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100+ Free MARINA Chief Mate / Master Theoretical Exam Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MARINA Chief Mate / Master Theoretical Exam Exam

20

Theoretical Competences (Management Deck Permit)

MARINA Management Level Deck Examination Permit

190

Published Total Items (All Competences)

MARINA Management Level Deck Examination Permit

200 min

Designed Full Paper Duration

MARINA Management Level Deck Examination Permit

MM / C/M

Shared Ranks on One Theoretical Paper

MARINA Management Level Deck Examination Permit

MARINA EAD administers the management deck theoretical exam as 20 independent competences totaling 190 published items on the official permit, with passing marks from 70% to 90% each and a ~200-minute full-paper design for Chief Mate and Master (MM/C/M). Candidates schedule at least two competences per sitting and must pass all competences within 24 months. Confirm current MARINA EAD fees; practical assessment is separate from this theoretical exam.

Sample MARINA Chief Mate / Master Theoretical Exam Practice Questions

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

1When planning an ocean passage as Chief Mate, which document must be approved by the Master before departure under SOLAS V/34?
A.The crew vacation roster
B.The passage plan including waypoints, safety margins, and contingency actions
C.The galley provisioning list
D.The engine-room spare-parts inventory only
Explanation: SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 34 requires the Master to ensure a passage plan is prepared and approved before departure, covering the entire voyage from berth to berth with appropriate safety margins.
2In voyage planning, what is the primary purpose of identifying "no-go areas" on the chart?
A.To reduce fuel consumption
B.To define zones where the ship must not navigate due to insufficient under-keel clearance or hazards
C.To mark crew rest periods
D.To indicate preferred anchorage for tourism
Explanation: No-go areas mark waters where navigation is prohibited or unsafe due to depth, obstructions, or environmental restrictions. They are essential for safe route selection at management level.
3Which factor must be considered when calculating the planned speed for a voyage to meet ETA while maintaining safety margins?
A.Only the maximum service speed of the main engine
B.Weather routing, sea state, traffic separation schemes, and minimum UKC requirements
C.The chief cook's meal schedule
D.The color of navigation lights
Explanation: Management-level voyage planning integrates meteorological forecasts, routing constraints, COLREGS traffic schemes, and under-keel clearance to set a safe and achievable speed profile.
4Before entering a port with restricted tidal windows, the Chief Mate should verify which datum-related information in the passage plan?
A.Chart datum versus height of tide to ensure adequate UKC at low water
B.The crew's shoe sizes
C.The color scheme of the funnel
D.The number of lifebuoys painted white
Explanation: Tidal calculations must reference chart datum (usually LAT or MLWS) and predicted heights to confirm under-keel clearance throughout the approach, especially at low water.
5When preparing a berth-to-berth passage plan, what contingency should be documented for loss of main propulsion in a narrow channel?
A.Continue drifting without action
B.Pre-planned anchoring positions, emergency berthing, or tug assistance arrangements
C.Discharge cargo immediately
D.Switch off all navigation equipment
Explanation: SOLAS V and good seamanship require contingency planning for propulsion failure, including identified anchorages, emergency berths, and external assistance contacts along the route.
6A position fix combines a GPS position (±8 m) with a visual bearing fix (±0.5 NM at 4 NM range). What determines the accuracy of the resultant fix?
A.Only the GPS accuracy
B.The geometry of the lines of position (cocked hat) and the relative errors of each source
C.The color of the chart
D.The ship's flag state
Explanation: Resultant fix accuracy depends on the angle of cut between LOPs, each source's inherent error, and systematic errors. Poor geometry amplifies uncertainty even with precise instruments.
7When assessing fix accuracy in coastal waters, why is a three-bearing fix preferred over a two-bearing fix when possible?
A.It uses less chart paper
B.Three LOPs provide a cocked hat allowing assessment of consistency and detection of systematic error
C.It eliminates the need for GPS
D.It is required by the galley department
Explanation: A three-bearing fix forms a cocked hat; the size and shape indicate fix quality and help identify compass or chart errors. Two LOPs give a less reliable intersection.
8Parallel indexing is used during coastal passage primarily to:
A.Calculate fuel consumption
B.Monitor cross-track distance from a selected charted object without repeatedly plotting fixes
C.Determine crew seniority
D.Measure engine RPM
Explanation: Parallel indexing maintains a safe distance from dangers by monitoring bearing/range to a charted object on a steady relative bearing, providing continuous cross-track monitoring.
9Magnetic compass deviation changes with each heading because:
A.The Earth's magnetic field is constant on all headings
B.The ship's own magnetic fields affect the compass differently on each heading
C.Deviation is caused only by variation
D.The gyrocompass controls deviation
Explanation: Deviation results from the ship's permanent and induced magnetism interacting with the Earth's field. It varies with heading and must be determined from the deviation card.
10When converting Compass to True bearing, the correct order of corrections is:
A.Compass → True → Magnetic → Variation
B.Compass → Deviation → Magnetic → Variation → True
C.True → Variation → Compass
D.Compass → Variation → Deviation → True
Explanation: Apply deviation (C to M: "Can Dead Men Vote Twice"), then variation (M to T) using the mnemonic. Incorrect order produces systematic navigation errors.

About the MARINA Chief Mate / Master Theoretical Exam Exam

The MARINA Deck Management Level Theoretical Examination is the competence-based written assessment shared by Chief Mate and Master candidates seeking STCW management-level deck certification in the Philippines. It covers advanced navigation, cargo operations including dangerous goods, stability, emergency planning, and leadership across 20 published competences. This metadata describes the theoretical examination only; a separate practical assessment is required for Certificate of Competency issuance.

Assessment

Competence-based theoretical examination across 20 STCW management-level deck competences (F1 Navigation, F2 Cargo, F3 Controlling Operation) shared by Chief Mate and Master ranks (MM/C/M on permit). Each competence is examined and passed independently with its own item count and passing percentage (70%–90%). Full paper design ~200 minutes. Separate practical assessment is required for COC issuance.

Time Limit

Approximately 200 minutes for the full theoretical paper in one sitting, plus administrative delays (MARINA Management Level Deck Examination Permit)

Passing Score

70% to 90% per competence as listed on the official Management Level Deck Examination Permit (Class I/II columns where applicable)

Exam Fee

Confirm current MARINA EAD examination fee schedule — Official Receipt required on exam day per Examination Permit (Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) — STCW Office / Examination and Assessment Division (EAD))

MARINA Chief Mate / Master Theoretical Exam Exam Content Outline

5%

C1 Plan a voyage and conduct navigation

10 items; 90% Class I / 80% Class II.

3%

C2 Determine position and accuracy of resultant fix

5 items; 80% both classes.

3%

C3 Determine and allow for compass errors

5 items; 80% both classes.

5%

C4 Coordinate search and rescue operations

10 items; 90% Class I / 80% Class II.

5%

C5 Establish watchkeeping arrangements and procedures

10 items; 90% Class I / 80% Class II.

5%

C6 Maintain safety of navigation using nav equipment for command decisions

10 items; 90% Class I / 80% Class II.

3%

C7 Maintain safety of navigation using ECDIS for command decisions

5 items; 80% both classes.

5%

C8 Forecast weather and oceanographic conditions

10 items; 80% both classes.

5%

C9 Respond to navigational emergencies

10 items; 80% both classes.

5%

C10 Maneuver and handle a ship in all conditions

10 items; 90% Class I / 80% Class II.

3%

C11 Operate remote controls of propulsion plant and engineering systems

5 items; 80% both classes.

11%

C12 Plan and ensure safe loading, stowage, securing, care and unloading of cargoes

20 items; 80% Class I / 70% Class II.

5%

C13 Assess reported defects and damage to cargo spaces and tanks

10 items; 80% Class I / 70% Class II.

11%

C14 Carriage of dangerous cargoes

20 items; 80% Class I / 70% Class II.

5%

C15 Control trim, stability and stress

10 items; 80% Class I / 70% Class II.

5%

C16 Monitor and control compliance with legislative requirements

10 items; 80% Class I / 70% Class II.

3%

C17 Maintain safety and security of crew, passengers, and safety systems

5 items; 80% both classes; also evidenced by approved training per STCW A-VI.

5%

C18 Develop emergency and damaged control plans and handle emergency situations

10 items; 80% Class I / 70% Class II.

5%

C19 Use of leadership and management skill

10 items; 80% Class I / 70% Class II.

3%

C20 Organize and manage the provision of medical care on board

5 items; 80% both classes; also evidenced by approved training per STCW A-VI.

How to Pass the MARINA Chief Mate / Master Theoretical Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% to 90% per competence as listed on the official Management Level Deck Examination Permit (Class I/II columns where applicable)
  • Assessment: Competence-based theoretical examination across 20 STCW management-level deck competences (F1 Navigation, F2 Cargo, F3 Controlling Operation) shared by Chief Mate and Master ranks (MM/C/M on permit). Each competence is examined and passed independently with its own item count and passing percentage (70%–90%). Full paper design ~200 minutes. Separate practical assessment is required for COC issuance.
  • Time limit: Approximately 200 minutes for the full theoretical paper in one sitting, plus administrative delays (MARINA Management Level Deck Examination Permit)
  • Exam fee: Confirm current MARINA EAD examination fee schedule — Official Receipt required on exam day per Examination Permit

Keys to Passing

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

MARINA Chief Mate / Master Theoretical Exam Study Tips from Top Performers

1Schedule at least two competences per sitting and align prep with your permit schedule.
2Prioritize high-item competences C12 and C14 (cargo and dangerous goods) alongside navigation command competences.
3Review Class I vs Class II passing percentages where they differ on the permit.
4Practice under timed blocks approximating the ~200-minute full-paper design.
5Wear Type B uniform with current rank shoulder board (3 stripes for C/M) and bring required IDs and Official Receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chief Mate theoretical exam the same as the Master exam?

Yes. The official MARINA Management Level Deck Examination Permit covers the same 20 theoretical competences for Chief Mate and Master (MM/C/M ranks) on ships of 500 GT and above.

How many items are on the full management deck theoretical paper?

The published per-competence item counts on the Examination Permit total 190 items across all 20 competences.

Is practical assessment part of this theoretical exam?

No. MARINA requires a separate practical assessment for Certificate of Competency issuance after theoretical competence requirements are met.