USCG Rules of the Road: Master's License

This is an interactive test. Read each question and select the proper answer by clicking on the appropriate answer. If a "Y" appears, your choice is correct. If a "N" appears, more study may be in order.


7: INLAND ONLY When power-driven vessels are crossing, a signal of one short blast by either vessel means __________.


10: INLAND ONLY Which term is NOT defined in the Inland Navigation Rules?


48: INLAND ONLY Which statement is TRUE concerning the fog signal of a vessel 15 meters in length, anchored in a "special anchorage area" approved by the Secretary?


238: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessels "A" and "B" are meeting in a narrow channel as shown but are not in sight of one another due to restricted visibility. Which statement is TRUE concerning whistle signals between the vessels? (DIAGRAM 29 )

    N a. Both vessels should sound two short blasts.
    N b. Both vessels should sound one short blast.
    N c. Vessel "A" should sound one short blast and vessel "B" should sound two short blasts.
    Y d. None of the above statements is TRUE.

259: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Barges being towed at night must exhibit navigation lights __________.

    Y a. at all times
    N b. only if manned
    N c. only if towed astern
    N d. Need not be lighted

262: INLAND ONLY When power-driven vessels are in sight of one another, passing signals shall be sounded when __________.

    Y a. meeting or crossing within half a mile of each other
    N b. meeting within one mile of each other
    N c. meeting or crossing at any distance
    N d. crossing within one mile of each other

348: INTERNATIONAL ONLY Two power-driven vessels are crossing within one half mile of each other as shown. Vessel "A" sounds one short blast of the whistle. Vessel "B" should __________. (DIAGRAM 42 )

    Y a. maintain course and speed
    N b. alter course to the right or slowdown
    N c. sound one short blast and maintain course and speed
    N d. sound the danger signal and slow to moderate speed

350: INTERNATIONAL ONLY Two power-driven vessels are crossing within one half mile of each other as shown. Vessel "A" sounds one short blast of the whistle. Vessel "B" should sound __________. (DIAGRAM 42 )

    N a. one prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one short blasts
    N b. one prolonged blast
    N c. two short blasts
    Y d. None of the above

3683: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The rules require that a stand-on vessel SHALL take action to avoid collision when she determines that __________.

    N a. risk of collision exists
    N b. the other vessel will cross ahead of her
    N c. the other vessel is not taking appropriate action
    Y d. collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel's maneuver alone

4002: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in fog, you hear a prolonged blast from another vessel. This signal indicates a __________.

    N a. sailboat underway
    N b. vessel underway, towing
    Y c. power-driven vessel underway, making way
    N d. vessel being towed

4120: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel engaged in fishing during the day would show __________.

    N a. one black ball
    N b. two cones with bases together
    N c. a cone, apex downward
    Y d. two cones, apexes together

4285: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in fog you hear another vessel sounding two prolonged blasts every two minutes. This signal indicates a vessel __________.

    N a. making way through the water
    N b. towing
    Y c. drifting
    N d. anchored

4327: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two vessels are approaching each other near head on. What action should be taken to avoid collision?

    N a. The first vessel to sight the other should give way.
    N b. The vessel making the slower speed should give way.
    Y c. Both vessels should alter course to starboard.
    N d. Both vessels should alter course to port.

4365: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND An anchored vessel is servicing an aid to navigation and is restricted in her ability to maneuver. Which lights will she show?

    Y a. Three lights in a vertical line, the highest and lowest red and the middle white, and anchor lights
    N b. Three lights in a vertical line, the highest and lowest red and the middle white, ONLY
    N c. Anchor lights ONLY
    N d. Anchor lights and sidelights ONLY

4410: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The rules state that vessels may depart from the requirements of the Rules when __________.

    N a. there are no other vessels around
    N b. operating in a narrow channel
    N c. the Master enters it in the ship's log
    Y d. necessary to avoid immediate danger

4446: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is NOT a distress signal?

    N a. A continuous sounding with any fog signal apparatus
    N b. A signal sent by radiotelephone consisting of the spoken word "Mayday"
    N c. An International Code Signal of N.C.
    Y d. The firing of green star rockets or shells

4456: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the required fog signal for a manned vessel being towed at night?

    N a. One prolonged followed by one short blast
    Y b. One prolonged followed by three short blasts
    N c. One prolonged followed by two short blasts
    N d. Two prolonged blasts

4464: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel not under command, underway but not making way, would show __________.

    Y a. two all-round red lights in a vertical line
    N b. sidelights
    N c. a stern light
    N d. All of the above

4523: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is overtaking when she approaches another from more than how many degrees abaft the beam?

    N a. 0.0°
    N b. 11.25°
    Y c. 22.5°
    N d. 45.0°

4545: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are approaching another vessel and are not sure whether danger of collision exists. You must assume __________.

    Y a. there is risk of collision
    N b. you are the give way vessel
    N c. the other vessel is also in doubt
    N d. All of the above are correct.

4548: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE regarding equipment for sound signals?

    N a. A vessel of less than 12 meters in length need not have any sound signaling equipment.
    N b. Any vessel over 12 meters in length must be provided with a gong.
    Y c. Manual sounding of the bell and gong must always be possible.
    N d. Automatic sounding of the signals is not permitted.

4631: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two barges are being pushed ahead by a tugboat. Which statement is TRUE concerning lights on the barges?

    N a. Each vessel should show sidelights.
    N b. Each vessel should show at least one white light.
    N c. The barges should be lighted as separate units.
    Y d. The barges should be lighted as one vessel.

4662: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" (towing) and vessel "B" are meeting as shown. In this situation, which statement is TRUE? (DIAGRAM 12 )

    Y a. Both vessels should alter course to starboard and pass port to port.
    N b. Both vessels should alter course to port and pass starboard to starboard.
    N c. Vessel "A" should hold course while vessel "B" alters course to starboard.
    N d. Vessel "A" is the stand-on in this situation.

4695: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in fog, you hear a vessel ahead sound two short blasts on the whistle. You should __________.

    N a. not sound any whistle signals until the other vessel is sighted
    Y b. sound only fog signals until the other vessel is sighted
    N c. sound whistle signals only if you change course
    N d. sound two short blasts and change course to the left

4695: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in fog, you hear a vessel ahead sound two short blasts on the whistle. You should __________.

    N a. not sound any whistle signals until the other vessel is sighted
    Y b. sound only fog signals until the other vessel is sighted
    N c. sound whistle signals only if you change course
    N d. sound two short blasts and change course to the left

4714: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would exhibit sidelights when underway and not making way?

    N a. A vessel not under command
    Y b. A vessel pushing ahead
    N c. A vessel engaged in dredging
    N d. A vessel trawling

8019: INTERNATIONAL ONLY If a vessel displays three all-round red lights in a vertical line at night, during the day she may show __________.

    N a. three balls in a vertical line
    Y b. a cylinder
    N c. two diamonds in a vertical line
    N d. two cones, apexes together

8081: INTERNATIONAL ONLY The light which may be used with a vessel's whistle must be __________.

    N a. used when the whistle is broken
    Y b. a white light
    N c. used only at night
    N d. used prior to sounding the whistle

8111: INTERNATIONAL ONLY Your vessel is backing out of a slip in a harbor. Visibility is restricted. You should sound __________.

    Y a. one prolonged blast only
    N b. one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts when the last line is taken aboard
    N c. one prolonged blast followed by three short blasts when leaving the slip
    N d. the danger signal

8121: INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which statement is TRUE, according to the Rules?

    Y a. A vessel engaged in fishing while underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
    N b. A vessel not under command shall keep out of the way of a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
    N c. A fishing vessel while underway has the right-of-way over a vessel constrained by her draft.
    N d. A vessel not under command shall avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft.