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Key Facts: USCG Master GLI Unlimited Exam

GLI01

NMC Exam Code

NMC Examinations

~295

Typical GLI Path Questions

Q100+Q302–Q306 module sums

90%

Rules & Chart Plot Pass

USCG Deck Guide

$110

Exam Fee (Upper Level)

46 CFR 10.219

$255

Typical Original Total Fee

Evaluation + exam + issuance

5 yr

MMC Validity

USCG MMC rules

GLI01 Master Great Lakes and Inland Unlimited is a modular Coast Guard exam. Typical Great Lakes and Inland modules: Rules of the Road (50 at 90%), Deck General and Deck Safety (70 each at 70%), Navigation General GLI (70 at 70%), Chart Plot (10 at 90%), and Great Lakes Topics (25 at 70%). A full Q100+Q302–Q306 path is about 295 questions. Upper-level original fees are about $100+$110+$45 under 46 CFR 10.219. Inland-only Rules create a COLREGS limitation unless Q100 is completed. This free bank is an English MCQ study aid.

Sample USCG Master GLI Unlimited Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the USCG Master GLI Unlimited exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Rule 5 requires that a proper lookout be maintained:
A.At all times, by sight and hearing and by all other available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions
B.Only once other traffic has been reported by a vessel traffic service
C.Only during the hours of darkness
D.Only while the vessel is outside a narrow channel
Explanation: Rule 5 is unqualified: every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions, so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision. There is no exemption for daylight, light traffic, or particular waters.
2Rule 7 warns that risk of collision may exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when:
A.Approaching a very large vessel or a tow, or approaching any vessel at close range
B.The other vessel is showing an anchor light
C.Both vessels are inside a traffic separation scheme
D.Visibility exceeds 10 nautical miles
Explanation: Rule 7(d)(ii) states that risk may sometimes exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when approaching a very large vessel or a tow or when approaching a vessel at close range. A steady or slowly changing bearing taken on the bridge of a 300-metre laker can still end in contact with her bow or her stern.
3Under Rule 17(c), a power-driven vessel that takes stand-on action to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel in a crossing situation shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, NOT:
A.Alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side
B.Reduce speed at any point in the encounter
C.Sound any whistle signal
D.Use the engines astern
Explanation: Rule 17(c) provides that a power-driven vessel taking action under Rule 17(a)(ii) in a crossing situation shall, if circumstances admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side. Turning toward the give-way vessel is the classic way a stand-on vessel converts a near miss into a collision.
4Rule 14, the head-on situation rule, applies to:
A.Two power-driven vessels meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision
B.A power-driven vessel meeting a sailing vessel
C.Two sailing vessels approaching one another
D.Any two vessels that are not in sight of one another
Explanation: Rule 14 is written for two power-driven vessels meeting head-on. A meeting between a power-driven vessel and a sailing vessel falls under Rule 18; two sailing vessels are governed by Rule 12; and vessels not in sight of one another are governed by Rule 19, not by the steering and sailing rules for vessels in sight.
5Under the Inland Rules, when power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing with risk of collision, maneuvering signals generally express:
A.Intention and require agreement by the other vessel (reply)
B.Action already taken only, with no need for a reply
C.Restricted-visibility signals under Rule 35
D.Distress signals under Annex IV
Explanation: Under Inland Rule 34, short-blast maneuvering signals are signals of intention and the other vessel must answer; International Rule 34 treats short blasts as signals of action already being taken.
6Two power-driven vessels meet in a narrow channel on the Great Lakes, the downbound vessel having a following current. Under Inland Rule 9(a)(ii), the maneuvering signals are initiated by:
A.The downbound vessel, which has the right of way and proposes the manner of passage
B.The upbound vessel, which has the right of way against the current
C.Whichever vessel sights the other first, regardless of direction
D.Neither vessel, because whistle signals are not used in these waters
Explanation: Inland Rule 9(a)(ii) gives a power-driven vessel proceeding downbound with a following current in a narrow channel or fairway on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary the right of way over an upbound vessel. She proposes the manner of passage and initiates the Rule 34(a)(i) maneuvering signals; the upbound vessel holds as necessary to permit safe passing.
7Under Inland Rule 9 in a narrow channel, a vessel of less than 20 meters or a sailing vessel shall not:
A.Impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel or fairway
B.Overtake any power-driven vessel under any circumstances
C.Sound any whistle signals when meeting
D.Navigate near the outer limit of the channel on her starboard side
Explanation: Rule 9 requires vessels less than 20 meters, sailing vessels, and certain others not to impede vessels that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway.
8In restricted visibility under Rule 19, a vessel that detects by radar alone another vessel forward of her beam and determines risk of collision should avoid, as far as possible:
A.An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (other than one being overtaken)
B.Any reduction of speed
C.Sounding fog signals
D.An alteration of course to starboard
Explanation: Rule 19(d) directs that, so far as possible, a vessel shall avoid an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (other than a vessel being overtaken) and an alteration toward a vessel abeam or abaft the beam.
9A power-driven vessel underway at night (not restricted in ability to maneuver, not constrained by draft, not fishing) generally exhibits:
A.Masthead light(s), sidelights, and a sternlight
B.Sidelights and a sternlight only
C.An all-round white light only
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.
10You see only a green sidelight of another vessel on a steady bearing. As Master, you should assume:
A.A crossing situation in which you are the give-way vessel if risk of collision exists
B.You are the stand-on vessel and must maintain course and speed only
C.The other vessel is overtaking you
D.The other vessel is not under command
Explanation: A green sidelight alone indicates you are looking at the other vessel's starboard side. In a crossing situation with risk of collision you have the other on your starboard side and are give-way under Rule 15.

About the USCG Master GLI Unlimited Exam

The USCG Master Great Lakes and Inland of Unlimited Tonnage examination (NMC exam code GLI01) is the upper-level national deck knowledge path for unlimited tonnage master service on Great Lakes and inland waters under 46 CFR 11.430 et seq. Modules cover Rules of the Road (Inland and International or Inland-only with limitation), deck general, deck safety, navigation general for Great Lakes and inland waters, chart plot, and Great Lakes Topics when the Great Lakes route is requested.

Exam sponsor: U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) / Regional Exam Centers. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

GLI01: Q100 Rules of the Road Inland and International (50, 90%) and/or Q300 Rules of the Road Inland (50, 90%); Q302 Deck General (70, 70%); Q303 Deck Safety (70, 70%); Q304 Navigation General Great Lakes and Inland (70, 70%); Q305 Chart Plot (10, 90%); Q306 Great Lakes Topics (25, 70%) for Great Lakes and Inland routes (not for pure inland). Q307 is Master Unlimited Tonnage Renewal Open Book Exercise.

Time Limit

Up to 3.5 hours per module; minimum two modules per day, all modules completed on consecutive days within the same business week

Passing Score

70% most modules; 90% Rules of the Road; 90% chart plot

Exam / Certification Fees

$110 examination fee; ~$255 typical original upper-level total ($100 evaluation + $110 exam + $45 issuance)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not publicly disclosed. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

~17%

Rules of the Road

COLREGS/Inland rules for unlimited tonnage master decisions on Great Lakes and inland waters.

~24%

Deck General

Seamanship, cargo, watchkeeping, and shipboard management at master level.

~24%

Deck Safety

Stability, damage control, firefighting, lifesaving, and emergencies.

~24%

Navigation General

Great Lakes and inland navigation, ice, compass, and piloting.

~11%

Chart Plot and Great Lakes Topics

Plotting problems and Great Lakes-specific knowledge when required.

Preparing for the USCG Master GLI Unlimited Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% most modules; 90% Rules of the Road; 90% chart plot
  • Assessment: GLI01: Q100 Rules of the Road Inland and International (50, 90%) and/or Q300 Rules of the Road Inland (50, 90%); Q302 Deck General (70, 70%); Q303 Deck Safety (70, 70%); Q304 Navigation General Great Lakes and Inland (70, 70%); Q305 Chart Plot (10, 90%); Q306 Great Lakes Topics (25, 70%) for Great Lakes and Inland routes (not for pure inland). Q307 is Master Unlimited Tonnage Renewal Open Book Exercise.
  • Time limit: Up to 3.5 hours per module; minimum two modules per day, all modules completed on consecutive days within the same business week
  • Exam / certification fees: $110 examination fee; ~$255 typical original upper-level total ($100 evaluation + $110 exam + $45 issuance) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • 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 Master GLI Unlimited: Suggested Study Strategy

1Overprepare for Rules of the Road because those modules require 90% to pass.
2Know when Inland Rules differ from COLREGS (sound signals, lights, narrow channels, Western Rivers/Great Lakes special rules).
3Drill chart-plot routines: largest scale chart, regular fixes, set and drift, and standard plotting symbology.
4Practice speed-time-distance and course-to-steer arithmetic until automatic under time pressure.
5Study ice navigation, seiches, and Great Lakes weather if your route includes Great Lakes Topics modules.
6Take timed sets of 50–70 questions to match REC module length.
7Memorize required lights, shapes, and sound signals for power-driven vessels, towing, fishing, and restricted-visibility situations.
8Review stability, damage control, firefighting, and abandon-ship procedures for deck safety modules.
9Confirm whether your application needs Q100 (Inland and International) to avoid a COLREGS limitation.
10Study the GLI01 module list on the NMC examinations pages and take only the Rules module path that matches your COLREGS limitation choice.
11Inland routes do not take Great Lakes Topics modules; Great Lakes and Inland routes do.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the USCG GLI01 exam?

GLI01 is modular. Core modules include Rules of the Road (50), Deck General (70), Deck Safety (70), Navigation General Great Lakes and Inland (70), Chart Plot (10), and Great Lakes Topics (25) when the Great Lakes route is requested. Inland-only paths omit Great Lakes Topics.

What passing score do I need?

Most modules require 70%. Rules of the Road requires 90%. Chart plot requires 90%. Great Lakes Topics modules (when required) generally require 70%.

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. Medical, drug testing, and training costs are separate. Pay via Pay.gov.

Can I take the exam remotely?

No. These deck officer modules are administered in person at U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers (RECs). There is no approved remote-testing option for these endorsements.

What is the difference between Inland-only and Great Lakes and Inland Rules modules?

For Great Lakes and Inland routes, Rules of the Road is Inland and International (Q100). For Inland routes, applicants may take Inland-only Rules (Q300), but Inland-only Rules result in a geographic COLREGS limitation on the MMC unless Q100 is also completed (46 CFR 11.430).

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

Renewal open-book exercises (for example, master/mate unlimited or limited-tonnage renewal papers listed in the Deck Guide) are separate from original GLI01 knowledge modules. This bank focuses on original-module knowledge.

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 and may include chart-plot and calculation items that this bank approximates with knowledge and calculation MCQs.