NCCER Maritime study plan

Define the four exam domains and list the task statements you can already perform versus those you cannot, marking each as confident, shaky, or unknown.

Explain maritime worksite hazard categories - falls over water, confined spaces, electrical, rigging and lifting, hot work, and vessel movement - and give one control for each.

Identify the personal protective equipment and lifesaving gear required for deck, dock, and shop tasks, and state when each is worn.

Describe the purpose and basic use of a job hazard analysis and a permit-to-work system on a maritime site.

Explain lockout/tagout and energy isolation steps for a pump or winch, in the correct sequence.

Describe safe entry procedures for a confined space, including atmospheric testing order and attendant duties.

Identify fire classes and select the correct extinguisher or suppression method for each maritime fire scenario.

Explain fall protection and water-survival requirements for work at the edge of a pier or on staging.

Practice the steps of a rescue-from-water response without entering the water yourself.

Identify common maritime hand and power tools and state the safe use limit for each.

Explain basic rigging components - slings, shackles, hooks, and hardware - and how to inspect them for rejection criteria.

Calculate a simple sling load tension given load weight and sling angle.

Describe common knots, bends, and hitches used in mooring and line handling, and when each is appropriate.

Explain the difference between a bowline, clove hitch, and cleat hitch in practical terms.

Describe the sequence of a standard mooring operation, including line tending and communication with the vessel.

Explain basic vessel terminology - port, starboard, bow, stern, draft, freeboard - and use it correctly in written scenarios.

Identify common materials and fasteners used in maritime maintenance and state where each is appropriate.

Explain the purpose of a maintenance work order and how to document completed work.