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.


25: INLAND ONLY In a narrow channel, a power-driven vessel desiring to overtake another power-driven vessel on the other vessel's starboard side will sound a whistle signal of __________.


28: INLAND ONLY A vessel overtaking another in a narrow channel, and wishing to pass on the other vessel's port side, would sound a whistle signal of __________.


51: INLAND ONLY Which statement is TRUE concerning the Inland Navigation Rules?


89: INLAND ONLY Your vessel must stay within a narrow channel to be navigated safely. Another vessel is crossing your course from starboard to port. You do NOT think she will pass safely. You __________.

    N a. may sound the danger signal
    Y b. must sound the danger signal
    N c. should sound one short blast to indicate that you are holding course and speed
    N d. are required to back down

181: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, you see the display of lights shown. They indicate a(n) __________. (DIAGRAM 74 )

    Y a. sailing vessel
    N b. 8-meter power-driven vessel
    N c. vessel not under command
    N d. 12-meter fishing vessel

182: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, you see the display of lights shown. They indicate a(n) __________. (DIAGRAM 74 )

    N a. vessel under oars
    Y b. sailing vessel
    N c. law enforcement vessel
    N d. air-cushion vessel

256: INTERNATIONAL ONLY Vessels "A" and "B" are meeting on a river as shown and will pass 1/4 mile apart. If you are on vessel "A", in addition to the sidelight, which other light(s) will you see on vessel "B"? (DIAGRAM 41 )

    N a. special flashing yellow light
    Y b. two white masthead lights in a vertical line
    N c. two yellow towing lights
    N d. None of the above

354: 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. This signal means __________. (DIAGRAM 42 )

    N a. "I intend to leave you on your starboard side"
    Y b. "I am altering my course to starboard"
    N c. "I am altering my course to port"
    N d. None of the above

4011: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A pilot vessel on pilotage duty at night will show sidelights and a stern light __________.

    N a. when at anchor
    N b. only when making way
    Y c. at any time when underway
    N d. only when the identifying lights are not being shown

4017: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 200-meter vessel is aground in fog. Which signal is optional?

    N a. A bell signal
    N b. A gong signal
    Y c. A whistle signal
    N d. All of the above

4034: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver" is one which __________.

    Y a. from the nature of her work is unable to maneuver as required by the rules
    N b. through some exceptional circumstance is unable to maneuver as required by the rules
    N c. due to adverse weather conditions is unable to maneuver as required by the rules
    N d. has lost steering and is unable to maneuver

4038: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A bell is used to sound a fog signal for a __________.

    N a. power-driven vessel underway
    Y b. sailing vessel at anchor
    N c. vessel engaged in fishing
    N d. vessel not under command

4163: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in restricted visibility. You hear the fog signal of another vessel about 22° on your starboard bow. If danger of collision exists you must __________.

    Y a. reduce your speed to bare steerageway
    N b. slow your engines and let the other vessel pass ahead of you
    N c. alter the course to starboard to pass around the other vessel's stern
    N d. alter course to port to pass the other vessel on its port side

4265: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway and pushing a barge ahead, your vessel enters a heavy rain storm. You should sound __________.

    N a. a prolonged blast every two minutes
    N b. two prolonged blasts every two minutes
    Y c. one prolonged and two short blasts every two minutes
    N d. one prolonged and three short blasts every two minutes

4293: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is to sound a fog signal of one prolonged followed by two short blasts?

    N a. A vessel not under command
    N b. A sailing vessel underway
    N c. A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, at anchor
    Y d. All of the above

4394: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A partly submerged vessel or object being towed, which is not readily noticeable, shall show __________.

    N a. yellow lights at each end
    N b. two red lights in a vertical line
    N c. a black ball
    Y d. a diamond shape

4491: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Barges being towed at night __________.

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

4507: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The lights required by the Rules must be shown __________.

    Y a. from sunrise to sunset in restricted visibility
    N b. at all times
    N c. ONLY from sunset to sunrise
    N d. whenever a look-out is posted

4530: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a partly submerged vessel being towed?

    N a. It must show a yellow light at each end.
    N b. It will show red lights along its length.
    Y c. A diamond shape will be carried at the aftermost extremity of the tow.
    N d. All of the above

4581: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel shall slacken her speed, stop, or reverse her engines, if necessary, to __________.

    N a. avoid collision
    N b. allow more time to assess the situation
    N c. be stopped in an appropriate distance
    Y d. All of the above

4595: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel, when anchored at night, would NOT be required to show anchor lights?

    N a. A power-driven vessel
    N b. A vessel on pilotage duty
    Y c. A vessel dredging
    N d. A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver

4604: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A pilot vessel may continue to sound an identity signal if she is __________.

    N a. aground
    Y b. at anchor
    N c. not under command
    N d. being towed

4614: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel may show identifying lights when not actually engaged in her occupation?

    N a. A fishing vessel
    N b. A pilot vessel
    N c. A mineclearance vessel
    Y d. None of the above

4661: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a towing vessel which, due to the nature of her work, is unable to keep out of the way of another vessel?

    N a. By day, she shall carry a black cylinder shape.
    N b. By day, she shall carry two black balls in a vertical line.
    N c. By night, she would show the same lights as a vessel not under command.
    Y d. By day, she would show the same shapes as a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.

4676: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in a narrow channel and are being overtaken by a vessel astern. The overtaking vessel sounds a signal indicating her intention to pass you on your starboard side. If such an action appears dangerous, you should sound __________.

    N a. one prolonged followed by one short blast
    N b. one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, and one short blast in that order
    Y c. five short and rapid blasts
    N d. three short and rapid blasts

4687: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel engaged in fishing while at anchor shall sound a fog signal of __________.

    N a. one prolonged and three short blasts at one minute intervals
    N b. a rapid ringing of the bell for five seconds at one minute intervals
    Y c. one prolonged and two short blasts at two minute intervals
    N d. a sounding of the bell and gong at one minute intervals

4856: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When in sight of another vessel and there is sufficient sea room, any action taken to avoid collision must __________.

    N a. be accompanied by sound signals
    Y b. not result in another close quarters situation
    N c. include a speed change
    N d. All of the above

6500: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A towing vessel and her tow are severely restricted in their ability to change course. When making way, the towing vessel will show ONLY __________.

    N a. the masthead lights for a towing vessel
    N b. the lights for a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
    N c. sidelights, stern light, and towing light
    Y d. All of the above.

8032: INTERNATIONAL ONLY Under what circumstances would an overtaking vessel sound a whistle signal of two prolonged followed by one short blast?

    N a. When overtaking in restricted visibility
    Y b. When overtaking in a narrow channel
    N c. When overtaking on open waters
    N d. When no other vessels are in the immediate area

8045: INTERNATIONAL ONLY You intend to overtake a vessel in a narrow channel, and you intend to pass along the vessel's port side. How should you signal your intention?

    N a. No signal is necessary.
    N b. Two prolonged blasts
    N c. Two short blasts
    Y d. Two prolonged followed by two short blasts