100+ Free MCA OOW Yacht Navigation and Radar Practice Questions

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MCA Officer of the Watch Yacht — General Ship Knowledge

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MCA OOW Yacht Navigation and Radar Exam

2.5 hours

Official Written Exam Duration

GOV.UK Navigation and Radar Examination Syllabus

Part A + Part B

Official Paper Structure (3+3 questions)

GOV.UK Navigation and Radar Examination Syllabus

70% / 50% / 60%

Pass Marks (Part A / Part B / Overall)

GOV.UK Navigation and Radar Examination Syllabus

≥20 days

Approved Module Minimum Duration

GOV.UK Navigation and Radar 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 Navigation and Radar written module (MSN 1858 yacht deck pathway). Official exam: 2.5 hours, Part A (chartwork, tides, radar plotting) and Part B (underpinning knowledge); pass 70% Part A, 50% Part B, 60% overall. Fee: confirm with approved centre. Covers chartwork, compass, tides, passage planning, publications, buoyage, COLREGs, radar/ARPA and electronic aids. Not an official paper simulation.

Sample MCA OOW Yacht Navigation and Radar Practice Questions

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

1Magnetic variation is defined as the angular difference between which two directions?

A.True north and the ship's head

B.Magnetic north and true north

C.Magnetic north and the compass north

D.Compass north and the ship's head

Explanation: Variation is the angle between the geographic (true) meridian and the magnetic meridian — the difference between true north and magnetic north. It is taken from the chart compass rose or isogonals, applying any stated annual change.

2Magnetic deviation of the ship's compass is primarily caused by:

A.The earth's magnetic poles only

B.The ship's magnetic fields and hard/soft iron magnetism that vary with heading

C.Atmospheric refraction near the horizon

D.The difference between UTC and zone time

Explanation: Deviation is the angle between magnetic north and compass north, caused by the vessel's permanent and induced magnetism. It changes with the ship's head and is recorded on a deviation card.

3A yacht's true course is 085°T. Variation is 4°W and deviation for the ship's head is 2°E. What compass course should be steered?

A.079°C

B.087°C

C.091°C

D.083°C

Explanation: Convert true to compass with TVMDC (True → Variation → Magnetic → Deviation → Compass). Going T→C: add westerly variation and subtract easterly deviation. Magnetic = 085° + 4° = 089°M; Compass = 089° − 2° = 087°C.

4A charted transit bears 142° by magnetic compass. Variation is 3°E and the deviation for the ship's head is 1°W. What is the true bearing of the transit?

A.138°T

B.144°T

C.146°T

D.140°T

Explanation: Convert compass to true (up TVMDC): subtract westerly deviation, then add easterly variation. Magnetic = 142° − 1° = 141°M; True = 141° + 3° = 144°T.

5When should compass error normally be determined on a yacht at sea?

A.Only during the annual survey

B.At least once a watch when possible, after large course changes, and when taking bearings for navigation

C.Only when the autopilot is engaged

D.Only in restricted visibility

Explanation: Good practice and OOW standards require frequent compass-error checks every watch when opportunity allows, after major alterations of course (deviation may change), and whenever compass bearings are used for fixing.

6Compass error by a transit is found by comparing:

A.The charted true bearing of the transit with the observed compass bearing

B.GPS course over ground with the autopilot set course

C.True wind direction with the apparent wind

D.Radar range rings with the GPS log

Explanation: A transit (two charted objects in line) has a known true bearing from the chart. Compare that true bearing with the simultaneous compass bearing of the transit to obtain total compass error.

7A gyro compass requires latitude and speed correction primarily because:

A.The controlled gyro seeks north but residual settling errors depend on latitude and the ship's motion over the earth

B.Variation is a function of ship's speed

C.Deviation tables are printed for gyro only

D.ECDIS cannot accept uncorrected gyro headings

Explanation: A marine gyro is controlled to seek true north, but residual errors (including speed and latitude-related effects) require applied latitude and speed corrections so the displayed heading is true.

8The sun's true amplitude at rising is E 18° S. The compass amplitude is E 22° S. Variation is 2°W. What is the deviation?

A.2°E

B.6°W

C.2°W

D.6°E

Explanation: With consistent naming, total compass error = true amplitude − compass amplitude = 18° − 22° = 4° (compass best / error west). Compass error 4°W = variation 2°W + deviation, so deviation = 2°W.

9Deviation of the magnetic compass changes mainly with:

A.The ship's head (heading)

B.Longitude only

C.UTC hour angle

D.Echo-sounder depth setting

Explanation: Ship-induced magnetism resolves differently as the ship's head changes relative to the earth's field, so deviation is a function of heading and is tabulated on a deviation card.

10True course is 210°T, variation 8°E, deviation 3°W. Compass course is:

A.215°C

B.205°C

C.221°C

D.199°C

Explanation: Using TVMDC T→C: subtract easterly variation and add westerly deviation. Magnetic = 210° − 8° = 202°M; Compass = 202° + 3° = 205°C.

About the MCA OOW Yacht Navigation and Radar Exam

The MCA Officer of the Watch Yacht Navigation and Radar examination is the IAMI written module that ensures OOW (Yachts) candidates can keep a safe navigational watch using traditional chartwork, tidal calculations, radar plotting and electronic aids, and apply the Collision Regulations. The approved module runs at least 20 days: about 10 days of theory to a 2.5-hour written paper (Part A: chartwork, tides and radar plotting; Part B: underpinning knowledge), plus generic ECDIS and bridge simulator weeks. Official pass marks are 70% in Part A, 50% in Part B and 60% overall. The syllabus covers compass work, chartwork, voyage planning, publications and chart correction, tides, safe watchkeeping, IALA buoyage, GNSS, ECDIS, echo sounders, logs, radar, ARPA and AIS. This free bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of that written syllabus — not an official IAMI paper.

Assessment

Official: 2.5-hour theory paper in two parts. Part A — three questions (chartwork, tides, radar plotting). Part B — three underpinning-knowledge questions. Pass requires at least 70% in Part A, 50% in Part B and 60% overall. The full MCA-approved module also includes generic ECDIS and bridge watchkeeping simulator training with continuous practical assessment. This practice set converts assessable knowledge into four-option MCQs for study fluency.

Time Limit

2.5 hours (official written paper)

Passing Score

Minimum 70% in Part A, 50% in Part B, and 60% overall, as stated in the official GOV.UK Navigation and Radar Examination Syllabus

Exam Fee

Confirm the current IAMI written-examination fee with your MCA-approved training centre before booking (centre and IAMI fees are revised periodically; module course fees are additional) (Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) / International Association of Maritime Institutions (IAMI))

MCA OOW Yacht Navigation and Radar Exam Content Outline

18%

Chartwork and Position Fixing

Mercator and gnomonic charts; DR, EP and fix; ground and water track; running fix with tide and leeway; course to steer; clearing bearings; VSA and HSA; chart symbols and notes

12%

Compass Work

Variation and deviation; TVMDC conversions; transit and amplitude compass/gyro error; when to determine error; gyro latitude and speed correction

10%

Tides and Tidal Calculations

LAT and chart datum; springs and neaps; ATT standard and secondary ports; height at a time; rule of twelfths; tidal diamonds; under-keel clearance

10%

Passage Planning and Watchkeeping

Appraisal, planning, execution and monitoring; MSI; calling the Master; lookout; hours of rest; pilot and OOW responsibilities

Publications and Chart Correction

Weekly NtMs, T&Ps, Cumulative List, Annual Summary, ALRS, Sailing Directions and keeping charts up to date

IALA Buoyage

Regions A and B laterals; cardinal and isolated danger marks on paper charts and ECDIS

14%

COLREGs and Safe Navigation

Lookout, safe speed, risk of collision, steering and sailing rules, restricted visibility, lights and sound signals

12%

Radar Principles, Operation and Plotting

Echo ranging; beam width; pulse length; X/S band; clutter controls; heading marker; parallel indexing; OAW plotting; CPA/TCPA

ARPA

Vectors; sensor accuracy; acquisition and exclusion zones; target swap; trial manoeuvre; processing delays; operational warnings

Electronic Navigation Aids

GNSS DOP; ECDIS versus ECS; AIS Class A/B and data; echo-sounder second-trace; Doppler Janus logs

How to Pass the MCA OOW Yacht Navigation and Radar Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Minimum 70% in Part A, 50% in Part B, and 60% overall, as stated in the official GOV.UK Navigation and Radar Examination Syllabus
Assessment: Official: 2.5-hour theory paper in two parts. Part A — three questions (chartwork, tides, radar plotting). Part B — three underpinning-knowledge questions. Pass requires at least 70% in Part A, 50% in Part B and 60% overall. The full MCA-approved module also includes generic ECDIS and bridge watchkeeping simulator training with continuous practical assessment. This practice set converts 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 and IAMI fees are revised periodically; module course fees are additional)

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 Navigation and Radar Study Tips from Top Performers

1Drill TVMDC until automatic for both courses and bearings; write the conversion chain on every practice item

2Practise full chartwork triangles: DR/EP, course to steer with set/drift/leeway, and running fixes under timed conditions — Part A is calculation-heavy

3Master ATT secondary-port method and the rule of twelfths; always state whether height is above chart datum and check UKC

4Construct OAW radar plots by hand: relative track, true course/speed, CPA, TCPA and the effect of an own-ship alteration

5Memorise COLREGs steering and sailing rules, especially Rule 19 restricted-visibility action, and practise aspect from true vectors

6Know IALA Region A versus B laterals and all cardinal topmarks — both appear on charts and ECDIS

7Link publications to tasks: NtMs/T&Ps for chart currency, ALRS for radio/VTS/pilot, Sailing Directions for pilotage appraisal

8Work timed full Part A-style problems on paper — the real paper is written plotting, not multiple choice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MCA OOW Yacht Navigation and Radar exam?

It is the IAMI written examination for the MCA-approved Navigation and Radar (OOW yachts) module required on the Officer of the Watch (Yachts less than 3,000 GT) pathway under MSN 1858. It tests chartwork, tides, radar plotting, COLREGs and electronic navigation aids.

What is the official pass mark?

The official GOV.UK Navigation and Radar Examination Syllabus requires a minimum of 70% in Part A (chartwork, tides and radar plotting), 50% in Part B (underpinning knowledge), and an overall mark of 60%.

How long is the written paper?

The official syllabus allows 2.5 hours for the written examination.

Is the real exam multiple choice?

No. The official assessment is a worked written paper in two parts (plotting and underpinning knowledge). These free practice items are an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of the same syllabus topics — not an official IAMI paper simulation.

What topics does the syllabus cover?

Compass work; chartwork and position fixing; voyage planning and sources of information; chart correction and Notices to Mariners; tides and tidal calculations; safe navigational watch and COLREGs; IALA buoyage A and B; GNSS, terrestrial systems, echo sounders, logs, ECDIS, radar, ARPA and AIS.

How much does the exam cost?

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

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 Navigation and Radar module.

Is a course mandatory before sitting?

Yes for this module path: MSN 1858 requires successful completion of the MCA-approved Navigation and Radar (OOW yachts) training module and the corresponding IAMI written examination. Confirm the full CoC package (seatime, EDH, ancillaries and oral) with MCA guidance.