100+ Free Assistant Engineer-MODU Practice Questions
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Key Facts: Assistant Engineer-MODU Exam
MODE02
NMC Exam Code
USCG NMC Engine Officer Exams
Q715–Q717
Exam Modules
USCG NMC MODE02
~50
Typical questions per module (confirm NMC ESS)
Common candidate lists / study guides
70%
Passing score per module
USCG NMC engineering exam standard
3 years / 18 months listed
Primary MODU service path
46 CFR 11.544(a)(1)(i)
11.201(h)
Required firefighting course
46 CFR 11.544(a)(2)
15 ppm
Machinery-space bilge oil discharge limit
MARPOL Annex I
~$240–$255
Typical original officer fees
46 CFR 10.219
Assistant Engineer-MODU (NMC code MODE02) is the USCG national engineer officer exam for mobile offshore drilling units. Modules are Q715 Motor Plants, Q716 Engineering Safety & Environmental Protection, and Q717 General Subjects, each typically about 50 questions at 70% per common candidate lists (confirm current NMC ESS). Service paths are in 46 CFR 11.544 (MODU employment, machinist trade, or ABET degree routes) plus firefighting under 11.201(h); a non-self-propelled limitation is possible. Typical original officer fees are about $240–$255 under 46 CFR 10.219. Content is machinery-space engineering — not OIM or Barge Supervisor deck modules.
Sample Assistant Engineer-MODU Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your Assistant Engineer-MODU exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1In a four-stroke-cycle diesel engine, how many crankshaft revolutions are required to complete one full cycle in each cylinder?
2What is the primary purpose of fuel injection timing on a marine diesel engine?
3The chief function of scavenging in a two-stroke diesel is to:
4A marine diesel governor primarily:
5Black smoke from a diesel exhaust under normal load most commonly indicates:
6What is the main purpose of a turbocharger on a marine diesel?
7If starting air is applied but the engine will not turn and air pressure is normal, the most likely cause is that the:
8Jacket cooling water that is too cold during continuous operation can cause:
9The primary purpose of the diesel engine lube-oil system is to:
10A sudden rise in lube-oil temperature with falling pressure on a main diesel most nearly indicates:
About the Assistant Engineer-MODU Exam
The USCG Assistant Engineer-MODU endorsement (NMC exam code MODE02) authorizes service as assistant engineer on mobile offshore drilling units under 46 CFR 11.544 and 11.540. Candidates qualify by one of several paths: three years of MODU employment including 18 months in listed capacities with nine months on self-propelled or propulsion-assisted units; a machinist-trade path with MODU assignment; or an ABET (or NMC-accepted) marine/mechanical/electrical engineering technology degree plus six months in a listed capacity on self-propelled or propulsion-assisted units — plus firefighting training under 46 CFR 11.201(h). The examination is three multiple-choice modules (Q715–Q717) covering motor plants, engineering safety and environmental protection, and general engineering subjects. Applicants who lack self-propelled service may receive a non-self-propelled limitation under 46 CFR 11.544(b).
Assessment
MODE02 = Q715 Motor Plants + Q716 Engineering Safety & Environmental Protection + Q717 General Subjects. Each module independently graded at 70%. REC rules commonly allow up to 3.5 hours per module, minimum two modules per day when multiple remain, modules completed on consecutive days within the same business week. Engine candidates receive 46 CFR Parts 1–199 and 33 CFR Parts 1–199 as room references.
Time Limit
Up to 3.5 hours per module
Passing Score
70% on each module
Exam Fee
$100 evaluation + $45 issuance plus the applicable 46 CFR 10.219 examination fee ($110 upper level / $95 lower level for an original); about $240–$255 in total. Confirm the fee row with the NMC for MODU engineer applications. (U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) / Regional Exam Centers)
Assistant Engineer-MODU Exam Content Outline
Motor Plants (Q715)
Diesel cycle fundamentals, two- and four-stroke marine engines, fuel systems and injection, turbocharging and scavenging, governors, jacket and lube oil systems, starting air, auxiliary diesels/generators, and motor-plant casualty control on MODUs
Engineering Safety & Environmental Protection (Q716)
Fire classes and fixed/portable systems, SCBA and enclosed-space entry, H2S and flammable-gas awareness offshore, flooding and dewatering, lockout/tagout, MARPOL 15 ppm bilge discharge and Oil Record Book, OPA 90, and hazardous materials/SDS
General Subjects (Q717)
Centrifugal and positive-displacement pumps, cavitation and NPSH, hydraulics, heat exchangers, refrigeration, valves and piping, bilge and oily-water separators, AC generators and motor controllers, batteries, and engineer watchkeeping on MODU machinery spaces
How to Pass the Assistant Engineer-MODU Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70% on each module
- Assessment: MODE02 = Q715 Motor Plants + Q716 Engineering Safety & Environmental Protection + Q717 General Subjects. Each module independently graded at 70%. REC rules commonly allow up to 3.5 hours per module, minimum two modules per day when multiple remain, modules completed on consecutive days within the same business week. Engine candidates receive 46 CFR Parts 1–199 and 33 CFR Parts 1–199 as room references.
- Time limit: Up to 3.5 hours per module
- Exam fee: $100 evaluation + $45 issuance plus the applicable 46 CFR 10.219 examination fee ($110 upper level / $95 lower level for an original); about $240–$255 in total. Confirm the fee row with the NMC for MODU engineer applications.
Keys to Passing
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Assistant Engineer-MODU Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Assistant Engineer-MODU endorsement authorize?
Under 46 CFR 11.540 and 11.544, the Assistant Engineer-MODU endorsement authorizes service as assistant engineer on mobile offshore drilling units within the scope of the endorsement (including any non-self-propelled limitation if issued).
How is the MODE02 exam structured?
MODE02 is delivered as three multiple-choice modules: Q715 Motor Plants, Q716 Engineering Safety & Environmental Protection, and Q717 General Subjects. Each module is graded independently and requires a minimum of 70% to pass.
How many questions are on each MODE02 module?
Common candidate lists and study guides cite about 50 multiple-choice questions per module (Q715, Q716, Q717) at 70%. Exact module size is controlled by the current NMC Exam Structure Sheet and sample exams — confirm on the NMC MODE02 page before your REC appointment.
What experience is required under 46 CFR 11.544?
One path is three years of MODU employment including 18 months as Mechanic, Motorman, Subsea Engineer, Electrician, Barge Engineer, Toolpusher, Unit Superintendent, Crane Operator, or equivalent, with nine months on self-propelled or propulsion-assisted units. Alternates include a machinist-trade path with required MODU time, or an ABET engineering technology degree plus six months in a listed capacity on self-propelled or propulsion-assisted units. Firefighting training under 46 CFR 11.201(h) is also required.
Can the endorsement be limited to non-self-propelled units?
Yes. Under 46 CFR 11.544(b), if you pass the exam and have the total required service but lack the required self-propelled or propulsion-assisted service, the Coast Guard may issue an endorsement limited to non-self-propelled units and later remove the limitation when the missing service (and any additional required examination) is completed.
Is this the same as OIM, Barge Supervisor, or Ballast Control Operator?
No. Assistant Engineer-MODU (MODE02) is an engineer officer path focused on machinery spaces. Offshore Installation Manager, Barge Supervisor, and Ballast Control Operator are separate MODU officer paths with different exam codes and service rules. Do not mix those deck-oriented banks with MODE02.
What are the fees?
Under 46 CFR 10.219, a typical original officer package is $100 evaluation, an examination fee of $95 (lower level) or $110 (upper level), and $45 issuance (about $240–$255). Confirm the fee row the NMC applies to your MODU engineer transaction and pay via Pay.gov.
Is this free practice bank an official Coast Guard exam?
No. It is a free English multiple-choice study aid covering MODE02 topic areas for 2026. Official modules are administered by the Coast Guard at Regional Exam Centers using current NMC banks.