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100+ Free USCG First Class Pilot Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: USCG First Class Pilot Exam

FCP01

NMC Exam Code

NMC Examinations

50

Q370 Deck General/Safety Questions

USCG Deck Guide / NMC FCP01

70

Q371 Navigation General Questions

USCG Deck Guide / NMC FCP01

90%

Rules & Chart Plot Pass Score

USCG Deck Guide

70%

Deck/Nav Module Pass Score

USCG Deck Guide

$110

Exam Fee (Upper Level)

46 CFR 10.219

$255

Typical Original Total Fee

Evaluation + exam + issuance

FCP01 First Class Pilot is modular. Core modules include Rules of the Road (90%), Q370 Deck General/Safety (50 at 70%), Q371 Navigation General (70 at 70%), and Q372/Q373 Chart Plot (10 at 90%), plus Sector-specific Q374 Local Knowledge and Q375 Chart Sketch. Typical original upper-level fees are about $100+$110+$45 under 46 CFR 10.219. Q376 renewal open book is separate. This free bank teaches assessable knowledge and pilotage frameworks—not a fake specific route.

Sample USCG First Class Pilot Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your USCG First Class Pilot exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under Rule 5 of the Inland and International Navigation Rules, a proper lookout must be maintained by:
A.Sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate to the circumstances
B.Radar alone whenever electronic equipment is operating
C.The pilot only, without assistance from the bridge team
D.Monitoring AIS and VHF from the chart table only
Explanation: Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing and by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions. On a piloted vessel that includes visual watch, sound, radar, and AIS as available, shared across the bridge team.
2Under the Navigation Rules, risk of collision is generally deemed to exist when:
A.The compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change
B.Another vessel is more than 12 miles away on radar
C.You are overtaking and will pass more than one mile clear
D.You hear a fog signal abaft the beam only
Explanation: Rule 7 provides that risk of collision shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change. Steady bearing with decreasing range is a classic collision-risk indicator for pilots assessing traffic.
3Under Inland Rule 34(a), the exchange of maneuvering signals is required when power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and are meeting or crossing within what distance of each other?
A.Half a mile
B.One mile
C.Two miles
D.Three miles
Explanation: Inland Rule 34(a) (33 CFR 83.34(a)) triggers the intent signals only when power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing at a distance within half a mile. Beyond that distance the Inland maneuvering signals are not required, although Rules 5, 7, and 8 still govern lookout, risk assessment, and avoiding action. The International Rules contain no comparable distance qualifier.
4Under Inland Rule 34(c), a power-driven vessel intending to overtake another power-driven vessel sounds one short blast to mean:
A.I intend to overtake you on your starboard side
B.I intend to overtake you on your port side
C.I am altering course to starboard
D.I intend to leave you on my port side
Explanation: Inland Rule 34(c)(i) (33 CFR 83.34(c)) gives the overtaking signals their own meanings: one short blast means 'I intend to overtake you on your starboard side' and two short blasts mean 'I intend to overtake you on your port side.' The vessel about to be overtaken sounds a similar signal if in agreement, or the danger signal if in doubt. International Rule 34(c) instead uses two prolonged blasts followed by one or two short blasts.
5The danger or doubt signal under the Navigation Rules is:
A.At least five short and rapid blasts
B.One prolonged blast
C.Three short blasts
D.Two prolonged blasts followed by one short
Explanation: Rule 34 provides that when vessels in sight of one another fail to understand each other's intentions or actions, or when doubt exists, at least five short and rapid blasts shall be given. Pilots use this when a proposed pass is unsafe or unclear.
6Under the International Rules (COLREGS), when two power-driven vessels meet head-on so as to involve risk of collision, each shall:
A.Alter course to starboard so as to pass port to port
B.Alter course to port so as to pass starboard to starboard
C.Stop engines until the situation is resolved
D.The vessel with deeper draft holds course and speed
Explanation: Rule 14 requires each vessel in a head-on situation to alter course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.
7In a crossing situation under the International Rules between two power-driven vessels where risk of collision exists, which vessel is the give-way vessel?
A.The vessel that has the other on her own starboard side
B.The vessel that has the other on her own port side
C.The faster of the two vessels regardless of bearing
D.The vessel with the greater draft
Explanation: Rule 15 makes the vessel that has the other on her own starboard side the give-way vessel; she shall keep out of the way and, if circumstances permit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
8Under Inland Rule 34(h), two vessels that reach a passing agreement by radiotelephone under the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act:
A.Are not obliged to sound the whistle signals prescribed by Rule 34, but may still do so
B.Must nevertheless sound every prescribed whistle signal before maneuvering
C.Are relieved of the doubt signal even when one vessel doubts the other's actions
D.May disregard the steering and sailing rules once the agreement is made
Explanation: Inland Rule 34(h) (33 CFR 83.34(h)) provides that a vessel reaching agreement with another in a head-on, crossing, or overtaking situation—for example by bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone—is not obliged to sound the prescribed whistle signals, but may do so. If agreement is not reached, whistle signals must be exchanged in a timely manner and they prevail. There is no equivalent provision in the International Rules.
9Under Rule 9 (Narrow Channels), a vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her which side as is safe and practicable?
A.Starboard side
B.Port side
C.Centerline only
D.Whichever side is deeper
Explanation: Rule 9(a) requires a vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway to keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable—critical for pilotage in constrained waters.
10A power-driven vessel underway at night (not constrained or restricted) exhibits:
A.Masthead light(s), sidelights, and a sternlight
B.Sidelights and a sternlight only
C.An all-round white light and sidelights only as the general configuration for all sizes
D.Two all-round red lights in a vertical line
Explanation: Rule 23 requires a power-driven vessel underway to show masthead light(s), sidelights, and a sternlight. Vessels 50 m or more must show a second after masthead light higher than the forward one.

About the USCG First Class Pilot Exam

The USCG First Class Pilot examination (NMC exam code FCP01) is the national deck knowledge and route-demonstration path for a First Class Pilot endorsement under 46 CFR 11.701–11.713, with examination requirements in 46 CFR 11.707. Core modules include Rules of the Road, Deck General/Safety (Q370), Navigation General (Q371), and Chart Plot (Q372/Q373), plus Local Knowledge (Q374) and Chart Sketch (Q375) determined by the Coast Guard Sector for the desired pilotage route. This free practice bank is an English MCQ study aid; it cannot replace Sector chart-sketch or local-knowledge demonstrations.

Assessment

FCP01: Q100 and/or Q300 Rules of the Road (50, 90%); Q370 Deck General/Safety (50, 70%); Q371 Navigation General (70, 70%); Q372 or Q373 Chart Plot (10, 90%); Q374 Local Knowledge (route/Sector); Q375 Chart Sketch (route/Sector). Contact the REC for Local Knowledge and Chart Sketch details for your route.

Time Limit

Up to 3.5 hours per module; First Class Pilot examinations must be coordinated with a Regional Exam Center; complete modules on consecutive examination periods per NMC policy

Passing Score

70% most modules; 90% Rules of the Road and Chart Plot; Local Knowledge and Chart Sketch per Sector route standards

Exam Fee

$110 examination fee; ~$255 typical original upper-level total ($100 evaluation + $110 exam + $45 issuance) (U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) / Regional Exam Centers; Local Knowledge and Chart Sketch via CG Sector for the route)

USCG First Class Pilot Exam Content Outline

~20%

Rules of the Road

Collision regulations for pilotage waters (Inland/International).

~20%

Deck General / Safety

Seamanship, shiphandling, firefighting, and emergencies (Q370).

~25%

Navigation General

Charts, tides, ATON, compass, weather, and piloting (Q371).

~15%

Chart Plot Calculations

Distance off, ETA, set/drift, course to steer, turning (Q372/Q373).

~20%

Pilotage Local Knowledge Framework

How to prepare for Sector Local Knowledge and Chart Sketch—not a specific route pack.

How to Pass the USCG First Class Pilot Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% most modules; 90% Rules of the Road and Chart Plot; Local Knowledge and Chart Sketch per Sector route standards
  • Assessment: FCP01: Q100 and/or Q300 Rules of the Road (50, 90%); Q370 Deck General/Safety (50, 70%); Q371 Navigation General (70, 70%); Q372 or Q373 Chart Plot (10, 90%); Q374 Local Knowledge (route/Sector); Q375 Chart Sketch (route/Sector). Contact the REC for Local Knowledge and Chart Sketch details for your route.
  • Time limit: Up to 3.5 hours per module; First Class Pilot examinations must be coordinated with a Regional Exam Center; complete modules on consecutive examination periods per NMC policy
  • Exam fee: $110 examination fee; ~$255 typical original upper-level total ($100 evaluation + $110 exam + $45 issuance)

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

USCG First Class Pilot Study Tips from Top Performers

1Overprepare for Rules of the Road because those modules require 90% to pass.
2Treat Chart Plot as a high-stakes module (90%): drill distance-off, ETA, set and drift, and course-to-steer until automatic under time pressure.
3Build a personal route binder for Q374/Q375: ranges and leading lights, turning basins, shoals, currents, bridge clearances, VTS/call-in points, and emergency anchorages—obtained from official charts, Coast Pilot, and Sector materials for YOUR route.
4Practice blank chart sketches from memory for your route; MCQs cannot substitute for Sector Chart Sketch.
5Know when Inland Rules differ from COLREGS (sound signals, lights, narrow channels, Western Rivers special rules) for the waters of your route.
6Review shiphandling: pivot point, transverse thrust, bank cushion/suction, squat, and interaction for pilotage approaches.
7Take timed sets of 50–70 questions to match REC module length for Q370/Q371.
8Confirm with REC whether you need Q100 (Inland and International) versus Q300 (Inland only) for your pilotage waters.
9If you already hold Master/Mate over 1,600 GRT, ask NMC/REC which modules are waived under 46 CFR 11.707(b) for your route extension.
10Study the FCP01 module list on the NMC examinations pages and coordinate Local Knowledge/Chart Sketch early with the controlling Sector.
11Memorize required lights, shapes, and sound signals for power-driven vessels, towing, fishing, dredging, and restricted-visibility situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the USCG First Class Pilot (FCP01) exam?

FCP01 is modular. Knowledge modules include Rules of the Road (typically 50), Deck General/Safety Q370 (50), Navigation General Q371 (70), and Chart Plot Q372 or Q373 (about 10). Local Knowledge (Q374) and Chart Sketch (Q375) are determined by the CG Sector for your route and are not fixed national MCQ counts.

What passing score do I need?

Most modules require 70%. Rules of the Road requires 90%. Chart Plot requires 90%. Local Knowledge and Chart Sketch are assessed to Sector standards for the specific pilotage route.

How much does the exam cost?

Under 46 CFR 10.219, a typical original upper-level officer path is about $100 evaluation, $110 examination, and $45 issuance (about $255 total). Medical, drug testing, training, and route-specific preparation costs are separate. Pay via Pay.gov. Confirm the current NMC fee schedule before applying.

Can I take the exam remotely?

No. First Class Pilot modules are administered in person at U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers, and Local Knowledge/Chart Sketch are coordinated with the CG Sector for the route. There is no approved remote-testing option for this endorsement.

What is Local Knowledge and Chart Sketch?

Q374 Local Knowledge and Q375 Chart Sketch are route-specific. Content and format are determined by the Coast Guard Sector for the local area and desired route. Contact the REC for details. This free practice bank teaches pilotage knowledge frameworks (how to organize ranges, currents, VTS, depths, and sketch practice)—it does not simulate a specific Sector route pack.

Are open-book renewal exercises the same as the original modules?

No. Q376 First Class Pilot Renewal Open Book Exercise (50 questions, 90%) is separate from original FCP01 knowledge modules. This bank focuses on original-module knowledge and pilotage frameworks.

Do Masters or Mates of over 1,600 GRT take the full FCP01 battery?

Under 46 CFR 11.707(b), an applicant for an extension of route, or an applicant holding Master or Mate authorized on vessels of more than 1,600 GRT seeking First Class Pilot, is required to pass those portions of the examination that concern the specific route for which endorsement is sought. Confirm module assignment with NMC/REC for your case.

How do I apply for First Class Pilot?

Applications go through the NMC process with fees via Pay.gov. For some pilotage routes, NMC notices direct applicants to coordinate with the REC by email rather than using ASAP for the entire package. Always follow the current NMC checklist and REC guidance for your route.

What calculator can I bring?

The NMC policy letter of December 2, 2024 superseded the earlier TI-30XIIS-only rule. At a Regional Exam Center you may use a programmable calculator with memory if all programs and memory are cleared before entry and you can demonstrate clearing with the manufacturer's instructions. If the examiner cannot confirm the device is cleared, a TI-30XIIS is provided instead. Only one calculator is allowed; other electronics including smart watches are not permitted.

Is this free practice bank an official Coast Guard exam?

No. This is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation for exam prep. Official modules are administered by the Coast Guard at RECs. Chart Sketch and Local Knowledge are route-specific demonstrations that this bank cannot replace; it only teaches study frameworks and general knowledge.