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Key Facts: Norway Deck Officer Class 5 Exam

4

Written Exam Papers

D5 exam schools

Grade 3

Minimum Grade per Paper (1–6 scale)

D5 exam schools

Under 500 GT

Ship Size Limit (North Sea and Baltic trade)

Kvalifikasjonsforskriften § 24

14 hrs

Total Exam Time

D5 exam schools

NOK 1,059

Certificate Issuance Fee

Sjøfartsdirektoratet fee regulation

Up to 5 years

Certificate Validity

Kvalifikasjonsforskriften § 19

Sjøfartsdirektoratet issues the Dekksoffiser klasse 5 (D5) certificate under STCW Regulation II/3. It covers watchkeeping and chief mate duties on ships under 500 GT in North Sea and Baltic trade, with master privileges after age 20 and 12 months as officer of the watch. Candidates pass 4 written papers (Navigasjon 5h, Skipslære 5h, Sjøveisregler og brovakthold 2h, Navigasjonsmidler 2h) with grade 3 or better on a 1–6 scale. This resource offers 100 independent English-language multiple-choice practice questions.

Sample Norway Deck Officer Class 5 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Norway Deck Officer Class 5 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1On Norwegian nautical charts, which tidal level is chart datum (sjøkartnull) for charted depths and drying heights based on?
A.Mean Sea Level (MSL)
B.Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS)
C.Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT)
D.Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT)
Explanation: Kartverket based sjøkartnull on Lowest Astronomical Tide (laveste astronomiske tidevann, LAT) from 1 January 2000. Because weather effects dominate the small tides in the south, sjøkartnull is set 20 cm below LAT from the Swedish border to Utsira and 30 cm below LAT in the inner Oslofjord, but LAT remains the basis. Charted depths and drying heights are referred to this level.
2Under IALA Maritime Buoyage System A, what are the color, shape, and topmark of a port-hand lateral mark when following the conventional direction of buoyage?
A.Green, conical or spar-shaped, with a single green cone topmark, point up
B.Red, can-shaped or spar-shaped, with a single red can (cylinder) topmark
C.Red and white vertical stripes, spherical or spar, with a single red sphere topmark
D.Black with one or more red bands, with two black sphere topmarks
Explanation: In IALA System A, which Norway uses, a port-hand lateral mark (babord sidemerke) is red and can-shaped or a spar, with a single red can topmark when one is fitted. If lit, the light is red with any rhythm other than composite group flashing Fl(2+1). Following the main direction of buoyage, it is kept on the vessel's port side.
3How is the general direction of lateral buoyage (hovedretning) defined along the Norwegian coast?
A.Westward and southward toward Lista, and outward from harbours toward open sea
B.From the Swedish border northward along the whole coast, and outward from fjords
C.Eastward and northward away from Lista, and inward from sea into fjords and harbours
D.West to east inside every fjord, with no fixed main direction along the outer coast
Explanation: When the lateral system was introduced on the Norwegian coast (Lista to the Swedish border in 1980, Lista to Grense Jakobselv in 1981), a vessel sailing east or north from Lista kept red lateral marks to port and green to starboard. Into fjords, channels and harbours the main direction runs from seaward. The direction arrow printed on the chart always governs in a particular lead.
4What topmark arrangement and flashing light rhythm identify an East Cardinal Mark (østmerke) under IALA System A?
A.Two black cones point to point; white VQ(9) 10s or Q(9) 15s
B.Two black cones, both pointing up; white continuous VQ or Q
C.Two black cones, both pointing down; white VQ(6)+LFl 10s or Q(6)+LFl 15s
D.Two black cones base to base; white VQ(3) 5s or Q(3) 10s
Explanation: An east cardinal mark shows that the safest water lies to the east of it. Its topmark is two black cones placed base to base. Its white light shows three flashes, VQ(3) every 5 s or Q(3) every 10 s, matching the 3 o'clock position on a clock face.
5Along the Norwegian coast, what does it tell the navigator to be inside the white sector (hvit sektor) of a sector light?
A.The vessel is within the safe lead covered by that light
B.The vessel is close to a charted danger on one side of the lead
C.The light is on reserve power and showing a temporary emergency beam
D.The lead beyond the light is reserved for pilot-assisted traffic only
Explanation: Kystverket's sector lights define the safe lead along the coast: normally a vessel sails in the white sector of one light until it enters the white sector of the next and can alter course toward it. Red and green sectors border the white sector and cover water where there are dangers.
6What is the nautical definition of magnetic variation (misvisning)?
A.The angle between the compass heading and the true heading on a given course
B.The angle between magnetic north and compass north caused by the ship's own magnetism
C.The angle between true north and magnetic north at the vessel's position
D.The angle between the heading and the track made good over the ground
Explanation: Variation (misvisning) is the angle between true north and magnetic north at a given place. It depends on the vessel's position and the date (it changes slowly each year), not on the ship's heading or construction, and is read from the chart's compass rose or magnetic data.
7What is the nautical definition of compass deviation (deviasjon)?
A.The angle between true north and magnetic north at the vessel's position, read from the compass rose
B.The yearly change in variation shown beside the chart's compass rose
C.The lag of the compass card caused by friction in the pivot and gimbals
D.The angle between magnetic north and compass north caused by the ship's own magnetism
Explanation: Deviation (deviasjon) is the angle between magnetic north and compass north. It is caused by the permanent and induced magnetism of the ship's steel, equipment and cargo, so it changes with the ship's heading and is recorded on the deviation card.
8On Norwegian charts, the clearance figure shown for an overhead power cable (luftspenn) or a bridge gives the vertical clearance (friseilingshøyde) above which level?
A.Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT)
B.Mean Sea Level (MSL)
C.Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT)
D.Mean High Water (MHW)
Explanation: Kartverket refers vertical clearances (friseilingshøyder) under bridges and overhead power cables to Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT), the highest level the tide reaches under average weather conditions. Under normal tides the clearance is therefore at least the charted figure, but a storm surge can raise the sea above HAT.
9What is the primary operational advantage of using charted leading marks (overettmerker / overettlinje) during coastal navigation?
A.A substitute for the radar watch in restricted visibility along the lead
B.An accurate position line that does not depend on compass error
C.An exemption from VTS reporting while the marks are kept in line
D.A track whose depth is adequate for any vessel's draught
Explanation: Leading marks (overettmerker) are two marks or lights set one behind and higher than the other. When they are seen in line (overett), the vessel is on the charted leading line. Because this depends only on the visual alignment of fixed objects, it gives a position line free from compass error, and comparing the compass bearing of the line with its charted bearing also checks the compass.
10A coastal vessel's steering compass shows a heading (styrt kompasskurs) of 042°. The deviation card shows deviasjon = +3° (3° E) on this heading, and the chart compass rose indicates misvisning = -2° (2° W). What is the true course (rettvisende kurs, Rk)?
A.043°
B.041°
C.047°
D.037°
Explanation: Compass course to true course: Rk = Kk + deviation + variation, with east positive and west negative. Rk = 042° + 3° − 2° = 043°.

About the Norway Deck Officer Class 5 Exam

The Norwegian Deck Officer Class 5 certificate of competency (Dekksoffiser klasse 5, D5) is issued by Sjøfartsdirektoratet under STCW Regulation II/3 and kvalifikasjonsforskriften § 24. It gives the right to serve as officer in charge of a navigational watch and as chief mate (dekkssjef) on ships under 500 GT in North Sea and Baltic trade (Nord- og Østersjøfart). 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. The certificate is first issued without master privileges, which are added on a new application. The D5 exam consists of four written papers set in Norwegian: Navigasjon (5 hours), Skipslære (5 hours), Sjøveisregler og brovakthold (2 hours), and Navigasjonsmidler (2 hours). Each paper is graded on a 1–6 scale, and a grade of 3 or better is needed in every paper. Candidates also need qualifying seatime, a seafarer health certificate, ROC or a higher radio certificate, basic and advanced safety courses, medical care training, and an assessor evaluation. This resource is an independent English-language multiple-choice study adaptation for D5 candidates. The official exams are written papers in Norwegian, so use these questions to build knowledge of compass conversions, tidal heights, stability, collision regulations, and radar, alongside approved courses and official exam material. Independent Dekksoffiser klasse 5 practice by OpenExamPrep.

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

Assessment

4 written exam papers totalling 14 hours: Navigasjon (5 hours), Skipslære (5 hours), Sjøveisregler og brovakthold (2 hours), and Navigasjonsmidler (2 hours). The papers include chartwork, tidal and stability calculations, radar plotting, and written answers. They are not multiple choice.

Time Limit

14 hours total across 4 exam papers (Navigasjon 5h, Skipslære 5h, Sjøveisregler og brovakthold 2h, Navigasjonsmidler 2h)

Passing Score

Grade 3 or better on the 1–6 scale in each of the 4 exam papers

Exam / Certification Fees

NOK 1,059 certificate issuance fee to Sjøfartsdirektoratet; exam fees are set by each school with exam rights (one provider listed NOK 3,150 per paper for 2025)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published. Sjøfartsdirektoratet does not publish pass rates for the D5 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

Navigasjon (Navigation & Coastal Chartwork)

Norwegian coastal charts and chart symbols, IALA System A buoyage, variation and deviation, compass course conversions, cross bearings and running fixes, leading lines, Norwegian sector lights, tidal heights and chart datum (sjøkartnull based on LAT), and passage planning.

Not published

Sjøveisregler og brovakthold (COLREGs & Bridge Watchkeeping)

COLREGs 1972 steering and sailing rules, lights, shapes and sound signals, Norwegian sjøtrafikkforskriften rules, and bridge watchkeeping principles for ships under 500 GT.

Not published

Skipslære (Ship Knowledge, Stability & Cargo)

Ship construction and watertight integrity, centres G, B and M, metacentric height GM, stiff and tender ships, weight shifts, free surface effect, angle of loll, deck cargo securing, freeing ports, and pollution prevention.

Not published

Navigasjonsmidler (Navigational Instruments & Radar)

Magnetic compass and deviation, gyro compass, marine radar operation (X-band and S-band, display modes, sea and rain clutter controls), GNSS and chart datum shifts, echo sounders, AIS, and GMDSS VHF and DSC procedures.

Preparing for the Norway Deck Officer Class 5 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Grade 3 or better on the 1–6 scale in each of the 4 exam papers
  • Assessment: 4 written exam papers totalling 14 hours: Navigasjon (5 hours), Skipslære (5 hours), Sjøveisregler og brovakthold (2 hours), and Navigasjonsmidler (2 hours). The papers include chartwork, tidal and stability calculations, radar plotting, and written answers. They are not multiple choice.
  • Time limit: 14 hours total across 4 exam papers (Navigasjon 5h, Skipslære 5h, Sjøveisregler og brovakthold 2h, Navigasjonsmidler 2h)
  • Exam / certification fees: NOK 1,059 certificate issuance fee to Sjøfartsdirektoratet; exam fees are set by each school with exam rights (one provider listed NOK 3,150 per paper for 2025) 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

Norway Deck Officer Class 5: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master compass conversions: going from compass to true, add deviation and variation (East is +, West is −). Going from true to compass, reverse the signs.
2Learn Norwegian sector lights: the white sector marks the clear passage, while red and green sectors cover shoals or other dangers. Sector limits are given as bearings from seaward towards the light.
3Work tidal heights methodically: depth of water equals the charted depth below chart datum plus the height of tide. Static under-keel clearance is depth of water minus draught; allow extra for squat in shallow channels.
4Drill COLREGs Rules 15 to 17: in a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other on her own starboard side keeps out of the way and avoids crossing ahead. The stand-on vessel keeps course and speed, may act once it is clear the give-way vessel is not acting, and must act when collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone.
5Know Rule 19(d): when a vessel detected by radar alone is forward of the beam and a close-quarters situation is developing, avoid altering course to port (except for a vessel being overtaken), and avoid altering towards a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
6Practise weight-shift calculations: GG1 = (weight × distance) / displacement. Moving weight upwards raises KG and reduces GM.
7Account for free surface effect: a slack tank causes a virtual rise of G and reduces GM. A centreline bulkhead that divides a tank into two equal halves cuts the free surface moment to one quarter.
8Recognise stiff and tender ships: a large GM gives a short, violent roll that strains cargo lashings, while a small GM gives a slow, sluggish roll and little reserve against heeling moments.
9Use radar clutter controls with care: the sea clutter control (STC) reduces gain close to own ship, and the rain clutter control (FTC) shortens long echoes so targets inside rain show better. Overuse of either can remove small targets.
10Know the limits of AIS and GNSS: small craft may not transmit AIS, and AIS data can be wrong. Check the chart's horizontal datum before plotting GNSS positions on older paper charts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Norwegian Deck Officer Class 5 (D5) certificate allow?

Under kvalifikasjonsforskriften § 24, D5 gives the right to serve as officer in charge of a navigational watch and as chief mate (dekkssjef) on ships under 500 GT in North Sea and Baltic trade. A holder who is at least 20 and has 12 months of seatime as officer of the watch may serve as master on ships under 500 GT in the same trade area. The certificate is first issued without master privileges; you apply again once you have the seatime.

What are the four D5 exam papers?

Navigasjon (5 hours), Skipslære (5 hours), Sjøveisregler og brovakthold (2 hours), and Navigasjonsmidler (2 hours). All four are written papers, and you need grade 3 or better on the 1–6 scale in each one.

How much seatime is required for D5?

Kvalifikasjonsforskriften § 24(3) offers two routes. The first is at least 36 months on seagoing ships of 15 m length overall or more, including 6 months of supervised bridge watchkeeping and at least 1 month after the diploma was issued. The second is 12 months (or 6 months with a trade certificate as able seafarer or fisher) in an approved training programme documented in a cadet book, started after the D5 education is completed.

Which radio certificate and courses are required?

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. Sjøfartsdirektoratet issues ROC and GOC certificates.

Can I take the D5 exams as a privatist?

Yes. Schools with exam rights hold public privatist exams, usually in December and April/May. Course providers note that privatist candidates also need separate ECDIS, ARPA, and BRM courses; check the current requirements with the school before you register.

How long is the D5 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. To renew, you need a valid health certificate, a refresher in advanced safety training, valid medical care training, and proof of maintained competence, such as 12 months of seatime with a valid certificate in the last 5 years.

What chart datum do Norwegian charts use?

Kartverket has based chart datum (sjøkartnull) on Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) since 2000, set slightly below LAT in southern waters where weather affects water level more than the tide. Vertical clearances under bridges and overhead cables are given above Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT).

Is this practice question bank an official exam?

No. This is an independent English-language multiple-choice study adaptation by OpenExamPrep. The official D5 exams are written papers in Norwegian set by schools with exam rights. These questions do not replace approved courses, official exams, or required seatime.