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About this exam

The Norwegian Deck Officer Class 5 (Dekksoffiser klasse 5) is an entry-level deck officer certificate issued under the Norwegian maritime qualification system, aligned with STCW requirements for officers in charge of a navigational watch. It is aimed at candidates starting a career as a deck officer on Norwegian-flagged vessels, typically after completing approved nautical education and required sea service. Holders can serve in junior officer roles aboard ships within the scope of the certificate, subject to the limitations set by the Norwegian Maritime Authority. The written examinations test the breadth of a junior officer's knowledge: terrestrial and electronic navigation, stability and ship construction, meteorology, ship handling, the collision regulations and watchkeeping practice, maritime law and conventions, cargo operations, marine engineering systems, safety and emergency procedures, and maritime English used in shipboard communication. Preparation is best built around the approved syllabus and the regulations the Norwegian Maritime Authority publishes, paired with practical work on chart plotting, stability calculations, and COLREGs application. Candidates should confirm current exam arrangements, fees, and documentation directly with the Norwegian Maritime Authority, since these details change. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Norwegian Maritime Authority or any maritime school.

What you'll study

Common questions

About Norway Deck Officer Class 5 preparation

Who issues the Deck Officer Class 5 certificate?

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (Sjøfartsdirektoratet) is the authority responsible for maritime qualifications in Norway. It publishes the requirements for the certificate, approves the education and sea service that lead to it, and administers or recognises the examinations. Always check its website for the current rules and forms rather than relying on second-hand summaries.

What is the written exam format?

The written examinations are generally paper-based and combine multiple-choice items with written answers, depending on the subject. Navigation and stability questions often require calculations and chart work, while law and COLREGs items test precise recall and application. The Norwegian Maritime Authority sets the current format and permitted aids, so confirm these before the exam.

How long is the exam and how many questions are there?

The official body publishes the current question counts, time limits, and passing criteria, and these can change between sittings. Do not rely on numbers from older candidates or forums. Check the Norwegian Maritime Authority's published information and your approved school's exam guidance for the figures that apply to your sitting.

How much does it cost and how do I pay?

Fees are set by the Norwegian Maritime Authority and are published on its website. Costs can also include school examination fees and document processing. Because fees change, confirm the current amount directly with the authority or your school before applying, and keep receipts for your records.

Can I retake a failed subject?

Retake arrangements are governed by the Norwegian Maritime Authority and the institution running the examination. Candidates can normally resit failed subjects at a later sitting, but the number of attempts, waiting periods, and fees vary. Read the current regulations and contact the examining body directly to plan a retake.

How difficult is the exam?

It is broad rather than trick-based. The main difficulty is the volume of subjects and the need for accurate calculation and precise legal recall under time pressure. Candidates with solid sea service and steady practice on chart work, stability, and COLREGs tend to find it manageable. Weakness usually comes from uneven preparation, not from unusually hard questions.

What order should I study the subjects in?

Start with navigation and COLREGs, because they underpin watchkeeping and appear throughout other subjects. Then build stability and ship construction, followed by ship handling, meteorology, and cargo. Leave law, safety, engineering systems, and maritime English for regular short review sessions. Practise calculations weekly rather than cramming them at the end.

What are the most common failure modes?

Candidates most often lose marks through careless calculation errors, misreading COLREGs scenarios, and weak recall of precise definitions in law and safety. Poor time management on written papers and neglecting maritime English terminology also cost marks. Working through past-style problems under timed conditions and reviewing each mistake is the most effective remedy.

Does this page prepare me officially for the exam?

No. This is independent study material written for candidates searching for the Norwegian Deck Officer Class 5 exam. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Norwegian Maritime Authority or any maritime school. Use it alongside the official syllabus, regulations, and your approved course materials, and verify every administrative detail with the authority.