Level Examination Practice Questions And

Coast Guard Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) – Management Level Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of the International Regulations for

Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS)?

• To determine shipping routes
• To prevent collisions at sea
• To establish maritime law
• To regulate cargo operations

Rationale: The COLREGS provide standardized rules to prevent

collisions between vessels, ensuring safety at sea.

• Which watchkeeping principle is most important when taking over the

bridge from another officer?

• Following engine room instructions
• Recording weather observations 1 / 4

• Obtaining a thorough handover
• Logging cargo operations

Rationale: A proper handover ensures continuity, situational

awareness, and safe navigation.

• When navigating in restricted visibility, which action is mandatory?
• Maintain normal speed
• Sound the fog signal
• Reduce speed to a safe level
• Navigate close to other vessels

Rationale: COLREGS Rule 6 requires vessels to proceed at a safe

speed in restricted visibility to avoid collisions.

• Which navigational aid provides continuous bearing information to a

fixed location?

• Radar

B. GPS

• Bearing Circle / Compass Bearing
• Echo Sounder

Rationale: Bearings allow the officer to determine the relative

direction of a navigational mark or object continuously.

5. The metacentric height (GM) of a ship primarily affects:

• Fuel efficiency
• Stability
• Engine performance 2 / 4

• Hull speed

Rationale: GM is the distance between the center of gravity and

metacenter; it determines the ship’s initial stability.

• Which document contains the legal limits of ship operations, cargo,

and personnel?

• Cargo Manifest
• Engine Log
• Load Line Certificate
• Chart Table

Rationale: The Load Line Certificate specifies maximum permissible

drafts and safe loading limits.

7. A vessel on a collision course with another should:

• Increase speed
• Sound five short blasts
• Alter course to starboard
• Stop engines immediately

Rationale: COLREGS Rule 14 prescribes maneuvering to avoid

collision, generally by altering course to starboard.

8. The purpose of a bridge resource management (BRM) is to:

• Reduce fuel consumption
• Optimize the use of all resources for safe navigation
• Control engine room operations
• Schedule crew shifts 3 / 4

Rationale: BRM ensures effective communication, teamwork, and

decision-making on the bridge.

• When performing a position fix by radar, what is the minimum

number of bearings recommended?

• One
• Two
• Three
• Four

Rationale: Three radar fixes provide a reliable position through the

intersection of multiple bearings.

10. The primary function of the autopilot is to:

• Replace the officer on watch
• Control engine power
• Maintain a set course with minimal manual intervention
• Monitor cargo stability

Rationale: Autopilot assists in maintaining course, but the officer

remains responsible for navigation.

• In the International Code of Signals, a single flag flown at the

masthead indicates:

• Distress
• A specific letter or signal according to the code
• Engine failure
• Anchoring intent
• / 4