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. 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
2. What is the effect of a following sea on vessel maneuverability? → It reduces rudder effectiveness and can cause broaching or yawing
3. When should a Deck Watch Officer log the details of their watch activities in the ship’s logbook? → At regular intervals during the watch
4. Under 33 CFR Part 104, who is responsible for ensuring a vessel security plan is implemented and maintained? → The Vessel Security Officer (VSO)
5. What do port and starboard refer to? → Left and right sides of a vessel respectively
6. Which of the following instruments is most commonly used by a Deck Watch Officer to determine the vessel’s position? → Both a) and b)
7. What does GM (metacentric height) indicate about a vessel? → The vessel's initial stability — a measure of its resistance to heeling
8. What is the first priority in any emergency situation? → Ensure the safety of all personnel
9. What is the process of elimination in multiple-choice testing? → Ruling out obviously incorrect answers to improve odds
10. A vessel's fixed CO2 firefighting system is to be activated. What must happen BEFORE releasing CO2 into a machinery space? → All personnel must be evacuated and the space must be sealed
11. What should a Deck Watch Officer do if they notice a potential hazard in the vessel’s path? → Immediately report the hazard to the officer in charge and take necessary action
12. How should a Deck Watch Officer respond to a fire emergency during their watch? → Sound the alarm, inform the officer in charge, and follow the fire safety procedures
13. A 'restricted area' on a vessel, as defined by ISPS Code, must have which minimum security feature? → Access control measures and monitoring to prevent unauthorized entry
14. What is the process of elimination in multiple-choice testing? → Ruling out obviously incorrect answers to improve odds
15. During heavy weather, a crew member is washed overboard. The vessel's speed is 15 knots. What is the FIRST maneuver recommended by the Williamson Turn? → Put the helm hard over to the same side as the person fell and reduce speed
16. What is the most effective study technique according to research? → Active recall with spaced repetition
17. What information must be included in a security-related 'port arrival notification' to US authorities under 33 CFR 160? → Vessel name, flag, last port of call, crew list, and security level
18. What is the international distress signal for ships? → Mayday
19. Under US regulations, immersion suits must be donned within what time limit during a drill? → 2 minutes
20. What should you do when encountering a difficult question? → Mark it, move on, and return to it later
21. Why is reading the question carefully important? → To avoid misinterpreting what is being asked
22. How should you manage time during a timed test? → Divide total time by questions and pace yourself, spending less on easy ones
23. Under SOLAS, what is the required minimum number of survival craft that must be launchable from either side of a cargo vessel? → Survival craft for at least 100% of persons on board must be launchable from each side
24. What is the purpose of running lights on a vessel? → To indicate the vessel's size, type, and direction of travel at night
25. On a nautical chart, a magenta circle with a dot in the center represents what type of navigational aid? → A fixed light structure such as a lighthouse
26. What is the purpose of the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) maintained aboard vessels? → Provide a verifiable history of the ship's registration, ownership, and management
27. Which document must a US-flagged vessel obtain before entering a foreign port that has ISPS Code requirements? → International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC)
28. The International Code flag 'O' (Oscar) displayed by a vessel at sea indicates: → Man overboard
29. What is the primary purpose of a Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)? → Transmit a covert alert to authorities during a security threat without alerting attackers
30. What is the purpose of a risk assessment? → To identify potential hazards and determine mitigation measures