MARINA deck officer — Philippines COLREG reviewer

MARINA, RA 10635 and deck officer certification

Republic Act No. 10635 establishes MARINA as the single maritime administration responsible for implementing and enforcing the STCW Convention in the Philippines. MARINA Circular SC-2021-03 addresses certification for masters, chief mates and officers in charge of a navigational watch under Chapter II.

MARINA's published guidance distinguishes theoretical examination from practical assessment. Prepare the collision-avoidance knowledge alongside its application on watch; this website covers supporting study, not the full certification process.

Rules of the road: written revision and spoken explanations

For your written revision, connect lookout, safe speed and risk of collision with the action required in overtaking, head-on and crossing situations. Keep restricted visibility separate from encounters where vessels are in sight of one another. Read the rule before memorising a short answer.

For spoken practice, ask a study partner to show a light pattern, sound signal or buoy and ask what it means. Explain the vessel's status, the relevant rule and your next action. These are study prompts, not a verified MARINA oral question bank or a claim that every candidate takes a separate oral paper.

An unofficial practice mock

Our mock uses 30 questions, 25 minutes and a practice pass mark of 24 correct answers. These are this website's settings, not MARINA's examination format, official pass mark or evidence of professional competence.

Practice questions (with answers)

1. In IALA Region A, the port-hand mark colour is:

   1. Green, usually conical
   2. Red, usually can-shaped
   3. Yellow, with an X-shaped topmark
   4. Black, with red bands
   Show answer

   Correct answer: B. Red, usually can-shaped

   Region A: port-hand red, starboard-hand green. Region B: port-hand green, starboard-hand red. Interpret both in the charted conventional direction of buoyage.

2. A North Cardinal mark indicates safe water lies to the:

   1. South of the mark
   2. East of the mark
   3. North of the mark
   4. West of the mark
   Show answer

   Correct answer: C. North of the mark

   Cardinal marks indicate safe water lies on the named side: North cardinal = pass to the north.

3. An isolated danger mark indicates:

   1. The side of a danger where the safe water lies
   2. A danger with navigable water all around
   3. The mid-channel point of a fairway
   4. A newly discovered danger, not yet charted
   Show answer

   Correct answer: B. A danger with navigable water all around

   An isolated danger mark is on or near a danger with navigable water around it. Consult charts and nautical publications for the extent of the danger and safe passing distance.

4. Compliance with the COLREGs:

   1. Relieves the stand-on vessel of all liability once she has kept her course
   2. Does not exonerate a vessel from the consequences of neglecting good seamanship
   3. Is compulsory only for vessels over 12 metres; smaller craft may rely on seamanship
   4. Is optional in territorial waters where the coastal state's own rules prevail
   Show answer

   Correct answer: B. Does not exonerate a vessel from the consequences of neglecting good seamanship

   Rule 2(a) states nothing in the rules exonerates any vessel from the consequences of neglecting good seamanship.

5. A 'vessel not under command' (NUC) is one that:

   1. From the nature of her work is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre as required and so cannot keep out of the way
   2. Because of her draught in relation to the available depth of water is severely restricted in deviating from her course
   3. Through exceptional circumstances cannot manoeuvre as required and therefore cannot keep out of another vessel's way
   4. Is fishing with nets, lines or trawls that restrict her manoeuvrability and so cannot keep out of the way
   Show answer

   Correct answer: C. Through exceptional circumstances cannot manoeuvre as required and therefore cannot keep out of another vessel's way

   Rule 3(f) requires both inability to manoeuvre as required because of exceptional circumstances and consequent inability to keep out of another vessel's way.

6. A proper look-out requires the use of:

   1. Visual observation only
   2. Radar only
   3. Sight, hearing and all available means appropriate to the conditions
   4. VHF radio only
   Show answer

   Correct answer: C. Sight, hearing and all available means appropriate to the conditions

   Rule 5 requires look-out by sight AND hearing as well as by all available means appropriate to the circumstances.

7. Which factor is NOT listed in Rule 6 for determining safe speed?

   1. The state of visibility
   2. Traffic density, including fishing vessels
   3. Vessel's commercial schedule
   4. Stopping distance and turning ability
   Show answer

   Correct answer: C. Vessel's commercial schedule

   Rule 6 lists visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, etc. Commercial schedule is never a factor in safe speed determination.

8. You sight a cardinal mark with both cones pointing down and a light showing six quick flashes followed by one long flash. What is the safe action?

   1. Pass north of the mark
   2. Pass east of the mark
   3. Pass south of the mark
   4. Treat it as an isolated danger mark
   Show answer

   Correct answer: C. Pass south of the mark

   Two cones down and the 6+1 light rhythm identify a South Cardinal mark, meaning the safe water lies to the south of the mark.

Practise more questions in the free test →

Start with the free study hubs

• COLREG rules and printable PDFRead individual rule lessons and open the printable summary from the hub.
• IALA buoyage revisionRecognise lateral, cardinal and other marks before testing yourself.

MARINA COLREG reviewer: questions

Is this the official MARINA reviewer?

No. This is independent supporting study. Use MARINA's published circulars and your approved training provider for official examination, assessment and certification instructions.

Who are OIC-NW and management-level candidates?

OIC-NW means officer in charge of a navigational watch, associated with STCW II/1. The management-level deck pathway covers masters and chief mates under STCW II/2. Follow the requirements for your own certificate.

What does RA 10635 do?

It establishes MARINA as the Philippines' single maritime administration responsible for implementation and enforcement of the STCW Convention and related international agreements.

How can I practise rules of the road aloud?

Describe an encounter, identify whether the vessels are in sight or in restricted visibility, state the applicable rule and explain your action. Add light and sound recognition. These are revision exercises, not official oral questions.

Where can I study lights, buoyage and the COLREG PDF?

Open the linked Lights & Shapes and IALA hubs for visual study, and Sound Signals for signal lessons. The COLREG hub links to individual rules and the printable COLREG summary with PDF access.

Does passing this mock qualify me as a deck officer?

No. Its 30-question, 25-minute format and 24-answer pass mark are our practice settings. It does not replace MARINA examination, assessment, training or certification requirements.