Alabama Boaters Navigation Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When two power-driven vessels are crossing and risk of collision exists, which vessel must give way?
- The vessel on the port side of the other (Correct answer)
- The vessel on the starboard side of the other
- The faster vessel
- The larger vessel
Correct answer: The vessel on the port side of the other
The vessel that has the other on its starboard side is the give-way vessel and must take early action to avoid collision.
Question 2: What does a vessel's red sidelight indicate to an approaching boat?
- You are approaching from the vessel's starboard side
- You are approaching from the vessel's port side (Correct answer)
- The vessel is at anchor
- The vessel is restricted in ability to maneuver
Correct answer: You are approaching from the vessel's port side
A red sidelight is displayed on the port (left) side, so seeing it means you are approaching from that vessel's port side.
Question 3: A stand-on vessel in a crossing situation should:
- Immediately slow down to let the other vessel pass
- Maintain its course and speed initially (Correct answer)
- Turn hard to port
- Sound five short blasts
Correct answer: Maintain its course and speed initially
The stand-on vessel must maintain course and speed so the give-way vessel can predict its path and maneuver safely.
Question 4: What signal does a vessel give when it is about to overtake another vessel on the overtaken vessel's starboard side?
- One short blast (Correct answer)
- Two short blasts
- Three short blasts
- One prolonged blast
Correct answer: One short blast
One short blast signals intent to overtake or pass on the port side of the vessel ahead; two short blasts signals overtaking on the starboard side — wait, one blast = overtaking on the overtaken vessel's starboard side per Inland Rules.
Question 5: In a narrow channel, where should a vessel keep to the extent safe and practicable?
- The center of the channel
- The starboard side of the channel (Correct answer)
- The port side of the channel
- Whichever side has more water depth
Correct answer: The starboard side of the channel
Rule 9 requires vessels to keep to the starboard side of a narrow channel to allow safe two-way traffic.
Question 6: What does the term 'vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver' include?
- A vessel conducting dredging operations (Correct answer)
- A vessel with engine trouble
- A vessel anchored in fog
- A vessel being overtaken
Correct answer: A vessel conducting dredging operations
Vessels conducting dredging, surveying, or laying cables are restricted in their ability to maneuver and have special right-of-way status.
Question 7: When meeting head-on, both power-driven vessels should:
- The larger vessel keeps course; the smaller alters
- Both vessels alter course to starboard (Correct answer)
- Both vessels alter course to port
- The slower vessel gives way
Correct answer: Both vessels alter course to starboard
In a head-on situation, both vessels must alter course to starboard so they pass port-to-port.
Alabama Boaters Navigation Rules 2
When two power-driven vessels are crossing and risk of collision exists, which vessel must give way?