DWO Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DWO facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which DSC distress category requires a response from all vessels and coast stations within range? → Distress
2. A sailing vessel of less than 20 meters underway at night may, in lieu of separate sidelights and sternlight, exhibit: → A tricolor lantern at the masthead
3. Stowage factor is BEST defined as: → The cubic volume (m³ or ft³) occupied by one tonne of cargo including dunnage
4. Under the Inland Rules, a vessel operating in a narrow channel should keep as near to the outer limit of which side as is safe? → The starboard side
5. Why is it important for a Deck Watch Officer to perform regular checks on safety equipment during their watch? → To ensure equipment is ready for immediate use in case of an emergency
6. When is it most appropriate for a watch officer to use the 'challenge and response' technique? → Whenever verifying critical actions or orders to prevent error
7. What is the effect of a following sea on vessel maneuverability? → It reduces rudder effectiveness and can cause broaching or yawing
8. What does the term 'dead ship condition' mean for emergency preparedness? → Main propulsion and essential services are non-operational
9. Under ISM Code, what is the primary purpose of a Safety Management System audit? → To verify the SMS is being effectively implemented and identify non-conformities
10. When should a Deck Watch Officer log the details of their watch activities in the ship’s logbook? → At regular intervals during the watch
11. A 'Notice of Readiness' (NOR) is tendered to indicate what operational milestone? → The vessel has arrived and is ready to load or discharge cargo
12. A vessel in a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) must generally: → Travel in the direction of traffic flow in the appropriate lane
13. What does the International Safety Management (ISM) Code require a company to designate in shore management? → A Designated Person Ashore (DPA) with direct access to the highest level of management
14. What action should be taken if the fresh water daily consumption exceeds the planned rate during a voyage? → Implement water rationing and investigate the cause
15. Under COLREGS, when should a vessel in restricted visibility sound one prolonged blast? → Every 2 minutes when making way through the water
16. A Search and Rescue Transponder (SART) is activated when interrogated by which type of radar? → X-band (9 GHz) radar
17. Under 33 CFR Part 104, who is responsible for ensuring a vessel security plan is implemented and maintained? → The Vessel Security Officer (VSO)
18. What must be recorded in the deck log when anchoring in an emergency? → Time, position, depth, scope of chain veered, and reason for anchoring
19. What does 'COLREGS Rule 5' require of every vessel at all times? → To maintain a proper lookout by sight, hearing, and all available means
20. When recording a course change in the official log, the Deck Watch Officer must include which of the following? → Time, old course, new course, and reason for change
21. What do port and starboard refer to? → Left and right sides of a vessel respectively
22. A downflooding angle is significant because it represents the angle at which: → Unprotected openings become submerged, threatening progressive flooding
23. Which of the following statements about the Cargo Log is correct? → It documents cargo condition on loading and discharge to support liability claims
24. Which of the following instruments is most commonly used by a Deck Watch Officer to determine the vessel’s position? → Both a) and b)
25. What does GM (metacentric height) indicate about a vessel? → The vessel's initial stability — a measure of its resistance to heeling
26. What is the first priority in any emergency situation? → Ensure the safety of all personnel
27. A voyage plan must include which of the following elements according to IMO Resolution A.893(21)? → Appraisal, planning, execution, and monitoring
28. What is the first action a Deck Watch Officer should take upon discovering a fire on board? → Sound the fire alarm and notify the Master
29. What action should the OOW take if the autopilot alarm sounds and the vessel begins sheering off course? → Switch to hand steering and apply corrective helm
30. A vessel's stability is compromised during firefighting when water accumulates on a closed deck because: → Water reduces the freeboard and raises the center of gravity