USCG Exam Prep · Washington (WA)

USCG Captain's License Exam Prep — Washington

Washington's ferry-dense Puget Sound and whale-watch industry generate heavy demand for near-coastal OUPV and 100-ton licenses.The USCG written exam is the same nationwide — here's how to prepare for it, with 2,418 free practice questions covering every subject.

Key Washington waters

Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Columbia River, Lake Washington

The USCG exam content is national — there's no Washington-specific version — but your operating area determines whether you need a near-coastal or inland endorsement.

Most common license for Washington operators

Master 100 GT Near Coastal

Lets you operate inspected passenger vessels up to 100 GT. Common for larger charter fishing, whale-watch, and excursion operations.

Priority exam subjects for Washington operators

Rules of the Road
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Navigation General
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Meteorology
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Radar
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Common questions

What license do most Washington captains get first?
Most Washington operators start with the Master 100 GT Near Coastal. Washington's ferry-dense Puget Sound and whale-watch industry generate heavy demand for near-coastal OUPV and 100-ton licenses.
Is there a Washington-specific version of the USCG exam?
No — the USCG written exam is the same nationwide, administered by the National Maritime Center. The only variations are the license grade (OUPV, 100 GT, 200 GT) and the route endorsement (inland vs near coastal), which depends on where you intend to operate.
How many questions are on the USCG exam?
It varies by license grade. The OUPV exam has approximately 125 questions across multiple modules; the 100-ton Master exam is larger. Each module is graded separately — Rules of the Road requires 70% (or 90% in some modules), and you must pass each section independently.

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Related guides

Puget Sound Pilotage: Operations & Dispatch GuideRead →Columbia River Bar Pilotage GuideRead →

Other states

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