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.


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?


53: INLAND ONLY You are on vessel "A" and vessel "B" desires to overtake you on the starboard side as shown. After the vessels have exchanged one blast signals you should __________. (DIAGRAM 38 )


145: INLAND ONLY A light used to signal passing intentions must be a(n) __________.


177: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see the display of lights shown. This could indicate a __________. (DIAGRAM 64 )

    N a. dredge working at anchor
    N b. dredge restricted in its ability to maneuver
    N c. 55-meter tug towing astern, length of tow exceeds 200 meters
    Y d. 65-meter tug towing astern, length of tow 150 meters

213: INTERNATIONAL ONLY You see the lights shown. This is a __________. (DIAGRAM 66 )

    N a. pilot vessel with a launch alongside
    N b. dredge working at anchor
    Y c. vessel towing a barge alongside
    N d. vessel pushing a barge ahead

225: INLAND ONLY A barge more than 50 meters long, at anchor in a "special anchorage area designated by the Secretary", is required to show how many white anchor lights?

    N a. One
    N b. None
    N c. One, on the near approach of another vessel
    Y d. Two

240: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" as shown and will pass without changing course. Which light will vessel "A" observe on vessel "B"? (DIAGRAM 17 )

    N a. yellow towing light
    Y b. white stern light
    N c. green sidelight
    N d. None of the above

312: INLAND ONLY You see the lights shown while proceeding in a channel. What should you do? (DIAGRAM 85 )

    N a. Proceed at full see speed through the two sets of double red lights.
    N b. Stop the vessel and await the red lights to change to green.
    Y c. Slow down and pass between the two sets of double red lights.
    N d. None of the above

379: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A seagoing tug has a tow greater than 200 meters as shown and is severely restricted in her ability to deviate from her course. Which lights would be displayed from the towing vessel? (DIAGRAM 24 )

    Y a. Three white masthead lights, red-white-red all-round lights, sidelights, stern light and a towing light
    N b. Three white masthead lights, red-white-red all-round lights, sidelights and two towing lights
    N c. Three white masthead lights, two all-round red lights, sidelights, stern light and a towing light
    N d. None of the above

4036: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are preparing to cross a narrow channel. You see a vessel that can only be navigated safely within the channel. You should __________.

    Y a. not cross the channel if you might impede the other vessel
    N b. initiate an exchange of passing signals
    N c. sound the danger signal
    N d. hold your course and speed

4072: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 30-meter tug is underway and NOT towing. At night, this vessel must show sidelights and __________.

    Y a. one masthead light and a stern light
    N b. two masthead lights and a stern light
    N c. three masthead lights and a stern light
    N d. a stern light ONLY

4074: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a vessel of 75 meters in length, at anchor?

    N a. She must show an all-round white light forward.
    N b. She must show a second all-round white light aft.
    N c. She may use her working lights to illuminate her decks.
    Y d. All of the above

4111: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 50-meter vessel is towing astern and the length of the tow is 100 meters. In addition to sidelights, which lights may she show to fully comply with the Rules?

    N a. Two masthead lights forward, a stern light, and a towing light above the stern light
    Y b. A masthead light forward, two masthead lights aft, a stern light, and a towing light above the stern light
    N c. No masthead light forward, two masthead lights aft, a stern light, and a towing light above the stern light
    N d. Three masthead lights forward, one masthead light aft, and two towing lights in a vertical line at the stern

4122: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel may sound the danger signal?

    N a. The stand-on vessel in a crossing situation
    N b. The give-way vessel in a crossing situation
    N c. A vessel at anchor
    Y d. All of the above

4171: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel engaged in fishing, and at anchor, shall show __________.

    N a. an anchor light
    N b. sidelights and a stern light
    N c. three lights in a vertical line, the highest and lowest being red, and the middle being white
    Y d. None of the above

4273: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is NOT classified as "restricted in her ability to maneuver"?

    N a. A vessel picking up a navigation mark
    N b. A vessel transferring cargo while underway
    Y c. A vessel whose anchor is fouled
    N d. A vessel in a towing operation that restricts the ability of the vessel and her tow to change their course

4306: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is directed not to impede the passage of a vessel which can only navigate inside a narrow channel?

    Y a. A vessel of less than 20 meters in length
    N b. A vessel not under command
    N c. A vessel engaged in surveying
    N d. All of the above

4380: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel nearing a bend where other vessels may be obscured shall sound __________.

    N a. one short blast
    N b. one long blast
    N c. two short blasts
    Y d. one prolonged blast

4489: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a vessel of 150 meters in length, at anchor?

    N a. She may show an all-round white light where it can best be seen.
    Y b. She must show all-round white lights forward and aft.
    N c. The showing of working lights is optional.
    N d. None of the above

4511: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning the light used to accompany whistle signals?

    N a. It is mandatory to use such a light.
    N b. The light shall have the same characteristics as a masthead light.
    Y c. It is used to supplement short blasts of the whistle.
    N d. All of the above

4621: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The steering and sailing rules for vessels in restricted visibility apply to vessels __________.

    N a. in sight of one another in fog
    Y b. navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility
    N c. only if they are showing special purpose lights
    N d. only if they have operational radar

4630: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You hear the fog signal of another vessel forward of your beam. Risk of collision may exist. You MUST __________.

    Y a. reduce speed to bare steerageway
    N b. stop your engines
    N c. begin a radar plot
    N d. All of the above

4711: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would exhibit sidelights when underway and not making way?

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

4730: INLAND ONLY Which of the following signals may be exhibited by a vessel trawling in close proximity to other fishing vessels?

    Y a. Two white lights in a vertical line
    N b. A red light over a white light in a vertical line
    N c. Two fixed yellow lights in a vertical line
    N d. All of the above

4732: INLAND ONLY Vessels engaged in fishing may show the additional signals described in Annex II to the Rules when they are __________.

    N a. trolling
    N b. fishing in a traffic separation zone
    Y c. in close proximity to other vessels engaged in fishing
    N d. in a narrow channel

4737: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are approaching a narrow channel. Another vessel in the channel can only be navigated safely in that channel. You should __________.

    Y a. not cross the channel if you might impede the other vessel
    N b. hold your course and speed if she is on your port bow
    N c. sound three short blasts, and take all way off your vessel
    N d. sound two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast

4871: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your vessel is NOT making way, but is not in any way disabled. Another vessel is approaching you on your starboard beam. Which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. Your vessel is obligated to stay out of the way.
    N b. The other vessel must give way, since your vessel is stopped.
    N c. You should be showing the lights or shapes for a vessel not under command.
    N d. You should be showing the lights or shapes for a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.

5200: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In a traffic separation scheme, when joining a traffic lane from the side, a vessel shall do so __________.

    N a. only in case of an emergency or to engage in fishing within the zone
    N b. as nearly as practical at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow
    Y c. at as small an angle as possible
    N d. only to anchor within the zone

6510: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You hear the fog signal of another vessel forward of your beam. Risk of collision may exist. You MUST __________.

    Y a. take all way off, if necessary
    N b. stop your engines
    N c. begin a radar plot
    N d. All of the above

8120: INTERNATIONAL ONLY A light used to signal passing intentions must be an __________.

    N a. all-round yellow light only
    Y b. all-round white light only
    N c. all-round blue light only
    N d. alternating red and yellow light