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Free Practice Questions for Dekksoffiser klasse 4 (Norwegian Deck Officer Class 4)

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Key Facts: Dekksoffiser klasse 4 (Norwegian Deck Officer Class 4) Exam

100

Practice Questions

OpenExamPrep study adaptation

STCW II/1

International Standard

IMO STCW Convention

§ 25

Norwegian Regulation

FOR-2011-12-22-1523

NOK 1,059

Certificate Issuance Fee

Sjøfartsdirektoratet fee regulation

Up to 5 years

Certificate Validity

Kvalifikasjonsforskriften § 19

Sjøfartsdirektoratet issues Dekksoffiser klasse 4 (STCW II/1, operational level) for officers of the watch on ships of any size, with chief mate and, after age 20 and 12 months as officer of the watch, master privileges on ships under 500 GT in North Sea and Baltic trade. Schools set the exams as part of A-II/1 education; there is no national exam. Independent Dekksoffiser klasse 4 practice by OpenExamPrep offers 100 English-language multiple-choice questions on navigation, watchkeeping, meteorology, stability and cargo, and emergency procedures.

Sample Dekksoffiser klasse 4 (Norwegian Deck Officer Class 4) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Dekksoffiser klasse 4 (Norwegian Deck Officer Class 4) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1On a standard nautical chart based on the Mercator projection, which scale must a navigational watch officer use to measure distances accurately?
A.The latitude scale at the side of the chart, level with the area being measured
B.The longitude scale at the top or bottom border, between the relevant meridians
C.The scale bar printed in the chart title block, whatever the latitude
D.The latitude scale at the chart's lowest-latitude edge, for consistency
Explanation: On a Mercator chart the scale increases with latitude. One minute of latitude equals one nautical mile, so distances are measured on the latitude scale at the side of the chart, level with (or at the mean latitude of) the stretch being measured.
2On a chart using INT 1 symbols and abbreviations, what does 'ED' printed next to a charted danger mean?
A.Position doubtful: the danger exists, but its position is uncertain
B.Reported, but not confirmed by a survey
C.Existence doubtful
D.Sounding doubtful: the depth may be less than shown
Explanation: INT 1 uses standard abbreviations for the reliability of charted dangers: ED (existence doubtful), PA (position approximate), PD (position doubtful), SD (sounding doubtful) and Rep (reported, but not confirmed). A danger marked ED may or may not exist, so the passage plan should treat it as real.
3A vessel off the Norwegian west coast is steering a magnetic compass heading of 245°C. The magnetic deviation for this heading from the deviation table is 4°E, and the navigational chart indicates a local magnetic variation of 7°W. What is the vessel's True Course (TC)?
A.256°T
B.242°T
C.234°T
D.248°T
Explanation: Compass to true: apply easterly deviation and variation as positive and westerly as negative. Magnetic = 245° + 4° = 249°M; true = 249° − 7° = 242°T.
4Kartverket's Etterretninger for sjøfarende (Efs) publish temporary (T) and preliminary (P) notices. What distinguishes them?
A.A (T) notice covers a temporary condition; a (P) notice gives advance warning of a planned change
B.A (T) notice is plotted permanently in ink, while a (P) notice is recorded only in the bridge logbook
C.A (P) notice applies only to fishing vessels; a (T) notice applies to merchant ships
D.A (T) notice expires after 24 hours; a (P) notice stays in force permanently
Explanation: Temporary (T) notices cover conditions that will last for a limited period, such as an unlit light, a displaced buoy or temporary works. Preliminary (P) notices give advance information about planned changes or works before the chart is permanently corrected. Kartverket also publishes a current list of active (T) and (P) notices; on paper charts they are entered in pencil so they can be removed when cancelled.
5In terrestrial navigation, how does an Estimated Position (EP) differ fundamentally from a Dead Reckoning (DR) position?
A.An EP needs two simultaneous bearings; a DR position needs radar ranges
B.An EP allows for leeway and current; a DR position uses only course steered and distance run
C.An EP is taken directly from the GNSS receiver, while a DR position is computed by the engine-room log
D.A DR position allows for leeway; an EP ignores current
Explanation: A dead reckoning (DR) position is worked forward from the last fix using only the course steered and the distance run through the water. An estimated position (EP) starts from the DR and also allows for the estimated leeway and the set and drift of the current or tidal stream.
6A passage plan requires a True Course of 078°T to safely transit the Karmsund channel. The navigational chart shows a local magnetic variation of 3°E. The magnetic compass deviation table indicates a deviation of 2°W on headings in this quadrant. What Compass Course (CC) must the helmsman steer?
A.083°C
B.077°C
C.073°C
D.079°C
Explanation: True to compass reverses the signs. Magnetic = 078° − (+3°) = 075°M. Compass = 075° − (−2°) = 077°C. Check: 077° − 2° + 3° = 078°T.
7When working a running fix from two bearings of the same charted landmark taken some time apart, how is the first position line used?
A.It is moved parallel to itself by the course and distance made good between the bearings
B.It is rotated about the landmark through the change in bearing
C.It is redrawn as a circle centred on the landmark, with a radius equal to the distance run between bearings
D.It is discarded, and the second bearing is used together with the DR position
Explanation: In a running fix the first position line is transferred: every point on it is moved by the vessel's course and distance made good over the ground between the two bearings, so the line moves parallel to itself. Where the transferred line crosses the second bearing gives the fix. Its accuracy depends on how well the course, speed and current between the bearings are known.
8What geometric principle allows a navigator to obtain a fix using a marine sextant to observe horizontal angles between three prominent charted terrestrial objects?
A.Each horizontal angle defines a circle of position through both landmarks and the observer
B.The horizontal angle equals the true bearing of the middle landmark, so no compass is needed
C.The angle gives the vessel's speed by parallax between the marks
D.The angle equals the dip of the horizon corrected for index error
Explanation: A horizontal angle between two charted marks places the observer on a circle passing through both marks (all points on the circle see the pair under the same angle). Two horizontal angles between three marks give two circles whose intersection is the fix, which does not depend on compass error.
9A coastal cargo vessel departs a pilot station off Stavanger at 08:24 and maintains an engine speed of 14.0 knots through the water. A known opposing coastal current of 2.0 knots reduces the vessel's Speed Over Ground (SOG) to 12.0 knots along the planned track. What distance over ground will the vessel have covered by 10:09?
A.24.5 NM
B.17.5 NM
C.21.0 NM
D.28.0 NM
Explanation: Elapsed time from 08:24 to 10:09 is 1 h 45 min = 1.75 h. Distance over the ground = speed over ground × time = 12.0 × 1.75 = 21.0 NM.
10Why are clearing lines used so widely when navigating in narrow Norwegian coastal waters?
A.They replace the need for a navigational watch while the vessel is in the lead
B.They mark where Norwegian territorial waters end
C.They are radio bearings broadcast by the VTS centres
D.They give an immediate check that the vessel is on the safe side of a danger
Explanation: A clearing line is a charted bearing (often of a single mark, or of two marks in line) that keeps the vessel clear of a danger. As long as the observed bearing stays more than, or less than, the clearing bearing as planned, the officer has a continuous, simple check that the vessel is in safe water without plotting a fix.

About the Dekksoffiser klasse 4 (Norwegian Deck Officer Class 4) Exam

The Dekksoffiser klasse 4 (Norwegian Deck Officer Class 4) certificate of competency is issued by Sjøfartsdirektoratet under kvalifikasjonsforskriften § 25 and STCW Regulation II/1. It gives the right to serve as officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of any size in any trade area, and as chief mate (dekkssjef) on ships under 500 GT in North Sea and Baltic trade. A holder aged 20 or older with at least 12 months of seatime as officer of the watch may serve as master on ships under 500 GT in the same trade area. Sjøfartsdirektoratet first issues the certificate without master privileges and adds them on a new application. There is no single national D4 exam. Candidates complete education covering STCW table A-II/1 at an approved fagskole or university and pass that school's written, simulator, and practical exams, then document seatime, a seafarer health certificate, ROC or a higher radio certificate, safety courses, medical care training, and an assessor evaluation. This resource is an independent English-language multiple-choice study adaptation with 100 practice questions for D4 candidates. The official assessments are set in Norwegian and are not multiple choice.

Exam sponsor: Sjøfartsdirektoratet (Norwegian Maritime Authority). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Written exams, simulator assessments, and practical assessments across navigation, watchkeeping, stability, and safety subjects, set by each school

Time Limit

Set by each school; varies by subject

Passing Score

Set by each school's exam regulations; fagskole and university exams use the A–F grading scale with E as the lowest pass, and some assessments are pass/fail

Exam / Certification Fees

NOK 1,059 certificate issuance fee to Sjøfartsdirektoratet; the exams are part of the school programme

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. Sjøfartsdirektoratet does not publish pass rates for the deck officer education exams. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Not published

Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation

Mercator charts, INT 1 chart symbols, Notices to Mariners (Efs), position fixing, dead reckoning, compass conversions (deviation and variation), celestial basics, and tidal height and stream calculations.

Not published

Electronic Navigation and Watchkeeping

Marine radar operation, sea and rain clutter controls, relative-motion plotting (CPA/TCPA), ECDIS safety contours and alarms, STCW Code A-VIII/2 watchkeeping, and COLREGs 1972.

Not published

Marine Meteorology and Oceanography

Pressure systems, fronts, Beaufort wind and sea conditions, advection and radiation fog, katabatic winds, Norwegian coastal currents, and maritime forecasts.

Not published

Cargo Handling and Basic Stability

Transverse stability (KM, KG, GM), free surface effect, draught and trim, list and angle of loll, load lines, cargo securing, and IMDG Code classification and segregation.

Not published

Emergency Procedures, Safety and Seamanship

Emergency response to collision, grounding and fire, man-overboard manoeuvres, SOLAS life-saving appliances, GMDSS distress alerting (VHF DSC, EPIRB, SART), anchoring, and pilot boarding arrangements.

Preparing for the Dekksoffiser klasse 4 (Norwegian Deck Officer Class 4) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Set by each school's exam regulations; fagskole and university exams use the A–F grading scale with E as the lowest pass, and some assessments are pass/fail
  • Assessment: Written exams, simulator assessments, and practical assessments across navigation, watchkeeping, stability, and safety subjects, set by each school
  • Time limit: Set by each school; varies by subject
  • Exam / certification fees: NOK 1,059 certificate issuance fee to Sjøfartsdirektoratet; the exams are part of the school programme Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Dekksoffiser klasse 4 (Norwegian Deck Officer Class 4): Suggested Study Strategy

1Practise compass conversions in both directions: compass to true (add East, subtract West) and true to compass (subtract East, add West).
2Memorise the lights, shapes, and sound signals in COLREGs Rules 20 to 37, especially for vessels restricted in their ability to manoeuvre and for towing.
3Understand the difference between true and relative vectors on radar and ARPA, and when each is better for judging collision risk.
4Master initial transverse stability: work out how loading, discharging, or shifting weight changes KG, and always apply the free surface correction to get the fluid GM.
5Know the IALA Region A cardinal and lateral marks used along the Norwegian coast.
6Know the man-overboard manoeuvres: the Williamson turn brings the ship back along her original track and suits delayed action or poor visibility, while the single (Anderson) turn is the quickest return when action is immediate.
7Practise tidal heights with the Rule of Twelfths, and remember that Norwegian chart datum (sjøkartnull) is based on LAT.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dekksoffiser klasse 4 (Deck Officer Class 4) certificate in Norway?

It is a certificate of competency issued by Sjøfartsdirektoratet under kvalifikasjonsforskriften § 25 and STCW Regulation II/1. It allows the holder to serve as officer in charge of a navigational watch on ships of any size in any trade area, and as chief mate on ships under 500 GT in North Sea and Baltic trade. With age 20 and 12 months as officer of the watch, the holder may also serve as master on ships under 500 GT in that trade area.

How are the Dekksoffiser klasse 4 exams conducted?

There is no single national exam. Candidates complete education covering STCW table A-II/1 at an approved fagskole or university, for example a deck officer programme at operational level, and pass that school's written, simulator, and practical exams.

Are these 100 practice questions published by Sjøfartsdirektoratet?

No. They are an independent English-language multiple-choice study adaptation by OpenExamPrep for students preparing for Deck Officer Class 4 assessments. They are based on the competences in STCW Code table A-II/1 and Norwegian maritime regulations.

What seatime (fartstid) is required for Dekksoffiser klasse 4?

D4 uses the D5 seatime routes in kvalifikasjonsforskriften § 24(3). One route is at least 36 months on seagoing ships of 15 m length overall or more, including 6 months of supervised bridge watchkeeping and 1 month after the diploma. The other is at least 12 months (or 6 months with a trade certificate as able seafarer or fisher) in an approved training programme documented in a cadet book. For D4, the bridge watchkeeping must cover STCW table A-II/1.

What other certificates are needed alongside the diploma?

Kvalifikasjonsforskriften § 23 requires ROC or a higher GMDSS radio certificate, basic and advanced safety courses, medical care training covering STCW table A-VI/4-2, a valid seafarer health certificate, and an assessor evaluation. Many programmes also include ECDIS, ARPA, and BRM simulator courses.

How long is the D4 certificate valid?

Up to 5 years under kvalifikasjonsforskriften § 19. Sjøfartsdirektoratet sets the expiry date to match the safety-course certificate you hold when you apply.