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100+ Free MARINA OIC-NW Theoretical Exam Practice Questions

Pass your MARINA Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OIC-NW) Theoretical Examination (Philippines) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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MARINA Deck Management Level Theoretical Examination — Chief Mate / Master (Philippines)

Practice Questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MARINA OIC-NW Theoretical Exam Exam

19

Theoretical Competences (OIC-NW Permit)

MARINA OIC-NW Examination Permit

205

Published Total Items (All Competences)

MARINA OIC-NW Examination Permit

200 min

Designed Full Paper Duration

MARINA OIC-NW Examination Permit

24 months

Window to Pass All Competences

MARINA OIC-NW Examination Permit

MARINA EAD administers the OIC-NW theoretical exam as 19 independent competences totaling 205 published items on the official permit, with passing marks from 70% to 90% each and a ~200-minute full-paper design. 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 OIC-NW Theoretical Exam Practice Questions

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

1Under STCW and good navigational practice, what is the primary purpose of voyage (passage) planning before departure?
A.To eliminate the need for chart corrections during the voyage
B.To identify safe tracks, hazards, contingencies, and required resources for the intended passage
C.To replace the master's authority to alter course for commercial reasons
D.To avoid filing a noon position report
Explanation: Passage planning under STCW Table A-II/1 requires identifying safe tracks, no-go areas, contingencies, and resources so the OOW can conduct the voyage safely.
2Which document is normally the first chart-based product prepared during passage planning for a coastal voyage?
A.Engine room standing orders
B.A berth-to-berth route plotted on appropriate scale charts with waypoints
C.The crew muster list only
D.The garbage record book
Explanation: Passage planning begins with selecting appropriate charts and plotting the intended track with waypoints, noting hazards and safe water limits.
3When determining position at sea, which combination represents a running fix?
A.Two simultaneous celestial observations taken at the same instant
B.A position line advanced along the course and speed made good between two observations
C.A GPS fix accepted without cross-check
D.A dead reckoning position never corrected
Explanation: A running fix advances an earlier position line using course and speed made good to intersect a later line of position.
4On a Mercator chart, why is it important to measure distance using the latitude scale at the approximate latitude of the track?
A.Mercator charts preserve shape but distort distance except along a meridian at that latitude
B.Mercator charts cannot show rhumb lines
C.Distance cannot be measured on any Mercator chart
D.The longitude scale is always used for distance at sea
Explanation: On a Mercator chart, meridians are parallel and angles are preserved. The latitude scale expands with increasing latitude, so distances must be taken from the latitude scale at the approximate track latitude for accuracy.
5What tidal information is essential when planning entry to a port with significant tidal range?
A.Only the barometric pressure forecast
B.Times and heights of high/low water, tidal stream data, and under-keel clearance at expected arrival
C.The previous voyage's fuel ROB only
D.Crew rest hours for the previous month
Explanation: Passage planning for tidal ports requires tidal heights/streams and UKC calculations to ensure safe entry and berth approach.
6Which factor must be considered when selecting a safe speed during passage planning in coastal waters?
A.Only the vessel's maximum service speed
B.Traffic density, manoeuvrability, draft, visibility, and proximity of navigational hazards
C.The chief engineer's preference only
D.Whether the autopilot is engaged
Explanation: COLREG Rule 6 and STCW require safe speed adapted to prevailing circumstances including traffic, visibility, draft, and hazards.
7When preparing a passage plan, what is the purpose of identifying 'no-go' areas?
A.Areas where crew may take shore leave
B.Zones where the ship must not proceed due to insufficient depth, hazards, or restrictions
C.Designated smoking areas on deck
D.Locations where cargo may be loaded
Explanation: No-go areas mark waters the vessel must avoid because of depth, hazards, traffic separation schemes, or regulatory limits.
8Which celestial observation generally requires a visible horizon and yields a position line?
A.Meridian passage observation for latitude
B.Doppler log calibration only
C.Engine tachometer reading
D.Radar range on a buoy without bearing
Explanation: Sight reduction for latitude by meridian passage (or other celestial observations) requires a visible horizon and produces a line of position.
9Before entering a traffic separation scheme (TSS), passage planning should include:
A.Deliberate crossing of the scheme at shallow angles against traffic flow
B.Identifying the correct traffic lane, reporting points, and joining/leaving procedures per COLREG Rule 10
C.Ignoring the scheme if GPS is available
D.Anchoring inside the separation zone for rest
Explanation: Rule 10 requires ships to join and leave TSS in prescribed manners; planning must identify correct lanes and reporting requirements.
10What is the correct action if the planned track crosses a charted underwater cable area?
A.Proceed at maximum speed to minimize exposure time
B.Identify crossing angles, minimum under-keel clearance, and company/local restrictions; avoid anchoring in the area
C.Deploy the anchor to test bottom composition
D.Ignore the symbol if the echo sounder reads deep water once
Explanation: Cable areas require planned crossing with adequate UKC, awareness of restrictions, and avoidance of anchoring or activities that could damage subsea cables.

About the MARINA OIC-NW Theoretical Exam Exam

The MARINA Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OIC-NW) Theoretical Examination is the competence-based written assessment for operational-level deck officers seeking STCW certification in the Philippines. It covers navigation, cargo handling and stowage, and controlling the operation of the ship across 19 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 19 STCW operational-level deck competences (F1 Navigation, F2 Cargo, F3 Controlling Operation). 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 OIC-NW Examination Permit)

Passing Score

70% to 90% per competence as listed on the official OIC-NW Examination Permit (for example C2 requires 90%; most competences require 70% or 80%)

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 OIC-NW Theoretical Exam Exam Content Outline

10%

C1 Plan and conduct a passage and determine position

20 items; 80% passing mark.

10%

C2 Maintain a safe navigational watch

20 items; 90% passing mark.

2%

C3 Use of Radar and ARPA

5 items; 80% passing mark.

2%

C4 Use of ECDIS

5 items; 80% passing mark.

5%

C5 Respond to emergencies

10 items; 70% passing mark.

2%

C6 Respond to a distress signal at sea

5 items; 80% passing mark.

2%

C7 Use IMO SMCP and English

5 items; 80% passing mark.

5%

C8 Transmit and receive information by visual signaling

10 items; 70% passing mark.

5%

C9 Manoeuvre the ship

10 items; 70% passing mark.

15%

C10 Monitor loading, stowage, securing and care of cargoes

30 items; 70% passing mark.

10%

C11 Inspect and report defects to cargo spaces and tanks

20 items; 70% passing mark.

5%

C12 Ensure compliance with pollution-prevention requirements

10 items; 70% passing mark.

10%

C13 Maintain seaworthiness of the ship

20 items; 70% passing mark.

2%

C14 Prevent, control and fight fires on board

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

2%

C15 Operate life-saving appliances

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

2%

C16 Apply medical first aid on board ship

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

5%

C17 Monitor compliance with legislative requirements

10 items; 70% passing mark.

2%

C18 Application of leadership and team working skills

5 items; 80% passing mark.

2%

C19 Contribute to safety of personnel and ship

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

How to Pass the MARINA OIC-NW Theoretical Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% to 90% per competence as listed on the official OIC-NW Examination Permit (for example C2 requires 90%; most competences require 70% or 80%)
  • Assessment: Competence-based theoretical examination across 19 STCW operational-level deck competences (F1 Navigation, F2 Cargo, F3 Controlling Operation). 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 OIC-NW 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 OIC-NW Theoretical Exam Study Tips from Top Performers

1Schedule at least two competences per sitting and focus prep on scheduled competences only.
2Prioritize high-item competences C1, C2, C10, C11, and C13 in your study plan.
3Memorize COLREGS, watchkeeping, and distress/emergency response scenarios.
4Practice under timed blocks approximating the ~200-minute full-paper design.
5Keep SIRB, IDs, Official Receipt, calculator, and Type B uniform ready — NO PERMIT, NO EXAM.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many competences are on the MARINA OIC-NW theoretical exam?

The official OIC-NW Examination Permit lists 19 competences for ships of 500 GT and above, totaling 205 published items across all competences.

Is the practical assessment included in this theoretical exam?

No. Passing the theoretical competences is required for COC processing, but MARINA also requires a separate practical assessment for Certificate of Competency issuance.

What are the passing marks for OIC-NW competences?

Passing percentages are set per competence on the Examination Permit, generally ranging from 70% to 90%. For example, C2 Maintain a safe navigational watch requires 90%.