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What is a 'shackle' used for in rigging?
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Key Facts: NCCER Maritime Exam
70%
Passing Score
NCCER assessment standard
100
Free Practice Questions
OpenExamPrep Maritime Core bank
29 CFR 1915
Governing OSHA Standard
OSHA Shipyard Employment regulations
19.5-22.0%
Safe Oxygen Range
OSHA 1915.12 atmospheric testing
5 ft
Shipyard Fall Protection Trigger
OSHA 1915 Subpart E (1915.71-77)
$80-$150
Typical Assessment Fee
NCCER accredited assessment centers
Maritime Core is a closed-book ~75-100 question multiple-choice assessment requiring 70% to pass, typically 2-3 hours, and costs roughly $80-$150 at NCCER accredited centers. It is the gateway to NCCER maritime craft programs and aligns with U.S. shipyard hiring expectations at Gulf States Shipbuilders Consortium member yards. Coverage emphasizes OSHA 29 CFR 1915 (shipyard employment) rather than 1926 (construction), so candidates must distinguish standards carefully.
Sample NCCER Maritime Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your NCCER Maritime exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which side of a ship is referred to as 'starboard' when facing the bow?
2What does the term 'aft' refer to on a vessel?
3Which OSHA standard covers shipyard employment?
4What is the standard passing score for NCCER module assessments?
5What are the four OSHA Focus Four hazards in construction?
6A 'bulkhead' on a ship is most analogous to which element of a building?
7What is the minimum required PPE on virtually all shipyard worksites?
8What does SDS stand for in hazard communication?
9Which class of fire extinguisher is rated for energized electrical equipment?
10What is the forwardmost part of a ship called?
About the NCCER Maritime Exam
The NCCER Maritime Industry Fundamentals — commonly called 'Maritime Core' — is the prerequisite knowledge assessment that gates entry into NCCER's maritime craft pathways such as Maritime Structural Fitter, Maritime Pipefitting, and Maritime Welding. Developed with the Gulf States Shipbuilders Consortium (GSSC), it bundles NCCER Core Curriculum (basic safety, math, tools, blueprints, employability) with an Introduction to the Maritime Industry module (shipbuilding terminology, ship structure, watertight integrity, OSHA 1915 shipyard standards) and Basic Rigging (slings, hitches, hardware inspection).
Assessment
Closed-book written assessment combining NCCER Core Curriculum, Introduction to the Maritime Industry, and Basic Rigging content
Time Limit
2-3 hours
Passing Score
70%
Exam Fee
$80-$150 (NCCER (Accredited Assessment Centers))
NCCER Maritime Exam Content Outline
Basic Safety / OSHA
OSHA 10-level safety topics: PPE, hazard communication, lockout/tagout, fire prevention, fall protection, hierarchy of controls, and incident/near-miss reporting.
Introduction to the Maritime Industry
Shipbuilding terminology (fore/aft, port/starboard, bow/stern), ship structure (keel, frames, bulkheads, shell plating), watertight integrity, dry docks (graving vs floating), and regulatory bodies (USCG, ABS).
OSHA 29 CFR 1915 Shipyard Standards
Shipyard-specific standards: Subpart B (confined spaces), 1915.14 (hot work), Subpart E (fall protection 1915.71-77), Subpart I (PPE), Subpart L (electrical), and 1915.89 (lockout/tags-plus).
Construction Math
Fractions, decimals, unit conversions, area, volume, Pythagorean theorem, and basic material/weight estimation for shipyard fabrication.
Hand and Power Tools
Identification, safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of common shipyard hand tools (hacksaws, punches, scribes) and power tools (grinders, drills) with abrasive wheel safety.
Drawings, Diagrams, and Blueprints
Line types, scales (e.g., 1/4" = 1'-0"), title blocks, section views, and ship-specific abbreviations including W/T (watertight) and O/T (oiltight).
Basic Rigging
Sling types (wire rope, chain, synthetic web, mesh), hitch configurations (vertical, choker, basket), hardware inspection (ASME B30.9), sling angle math, and crane hand signals (ASME B30.5).
Communication and Employability
Workplace communication, stop-work authority, near-miss reporting, professionalism, teamwork, and conflict resolution in shipyard environments.
How to Pass the NCCER Maritime Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70%
- Assessment: Closed-book written assessment combining NCCER Core Curriculum, Introduction to the Maritime Industry, and Basic Rigging content
- Time limit: 2-3 hours
- Exam fee: $80-$150
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NCCER Maritime Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NCCER Maritime Industry Fundamentals (Maritime Core)?
It is the prerequisite NCCER knowledge assessment for entry into maritime craft programs. Developed with the Gulf States Shipbuilders Consortium, it combines NCCER Core Curriculum, Introduction to the Maritime Industry, and Basic Rigging. Passing the closed-book ~75-100 question assessment with 70% qualifies trainees to enter Level 1 of maritime crafts like Structural Fitter, Pipefitting, or Welding.
What is the passing score for the NCCER Maritime assessment?
The NCCER standard passing score is 70%. Some training providers or employers may set higher internal thresholds, but 70% is the NCCER baseline. Failed assessments can typically be retaken after additional study, subject to the accredited assessment center's retake policy.
How is OSHA 1915 different from OSHA 1926 and OSHA 1910?
29 CFR 1915 covers shipyard employment (ship construction, repair, shipbreaking). 29 CFR 1926 covers construction. 29 CFR 1910 covers general industry. Shipyard workers operate primarily under 1915, which has shipyard-specific rules for confined spaces (Subpart B), hot work (1915.14), fall protection at 5 feet (Subpart E), and lockout/tags-plus (1915.89). Confusing standards is a common compliance error.
Who certifies that a shipyard space is 'Safe for Hot Work'?
Per OSHA 1915.14, a Marine Chemist (certified by the National Fire Protection Association under NFPA 306) or a U.S. Coast Guard-authorized person must certify spaces 'Safe for Hot Work' before hot work begins in spaces containing or having contained flammable liquids, gases, or fuels. The certificate must be visibly posted at the work site, and a fire watch is required.
How much does the Maritime Core assessment cost?
The NCCER Maritime Industry Fundamentals assessment fee typically ranges from $80 to $150 at accredited assessment centers, varying by region and whether bundled with training. Many maritime employers, unions, and workforce programs cover the cost for trainees. Verify exact pricing with your local NCCER accredited center.
Is Maritime Core required to work in U.S. shipyards?
Maritime Core itself is not a state or federal license, but it is widely required or strongly preferred by Gulf States Shipbuilders Consortium (GSSC) member yards and other major U.S. shipbuilders for entry-level maritime craft positions. It is also the prerequisite for NCCER's specific maritime craft credentials, which are increasingly required for advancement and pay scale progression.