) / 4.61 = 4.405 (in units of 0.1 hours) * TCPA in hours = 4.405 * 0.1 hours = 0.4405 hours * TCPA in minutes = 0.4405 hours * 60 minutes/hour = 26.43 minutes * TCPA time = 0800 LT + 26 minutes = 0826 LT (approximately) 5. **Calculate CPA (Closest Point of Approach):** * CPA = |(x1*Δy - y1*Δx)| / DRM * CPA = |(7.071 * -0.943) - (7.071 * -1.929)| / 2.147 * CPA = |-6.668 - (-13.640)| / 2.147 * CPA = |-6.668 + 13.640| / 2.147 * CPA = |6.972| / 2.147 = 3.247 NM Therefore, the CPA is approximately 3.2 NM and TCPA is approximately 0826 LT.

3As Chief Mate, your vessel is en route from Tema to Rotterdam. Weather forecasts indicate a developing severe gale (Force 9) with high seas directly on your planned great circle route in 36 hours. What is the most appropriate management-level action to take?

A.Maintain the great circle route, as the vessel is designed to withstand severe weather.

B.Alter course immediately to a rhumb line route, as it is generally safer in heavy weather.

C.Consult with the Master, review alternative weather routing options, considering safety, cargo, crew, ETA, and fuel consumption, and recommend a revised passage plan.

D.Reduce speed significantly and heave to, waiting for the gale to pass before proceeding.

Explanation: At the management level, the Chief Mate's responsibility is to ensure the safety of the vessel, crew, and cargo while maintaining operational efficiency. Confronted with severe weather, the most appropriate action is to collaborate with the Master, analyze all available weather data, and evaluate alternative routes. This involves a comprehensive assessment of the impact on safety, vessel stability, cargo securing, crew welfare, estimated time of arrival (ETA), and fuel consumption. A revised passage plan, incorporating weather routing advice, should then be recommended to the Master for approval.

4During a celestial observation for meridian passage of a star, the following data was recorded: Sextant Altitude (Hs) = 45° 30.0' (North), Index Error (IE) = 2.0' off the arc, Height of Eye (HoE) = 16.0 meters. The star's Declination (Dec) was N 15° 20.0'. Calculate the observed latitude.

A.N 29° 16.0'

B.N 59° 56.0'

C.N 30° 04.0'

D.N 44° 36.0'

Explanation: To calculate the observed latitude from a meridian passage observation, follow these steps: 1. **Correct Sextant Altitude (Hs) to Apparent Altitude (Ha):** Hs = 45° 30.0' IE = 2.0' off the arc (Correction = +2.0') Ha = Hs + Correction = 45° 30.0' + 2.0' = 45° 32.0' 2. **Apply Dip Correction:** Dip = -1.76 * sqrt(HoE in meters) = -1.76 * sqrt(16.0) = -1.76 * 4 = -7.04' Altitude after Dip = Ha + Dip = 45° 32.0' - 7.04' = 45° 24.96' 3. **Apply Refraction Correction:** For an altitude of approximately 45° 25', the Refraction (from Nautical Almanac tables) is approximately -1.0'. True Altitude (Ho) = 45° 24.96' - 1.0' = 45° 23.96'. We can round this to 45° 24.0' for practical purposes. 4. **Calculate Zenith Distance (ZD):** ZD = 90° 00.0' - Ho = 90° 00.0' - 45° 24.0' = 44° 36.0' 5. **Determine Latitude:** The star was observed to the North, and its Declination is N 15° 20.0'. Assuming the observer is in the Northern Hemisphere, and the star's declination is less than the approximate latitude (as suggested by the observation to the North and typical navigation scenarios), the star is between the observer's zenith and the equator. In this configuration, the formula for latitude is: Latitude = Zenith Distance - Declination Latitude = 44° 36.0' N - 15° 20.0' N = 29° 16.0' N Therefore, the observed latitude is N 29° 16.0'.

5As Chief Mate, your vessel is navigating in a congested area using ECDIS as the primary means of navigation. Suddenly, the primary ECDIS unit fails completely, and the backup unit also becomes inoperable shortly after. What is your immediate management-level priority and subsequent course of action?

A.Immediately switch to paper charts for navigation and inform the Master, then continue the voyage.

B.Inform the Master, activate the contingency plan, switch to the designated backup arrangements (e.g., paper charts or secondary independent system), ensure all relevant information is transferred, and assess the impact on the passage plan and watchkeeping arrangements.

C.Attempt to troubleshoot both ECDIS units simultaneously while maintaining a visual lookout.

D.Reduce speed to bare steerageway and anchor at the first available opportunity, regardless of traffic or depth.

Explanation: At the management level, the immediate priority upon primary and backup ECDIS failure in a congested area is to ensure the safe navigation of the vessel. This requires informing the Master, activating the vessel's contingency plan for ECDIS failure (as mandated by SOLAS V/19.2.1.4), and promptly switching to the designated backup arrangements. This typically involves using up-to-date paper charts or an independent secondary electronic system. Crucially, all relevant navigational information (e.g., planned route, waypoints, dangers) must be transferred to the backup system. A comprehensive assessment of the impact on the passage plan, watchkeeping arrangements, and overall navigational safety must then be conducted, and appropriate adjustments made.

6As Chief Mate, what is your primary responsibility regarding the final passage plan before the vessel departs?

A.To personally plot every course line and waypoint on the paper chart.

B.To ensure the plan is thoroughly reviewed, understood by the bridge team, and approved by the Master.

C.To solely develop the entire passage plan from scratch without input.

D.To submit the plan directly to the company for approval without Master's review.

Explanation: The Chief Mate's role at the management level is to oversee, review, and ensure compliance. This includes verifying that the passage plan is comprehensive, all bridge team members understand their roles and the plan's details, and that the Master has given final approval. This ensures the highest level of safety and operational readiness.

7Your vessel is on a course of 090°T at 15 knots. A target is observed on radar at a range of 10 NM, bearing 045°T. After 6 minutes, the target is at a range of 8 NM, bearing 040°T. Calculate the CPA and TCPA of the target.

A.CPA 1.5 NM, TCPA 24 minutes

B.CPA 0.8 NM, TCPA 18 minutes

C.CPA 2.0 NM, TCPA 30 minutes

D.CPA 1.2 NM, TCPA 20 minutes

Explanation: This problem is solved using a radar plotting sheet or vector analysis. **1. Plot Initial Position (P1):** 10 NM, 045°T. **2. Plot Final Position (P2):** 8 NM, 040°T. **3. Draw Relative Motion Line (RML):** Connect P1 to P2 and extend the line past P2. **4. Determine CPA:** Drop a perpendicular from the center of the radar display (own ship's position) to the RML. The length of this perpendicular is the CPA. Measuring this on a standard plotting sheet yields approximately **0.8 NM**. **5. Calculate Relative Speed (Vr):** * Distance P1-P2 (relative distance covered in 6 minutes): Using the cosine rule or by measuring on a plotting sheet: * P1 (x,y) = (10*sin(45), 10*cos(45)) = (7.07, 7.07) * P2 (x,y) = (8*sin(40), 8*cos(40)) = (5.14, 6.13) * Distance = sqrt((7.07-5.14)^2 + (7.07-6.13)^2) = sqrt(1.93^2 + 0.94^2) = sqrt(3.72 + 0.88) = sqrt(4.6) ≈ 2.14 NM. * Time = 6 minutes = 0.1 hours. * Relative Speed (Vr) = Distance / Time = 2.14 NM / 0.1 hr = 21.4 knots. **6. Calculate TCPA:** * Measure the distance along the RML from P2 to the CPA point. Let this be 'd_CPA'. On a plotting sheet, this distance is approximately 6.4 NM. * TCPA = d_CPA / Vr = 6.4 NM / 21.4 knots ≈ 0.299 hours. * TCPA = 0.299 hours * 60 minutes/hour ≈ **18 minutes**. Therefore, the CPA is approximately 0.8 NM and the TCPA is approximately 18 minutes.

8When managing an ECDIS, what is the Chief Mate's primary responsibility regarding chart data integrity and updates?

A.To manually correct all discrepancies found in ENC data using the 'manual update' function.

B.To ensure all ENCs are officially updated through approved services and verify their integrity regularly.

C.To rely solely on the automatic update function without further verification.

D.To download free chart data from unofficial internet sources to save costs.

Explanation: The Chief Mate, at the management level, is responsible for ensuring that all electronic navigation charts (ENCs) are kept up-to-date using official, approved services (e.g., through the vessel's flag state or hydrographic office). Regular verification of data integrity is crucial to prevent navigation errors and ensure compliance with SOLAS Chapter V regulations.

9Your vessel is on a trans-oceanic voyage, and the weather routing service advises a significant deviation to avoid a developing severe storm system. As Chief Mate, what factors would you primarily consider when evaluating this recommendation for the Master?

A.Only the potential for structural damage to the vessel and cargo.

B.The balance between safety of life at sea, potential for damage, fuel consumption, and ETA impact.

C.The cost of deviation versus the cost of potential minor delays.

D.The crew's preference for a smoother ride, regardless of economic impact.

Explanation: At the management level, the Chief Mate must consider a holistic view. While safety of life and vessel integrity are paramount, practical considerations like fuel consumption, impact on estimated time of arrival (ETA), and cargo condition are also critical. The decision involves balancing these factors to achieve the safest and most efficient outcome, always prioritizing safety.

10As the On-Scene Commander (OSC) during a complex maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) operation involving multiple assets and nationalities, what is your primary responsibility regarding communication and information management?

A.To delegate all communication tasks to the least experienced bridge officer to gain experience.

B.To maintain a clear, concise, and continuous flow of information to the SAR Coordinator (SC) and all participating units.

C.To restrict communication to only the most critical updates to avoid overwhelming the SC.

D.To prioritize communication with your own company over all other SAR-related communications.

Explanation: The OSC's primary responsibility is to ensure effective communication and information flow. This includes providing regular, clear, and concise updates to the SAR Coordinator (SC) and disseminating relevant information to all participating units to ensure coordinated and efficient search efforts. This is crucial for the success of the SAR operation and adherence to IAMSAR Manual guidelines.

About the Chief Mate CoC Exam

The Ghana Maritime Authority Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC) examination is a management-level professional licensing exam for maritime officers. Operating under the Ghana Shipping Act and STCW Regulation II/2, the credential qualifies holders to serve as Chief Mate on vessels of 500 GT or more. The examination covers advanced navigation and voyage planning, ship stability and construction, cargo handling and stowage (including dangerous and bulk cargo), maritime law (SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC 2006), and shipboard safety management.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions (STCW-aligned management level)

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

60% minimum passing score

Exam Fee

GH₵ 2,500 (~$170 USD) (Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA))

Chief Mate CoC Exam Content Outline

25%

Advanced Navigation & Voyage Planning

Passage planning, ocean routing, celestial navigation calculations, electronic navigation systems (ECDIS/GPS), radar/ARPA plotting, and meteorology.

25%

Ship Stability & Construction

Transverse/longitudinal stability calculations, GM/GZ curves, trim, draft, free surface effect, damage stability, and drydocking procedures.

20%

Cargo Handling and Stowage

Stowage plans, cargo securing, IMDG Code dangerous goods segregation, bulk cargo hazards (IMSBC/Grain Code), and tanker operations.

15%

Maritime Law & International Conventions

IMO conventions including SOLAS safety codes, MARPOL pollution preventions, STCW requirements, MLC 2006 seafarer rights, and Ghana national shipping laws.

15%

Safety Management & Emergency Procedures

ISM/ISPS code compliance, safety audits, risk assessment, permit to work, emergency steering, grounding response, and search and rescue (IAMSAR).

How to Pass the Chief Mate CoC Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60% minimum passing score
Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions (STCW-aligned management level)
Time limit: 2 hours
Exam fee: GH₵ 2,500 (~$170 USD)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Chief Mate CoC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Dedicate significant study time to transverse and longitudinal stability math; know how to calculate P-force in drydocking and free surface corrections.

2Understand celestial navigation intercept calculations, azimuth determination, and latitude by meridian passage of the sun and stars.

3Be thoroughly familiar with COLREGs (Rules of the Road) and radar/ARPA plotting for collision avoidance, including calculating CPA and TCPA.

4Study the IMDG Code segregation tables and stowage groups for transport of dangerous goods on container and cargo ships.

5Review MARPOL Annexes I through VI, focusing on oil discharge criteria, sewage, garbage, and air emission control areas.

6Understand the application of the ISM Code on board, including the safety management system (SMS), reporting of non-conformities, and safety officer responsibilities.

7Practice navigating IAMSAR search patterns (expanding square, sector search, parallel sweep) and coordinate search and rescue communications.

8Use our 100 free practice questions to test your knowledge across all these core STCW Table A-II/2 management-level subject areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chief Mate Certificate of Competency (CoC)?

The Chief Mate Certificate of Competency is a management-level maritime license issued by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA). It aligns with the international STCW Convention (Regulation II/2) and certifies that an officer is qualified to assume the role of Chief Mate (second-in-command) on merchant vessels of 500 GT or more, unlimited voyages.

What are the eligibility requirements for the GMA Chief Mate exam?

Candidates must hold a valid Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OOW) CoC, complete a minimum of 12 months (often 18 months depending on training route) of approved seagoing service as an OOW, complete management-level preparatory training at an approved institution like the Regional Maritime University (RMU), hold valid advanced STCW certificates, and pass a GMA-approved medical fitness exam.

How is the GMA Chief Mate examination structured?

The official examination consists of multiple written subject papers covering specific topics (such as Navigation, Ship Stability, Cargo Stowage, and Maritime Law) which require essay answers and calculation worksheets. Candidates must also pass an oral examination before a board of examiners to verify practical command capabilities.

What is the passing score for the Chief Mate written exams?

The Ghana Maritime Authority requires candidates to achieve a minimum score of 60% on each of the written subject papers. In addition, the candidate must receive a 'Pass' grade in the oral examination. If a candidate fails a written paper, they may re-sit that specific paper in subsequent quarterly exam sessions.

How much does the Chief Mate CoC examination cost in Ghana?

The examination fee set by the Ghana Maritime Authority is approximately GH₵ 2,500 (around $170 USD equivalent). Additional costs include preparatory course tuition at the Regional Maritime University, medical certification fees, and advanced STCW course registration.

What career advancement opportunities does this CoC provide?

Obtaining the Chief Mate CoC allows you to serve as Chief Mate, which is the chief officer responsible for cargo operations, deck safety, stability, and crew management. After securing a further 12-18 months of approved seagoing service as Chief Mate, you become eligible to sit for the Master Certificate of Competency, the highest shipboard license.