DWO Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the DWO exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 DWO Exam Format at a Glance
📚 DWO Topics to Study (83)
✍️ Sample DWO Questions & Answers
1. How should a Deck Watch Officer respond to an identified defect in deck machinery during their watch?
Upon discovering a defect in deck machinery, the Deck Watch Officer must immediately stop its use to prevent further damage, potential accidents, or injury to personnel. Reporting the defect promptly to the officer in charge ensures that proper assessment and repair can be initiated. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining safety standards and operational integrity onboard the vessel.
2. Under Rule 17, when the stand-on vessel is compelled to take action to avoid collision, she shall NOT, if possible:
Rule 17(c) specifies that a stand-on vessel shall not alter course to port when the give-way vessel is to her own port side.
3. When a vessel must pass under a bridge with limited vertical clearance, the officer of the watch should consider which factor most carefully?
Air draft (height of the highest fixed point above the waterline) must be calculated against bridge clearance at the current tide level to ensure safe passage.
4. What VHF channel is designated for bridge-to-bridge communication and navigation safety in US waters?
VHF Channel 13 is designated by the FCC as the primary intership navigation safety channel for bridge-to-bridge communication in US waters.
5. What is the purpose of a 'cautionary note' printed on a nautical chart?
Cautionary notes alert mariners to specific hazards, regulated areas, or conditions requiring special attention that cannot be shown by standard symbols alone.
6. The concept of 'General Average' in maritime law means:
General Average is a maritime law principle where extraordinary sacrifices or expenditures made for the common safety are shared proportionally by ship and cargo interests.