USCG Merchant Mariner Officer License (100 GT) Practice Test

140 questions available

Build your confidence for USCG Merchant Mariner Officer License (100 GT). Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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Certification exam
140 Exam questions
Your practice
140 Practice questions
2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
The bank 140 Practice questions checked against the official objectives.
Official objectives from USCG
140 practice questions
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Exam overview and details

The USCG Merchant Mariner Officer License for 100 Gross Tons (GT) is a foundational credential issued by the United States Coast Guard, authorizing the holder to serve as a licensed officer on inspected vessels of up to 100 gross tons upon near-coastal, Great Lakes, and inland waters. This certification validates a mariner's professional competence across critical operational domains, including navigation, vessel stability, emergency response, and regulatory compliance. Earning this license signifies a significant career milestone, transitioning from an entry-level deckhand to a credentialed officer with legal authority and responsibility for vessel safety, crew management, and environmental protection. It is a prerequisite for command on a wide range of commercial vessels, including passenger vessels, tugboats, supply vessels, and fishing industry vessels, opening pathways to advanced licenses and leadership roles within the maritime industry. The license is a testament to the holder's mastery of both practical seamanship and the comprehensive body of maritime law and USCG regulations governing commercial operations.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

Regulations (33 CFR, 46 CFR)

Which credential document contains a mariner's officer endorsements?

Regulations (33 CFR, 46 CFR)

A mariner holds OUPV Near Coastal and is asked to run an inspected passenger vessel certificated for 20 passengers under 100 GT. What is the credential issue?

Rules of the Road (COLREGS International + Inland)

In Inland waters, a one-short-blast meeting signal between power-driven vessels differs from the International meaning. What does it generally propose?

Rules of the Road (COLREGS International + Inland)

Two power-driven vessels are in sight of one another at night. Your vessel sees the other vessel's masthead lights nearly in line and both sidelights. Which Rule 14 situation is indicated?

Rules of the Road (COLREGS International + Inland)

A sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing, and a power-driven vessel are in open water and risk of collision exists. Under Rule 18, which vessel normally has the lowest priority?

Exam insights and study advice

This license is not merely a regulatory requirement; it is a recognized symbol of professional achievement and operational authority within the maritime industry. It directly impacts career advancement by legally qualifying you for officer-level positions, significantly increasing earning potential and job security. Industry employers-from passenger vessel operators and tug companies to offshore service providers-specifically seek out licensed officers for their proven knowledge and the liability protection it affords. Holding a 100 GT License demonstrates a commitment to safety, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the standards required to protect lives, property, and the marine environment, establishing you as a credible and trusted maritime professional.

What this exam covers

Use the published domain weights to plan your study. Practice results do not predict your certification exam score.

01Rules of the Road (COLREGS International + Inland)

24-25%

02Navigation General

15-16%

03Deck General (Vessel Handling, Mooring, Anchoring)

14-15%

04Deck Safety (PFDs, Lifesaving, Fire)

12-13%

05Regulations (33 CFR, 46 CFR)

10%

06Stability and Cargo

10%

07Weather, Medical, SAR

7-8%

08Engineering Basics

5-6%

Exam Details ONC06

Exam Code ONC06
Exam questions 140
Exam Format Multiple choice, four answer options
Exam rules Rules modules typically require 90%; deck, navigation, safety, regulations, engineering, weather, medical, and SAR topics follow NMC limited-tonnage deck officer outlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the sea service requirements to qualify for the 100 GT Near-Coastal License exam?

Can this license be upgraded to a higher tonnage or Master's license?

What is the primary difference between 'Near-Coastal' and 'Inland' routes for this license?

How long is the license valid, and what are the renewal requirements?

What are the key stability topics I must understand for the exam?