MST Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the MST 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.
📋 MST Exam Format at a Glance
📚 MST Topics to Study (38)
✍️ Sample MST Questions & Answers
1. When inspecting a through-hull fitting, a technician finds the seacock is stiff and difficult to operate. What is the correct action?
Seacocks must operate freely for emergency use; they should be greased and exercised regularly, and replaced if they remain stiff or corroded.
2. What ABYC standard governs the installation of gasoline fuel systems on recreational boats?
ABYC H-24 (Gasoline Fuel Systems) establishes minimum safety standards for fuel tanks, lines, fittings, and ventilation on recreational vessels.
3. What is the maximum distance at which two VHF radios at sea level can typically communicate using line-of-sight propagation?
VHF radio is line-of-sight, and the range between vessels is limited by antenna height above the waterline — typically 20–25 nm vessel-to-vessel at normal antenna heights.
4. What does a manifold vacuum test on a marine gasoline engine primarily indicate?
Manifold vacuum readings reflect combustion efficiency, valve seating, timing accuracy, and cylinder sealing simultaneously.
5. When adjusting trim tab position on an outboard, moving the trim tab to port will cause the boat to turn in which direction?
Moving the trim tab to port deflects water flow to the right side of the lower unit, creating a force that steers the stern to port and the bow to starboard.
6. What is the correct procedure for checking injector spray pattern on a port-fuel injected marine engine?
Bench testing removed injectors on an injector tester allows direct visual inspection of spray pattern, atomization quality, and leak-down rate.