PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free PRC Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Practice Questions

Pass your PRC Naval Architect and Marine Engineer Licensure Examination (Philippines) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
50-60% Pass Rate
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More Philippines PRC Engineering Exams

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

PRC Aeronautical Engineer Licensure Examination (Philippines)

Practice Questions

PRC Agricultural and Biosystems Engineer Licensure Examination

Practice Questions

PRC Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination

Practice Questions

PRC Chemist Licensure Examination

Practice Questions

PRC Civil Engineering Licensure Examination

Practice Questions

PRC Electrical Engineering Licensure Examination

Practice Questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: PRC Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Exam

2-3 days

Exam Duration

PRC Board Exam schedule

70% GWA

Passing GWA

RA 4565 licensure rules

60%

Minimum Subject Score

PRC Board of Naval Architecture guidelines

₱900

PRC Exam Fee

PRC application portal

BSNAME

Required Degree

RA 4565 educational requirements

100 Qs

Per Subject Block

PRC Board exam syllabus

The PRC Naval Architect and Marine Engineer Licensure Examination (NALE) is the statutory qualification required to practice as a registered Naval Architect and Marine Engineer in the Philippines. Administered annually by the PRC, this computerized exam is spread over 2 to 3 days. It covers hydrostatic calculations, stability, resistance, propulsion, ship structures, marine engineering plant operations, ship design spiral, statutory regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREGs, Load Lines), and professional laws (RA 4565, RA 10635, RA 8544, Code of Ethics). Candidates must achieve a 70% GWA with no score below 60% in any subject block to receive their PRC license.

Sample PRC Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PRC Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A ship with a displacement of 12,000 tonnes is floating in seawater (density = 1.025 t/m³). If the vessel enters fresh water (density = 1.000 t/m³), what happens to the displacement and the volume of displacement?
A.The displacement remains the same, but the volume of displacement increases.
B.The displacement increases, and the volume of displacement remains the same.
C.Both displacement and volume of displacement remain the same.
D.Both displacement and volume of displacement decrease.
Explanation: According to Archimedes' principle, a floating vessel displaces a weight of water equal to its own weight. Since the ship's weight (displacement) does not change when moving between water densities, the displacement remains constant. However, since fresh water is less dense than seawater, a larger volume of fresh water must be displaced to equal the same weight, causing the volume of displacement to increase.
2A ship has a length between perpendiculars (LBP) of 140 m, a molded breadth of 22 m, and is floating at a draft of 7.5 m. If the molded displacement is 16,500 m³ in seawater, calculate the block coefficient (Cb) of the vessel.
A.0.714
B.0.685
C.0.752
D.0.620
Explanation: The block coefficient ($C_b$) is the ratio of the molded volume of displacement ($\nabla$) to the volume of a rectangular block having length, breadth, and draft equal to those of the ship. The formula is $C_b = \nabla / (L \times B \times T)$. Substituting the values: $C_b = 16,500 / (140 \times 22 \times 7.5) = 16,500 / 23,100 \approx 0.714$.
3Which of the following defines the midship section coefficient (Cm) of a vessel?
A.The ratio of the molded midship section area to the product of the breadth and draft.
B.The ratio of the volume of displacement to the volume of a prism of constant cross-section.
C.The ratio of the waterplane area to the product of the length and breadth.
D.The ratio of the centerline section area to the product of length and draft.
Explanation: The midship section coefficient ($C_m$) is the ratio of the molded cross-sectional area amidships ($A_m$) to the area of a rectangle with breadth ($B$) and draft ($T$). The mathematical expression is $C_m = A_m / (B \times T)$. It measures the fullness of the midship section of the ship.
4If a ship's waterplane area is 2,400 m², and the density of the surrounding seawater is 1.025 t/m³, calculate the Tons per Centimeter Immersion (TPC) of the vessel.
A.24.60 t/cm
B.24.00 t/cm
C.23.41 t/cm
D.25.21 t/cm
Explanation: Tons per Centimeter Immersion (TPC) is the weight required to change the draft of the vessel by 1 cm. The formula is $TPC = (A_w \times \rho) / 100$. Substituting the given values: $TPC = (2,400 \times 1.025) / 100 = 2,460 / 100 = 24.60$ tonnes/cm.
5The prismatic coefficient (Cp) of a vessel is mathematically related to the block coefficient (Cb) and the midship section coefficient (Cm). What is this correct relationship?
A.Cp = Cb / Cm
B.Cp = Cb * Cm
C.Cp = Cm / Cb
D.Cp = Cb + Cm - 1
Explanation: The prismatic coefficient ($C_p$) is defined as $C_p = \nabla / (L \times A_m)$, where $A_m$ is the midship section area. Since $C_b = \nabla / (L \times B \times T)$ and $C_m = A_m / (B \times T)$, we can substitute these into the equation to show that $C_b = C_p \times C_m$. Therefore, $C_p = C_b / C_m$.
6A vessel of constant rectangular cross-section has length L = 100 m, breadth B = 16 m, and floats at a draft T = 5 m. If the vessel is floating in fresh water, find the height of the center of buoyancy above the keel (KB).
A.2.50 m
B.3.33 m
C.1.67 m
D.5.00 m
Explanation: For any box-shaped vessel or a vessel with a constant rectangular cross-section, the center of buoyancy ($B$) is located at half the draft ($T$) because the displaced volume is symmetrical vertically. Thus, $KB = T / 2 = 5 / 2 = 2.50$ m.
7The transverse metacentric radius (BM) of a vessel is calculated using the transverse second moment of area of the waterplane (I) and the volume of displacement (V). What is the correct formula?
A.BM = I / V
B.BM = V / I
C.BM = I * V
D.BM = (I * V) / 12
Explanation: The transverse metacentric radius ($BM$) is the distance from the center of buoyancy ($B$) to the transverse metacenter ($M$). It represents the geometric stability component and is calculated as the ratio of the transverse second moment of waterplane area ($I$) to the molded volume of displacement ($V$): $BM = I / V$.
8A ship has a KB of 3.8 m, a BM of 4.5 m, and a KG of 7.2 m. Calculate the metacentric height (GM) of this ship.
A.1.10 m
B.0.90 m
C.7.90 m
D.-1.10 m
Explanation: The metacentric height ($GM$) is the vertical distance between the center of gravity ($G$) and the metacenter ($M$). The height of the metacenter above the keel is $KM = KB + BM$. Thus, $KM = 3.8 + 4.5 = 8.3$ m. The metacentric height is $GM = KM - KG = 8.3 - 7.2 = 1.10$ m.
9Using the wall-sided formula for stability, calculate the righting lever (GZ) for a ship at an angle of heel (θ) of 15 degrees, given that GM = 0.8 m and BM = 3.0 m.
A.0.235 m
B.0.207 m
C.0.264 m
D.0.185 m
Explanation: The wall-sided formula gives the righting lever at moderate heel angles (before deck-edge immersion): $GZ = (GM + 0.5\,BM\tan^2\theta)\sin\theta$. At $\theta = 15^\circ$, $\tan(15^\circ) \approx 0.26795$ so $\tan^2(15^\circ) \approx 0.07180$, and $\sin(15^\circ) \approx 0.25882$. Substituting: $GZ = (0.8 + 0.5 \times 3.0 \times 0.07180) \times 0.25882 = (0.8 + 0.10770) \times 0.25882 = 0.90770 \times 0.25882 \approx 0.235$ m.
10What is the primary cause of the 'angle of loll' in a merchant ship?
A.A negative initial metacentric height (GM) when the ship is in the upright position.
B.An asymmetrical distribution of cargo on the port and starboard sides.
C.The dynamic impact of beam winds and heavy rolling seas.
D.The listing force generated by a high speed turning maneuver.
Explanation: The angle of loll is the stable angle of list to which a vessel with a negative initial metacentric height ($GM$) will heel when undisturbed. When the ship is upright ($GM < 0$), it is in unstable equilibrium, so it will heel port or starboard. As it heels, the waterplane shape changes, increasing $BM$ and making $GM$ positive at a certain angle of heel, which is the angle of loll.

About the PRC Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Exam

The PRC Naval Architect and Marine Engineer Licensure Examination is the national professional qualification for naval architects and marine engineers in the Philippines. The computerized exam is conducted over 2-3 days and covers: Principles of Naval Architecture (30%), Mathematics, Engineering Sciences, and Laws (20%), Principles of Marine Engineering (20%), Ship Design and Construction (20%), and Philippine Merchant Marine Regulations and Code of Ethics (10%). Passing requires a general weighted average of at least 70% with no single subject score falling below 60%.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

2-3 days of testing blocks

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

₱900 (Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) - Board of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering)

PRC Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Exam Content Outline

30%

Principles of Naval Architecture

Hydrostatics, ship calculations, transverse and longitudinal stability (intact and damaged), ship resistance, propulsion systems, and hull structural strength.

20%

Principles of Marine Engineering

Marine power plants (internal combustion engines, steam plants), auxiliary machinery, electrical installations, steering gears, piping, automation, and control.

20%

Ship Design and Construction

Design spiral stages, general arrangements, midship sections, double bottom structures, framing systems, lines drawing, welding joints, and vessel types (Ro-Ro, container, tanker).

20%

Mathematics, Engineering Sciences, Laws & Ethics

College mathematics, fluid mechanics/hydraulics, strength of materials, engineering economics, and professional laws (RA 4565, RA 10635, RA 8544, RA 1080).

10%

Philippine Merchant Marine Regulations and Code of Ethics

MARINA circulars, PCG memorandum circulars, international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREGs, Load Lines), and the professional code of ethics.

How to Pass the PRC Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: 2-3 days of testing blocks
  • Exam fee: ₱900

Keys to Passing

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

PRC Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering Study Tips from Top Performers

1Practice hydrostatic calculations regularly: make sure you can solve KB, BM, GM, GZ, and trim draft changes quickly under exam time limits.
2Memorize key constants: seawater density (1.025 t/m³), fresh water density (1.000 t/m³), and standard acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²).
3Read the professional laws: know the difference between RA 4565 (Naval Architecture), RA 8544 (Merchant Marine), and RA 10635 (MARINA STCW roles) as these are frequently tested.
4Learn the MARPOL Annexes: Annex I (oil), Annex II (chemicals), Annex III (packaged goods), Annex IV (sewage), Annex V (garbage), and Annex VI (air pollution) are tested under merchant marine regulations.
5Understand the steering gear requirements: know the SOLAS time limits for rudders (28 seconds for main, 60 seconds for auxiliary) and pump feedback loop mechanisms (hunting gear).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PRC Naval Architect and Marine Engineer Licensure Examination?

It is the statutory licensure examination administered by the PRC to license professionals who design, construct, repair, and maintain marine vessels and their machinery systems in the Philippines. It is a mandatory requirement to sign and seal ship drawings and practice professionally under RA 4565.

What is the passing score and how is the grade calculated?

To pass, a candidate must obtain a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 70% across all subjects. Additionally, no subject rating (out of the five subject blocks) must fall below 60%. If a candidate gets a GWA of 70% but scores below 60% in any subject, they fail the exam.

How long does the exam take and what is the format?

The exam is conducted over 2 to 3 consecutive days in designated PRC computerized testing centers (typically in Manila). The format consists of multiple-choice questions covering theoretical, practical, and design problems in naval architecture and marine engineering.

Who is eligible to take the NALE board exam?

Applicants must be citizens of the Philippines, of good moral character, and hold a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (BSNAME) from an educational institution recognized by the Philippine government.

How long is the PRC license valid?

Once registered, the professional license is valid for life, but the professional identification card (PIC) must be renewed every three years by satisfying the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit units required by the PRC Board.