100+ Free MCA OOW Yacht General Ship Knowledge Practice Questions

Prepare for the MCA Officer of the Watch Yacht — General Ship Knowledge (IAMI Written Examination) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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MCA Officer of the Watch Yacht — Navigation and Radar

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MCA OOW Yacht General Ship Knowledge Exam

2.5 hours

Official Written Exam Duration

GOV.UK General Ship Knowledge Examination Syllabus

7 questions

Official Written Paper Structure

GOV.UK General Ship Knowledge Examination Syllabus

60%

Official Pass Mark

GOV.UK General Ship Knowledge Examination Syllabus

5 days / 30 hours

Approved Module Duration

GOV.UK General Ship Knowledge Examination Syllabus

Confirm with centre

IAMI Exam Fee

MCA-approved training centres / IAMI

MCA / IAMI

Administrator

MSN 1858 yacht deck certification framework

MCQ study adaptation

This Free Practice Bank

OpenExamPrep study aid (not official paper)

Free 100-question English MCQ study bank for the MCA/IAMI OOW Yacht General Ship Knowledge written module (MSN 1858 yacht deck pathway). Official exam: 2.5 hours, seven written questions, 60% pass mark. Approved module: 5 days / 30 hours. Fee: confirm with approved centre. Covers construction, stability, meteorology, MARPOL, CoSWP, seamanship and watchkeeping. Not an official paper simulation.

Sample MCA OOW Yacht General Ship Knowledge Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your MCA OOW Yacht General Ship Knowledge exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1On a yacht lines plan or general dimensions sketch, length between perpendiculars (LBP) is measured between which two points?

A.The forward extremity of the stem to the after extremity of the stern overhang

B.The forward perpendicular at the intersection of the stem with the summer load waterline to the after perpendicular through the rudder stock or similar reference

C.The forward face of the stem to the after face of the transom at deck level only

D.The forward perpendicular to the midship section only

Explanation: Length between perpendiculars is the longitudinal distance between the forward perpendicular (where the stem meets the summer load waterline) and the after perpendicular (typically through the rudder stock axis or the after end of the waterline as defined for the vessel). It is a principal hull dimension used in stability and construction calculations.

2Freeboard is best defined as which of the following?

A.The vertical distance from the keel to the main deck at amidships

B.The vertical distance from the waterline to the freeboard deck at a designated point, representing residual freeboard above the water

C.The transverse breadth of the hull at the waterline

D.The horizontal distance from the stem to the stern at deck level

Explanation: Freeboard is the vertical distance from the waterline up to the freeboard deck (usually measured at amidships to the assigned freeboard). It is central to load-line assignment and residual reserve buoyancy above the waterline.

3Camber of a deck is the:

A.Longitudinal rise of the deck line toward the ends of the yacht

B.Transverse curvature of the deck, higher on the centreline than at the sides

C.Outward flare of the bow sections above the waterline

D.Angle of the stem rake from the vertical

Explanation: Camber is the transverse arch of the deck so that the centreline is higher than the deck edge, encouraging water to drain to the sides. Sheer is the longitudinal rise of the deck line toward the ends; flare is the outward opening of forward sections.

4Gross tonnage (GT) for a yacht is primarily a measure of:

A.The yacht’s weight when fully loaded in salt water

B.The internal volume of the vessel as defined by the tonnage measurement rules

C.The cargo deadweight available between light and load displacement

D.The horsepower of the main engines

Explanation: Gross tonnage is a non-dimensional measure of the vessel’s overall enclosed internal volume under the International Tonnage Convention rules. Displacement is weight of water displaced; deadweight is the difference between load and light displacement.

5Hogging of a yacht hull is most likely when:

A.Wave support is concentrated amidships while the ends hang relatively unsupported

B.Wave support is concentrated under both ends while the midships region is relatively unsupported

C.The vessel is dry-docked with blocks only at the bow

D.Ballast is shifted entirely to one side, causing permanent list

Explanation: Hogging occurs when buoyancy is greater under the ends (e.g., wave crests at bow and stern) so the midships region tends to sag relative to the ends, putting the deck in tension and the bottom in compression. Sagging is the opposite pattern with support amidships.

6Panting stresses in the forward bottom and sides are primarily associated with:

A.Continuous vibration from the main engines at full power only

B.In-and-out flexing of plating under varying water pressure as the bow pitches into seas

C.Torsional twisting from a single-screw propeller only

D.Thermal expansion of aluminium superstructures in tropical sun

Explanation: Panting is the in-and-out flexing of shell plating, especially forward, caused by fluctuating water pressure as the bow rises and falls in a seaway. Panting beams, stringers and other local reinforcement resist this. Pounding is slamming impact on the flat of bottom forward.

7Compared with a pure transverse framing system, a longitudinal framing system primarily improves resistance to:

A.Local deck camber distortion only

B.Longitudinal bending stresses such as hogging and sagging by continuous longitudinal stiffening

C.Galvanic corrosion between steel and bronze fittings

D.Crew access through watertight bulkheads

Explanation: Longitudinal framing (and combined systems with substantial longitudinals) provides continuous strength members that resist longitudinal hull girder bending. Transverse frames primarily resist transverse deformation and local loads; modern yachts often use combined systems.

8In a yacht midship section, floors are primarily structural members that:

A.Form the vertical pillars supporting the superstructure decks only

B.Connect the lower ends of frames across the bottom, stiffening the double bottom or bilge region

C.Provide the non-return arrangement on bilge suction pipes

D.Are decorative teak strips on the weather deck

Explanation: Floors are transverse members across the bottom of the hull connecting the lower ends of the frames (or frame equivalents), forming a strong bottom grillage with girders and the keel structure. They are key to bottom strength and bilge structure continuity.

9Insert plates in yacht construction are used mainly to:

A.Replace sacrificial anodes at scheduled dry-dockings

B.Locally increase plate thickness in way of high stress, openings or concentrated loads so strength continuity is restored

C.Mark the freeboard deck line for surveyors

D.Seal freeing ports against green water

Explanation: Insert plates (or insert plating) locally thicken or reinstate strength where openings, coamings, mast steps, machinery seats or other discontinuities would otherwise weaken the structure. They restore continuity of strength around stress concentrations.

10Which material pairing is a classic disadvantage of aluminium alloy yacht construction compared with steel?

A.Aluminium cannot be welded by any process

B.Aluminium has lower density but is more prone to galvanic corrosion when connected to dissimilar metals and needs careful isolation

C.Aluminium always has higher magnetic signature than steel

D.Aluminium cannot be used above the waterline

Explanation: Aluminium is lighter than steel and widely used on yachts, but it sits high in the galvanic series relative to many fittings. Direct contact with copper alloys, stainless steel, etc., without isolation can cause severe galvanic attack. Welding is routine with correct processes; magnetic signature is generally lower than steel.

About the MCA OOW Yacht General Ship Knowledge Exam

The MCA Officer of the Watch Yacht General Ship Knowledge examination is the IAMI written module that ensures OOW (Yachts less than 3,000 GT) candidates can apply construction, stability, meteorology and seamanship knowledge at yacht officer level under MSN 1858. The official GOV.UK syllabus sets a 2.5-hour written paper of seven questions with a 60% pass mark after an MCA-approved module of 5 days or 30 hours. Topics include yacht structural stresses and materials, corrosion and bilge systems, load lines and reserve buoyancy, initial stability and free surface, global and local weather, pilot boarding, preparing for sea, SOLAS and Large Yacht Code applicability, MARPOL Annexes I, IV, V and VI, and CoSWP safe working practices. This free bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of that written syllabus — not an official IAMI paper.

Assessment

Official: written examination of seven questions in 2.5 hours covering ship construction, stability, meteorology and seamanship (including SOLAS/Large Yacht Code applicability, MARPOL for large yachts, CoSWP, pilot boarding and preparation for sea). The approved module is delivered over 5 days or 30 hours of formal instruction. This practice set converts that assessable knowledge into four-option MCQs for study fluency.

Time Limit

2.5 hours (official written paper)

Passing Score

60%, as stated in the official GOV.UK General Ship Knowledge Examination Syllabus

Exam Fee

Confirm the current IAMI written-examination fee with your MCA-approved training centre before booking (centre course fees and IAMI exam fees are charged separately and revised periodically; providers commonly list a separate IAMI exam fee) (Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) / International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI))

MCA OOW Yacht General Ship Knowledge Exam Content Outline

25%

Ship Construction

Terminology (LBP, LOA, freeboard, camber, sheer, flare), hogging and sagging, panting and pounding, framing systems, materials, plans, corrosion and anodes, class notation, load lines, watertight integrity and bilge pumping

20%

Stability

Density, relative density, hydrometer, Archimedes, displacement, TPC, KM, G, B, M, GM, GZ, righting moment, stiff versus tender, free surface correction, swimming pools and weight shifts

15%

Meteorology

Global circulation, Buys Ballot’s Law, ITCZ, trade winds, land/sea breezes, katabatic winds, dew point, fog types, aneroid barometer, barograph, Mason’s hygrometer, frontal depressions and weather sources

25%

Seamanship, Safety and Pollution

Pilot embarkation duties, pre-sailing checks, SOLAS vs Large Yacht Code, MARPOL Annexes I/IV/V/VI for large yachts, SOPEP, ORB, garbage plan, CoSWP risk assessment, PTW, mooring, anchors and enclosed spaces

15%

Watchkeeping for Yachts

OOW responsibilities for safe access, securing tenders and heavy gear, storm shutters, emergency equipment access and Bridge Procedures Guide aligned watch practices

How to Pass the MCA OOW Yacht General Ship Knowledge Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 60%, as stated in the official GOV.UK General Ship Knowledge Examination Syllabus
Assessment: Official: written examination of seven questions in 2.5 hours covering ship construction, stability, meteorology and seamanship (including SOLAS/Large Yacht Code applicability, MARPOL for large yachts, CoSWP, pilot boarding and preparation for sea). The approved module is delivered over 5 days or 30 hours of formal instruction. This practice set converts that assessable knowledge into four-option MCQs for study fluency.
Time limit: 2.5 hours (official written paper)
Exam fee: Confirm the current IAMI written-examination fee with your MCA-approved training centre before booking (centre course fees and IAMI exam fees are charged separately and revised periodically; providers commonly list a separate IAMI exam fee)

Keys to Passing

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

MCA OOW Yacht General Ship Knowledge Study Tips from Top Performers

1Learn construction terminology cold (LBP, freeboard, camber, sheer, flare, hogging, sagging, panting, pounding) so sketch and definition marks are automatic

2Drill initial stability: G, B, M, GM and GZ; know that free surface effect is treated as a rise in KG (or virtual loss of GM) and that swimming pools should be drained when free surface matters

3Memorise FWA = Displacement / (4 × TPC) in salt water and that FWA is the difference between salt-water and fresh-water draughts

4Know MARPOL Annexes that apply to large yachts (I, IV, V and VI), the documents required (IOPP, ORB, SOPEP, ISPP, garbage plan/record book, IAPP/ODS record book), and Special Area / ECA concepts

5Practise CoSWP themes: risk assessment, permit to work, enclosed-space entry, mooring snap-back zones, safe means of access and securing for sea

6Link weather theory to watchkeeping: Buys Ballot’s Law, frontal weather sequences, advection fog indicators from wet/dry bulb readings, and sources such as NAVTEX and Admiralty List of Radio Signals Vol. 3

7Use past written-style answers under timed conditions — the real paper is seven long questions in 2.5 hours, not multiple choice

8Pre-study before the 5-day module; providers consistently report that GSK has a wide syllabus and rewards preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MCA OOW Yacht General Ship Knowledge exam?

It is the IAMI written examination for the MCA-approved General Ship Knowledge (OOW yachts) module required on the Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3,000 GT) pathway under MSN 1858. The official GOV.UK syllabus sets a 2.5-hour paper of seven questions with a 60% pass mark.

What is the official pass mark?

The official General Ship Knowledge Examination Syllabus states a pass mark of 60%.

How long is the written paper and how many questions?

The official syllabus allows 2.5 hours for a written examination of seven questions.

Is the real exam multiple choice?

No. The official assessment is a long-form written paper. These free practice items are an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of the same syllabus topics (construction, stability, meteorology, seamanship, pollution and safe working practices) — not an official IAMI paper simulation.

What topics does the syllabus cover?

Four main sections: ship construction (terminology, stresses, materials, plans, corrosion, class, load lines, bilge systems); stability (hydrostatics and initial stability); meteorology (global and local winds, fog, instruments, fronts, weather sources); and seamanship (pilot boarding, preparing for sea, SOLAS/Large Yacht Code, MARPOL for large yachts, and CoSWP).

How much does the exam cost?

IAMI written-examination fees are set through MCA-approved centres and change over time. Course fees for the 5-day module are separate. Confirm the current IAMI exam fee with your approved training centre before booking.

Who administers the exam?

Written papers are IAMI examinations for the MCA OOW Yacht deck certification pathway under MSN 1858, taken at MCA-approved centres after the approved module.

How long is the approved course?

The official syllabus states the course must take place over 5 days or 30 hours of formal instruction, divided into 4 sections and 20 topics.

How long is the written pass valid?

Under MSN 1858 yacht deck rules, yacht training module and examination certificates other than Celestial Navigation are commonly valid for 3 years for CoC issue. Confirm the current validity period with MCA/IAMI before applying for a Notice of Eligibility or CoC.