100+ Free GMA Master Mariner CoC Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: GMA Master Mariner CoC Exam

STCW II/2

Regulation

IMO Standards

60%-70%

Pass Mark

GMA Exam Board

3 hours

Time per Paper

Written Theory

5 years

Revalidation Period

GMA Registry

3,000+

Gross Tonnage (GT)

Unlimited Command

Oral Board

Final Phase

GMA Assessors

The GMA Master Mariner CoC exam is a management-level maritime qualification aligning with STCW II/2 regulations. Administered by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) with training at the Regional Maritime University (RMU), it includes written theory examinations and an oral board. Written papers typically allow 3 hours each, with passing thresholds of 60%–70%. Candidates are tested on voyage planning, stability calculation, emergency ship handling, and legal compliance (SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREGs, and Ghana Shipping Act). This practice bank offers 100 master-level questions.

Sample GMA Master Mariner CoC Practice Questions

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

1When planning a Great Circle track, what is the significance of the 'vertex'?

A.It is the point where the track crosses the equator at right angles.

B.It is the point of maximum latitude reached by the Great Circle track, where the course is exactly 090° or 270°.

C.It is the point of intersection between the Great Circle track and the rhumb line track.

D.It is the position on the track where the ship is closest to the nearest navigational hazard.

Explanation: The vertex of a Great Circle track is the point where the track reaches its highest latitude (closest to the pole). At this point, the track's course is exactly 90° (due East) or 270° (due West). Understanding the position of the vertex is critical for determining if the track passes through high latitudes that may be hazardous due to ice, poor weather, or load line regulations, which might necessitate composite sailing.

2How is the 'Safety Depth' calculated on a management-level ECDIS to ensure safe passage?

A.Safety Depth = Vessel's Static Draft + Safety Margin

B.Safety Depth = Vessel's Static Draft + Calculated Squat + Safety Margin - Height of Tide

C.Safety Depth = Vessel's Static Draft + Height of Tide

D.Safety Depth = Vessel's Static Draft + Calculated Squat + Safety Margin

Explanation: On an ECDIS, the Safety Depth is calculated as: Vessel's Static Draft + Dynamic Squat + Safety Margin (under-keel clearance requirement) - Height of Tide. This calculation determines which soundings on the electronic chart are highlighted as unsafe (soundings equal to or shallower than the safety depth will display in bold black). Subtracting the tide height is standard practice when dynamic water level is factored in, though some conservative policies omit it to maintain a safety margin.

3You observe the azimuth of a star by the ship's standard magnetic compass as 085° Compass (C), and the true azimuth is calculated to be 082° True (T). If the variation is 5° West, what is the magnetic deviation of the compass?

A.2° West

B.8° East

C.2° East

D.8° West

Explanation: First, find the Compass Error: Compass Error = True Azimuth - Compass Azimuth = 082° T - 085° C = -3°, i.e. 3° West. Compass Error = Variation + Deviation. Thus -3° (W) = -5° (W) + Deviation, so Deviation = -3° - (-5°) = +2°, i.e. 2° East. (Note: variation and deviation combine only for a magnetic compass; a gyrocompass has a single gyro error instead.)

4When adjusting a magnetic compass, which coefficient is corrected by horizontal magnets placed athwartships in the compass binnacle?

A.Coefficient A

B.Coefficient B

C.Coefficient C

D.Coefficient D

Explanation: Coefficient C represents semicircular deviation caused by the ship's permanent athwartship magnetic field. It is corrected by placing horizontal magnets in the athwartship (port-starboard) chambers of the binnacle. Coefficient B is corrected by fore-and-aft magnets, and Coefficient D is corrected by soft iron spheres (quadrantal correctors). Coefficient A represents constant deviation and is corrected by rotating the compass bowl or adjusting standard positioning.

5Under COLREGs Rule 19 (Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility), which action is REQUIRED of a power-driven vessel that detects by radar alone the presence of another vessel?

A.Turn to port for a vessel forward of the beam, unless overtaking.

B.Determine if a close-quarters situation is developing or risk of collision exists, and if so, take avoiding action in ample time.

C.Keep her course and speed until the other vessel is sighted visually.

D.Sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes.

Explanation: Rule 19(d) states that a vessel detecting another by radar alone must determine if a close-quarters situation is developing or if risk of collision exists. If so, she must take avoiding action in ample time. If this action consists of an alteration of course, she must avoid altering course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (except for an overtaking vessel) or altering course toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.

6What is the primary operational distinction between Relative Motion (RM) and True Motion (TM) display modes on a marine Radar?

A.Relative Motion displays all targets in their true headings, whereas True Motion displays them relative to the ship's bow.

B.Relative Motion shows target movements relative to your own ship (which remains stationary at the center), while True Motion shows targets and own ship moving relative to the earth.

C.True Motion requires a GPS input only, whereas Relative Motion requires both a speed log and a gyrocompass.

D.Relative Motion is only used for high-speed craft, while True Motion is mandatory for slow-moving vessels.

Explanation: In Relative Motion (RM) display mode, own ship remains fixed (usually at the radar center), and other targets move relative to own ship. This is ideal for quickly determining CPA and TCPA for collision avoidance. In True Motion (TM) display mode, own ship moves across the screen according to its true course and speed, and all other targets move according to their true speed and direction over the ground/water. TM provides a realistic view of land and target aspect, but requires input from a gyrocompass and speed log.

7Which of the following describes the 'safety contour' setting on an ECDIS?

A.It is the boundary line that separates safe water from shallow water, dynamically selected from the available contours on the ENC.

B.It is a line representing the maximum depth of water the vessel can navigate safely.

C.It is a fixed line on the electronic chart that is set to 20 meters by international regulations.

D.It is a contour that is only activated when the vessel is navigating in pilotage waters.

Explanation: The safety contour on an ECDIS is selected by the user based on the vessel's draft, squat, and required under-keel clearance. It is the boundary that separates safe water from unsafe water. The ECDIS will select the next deeper contour available in the ENC database if the exact calculated depth is not available (e.g. if safety contour is set to 8.5m and the ENC has 10m, it will default to 10m). The area shallower than the safety contour is shaded blue, and crossing it will trigger a visual and audible alarm.

8How does the 'Trial Maneuver' function on an ARPA assist the Master in collision avoidance?

A.It automatically takes over the steering gear to execute a turn when a target comes within the CPA limit.

B.It allows the operator to simulate the effect of a proposed course and/or speed change on all tracked targets before executing the maneuver.

C.It tests the radar transceiver performance by sending a simulated target echo across the screen.

D.It calculates the maximum speed the vessel can achieve under current sea and wind conditions.

Explanation: The ARPA Trial Maneuver function allows the watch officer or Master to input a proposed course and/or speed change and simulate how it will affect the vectors, CPAs, and TCPAs of all tracked targets over a simulated timeframe. This is critical for verifying that a proposed alteration to avoid one vessel does not inadvertently create a close-quarters situation with another tracked vessel. The simulation must be conducted with care, remembering that targets may also alter course during the time elapsed.

9In celestial navigation, what is the 'Geographical Position' (GP) of a celestial body?

A.The position of the body as coordinates of Declination and Greenwich Hour Angle (GHA).

B.The point on the Earth's surface directly beneath the celestial body, where its altitude is exactly 90°.

C.The coordinates of the celestial body relative to the celestial equator and the prime meridian.

D.The latitude and longitude where the observer is situated when taking the sight.

Explanation: The Geographical Position (GP) of a celestial body is the point on the Earth's surface where a straight line from the body to the center of the Earth intersects the surface. For an observer at the GP, the celestial body would be directly overhead in the zenith, meaning its altitude is exactly 90°. The GP's latitude corresponds to the body's Declination, and its longitude corresponds to the body's Greenwich Hour Angle (GHA).

10Which correctors are used to compensate for Coefficient D in a magnetic compass, and what type of magnetism do they correct?

A.Vertical iron bars (Flinders bar) correcting permanent longitudinal magnetism.

B.Soft iron spheres (quadrantal correctors) correcting induced horizontal magnetism in symmetrical soft iron.

C.Horizontal fore-and-aft magnets correcting permanent vertical magnetism.

D.Heeling magnets correcting induced vertical magnetism.

Explanation: Coefficient D represents quadrantal deviation, which is caused by the horizontal magnetic field induced by the Earth's magnetic field in symmetrical horizontal soft iron structures of the ship. This is corrected by placing soft iron spheres (often called Kelvin's spheres or quadrantal correctors) on brackets on either side of the compass binnacle. The distance of the spheres from the compass bowl is adjusted to achieve compensation.

About the GMA Master Mariner CoC Exam

The Ghana Maritime Authority Master Mariner Certificate of Competency (CoC) is the highest qualification for deck officers under STCW Regulation II/2 (Master Unlimited). It authorizes the holder to act as Master of any ship of 3,000 gross tonnage or more on unlimited voyages. The examination assesses candidate competencies in advanced navigation, ship stability, cargo operations, emergency response, ship construction, and maritime law (including the Ghana Shipping Act and international conventions).

Assessment

Written descriptive/computational subject papers (typically 6-8 questions each) and a comprehensive oral board examination.

Time Limit

3 hours per written paper

Passing Score

60% to 70% on written papers, and successful oral board performance.

Exam Fee

Statutory certification and exam fees are set by the GMA. Confirm the latest rates directly from the GMA Examination Unit. (Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA))

GMA Master Mariner CoC Exam Content Outline

25%

Marine Navigation & Voyage Planning

Voyage planning, celestial navigation, electronic navigation systems (ECDIS, Radar/ARPA, GNSS), compass errors, and bridge resource management (BRM).

25%

Cargo Handling, Stowage & Stability

Safe handling and securing of cargo, draft surveys, ship stability calculations (intact and damage stability, trim), and dangerous goods regulations (IMDG).

25%

Ship Operations & Seaworthiness

Ship construction, damage control, emergency towing, search and rescue (IAMSAR), diesel propulsion, and marine pollution prevention (MARPOL).

25%

Maritime Law & Administration

Compliance with SOLAS, STCW, MLC 2006, and COLREGs, the Ghana Shipping Act (Act 645), commercial charterparties, and marine insurance.

How to Pass the GMA Master Mariner CoC Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60% to 70% on written papers, and successful oral board performance.
Assessment: Written descriptive/computational subject papers (typically 6-8 questions each) and a comprehensive oral board examination.
Time limit: 3 hours per written paper
Exam fee: Statutory certification and exam fees are set by the GMA. Confirm the latest rates directly from the GMA Examination Unit.

Keys to Passing

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

GMA Master Mariner CoC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master ship stability calculations: practice calculating transverse stability, free surface effects, trim, and drafts after compartment flooding.

2Thoroughly review the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), particularly the rules for restricted visibility and steering/sailing rules.

3Understand the key provisions of the Ghana Shipping Act, 2003 (Act 645), specifically regarding ship registration, master's statutory authority, and casualty reporting.

4Practice relative motion plotting on radar radar plotting sheets for CPA and TCPA calculations, and learn the limits of ground vs sea stabilization.

5Prepare for oral questions by explaining emergency responses (e.g. grounding, collision, steering failure) out loud using IAMSAR and standard shipboard checklists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ghana Maritime Authority Master Mariner CoC?

The Master Mariner Certificate of Competency (CoC) is the highest qualification issued by the Ghana Maritime Authority for deck officers. It complies with STCW Regulation II/2 (Master Unlimited), permitting the holder to command any vessel of 3,000 Gross Tonnage (GT) or more on unlimited voyages worldwide.

Where is the preparatory training conducted for the GMA Master Mariner exam?

Preparatory management-level training is typically conducted at the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra, Ghana, which is the primary approved Maritime Education and Training Institution (METI) recognized by the Ghana Maritime Authority.

What is the format of the Master Mariner CoC examinations?

The examination process consists of multiple written descriptive and computational papers (covering topics like Navigation, Stability, and Maritime Law) where each paper is typically 3 hours in length, followed by a rigorous oral board assessment conducted by GMA examiners to evaluate practical ship-handling, safety, and regulatory knowledge.

What are the passing score requirements for the exams?

Candidates must achieve a minimum score of 60% to 70% on each of the written theory papers and receive a 'satisfactory' pass on the oral examination board. Failure in any single written paper or the oral board requires a retake of that specific component.