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100+ Free USCG Master/Mate 200 Practice Questions

Pass your USCG Master/Mate of Less Than 200 GRT Captain License exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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ArticleFREE USCG OUPV Six-Pack Captain License Guide 2026: Pass First Try27 min read
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: USCG Master/Mate 200 Exam

155

Questions on Original Path

USCG ONC05 sample exams

90%

Rules/Chart Plot Passing Score

USCG ONC05 modules

80%

Navigation Problems Passing

USCG ONC05 modules

70%

Deck and Nav General Passing

USCG ONC05 modules

$95

Exam Fee

NMC fee schedule

$240

Typical Original Total Fee

Evaluation + exam + issuance

Jan 28, 2026

ASAP Portal Rollout

NMC ASAP notice

As of May 13, 2026, the Coast Guard's ONC05 exam set for Master or Mate of Less Than 200 GRT still uses seven modules totaling 155 questions on the original path: Q100 Rules of the Road (50), Q150 Deck General (50), Q151 Deck Safety (50), Q152 Navigation General Oceans/Near Coastal (50), Q153 Chart Plot (10), Q154 Navigation Problems Oceans (10), and Q155 Navigation Problems Near Coastal (10). Q100 and Q153 require 90% to pass; Q154 and Q155 require 80%; the remaining modules require 70%.

Sample USCG Master/Mate 200 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your USCG Master/Mate 200 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 COLREGS and Inland Rules, a proper lookout must be maintained by:
A.Radar alone whenever electronic equipment is operating
B.Sight and hearing as well as all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances
C.The licensed master only, without help from deck crew
D.Monitoring VHF traffic and AIS targets from the chart table
Explanation: Rule 5 obligates every vessel to keep a proper lookout by sight and hearing and by all other available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. A 200-ton vessel master is expected to combine visual watch with radar, AIS, and radio information rather than relying on any single tool.
2You take a series of compass bearings on an approaching vessel and the bearing remains nearly steady while the range is closing. What does Rule 7 require you to assume?
A.There is no risk because both vessels are still well apart
B.The other vessel must be a stand-on vessel and will hold course
C.Risk of collision exists
D.The other vessel is overtaking you from astern
Explanation: A steady or nearly steady compass bearing with decreasing range is the classic Rule 7 indicator of collision risk. The mariner is required to treat any doubt as risk and to begin evaluating avoidance action immediately.
3Rule 6 (Safe Speed) lists additional factors that apply specifically when:
A.The vessel is moored to a pier or anchored
B.Operational radar is being used aboard the vessel
C.The vessel is operating under sail without engines
D.Visibility exceeds five nautical miles
Explanation: Rule 6(b) adds extra safe-speed considerations whenever operational radar is in use, including range scale limitations, sea or rain clutter, the possibility of small targets going undetected, and the accuracy of plotting. Those factors must be weighed alongside the general factors that apply to all vessels.
4Rule 8 requires that any action taken to avoid collision must be:
A.Positive, made in ample time, and large enough to be readily apparent
B.Delayed until the other vessel sounds a danger signal
C.Made as a series of small course changes spaced over several minutes
D.Limited to engine adjustments rather than course alterations
Explanation: Rule 8(a) and (b) call for action that is positive, taken in ample time, and substantial enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar. Small or hesitant maneuvers are specifically discouraged because they can confuse rather than resolve the situation.
5If there is any doubt whether risk of collision exists, the Rules direct you to:
A.Assume there is no risk until the other vessel sounds five short blasts
B.Assume risk of collision exists
C.Stand on and maintain course and speed until CPA equals zero
D.Wait for direction from Vessel Traffic Service before maneuvering
Explanation: Rule 7(a) states that if there is any doubt, risk of collision shall be deemed to exist. That conservative standard is intended to force early and prudent decision-making rather than waiting for certainty.
6Two power-driven vessels are meeting on nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision. What does Rule 14 require each vessel to do?
A.Alter course to port so both pass starboard to starboard
B.Each vessel alters course to starboard so they pass port to port
C.The smaller vessel stops while the larger vessel continues ahead
D.The vessel with right-of-way holds course while the other turns away
Explanation: In a head-on situation under Rule 14, each power-driven vessel shall alter her course to starboard so they pass on the port side of the other. The symmetrical response makes the intent immediately recognizable to both mariners.
7In a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels involving risk of collision, which vessel is the give-way vessel under Rule 15?
A.The vessel that has the other on her starboard side
B.The vessel that has the other on her port side
C.The faster vessel, regardless of relative position
D.The vessel with the higher masthead light
Explanation: Rule 15 makes the vessel that has the other on her own starboard side the give-way vessel. That vessel must keep out of the way and, when circumstances permit, avoid crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel.
8Under Rule 13, a vessel is considered to be overtaking another when she is approaching from a direction more than:
A.11.25 degrees abaft the beam
B.22.5 degrees abaft the beam
C.45 degrees abaft the beam
D.67.5 degrees abaft the beam
Explanation: Rule 13(b) defines overtaking by relative position: a vessel coming up from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft the other vessel's beam is overtaking. At night this corresponds roughly to the stern-light arc, where neither sidelight would be visible.
9In a crossing situation, when may the stand-on vessel take action to avoid collision?
A.Only after sounding the danger signal five times
B.Only when authorized by Vessel Traffic Service
C.When it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action
D.Never, because the stand-on vessel must always hold course and speed
Explanation: Rule 17(a)(ii) allows the stand-on vessel to maneuver as soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. Rule 17(b) further requires the stand-on vessel to act when collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone.
10Rule 18 establishes a general 'pecking order' for responsibilities between vessels. Which of the following lists vessels in correct order of priority, from most privileged to least?
A.Power-driven, sailing, fishing, restricted in ability to maneuver, not under command
B.Not under command, restricted in ability to maneuver, fishing, sailing, power-driven
C.Sailing, power-driven, not under command, fishing, restricted in ability to maneuver
D.Restricted in ability to maneuver, power-driven, fishing, sailing, not under command
Explanation: Rule 18 generally requires power-driven vessels to keep clear of sailing vessels, sailing vessels to keep clear of fishing vessels, and so on up the chain. The most privileged categories are vessels not under command and vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver.

About the USCG Master/Mate 200 Exam

The USCG Master/Mate of Less Than 200 GRT exam is the knowledge-test path for Master or Mate credentials on inspected vessels under 200 gross registered tons operating Oceans or Near Coastal routes. The official ONC05 module set emphasizes Rules of the Road, deck seamanship and safety, navigation fundamentals, chart plotting, and ocean/near-coastal navigation problems.

Assessment

Original ONC05 path totaling 155 questions: Rules of the Road Q100 (50), Deck General Q150 (50), Deck Safety Q151 (50), Navigation General Oceans/Near Coastal Q152 (50), Chart Plot Q153 (10), Navigation Problems Oceans Q154 (10), and Navigation Problems Near Coastal Q155 (10).

Time Limit

Per-module proctored at REC; multiple sittings are typical

Passing Score

70% Deck General, Deck Safety, and Navigation General; 90% Rules of the Road and Chart Plot; 80% Navigation Problems (Oceans and Near Coastal)

Exam Fee

$95 exam fee; $240 typical original application total (U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) / Regional Exam Centers)

USCG Master/Mate 200 Exam Content Outline

32.3% official weight

Rules of the Road (Q100)

Lookout, collision risk, steering and sailing rules, lights, shapes, sound signals, narrow channels, restricted visibility, and traffic separation.

32.3% official weight

Deck General (Q150)

Seamanship, line handling, anchoring, stability and tonnage basics, vessel documents, passenger operations, and watchkeeping.

32.3% official weight

Deck Safety (Q151)

Required safety equipment, firefighting, survival craft, emergency procedures, first aid, pollution prevention, heavy weather, and damage control.

32.3% official weight

Navigation General (Q152)

Charts, publications, aids to navigation, compass error, bearings, tides and currents, piloting, dead reckoning, and marine weather.

6.5% official weight

Chart Plot (Q153)

Course, speed, time, distance, set and drift, ETA, and fix determination using standard paper-chart plotting tools.

6.5% official weight

Navigation Problems: Oceans (Q154)

Time-speed-distance, departure, zone time, date-line crossings, and great-circle reasoning for ocean voyages.

6.5% official weight

Navigation Problems: Near Coastal (Q155)

Coastal piloting calculations including set and drift, ETA/SOA, tide and current tables, and underkeel clearance decisions.

How to Pass the USCG Master/Mate 200 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% Deck General, Deck Safety, and Navigation General; 90% Rules of the Road and Chart Plot; 80% Navigation Problems (Oceans and Near Coastal)
  • Assessment: Original ONC05 path totaling 155 questions: Rules of the Road Q100 (50), Deck General Q150 (50), Deck Safety Q151 (50), Navigation General Oceans/Near Coastal Q152 (50), Chart Plot Q153 (10), Navigation Problems Oceans Q154 (10), and Navigation Problems Near Coastal Q155 (10).
  • Time limit: Per-module proctored at REC; multiple sittings are typical
  • Exam fee: $95 exam fee; $240 typical original application total

Keys to Passing

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

USCG Master/Mate 200 Study Tips from Top Performers

1Overprepare for Q100 Rules of the Road because it carries both a full 50-question module and a 90% passing requirement.
2Memorize the practical differences among meeting, crossing, and overtaking situations under both Inland and International rules.
3Drill lights, day shapes, and sound signals until you can immediately identify the vessel and her situation from a short scenario.
4For Deck General, practice scenario questions on anchoring, line handling, stability basics, COI conditions, and watchkeeping turnover.
5For Deck Safety, build short emergency-action checklists for fire, flooding, man overboard, grounding, abandon ship, and heavy weather.
6Practice Navigation General with pencil-and-paper compass error, bearings, tides and currents, and ATON identification problems.
7Drill Q153 Chart Plot with time-speed-distance and set-and-drift problems until you can solve them in under three minutes each.
8For Q154/Q155 Navigation Problems, build a habit of writing out the formula (D = S x T) and units before computing the answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the USCG Master/Mate 200-Ton exam?

The original ONC05 path has 155 questions across seven modules: Rules of the Road Q100 (50), Deck General Q150 (50), Deck Safety Q151 (50), Navigation General Q152 (50), Chart Plot Q153 (10), Navigation Problems Oceans Q154 (10), and Navigation Problems Near Coastal Q155 (10). Exact modules may vary slightly for raise-of-grade or change-of-route applications.

What passing score do I need on each module?

Q100 Rules of the Road and Q153 Chart Plot require 90% to pass. Q154 and Q155 Navigation Problems modules require 80%. Q150 Deck General, Q151 Deck Safety, and Q152 Navigation General require 70% each. You must pass every module that applies to your endorsement path.

How long is the exam and where do I take it?

Modules are administered in person at a USCG Regional Exam Center (REC). Each module is proctored independently and most candidates spread them across more than one sitting. Calculators are limited to the TI-30XIIS scientific model under the current NMC calculator policy.

How much does the Master/Mate 200-Ton exam cost?

The current NMC fee schedule lists a $95 examination fee. A typical original officer endorsement application is $100 evaluation, $95 examination, and $45 issuance, for $240 total. Fees are paid through Pay.gov.

What changed for 2026 applicants?

There is no public change to the ONC05 module structure for 2026. The main applicant-facing changes remain the January 19, 2025 Pay.gov fee-payment shift and the January 28, 2026 NMC ASAP application portal rollout, which is now the primary online application route.

What is the difference between Master and Mate of Less Than 200 GRT?

Master indicates qualification to command an inspected vessel under 200 GRT for the indicated route, while Mate qualifies the holder to stand a watch under a Master on the same class of vessel. Both endorsements use the same ONC05 examination set, though sea service and qualifying time differ.

Which module should I study first?

Front-load Rules of the Road (Q100). It is a full 50-question module and requires 90% to pass, so it carries the most failure risk. After Rules, deck and navigation modules can be studied in any order that matches your weakest areas.