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100+ Free USCG Master UFIV Practice Questions

Prepare for the USCG Master of Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels (Oceans or Near Coastal) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: USCG Master UFIV Exam

280

Approx. Max Modular Items

UFV01 full module set

90%

Rules/Plot/Nav-NC Passing

USCG modular standards

80%

Nav Problems Oceans Passing

USCG Q186 standard

4 yr

Ocean/NC Sea Service

46 CFR 11.462(c)

$240

Typical Original Fee Total

46 CFR 10.219 categories

Part 28

Fishing Vessel Safety CFR

46 CFR Part 28

As of 2026, the Coast Guard UFV01 path for Master of Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels uses modular exams totaling roughly 220–280 questions depending on oceans or near-coastal route. Most modules require 70%; Rules of the Road, Chart Plot, and Nav Problems Near Coastal require 90%; Nav Problems Oceans requires 80%. Sea service is governed by 46 CFR 11.462 (4 years ocean/near-coastal service with 1 year as master/mate/equivalent under listed MMC endorsements). Typical original fees under 46 CFR 10.219 are about $100 evaluation + $95 exam + $45 issuance ($240), paid via Pay.gov since January 19, 2025. This practice bank is a FREE English multiple-choice study aid for the original professional knowledge battery—not an official NMC form and not focused solely on renewal open-book Q187.

Sample USCG Master UFIV Practice Questions

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

1Under COLREGS Rule 5, 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 if visibility is reduced
C.The master only, without assistance from crew
D.VHF monitoring alone while the vessel is fishing
Explanation: Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing and by all available means appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.
2Under Rule 6, every vessel shall at all times proceed at a safe speed so that she can:
A.Arrive on schedule regardless of traffic density
B.Take proper and effective action to avoid collision and be stopped within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances
C.Maintain full sea speed when outside a traffic separation scheme
D.Overtake any vessel that is fishing
Explanation: Rule 6 requires a safe speed that allows proper and effective action to avoid collision and stopping within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions. Factors include visibility, traffic density, maneuverability, background lights, wind/sea/current, and draft in relation to available depth.
3Risk of collision under Rule 7 shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel:
A.Changes rapidly and continuously
B.Is always abaft the beam
C.Does not appreciably change
D.Is only measured by radar
Explanation: Rule 7(d)(i) states that such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change. Even with an appreciable bearing change, risk may sometimes exist, especially with a very large vessel, a tow, or a vessel at close range.
4When two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision, each shall alter course to:
A.Port so as to pass starboard to starboard
B.Whichever side the other vessel signals first
C.Maintain course until within one-half mile
D.Starboard so as to pass port to port
Explanation: Rule 14 requires each power-driven vessel meeting head-on with risk of collision to alter course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.
5When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall:
A.Keep out of the way and, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel
B.Hold course and speed as the stand-on vessel
C.Sound five short blasts and maintain course
D.Alter course to port across the other vessel's bow
Explanation: Rule 15 makes the vessel that has the other on her own starboard side the give-way vessel in a crossing situation. She shall keep out of the way and, if circumstances admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
6A vessel engaged in fishing, when underway, shall keep out of the way of:
A.A power-driven vessel underway and making way
B.A vessel not under command or a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
C.Any sailing vessel on a starboard tack
D.Any vessel at anchor
Explanation: Under Rule 18, a vessel engaged in fishing shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of a vessel not under command and a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver. Fishing vessels have privileges over power-driven and sailing vessels that are not NUC/RAM, but not over NUC or RAM vessels.
7Under International Rules, a power-driven vessel underway making way through the water in restricted visibility shall sound:
A.One short blast every two minutes
B.Two prolonged blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes
C.One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes
D.Three short blasts every minute
Explanation: Rule 35(a) requires a power-driven vessel making way through the water to sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. A prolonged blast is four to six seconds in duration.
8A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and not making way through the water in restricted visibility shall sound:
A.One prolonged blast every two minutes
B.One short, one prolonged, and one short blast
C.Rapid ringing of the bell for five seconds every minute
D.Two prolonged blasts with about two seconds between them, at intervals of not more than two minutes
Explanation: Rule 35(b) requires a power-driven vessel underway but stopped and not making way to sound at intervals of not more than two minutes two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about two seconds between them.
9Under COLREGS, the sidelights of a power-driven vessel underway show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of:
A.112.5 degrees from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on each side
B.135 degrees from right ahead to right astern
C.225 degrees from right ahead across the stern
D.67.5 degrees on each side of the bow only
Explanation: Rule 21 defines a sidelight as a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side, each showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees and so fixed as to show the light from right ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on its respective side.
10A vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling, shall exhibit:
A.Only a white masthead light and sternlight when making way
B.Two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower white, plus sidelights and a sternlight when making way
C.Three all-round red lights in a vertical line
D.A cone apex downward only by day with no night lights required
Explanation: Rule 26(c) requires a vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling: two all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper being red and the lower white (or a shape consisting of two cones with apexes together in a vertical line). When making way through the water, she shall also exhibit sidelights and a sternlight.

About the USCG Master UFIV Exam

The USCG Master of Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels (UFV01) examination is the knowledge-test path for Master endorsements on documented uninspected fishing industry vessels on oceans or near-coastal routes under 46 CFR 11.462. The modular battery covers Rules of the Road, deck general and safety, navigation general, chart plot, and navigation problems, with fishing-industry operational competence and 46 CFR Part 28 commercial fishing safety concepts central to safe command of fishing vessels.

Assessment

UFV01 original professional knowledge battery (not renewal-only Q187): Q100 Rules of the Road International and Inland (50, 90%), Q180 Deck General (50, 70%), Q181 Deck Safety (50, 70%), Q182 Navigation General Near Coastal (50, 70%) and/or Q183 Navigation General Oceans (50, 70% for oceans), Q184 Chart Plot (10, 90%), Q185 Navigation Problems Near Coastal (10, 90%), Q186 Navigation Problems Oceans (10, 80% for oceans). Total modular items are approximately 220–280 depending on route.

Time Limit

Up to 3.5 hours per module

Passing Score

70% most modules; 90% Rules of the Road, Chart Plot, Navigation Problems Near Coastal; 80% Navigation Problems Oceans

Exam Fee

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

USCG Master UFIV Exam Content Outline

18% of practice bank

Rules of the Road

COLREGS and Inland Rules for lookout, safe speed, risk of collision, steering and sailing, lights and shapes (including fishing vessels), sound signals, narrow channels, TSS, and restricted visibility (90% official pass standard on Q100).

22% of practice bank

Deck General

Seamanship, anchoring/mooring, shiphandling, watchkeeping, USCG forms and MMC process, stability awareness for fishing loads and gear, and deck operations on uninspected fishing industry vessels (Q180).

22% of practice bank

Deck Safety

Fire classes and response, immersion suits and survival equipment, EPIRBs, MOB recovery turns, damage control, MARPOL pollution prevention, heavy weather, and emergency procedures (Q181).

18% of practice bank

Navigation General

Charts, publications, compass error, bearings, tides and currents, weather, aids to navigation, piloting/DR, and oceans fundamentals as applicable to Q182/Q183.

12% of practice bank

Navigation Problems

Real calculation problems: course-speed-time-distance, set and drift, doubling the angle on the bow, distance to horizon, ETA, and oceans sailing/time-zone style problems (Q184–Q186 standards).

8% of practice bank

Fishing Vessel Operations

46 CFR 11.462 scope for uninspected fishing industry vessels, 46 CFR Part 28 contingencies (monthly drills, immersion suits, EPIRBs, emergency instructions), catch and gear stability risks, and master duties on commercial fishing vessels.

How to Pass the USCG Master UFIV Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% most modules; 90% Rules of the Road, Chart Plot, Navigation Problems Near Coastal; 80% Navigation Problems Oceans
  • Assessment: UFV01 original professional knowledge battery (not renewal-only Q187): Q100 Rules of the Road International and Inland (50, 90%), Q180 Deck General (50, 70%), Q181 Deck Safety (50, 70%), Q182 Navigation General Near Coastal (50, 70%) and/or Q183 Navigation General Oceans (50, 70% for oceans), Q184 Chart Plot (10, 90%), Q185 Navigation Problems Near Coastal (10, 90%), Q186 Navigation Problems Oceans (10, 80% for oceans). Total modular items are approximately 220–280 depending on route.
  • Time limit: Up to 3.5 hours per module
  • Exam fee: $95 exam fee; $240 total typical original application

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 Master UFIV Study Tips from Top Performers

1Overprepare for the 90% modules — Rules of the Road, Chart Plot, and Nav Problems Near Coastal leave almost no margin for error.
2Build a COLREGS vs Inland Rules comparison sheet for whistle signals, narrow-channel overtaking, and fishing-vessel lights and shapes.
3Memorize standard formulas: distance = speed × time, set/drift vector addition, distance to horizon ≈ 1.17 × √(height in feet), and basic compass-error CDMVT conversions.
4Drill 46 CFR Part 28 monthly drill topics: abandon ship, fire, flooding, man overboard, launching survival craft, donning immersion suits/PFDs, and emergency radio procedures.
5Practice stability awareness for fishing operations: free surface in flooded holds/fish holds, high deck loads of gear, and sudden shifts of catch or ice.
6Use the official NMC sample exams for Q180–Q186 style items, and read the current calculator policy: since December 2, 2024 a programmable calculator is allowed at an REC only if you clear all programs and memory and can demonstrate that with the manufacturer's instructions; otherwise the REC issues you a TI-30XIIS.
7Master USCG form numbers cold: CG-719B (application), CG-719K (medical), CG-719S (small-vessel sea service where applicable), CG-719P (drug test), CG-2692 (marine casualty).
8Take timed 50-question sets to match Q100/Q180/Q181/Q182 rhythm and pace yourself within 3.5-hour module windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the USCG Master UFIV exam?

The official UFV01 modular battery is route-dependent and typically totals about 220–280 questions. Core modules include Q100 Rules of the Road (50), Q180 Deck General (50), Q181 Deck Safety (50), navigation general near coastal and/or oceans (50 each when assigned), Q184 Chart Plot (10), Q185 Nav Problems Near Coastal (10), and Q186 Nav Problems Oceans (10) for oceans candidates. This site's practice bank is a separate 100-question English MCQ study aid.

What passing score do I need for Master UFIV?

Most modules require 70%. Rules of the Road (Q100), Chart Plot (Q184), and Navigation Problems Near Coastal (Q185) require 90%. Navigation Problems Oceans (Q186) requires 80%. The higher cutoffs leave little room for error on collision avoidance and plotting accuracy.

What sea service is required under 46 CFR 11.462?

For Master of Uninspected Fishing Industry Vessels: 4 years of total service on ocean or near-coastal routes. Great Lakes or inland service may substitute for up to 2 years. One year of the required service must have been as Master, Mate, or equivalent while holding an MMC endorsement as Master or Mate of self-propelled vessels, Master or Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels, or OUPV. Vessel tonnage of that service sets less-than-500, less-than-1,600, or higher limitations (not exceeding 5,000 GRT under the raise rules).

How much does the Master UFIV exam cost?

Under typical 46 CFR 10.219 lower-level officer original fees, expect about $100 evaluation, $95 examination, and $45 issuance ($240 total). Fees are paid through Pay.gov (in effect since January 19, 2025). Confirm current amounts on the NMC fees page before applying.

What is 46 CFR Part 28 and why does it matter for UFIV masters?

46 CFR Part 28 sets commercial fishing industry vessel safety requirements, including personal flotation devices/immersion suits, EPIRBs for many high-seas operations, survival craft where required, and monthly drills and instruction under the master's responsibility (e.g., abandon ship, fire, flooding, MOB, donning immersion suits). Master UFIV candidates should know these contingencies even when modules are titled deck safety or deck general.

Is this practice bank the official Coast Guard exam?

No. OpenExamPrep provides a FREE English multiple-choice study aid aligned to the original UFV01 professional knowledge areas. Official exams are administered at USCG Regional Exam Centers using NMC modules. Do not treat this bank as a substitute for official sample exams or as the renewal-only open-book path (Q187).

Oceans or near coastal — which modules do I take?

Route depends on the endorsement you seek and the examination completed. Near-coastal candidates focus on Q182 Navigation General Near Coastal plus chart plot and near-coastal problems; oceans candidates take oceans navigation general and Q186 oceans navigation problems in addition to shared modules. Always follow the NMC UFV01 module list for your application.