⚓ SeamanEnglish

Knowledge test for deck ratings

For bosuns, ABs and OS the test stays practical: lookout and helm duties, mooring and anchoring, deck equipment and maintenance, safety at work and permits, fire and life-saving appliances, and the basics of the rules and the environment.

Sit the practice test for deck ratings

If you are a Bosun, Able Seafarer Deck, Ordinary Seaman or deck cadet, this is your paper: 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from 488 original questions relevant to your rank, 30 minutes, no feedback until the end, then a score by knowledge area with links to revise. All questions are ours; nothing comes from any real test.

Start the deck ratings test

Independent practice. Not affiliated with any test provider; names of commercial tests appear only to explain what they are. Read our guide to the CES test for what to expect rank by rank.

What the test covers for deck ratings

Weighted by the competence tables of STCW A-II/4 and A-II/5. "Core" areas give most of the questions; "basics" appear once or twice.

Knowledge areaWeightShareRevise
Deck work and equipment core 9%
Emergencies, fire and life-saving core 9% Life-saving appliances and fire protection
Occupational safety and permits core 9% Ship safety signs
Ship handling, mooring and anchoring core 9% SMCP wheel and engine orders
Watchkeeping and COLREG core 9% COLREG lights, rules and sound signals
Cargo work important 6%
Communications, SMCP and GMDSS important 6% VHF and Channel 16
Maintenance, tools and repair important 6%
Pollution prevention (MARPOL) important 6%
Ship security (ISPS) important 6%
Vessel types and their cargoes important 6% English and safety by ship type
Conventions and regulations basics 3% STCW English requirements guide
Leadership, teamwork and fatigue basics 3%
Meteorology basics 3% Beaufort scale
MLC: rest hours, contracts and welfare basics 3%
Passage planning and position basics 3% Units and coordinates
Radar, ARPA and ECDIS basics 3%
Stability and seaworthiness basics 3%

Know your equipment by its English name and its limits: SWL of the crane, breaking strength of a mooring line, the general alarm signal, the muster list. Those are the questions, in plain words.

Sample questions for deck ratings

Five questions of the kind you will meet, from the core areas. Think first, then open the answer.

  1. Watchkeeping and COLREG Two power-driven vessels are crossing with risk of collision. Which one must keep out of the way?

    1. The vessel which has the other on her own starboard side
    2. The vessel which has the other on her own port side
    3. The faster vessel
    4. The larger vessel
    Show the answer

    The vessel which has the other on her own starboard side. COLREG Rule 15: the vessel which has the other on her starboard side keeps out of the way and avoids crossing ahead. Read more

  2. Occupational safety and permits Hearing protection in the engine room is needed because:

    1. It keeps the ears warm
    2. It is required only for cadets
    3. Noise is not harmful
    4. Noise levels above 85 dB(A) cause permanent hearing damage over time
    Show the answer

    Noise levels above 85 dB(A) cause permanent hearing damage over time. IMO Code on noise levels: engine rooms often exceed 100 dB(A); ear defenders or plugs are mandatory PPE.

  3. Deck work and equipment A shackle of anchor chain is:

    1. The anchor itself
    2. A length of 100 metres
    3. A standard length of chain, 27.5 metres (15 fathoms)
    4. A single link
    Show the answer

    A standard length of chain, 27.5 metres (15 fathoms). Shackles are joined by kenter links and painted to show how much cable is out.

  4. Emergencies, fire and life-saving How much foam concentrate does the tank of a portable foam applicator hold?

    1. At least 50 litres
    2. At least 20 litres, plus a spare tank with another 20 litres
    3. At least 5 litres
    4. At least 9 litres
    Show the answer

    At least 20 litres, plus a spare tank with another 20 litres. See the card: Portable foam applicator. Read more

  5. Emergencies, fire and life-saving How often is every lifeboat launched with its assigned crew and manoeuvred in the water?

    1. At least once every 3 months
    2. Every week
    3. Once a month
    4. Once a year
    Show the answer

    At least once every 3 months. See the card: Drills and practice alarms. Read more

Take the full 30-question test

How to prepare

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