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100+ Free USCG Towing Master/Mate Oceans/NC Practice Questions

Prepare for the USCG Master, Mate, and Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels — Oceans or Near Coastal exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: USCG Towing Master/Mate Oceans/NC Exam

TV01

NMC Exam Code

NMC Examinations

70

Q410/Q411 Deck Module Questions

NMC TV01 / Deck Guide

90%

Rules, Chart Plot & NC Problems Pass

USCG module standards

80%

Oceans Nav Problems Pass Score

USCG Deck Guide

$240

Typical Original Total Fee

Evaluation + exam + issuance

5 yr

MMC Validity

USCG MMC rules

TV01 Master/Mate/Apprentice Mate of Towing Oceans or Near Coastal is modular: Rules Q100 at 90%, Deck General Q410 and Deck Safety Q411 at 70% (70 questions each), Nav General NC Q412 and Oceans Q413 at 70%, Chart Plot Q414 and NC nav problems Q415 at 90%, Oceans nav problems Q416 at 80%. Lower-level original fees are about $100+$95+$45 under 46 CFR 10.219. Service and TOAR follow 46 CFR 11.463–11.466. This free bank is an English MCQ study aid, not the official REC exam.

Sample USCG Towing Master/Mate Oceans/NC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your USCG Towing Master/Mate Oceans/NC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under the International and Inland Rules, a proper lookout must be maintained by:
A.Radar alone when the tow restricts forward visibility
B.Sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate to the circumstances
C.The master only when the vessel is engaged in towing
D.VHF monitoring unless the vessel is pushing barges ahead
Explanation: Rule 5 requires every vessel to keep a proper lookout by sight and hearing and by all available means appropriate to the circumstances so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
2You observe another vessel by compass bearing while range is decreasing. The bearing remains nearly steady. What should you assume?
A.There is no risk because the bearing is not changing
B.Risk of collision exists
C.Only the other vessel has collision responsibility
D.The other vessel must be overtaking you
Explanation: A steady or nearly steady bearing with decreasing range is a classic indicator of collision risk under Rule 7. Assume risk of collision exists and take appropriate action.
3Two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision. Which vessel is the give-way vessel?
A.The vessel that has the other on her own port side
B.The smaller of the two vessels
C.The vessel that has the other on her own starboard side
D.The vessel with the longer tow
Explanation: Under Rule 15, when two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way and, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
4When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on so as to involve risk of collision, each vessel shall:
A.Alter course to port and pass starboard to starboard
B.Stop engines until the situation clears
C.Alter course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other
D.Sound five short blasts and maintain course
Explanation: Rule 14 requires each power-driven vessel in a head-on meeting involving risk of collision to alter course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.
5A vessel is overtaking when she is coming up with another vessel from a direction more than:
A.22.5 degrees abaft her beam
B.45 degrees abaft her beam
C.67.5 degrees abaft her beam
D.90 degrees abaft her beam
Explanation: Rule 13 defines an overtaking vessel as one coming up with another from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam—that is, in such a position that at night she would see only the sternlight.
6Safe speed under Rule 6 must allow the vessel to take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances. Which factor is most relevant when towing a long hawser tow in traffic?
A.The age of the master's license
B.Traffic density, maneuverability of the tow, draft relative to available depth, and background lighting
C.Only the horsepower of the towing vessel
D.Whether the vessel is inspected or uninspected
Explanation: Rule 6 lists factors including visibility, traffic density, maneuverability, draft in relation to available depth, and at night the presence of background light. A long tow greatly reduces maneuverability and stopping ability.
7Which day shape indicates a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver?
A.Two balls in a vertical line
B.A ball, a diamond, and a ball in a vertical line
C.Two cones with apexes together
D.Three balls in a vertical line
Explanation: Rule 27 requires a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver to exhibit three shapes in a vertical line: ball, diamond, ball (and corresponding lights at night).
8A power-driven vessel towing astern and the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters shall exhibit, in addition to sidelights and sternlight:
A.Two masthead lights in a vertical line
B.Three masthead lights in a vertical line
C.One all-round white light only
D.A single yellow flashing light on the towline
Explanation: Rule 24 requires a power-driven vessel when towing astern to exhibit two masthead lights in a vertical line; when the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, three such lights in a vertical line are required, plus a towing light above the sternlight and the diamond day shape where applicable.
9What light is exhibited above the sternlight of a power-driven vessel engaged in towing astern?
A.A white all-round light
B.A yellow towing light
C.A red all-round light
D.A green sidelight
Explanation: Rule 24 requires a power-driven vessel towing astern to show a yellow towing light in a vertical line above the sternlight, in addition to the prescribed masthead lights, sidelights, and sternlight.
10A power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside on International waters shall exhibit:
A.Two masthead lights in a vertical line, sidelights, and a sternlight
B.Three masthead lights and no sidelights
C.Only sidelights and a yellow towing light
D.The same lights as a sailing vessel
Explanation: Under COLREGS Rule 24, a power-driven vessel when pushing ahead or towing alongside shall exhibit two masthead lights in a vertical line, sidelights, and a sternlight (Inland rules differ for certain composite units and towing light arrangements).

About the USCG Towing Master/Mate Oceans/NC Exam

The USCG Master, Mate, and Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels — Oceans or Near Coastal examination (NMC exam code TV01) is the national deck knowledge path for towing vessel officers on oceans and near-coastal routes under 46 CFR 11.463–11.466. Modules cover International and Inland Rules (Q100), Deck General (Q410), Deck Safety (Q411), Navigation General Near Coastal and Oceans (Q412–Q413), Chart Plot and navigation problems (Q414–Q416), and an open-book renewal exercise (Q417) when assigned. It is distinct from Great Lakes and Inland towing (TV02) and Western Rivers towing paths.

Assessment

TV01: Q100 Rules International and Inland (typically 50, 90%); Q410 Deck General (70, 70%); Q411 Deck Safety (70, 70%); Q412 Nav General Near Coastal (50, 70%); Q413 Nav General Oceans (50, 70%); Q414 Chart Plot (10, 90%); Q415 Nav Problems Near Coastal (10, 90%); Q416 Nav Problems Oceans (10, 80%); Q417 renewal OBE as assigned. Confirm current sample-exam sizes on the NMC TV01 page.

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 (Q100); 90% Chart Plot (Q414); 90% Nav Problems Near Coastal (Q415); 80% Nav Problems Oceans (Q416); 90% open-book renewal OBE (Q417)

Exam Fee

$100 evaluation + $45 issuance plus the applicable 46 CFR 10.219 examination fee ($110 upper level / $95 lower level for an original, $45 for renewal, raise of grade, or modification); about $240-$255 in total. Towing endorsements are route-scoped rather than tonnage-scoped, so confirm the row with the NMC before paying on Pay.gov. (U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) / Regional Exam Centers)

USCG Towing Master/Mate Oceans/NC Exam Content Outline

~20%

Rules of the Road International and Inland

COLREGS and Inland Rules including towing lights, shapes, and multi-vessel collision avoidance (Q100).

~20%

Deck General

Seamanship, tow makeup, wire and barge handling, stability, and watchkeeping for Q410.

~15%

Deck Safety

Firefighting, emergencies, damage control, and emergency towing safety for Q411.

~12%

Navigation General Near Coastal

Near-coastal aids, tides, currents, and piloting (Q412).

~12%

Navigation General Oceans

Oceans navigation theory, publications, and weather (Q413).

~15%

Chart Plot and Nav Problems

Chart plot and near-coastal/oceans navigation problems (Q414–Q416).

~6%+

Towing Operations (integrated)

Tow wire, catenary, barge handling, and emergency towing concepts integrated across modules.

How to Pass the USCG Towing Master/Mate Oceans/NC Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% most modules; 90% Rules of the Road (Q100); 90% Chart Plot (Q414); 90% Nav Problems Near Coastal (Q415); 80% Nav Problems Oceans (Q416); 90% open-book renewal OBE (Q417)
  • Assessment: TV01: Q100 Rules International and Inland (typically 50, 90%); Q410 Deck General (70, 70%); Q411 Deck Safety (70, 70%); Q412 Nav General Near Coastal (50, 70%); Q413 Nav General Oceans (50, 70%); Q414 Chart Plot (10, 90%); Q415 Nav Problems Near Coastal (10, 90%); Q416 Nav Problems Oceans (10, 80%); Q417 renewal OBE as assigned. Confirm current sample-exam sizes on the NMC TV01 page.
  • 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 fee: $100 evaluation + $45 issuance plus the applicable 46 CFR 10.219 examination fee ($110 upper level / $95 lower level for an original, $45 for renewal, raise of grade, or modification); about $240-$255 in total. Towing endorsements are route-scoped rather than tonnage-scoped, so confirm the row with the NMC before paying on Pay.gov.

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 Towing Master/Mate Oceans/NC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Overprepare for Rules of the Road because Q100 requires 90% to pass—drill both International (COLREGS) and Inland differences.
2Master towing lights and shapes: power-driven vessel towing astern, pushing ahead, alongside, and composite unit configurations.
3Practice tow wire length, catenary concepts, hawser vs wire makeup, and barge handling for deck general scenarios.
4Drill emergency towing, parting hawser response, fire on the barge, and man-overboard with a tow for deck safety.
5Study near-coastal aids, buoyage, tides, and currents separately from oceans publications and celestial/electronic nav theory.
6Drill chart-plot and nav-problem routines: speed-time-distance, set and drift, fuel, and course correction—pass standards are 90%/80%.
7Take timed sets that match REC module length for Q410/Q411 (70 questions) and Q412/Q413 (50 questions).
8Review stability with barges, free surface, and trim when making up or breaking a tow.
9Confirm your application path is TV01 (Oceans/Near Coastal) rather than TV02 (Great Lakes and Inland) or Western Rivers towing.
10Complete the route-appropriate TOAR and keep sea-service documentation aligned with 46 CFR 11.463–11.466 before scheduling the REC.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the USCG TV01 exam?

TV01 is modular for Master, Mate, and Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels on Oceans or Near Coastal routes. Published modules include Rules of the Road International and Inland (Q100, typically 50 at 90%), Deck General (Q410, 70 at 70%), Deck Safety (Q411, 70 at 70%), Navigation General Near Coastal (Q412, 50 at 70%), Navigation General Oceans (Q413, 50 at 70%), Chart Plot (Q414, 10 at 90%), Nav Problems Near Coastal (Q415, 10 at 90%), Nav Problems Oceans (Q416, 10 at 80%), and Q417 renewal OBE when assigned. Confirm sample exams on the NMC TV01 page.

What passing score do I need?

Most modules require 70%. Rules of the Road (Q100) requires 90%. Chart Plot (Q414) and Nav Problems Near Coastal (Q415) require 90%. Nav Problems Oceans (Q416) requires 80%. The open-book renewal exercise (Q417) is typically 90% when assigned.

How much does the exam cost?

Under 46 CFR 10.219, a typical original lower-level officer path is about $100 evaluation, $95 examination, and $45 issuance (~$240 total). Medical, drug testing, TOAR-related training, and approved courses 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.

Is TV01 the same as Great Lakes and Inland or Western Rivers towing?

No. TV01 is Master, Mate, and Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels on Oceans or Near Coastal routes. Great Lakes and Inland towing uses TV02 (uscg-master-mate-towing-gli). Western Rivers towing is a separate path (uscg-master-mate-towing-western-rivers). Do not mix route-specific modules or assume one credential covers the other route.

What regulations cover Master, Mate, and Apprentice Mate of towing vessels?

46 CFR 11.463 covers Master of towing vessels; 46 CFR 11.464 covers Mate of towing vessels; 46 CFR 11.465–11.466 cover Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of towing vessels. Confirm current NMC checklists for Oceans or Near Coastal service and TOAR requirements.

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 a free English-language multiple-choice study aid 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.

What is Q417?

Q417 is the TV Oceans/Near Coastal open-book renewal exercise (OBE), typically 50 questions at 90% when assigned for renewal paths. Original applicants focus on Q100 and Q410–Q416 knowledge modules as listed on the current NMC TV01 page.