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.


6: INLAND ONLY A vessel displaying a flashing blue light is __________.


65: INLAND ONLY A power-driven vessel intends to overtake another power-driven vessel on the overtaken vessel's port side. Which whistle signal should be sounded in order to state this intention?


72: INLAND ONLY You are approaching a vessel displaying the lights as shown. This is a(n) __________. (DIAGRAM 75 )


84: INLAND ONLY You are in charge of a power-driven vessel crossing a river on the Western Rivers. You must keep out of the way of a __________.

    N a. sail vessel descending the river
    N b. power-driven vessel ascending the river
    N c. sail vessel ascending the river
    Y d. All of the above

96: INLAND ONLY You are approaching a sharp bend in a river. You have sounded a prolonged blast and it has been answered by a vessel on the other side of the bend. Which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. Both vessels must exchange passing signals when in sight and passing within one-half mile of each other.
    N b. No further whistle signals are necessary.
    N c. The vessel downriver must stop her engines and navigate with caution.
    N d. Both vessels must immediately sound passing signals whether or not they are in sight of each other.

108: INLAND ONLY You are overtaking another power-driven vessel in a narrow channel. The other vessel will have to move to allow you to pass. You wish to overtake the other vessel and leave her on your starboard side. Your first whistle signal should be __________.

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

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

    Y a. all-round white or yellow light
    N b. all-round yellow light only
    N c. all-round white light only
    N d. 225° white light only

161: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a vessel heading due south and see the lights shown one point on the port bow. This vessel could be heading __________. (DIAGRAM 51 )

    Y a. NW
    N b. SW
    N c. NE
    N d. SE

260: INLAND ONLY A vessel engaged in public safety activities may display an alternately flashing red and yellow light. This special light may be used by a vessel engaged in __________.

    Y a. search and rescue
    N b. restricted in ability to maneuver
    N c. not under command
    N d. river bank protection

335: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Diagram "C" shows the arc of visibility of a __________. (DIAGRAM 23 )

    N a. yellow flashing light
    N b. red sidelight
    N c. green sidelight
    Y d. None of the above

4000: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your vessel is 75 meters in length and restricted in her ability to maneuver. Visibility is restricted. What signal do you sound if you are carrying out your work at anchor?

    N a. Five seconds ringing of a bell at intervals of not more than one minute
    Y b. One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts on the whistle at intervals of not more than two minutes
    N c. Five seconds ringing of a bell and five second sounding of a gong at intervals of not more than one minute
    N d. Four short blasts on the whistle at intervals of not more than two minutes

4168: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When a vessel signals her distress by means of a gun or other explosive signal, the firing should be at intervals of approximately __________.

    N a. 10 minutes
    Y b. 1 minute
    N c. 1 hour
    N d. 3 minutes

4283: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is NOT a distress signal?

    N a. A continuous sounding of the fog horn
    N b. Firing a gun every minute
    Y c. Five or more short rapid blasts on the whistle
    N d. A square flag and ball flown from the mast

4331: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see the lights shown. What would it be? (DIAGRAM 77 )

    N a. A vessel pushing barges ahead
    Y b. A vessel towing barges astern
    N c. A pipeline
    N d. A stationary dredge

4379: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning risk of collision?

    N a. The stand-on vessel must keep out of the way of the other vessel when risk of collision exists.
    N b. Risk of collision always exists when two vessels pass within one mile of each other.
    N c. Risk of collision always exists when the compass bearing of an approaching vessel changes appreciably.
    Y d. Risk of collision may exist when the compass bearing of an approaching vessel is changing appreciably.

4385: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND To be considered "engaged in fishing" according to the Rules of the Road, a vessel must be __________.

    Y a. using fishing apparatus which restricts maneuverability
    N b. using trolling lines
    N c. power-driven
    N d. showing lights or shapes for a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver

4405: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel underway but not making way and fishing other than trawling will show which lights?

    N a. A white light over a red light
    Y b. A red light over a white light
    N c. A white light over a red light, sidelights, and a stern light
    N d. A red light over a white light, sidelights, and a stern light

4444: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must exhibit a conical shape, apex downwards?

    N a. A 10-meter vessel engaged in fishing
    Y b. A 15-meter vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery
    N c. A 20-meter vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
    N d. All of the above

4484: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel at anchor, not fishing or otherwise restricted in its ability to maneuver, sounds her fog signal at intervals of not __________.

    Y a. more than one minute
    N b. more than two minutes
    N c. more than three minutes
    N d. less than two minutes

4497: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is a requirement for any action taken to avoid collision?

    N a. When in sight of another vessel, any action taken must be accompanied by sound signals.
    N b. The action taken must include changing the speed of the vessel.
    Y c. The action must be positive and made in ample time.
    N d. All of the above

4519: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel underway and making way in fog shall sound every two minutes __________.

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

4522: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When a vessel sounds three short blasts on the whistle, this indicates that __________.

    N a. danger is ahead
    Y b. her engines are going astern
    N c. the vessel is not under command (broken down)
    N d. all other vessels should stand clear

4562: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In a crossing situation, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall __________.

    Y a. if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other
    N b. change course to port to keep out of the way
    N c. reduce her speed
    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

4620: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A tug is towing three manned barges in line in fog. The second vessel of the tow should sound __________.

    Y a. no fog signal
    N b. one short blast
    N c. one prolonged and three short blasts
    N d. one prolonged and two short blasts

4694: BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning fog signals?

    N a. All fog signals for sailing vessels are to be given at intervals of not more than one minute.
    Y b. A vessel aground may sound a whistle signal.
    N c. A vessel not under command sounds the same fog signal as a vessel towed.
    N d. The identity signal of a pilot vessel is the only fog signal sounded by such a vessel.

8029: INTERNATIONAL ONLY What day-shape is prescribed for a vessel constrained by her draft?

    N a. A black cone, apex upward
    N b. A black cone, apex downward
    N c. Two vertical black balls
    Y d. A cylinder

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

8092: INTERNATIONAL ONLY A light used to signal passing intentions must be an __________.

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

8136: INTERNATIONAL ONLY A power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside will show sidelights, a stern light, and __________.

    N a. an all-round red light where it can best be seen
    N b. two yellow masthead lights in a vertical line
    Y c. two masthead lights in a vertical line
    N d. a single white light forward