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.


44: INLAND ONLY What lights are required for a barge being pushed ahead, not being part of a composite unit?


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


58: INLAND ONLY While underway, you sight the lights as shown, with the yellow lights flashing. You should __________. (DIAGRAM 81 )


69: INLAND ONLY For the purpose of the Inland Navigation Rules, the term "Inland Waters" includes __________.

    Y a. the Western Rivers, extending to the COLREGS demarcation line
    N b. harbors and rivers to the outermost aids to navigation
    N c. waters along the coast of the United States to a distance of two miles offshore
    N d. None of the above

100: INLAND ONLY Only law enforcement vessels are permitted to show __________.

    N a. two red lights in a vertical line
    N b. a flashing yellow light
    N c. an alternately flashing red and yellow light
    Y d. a flashing blue light

122: INLAND ONLY A barge more than 50 meters long is required to show how many white anchor lights when anchored in a Secretary approved "special anchorage area"?

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

160: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The lights shown are exhibited by a vessel __________. (DIAGRAM 49 )

    Y a. vessel not under command
    N b. air-cushion vessel in the non-displacement mode
    N c. vessel engaged in fishing
    N d. vessel engaged in underwater operations

210: INLAND ONLY A single vessel being towed alongside shall exhibit __________.

    N a. one all-round white light
    Y b. sidelights, stern light and a special flashing light
    N c. only the outboard sidelight and a stern light
    N d. a masthead light, sidelights, and a stern light

233: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" as shown. and will pass without changing course. Vessel "B" is an air-cushion vessel operating in the nondisplacement mode. Which light will vessel "A" observe from vessel "B"? (DIAGRAM 17 )

    N a. Green light
    N b. flashing red light
    Y c. flashing yellow light
    N d. flashing white light

249: INLAND ONLY You are on a power-driven vessel "I" as shown. Vessel "II" is a power-driven vessel engaged in fishing that will pass within 1/2 a mile of your vessel. Which action should you take? (DIAGRAM 36 )

    N a. Hold course and speed without giving a signal.
    N b. Sound the danger signal and reduce speed.
    N c. Sound one short blast, reduce speed and turn to starboard.
    Y d. Sound one short blast and await response from the fishing vessel.

301: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel displaying the lights shown is a vessel __________. (DIAGRAM 79 )

    N a. engaged in submarine operations
    N b. dredging
    N c. engaged in fishing
    Y d. towing astern

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

4032: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel may combine her sidelights and stern light in one lantern on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel?

    Y a. A 16-meter sailing vessel
    N b. A 25-meter power-driven vessel
    N c. A 28-meter sailing vessel
    N d. Any non-self-propelled vessel

4086: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on vessel "A" and approaching vessel "B" as shown. You are not sure whether your vessel is crossing or overtaking vessel "B". You should __________. (DIAGRAM 15 )

    N a. change course to make the situation definitely either crossing or overtaking
    N b. consider it to be a crossing situation
    Y c. consider it to be an overtaking situation
    N d. consider it a crossing situation if you can cross ahead safely

4167: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel which is "restricted in her ability to maneuver" under the Rules, is a vessel which is __________.

    Y a. mineclearing
    N b. engaged in fishing
    N c. at anchor
    N d. not under command

4194: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, you are towing a partly submerged vessel, 20 meters in length and 4 meters in breadth. What lights must you display on the towed vessel?

    N a. A white light at the stern
    N b. Two white lights side by side at the stern
    Y c. A white light at the forward end and a white light at the after end
    N d. Two red lights in a vertical line at the after end

4201: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel towing astern shall show __________.

    N a. two towing lights in a vertical line
    Y b. a towing light in a vertical line above the stern light
    N c. two towing lights in addition to the stern light
    N d. a small white light in lieu of the stern light

4211: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In order for a stand-on vessel to take action in a situation, she must determine that the other vessel __________.

    N a. is restricted in her ability to maneuver
    N b. has sounded the danger signal
    Y c. is not taking appropriate action
    N d. has not changed course since risk of collision was determined

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.

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

4500: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your power-driven vessel is stopped and making no way, but is not in any way disabled. Another vessel is approaching you on your starboard beam. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The other vessel must give way since your vessel is stopped.
    Y b. Your vessel is the give-way vessel in a crossing situation.
    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.

4526: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning risk of collision?

    N a. Risk of collision never exists if the compass bearing of the other vessel is changing.
    Y b. Proper use shall be made of radar equipment to determine risk of collision.
    N c. Risk of collision must be determined before any action can be taken by a vessel.
    N d. Risk of collision exists if the vessels will pass within half a mile of each other.

4541: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The Rules state that vessels may depart from 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

4543: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which situation would be a "special circumstance" under the Rules?

    N a. Vessel at anchor
    Y b. More than two vessels meeting
    N c. Speed in fog
    N d. Two vessels crossing

4578: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A "short blast" on the whistle has a duration of __________.

    Y a. 1 second
    N b. 4 to 6 seconds
    N c. 8 to 12 seconds
    N d. 12 to 15 seconds

4736: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In restricted visibility a towed vessel must sound a fog signal when it is _____________ .

    N a. the last vessel in the tow
    Y b. the last vessel in the tow and it is carrying a crew
    N c. manned, regardless of its position in the tow
    N d. None of the above are correct

4843: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND According to the Rules, a vessels length is her __________.

    N a. length between the perpendiculars
    N b. length along the waterline
    Y c. length overall
    N d. registered length

4864: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel shall NOT impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway?

    N a. A vessel dredging
    Y b. A sailing vessel
    N c. A vessel servicing an aid to navigation
    N d. All of the above

8076: INTERNATIONAL ONLY You are underway in a narrow channel, and you are being overtaken by a vessel astern. After the overtaking vessel sounds the proper signal indicating his intention to pass your vessel on your starboard side, you signal your agreement by sounding __________.

    N a. two prolonged followed by two short blasts
    Y b. one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, and one short blast
    N c. one short blast
    N d. two prolonged blasts

8080: INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which signal is sounded ONLY by a vessel in sight of another?

    Y a. One short blast on the whistle
    N b. Four short blasts on the whistle
    N c. One prolonged blast on the whistle
    N d. One short, one prolonged, and one short blast on the whistle