Navigation Rules of the Road Flashcards
7 cards from real Boating Certification Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Navigation Rules of the Road flashcards as text
Two sailboats are on a collision course. Sailboat A is on a port tack and Sailboat B is on a starboard tack. Which boat is the stand-on vessel?
Answer: Sailboat B on starboard tack
When sailboats meet on opposite tacks, the vessel on the starboard tack is the stand-on vessel.
What does a vessel show to indicate it is constrained by its draft?
Answer: A cylinder displayed where it can best be seen
A vessel constrained by her draft displays a cylinder shape (by day) where it can best be seen.
In a narrow channel, where should a vessel generally keep when safe and practicable?
Answer: On the starboard side of the channel
Rule 9 requires vessels to keep as far to the starboard side of the channel as is safe and practicable.
A vessel engaged in fishing with nets has restricted maneuverability. How many white lights does it show at night in addition to its sidelights?
Answer: One white light above a red light
A vessel engaged in fishing shows a green light over a white light (or red over white if gear extends more than 150 m) and sidelights when underway.
What signal must a power-driven vessel sound when overtaking another vessel in a narrow channel to pass on the vessel's starboard side?
Answer: One prolonged blast
In the US Inland Rules, one short blast signals intent to pass on the other vessel's port side; one prolonged blast is used in other contexts — however, overtaking signals in a narrow channel use one short blast for starboard-side passing.
Which vessel is considered the 'give-way' vessel when a sailing vessel and a vessel not under command meet?
Answer: The sailing vessel gives way
A vessel not under command has priority over a sailing vessel; thus the sailing vessel must give way.
What is the minimum distance a vessel must remain from another vessel to avoid creating a dangerous wake or wash?
Answer: No fixed distance; the operator must operate at a safe speed given conditions
Navigation rules require vessels to operate at a safe speed; there is no single fixed distance, but operators are responsible for any damage caused by their wake.