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Where can I practise PPCDL questions with answers?

Try ten free PPCDL practice questions on this page, with answers and explanations for marks, collision rules, safety and calculations. No account is needed. They are original myPPCDL learning examples, not official exam questions. Membership adds the full available practice bank, illustrated lessons and timed mock exams.

15 illustrated lessons · 82 worked examples · Practice and mock exams

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By UX Habitat Pte Ltd ·

Ten questions, with room to think

These are myPPCDL’s original examples, not official examination questions or a prediction of what you will be asked. Choose an answer mentally, explain your reasoning, then open the answer. The sample has no timer or pass certificate.

If an answer surprises you, follow the source or the study-guide topic before continuing. For calculations, write the units and working down. For a mark, describe the features you can actually see.

Question 1 · Cardinal marks

A north cardinal mark indicates navigable water on which side of the mark?

  1. North
  2. South
  3. Whichever side has the nearest marina
Show answer and explanation

A. North

The direction in its name identifies the cardinal side of navigable water. This does not specify a safe passing distance; use the chart and the surrounding situation.

Reference: read the source guidance.

Question 2 · Lateral marks

Following the conventional direction of buoyage in Region A, which colour marks the port side?

  1. Green
  2. Red
  3. Yellow
Show answer and explanation

B. Red

Region A uses red port-hand marks and green starboard-hand marks. First establish the conventional direction of buoyage; do not apply the colours without that context.

Reference: read the source guidance.

Question 3 · Isolated danger

Two black spherical topmarks belong to which mark family?

  1. Safe-water mark
  2. Isolated-danger mark
  3. North cardinal mark
Show answer and explanation

B. Isolated-danger mark

An isolated-danger mark identifies a danger with navigable water around it. The two black balls distinguish its topmark. “Water around” does not mean you can pass close to the danger.

Reference: read the source guidance.

Question 4 · Safe-water marks

Which body pattern identifies a safe-water mark?

  1. Horizontal black and yellow bands
  2. A plain yellow body
  3. Vertical red and white stripes
Show answer and explanation

C. Vertical red and white stripes

Safe-water marks have vertical red and white stripes. Learn the complete pattern, rather than treating every red mark as a port-hand mark.

Reference: read the source guidance.

Question 5 · Rules of the road

In an overtaking situation, which vessel must keep out of the way?

  1. The vessel being overtaken
  2. The overtaking vessel
  3. Only the larger vessel
Show answer and explanation

B. The overtaking vessel

Rule 13 places this obligation on the overtaking vessel. Identify the situation before choosing a rule; size alone does not decide the answer.

Reference: read the source guidance.

Question 6 · Lookout

Which approach best describes a proper lookout?

  1. Watch only a navigation screen
  2. Rely on another boat to move
  3. Use sight, hearing and other appropriate available means
Show answer and explanation

C. Use sight, hearing and other appropriate available means

Rule 5 requires a proper lookout using sight, hearing and appropriate available means. A screen is one aid; it does not replace an appraisal of the whole situation.

Reference: read the source guidance.

Question 7 · Traffic separation

When crossing a traffic lane, what alignment does Rule 10 call for, as nearly as practicable?

  1. At right angles to the general traffic flow
  2. Along the lane in the wrong direction
  3. Diagonally to spend longer in the lane
Show answer and explanation

A. At right angles to the general traffic flow

Crossing as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general flow makes the crossing clearer. Other applicable collision-avoidance duties still apply.

Reference: read the source guidance.

Question 8 · Safety preparation

When should you check that a lifejacket is suitable and fits?

  1. Before departure
  2. Only after someone falls overboard
  3. Only after the engine fails
Show answer and explanation

A. Before departure

A departure check is the time to identify unsuitable or missing equipment. A lifejacket that is available and fits is more useful than discovering a problem during an emergency.

Reference: read the source guidance.

Question 9 · Worked calculation

For this paper exercise, use a stated 5:1 rode ratio. Water depth is 4 m and the bow attachment is 1 m above the water. How much rode does that calculation give?

  1. 20 metres
  2. 25 metres
  3. 5 metres
Show answer and explanation

B. 25 metres

Add depth and attachment height: 4 + 1 = 5 m. Multiply by the ratio in the question: 5 × 5 = 25 metres. This exercise supplies a ratio; it is not a universal anchoring recommendation.

Original worked arithmetic example.

Question 10 · Distance and time

In a calculation with a constant speed over ground of 6 knots, how far do you travel in 30 minutes?

  1. 3 nautical miles
  2. 6 nautical miles
  3. 12 nautical miles
Show answer and explanation

A. 3 nautical miles

A knot is one nautical mile per hour. Thirty minutes is half an hour, so distance = 6 × 0.5 = 3 nautical miles. Keep hours and nautical miles consistent.

Original worked arithmetic example.

Turn a mistake into your next lesson

A score alone does not explain what to revise. Group your uncertain answers by concept: recognising a mark, choosing the applicable rule, or setting up a calculation. Start the next session with the explanation for that concept, rather than simply trying to remember an answer letter.

The paid app has 147 available practice questions, 15 guided lessons and 82 worked examples, including optional anchoring examples. Topic practice gives feedback; mock mode gives a timed attempt and review. The sample on this page remains free.

Ready to plan examination preparation? Read the official-format and booking guide. For full app access, compare daily, monthly and yearly membership. The separately sold Study Book PDF is a reading companion, not an official examination paper.

Make your next answer a confident one.

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Membership includes 15 illustrated lessons, 82 worked examples, topic practice, timed mock exams and saved progress.

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Start for SGD $1/daySGD $1 per day. Renews daily until cancelled. Study Book PDF sold separately.

Sources and editorial notes

Official links and stated exam facts checked . Prepared by UX Habitat Pte Ltd with AI assistance. Independent study material; not affiliated with MPA or Singapore Polytechnic.

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