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Knowledge test for electro-technical officers and ratings

Electro-technical officers (STCW A-III/6) and electro-technical ratings (A-III/7) are tested on electrical, electronic and control systems, safe electrical work and maintenance, with some radar and communication equipment, machinery basics, emergencies and the conventions. The two tables sit at different levels; this set covers the ground they share.

Sit the practice test for electro-technical officers and ratings

If you are an Electro-Technical Officer, Electrical Engineer or electrician, this is your paper: 30 multiple-choice questions drawn from 388 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 electro-technical officers and 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 electro-technical officers and ratings

Weighted by the competence tables of STCW A-III/6 and A-III/7. "Core" areas give most of the questions; "basics" appear once or twice.

Knowledge areaWeightShareRevise
Electrical, electronic and control systems core 14%
Maintenance, tools and repair core 14%
Occupational safety and permits core 14% Ship safety signs
Communications, SMCP and GMDSS important 9% VHF and Channel 16
Emergencies, fire and life-saving important 9% Life-saving appliances and fire protection
Leadership, teamwork and fatigue important 9%
Conventions and regulations basics 5% STCW English requirements guide
Main and auxiliary machinery basics 5%
MLC: rest hours, contracts and welfare basics 5%
Pollution prevention (MARPOL) basics 5%
Radar, ARPA and ECDIS basics 5%
Ship security (ISPS) basics 5%
Vessel types and their cargoes basics 5% English and safety by ship type

Expect questions on isolation and lock-out, insulation testing, earth faults, generators in parallel, battery care and the safety of high-voltage systems, as well as the basics every officer must know.

Sample questions for electro-technical officers and ratings

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

  1. Electrical, electronic and control systems Before working on an electrical circuit, you must:

    1. Isolate it, lock and tag the breaker, and prove it is dead with a tester
    2. Wear rubber gloves only
    3. Switch off the light in the room
    4. Ask a colleague to hold the wires
    Show the answer

    Isolate it, lock and tag the breaker, and prove it is dead with a tester. Lock-out, tag-out and test: the basic rule for electrical safety; high voltage work needs a permit and trained persons.

  2. Maintenance, tools and repair When using a grinder, the guard:

    1. May be removed for better visibility
    2. Is only needed for cutting discs
    3. Is optional if you wear gloves
    4. Must always be in place and the correct disc used for the material
    Show the answer

    Must always be in place and the correct disc used for the material. Grinder accidents (disc burst, kickback) are common; goggles or face shield, guard, correct disc speed rating.

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

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

  4. Occupational safety and permits Near-miss reporting is important because:

    1. It is required by the charterer only
    2. Near misses show where the next accident will happen and let the crew fix the cause first
    3. It fills the safety statistics
    4. It punishes careless crew
    Show the answer

    Near misses show where the next accident will happen and let the crew fix the cause first. ISM Code section 9: reports of non-conformities, accidents and hazardous occurrences are analysed to improve safety.

  5. Occupational safety and permits Before working aloft near the radar mast you must:

    1. Get a permit, isolate the radar and antennas, wear a harness clipped on, secure your tools and post a warning notice on the bridge
    2. Just tell the bosun
    3. Work fast while the radar is on
    4. Use a rope instead of a harness
    Show the answer

    Get a permit, isolate the radar and antennas, wear a harness clipped on, secure your tools and post a warning notice on the bridge. Radar radiation and a sudden antenna rotation can injure; the bridge must know someone is up there.

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How to prepare

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