Rules of the Water & Right of Way 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 Rules of the Water & Right of Way flashcards as text
Under the Inland Navigation Rules, what does one prolonged blast of a horn (4–6 seconds) signal when leaving a dock or berth?
Answer: I am departing and other vessels should stand clear
One prolonged blast is a departure signal used to warn nearby vessels when leaving a slip, dock, or anchorage.
Two powerboats are approaching each other head-on at night. Which lights will you see on the approaching vessel?
Answer: A red light on the left and a green light on the right
An approaching vessel shows its red (port) light on your left and its green (starboard) light on your right in a head-on situation.
What is the purpose of a vessel's whistle signal of five or more short blasts?
Answer: Danger or doubt signal
Five or more short blasts is the danger or doubt signal, used when you are unsure of another vessel's intentions.
A powerboat and a sailboat under sail are on crossing courses. The sailboat is on the powerboat's port side. Who gives way?
Answer: The powerboat gives way because sail has priority over power
Sailboats under sail have right of way over powerboats regardless of which side they approach from.
In a narrow channel, small vessels should stay as close as possible to which side?
Answer: The starboard (right) side
All vessels in narrow channels should keep to the starboard (right) side of the channel to allow safe two-way traffic.
A motorboat sees only a green light ahead at night. What does this indicate?
Answer: The vessel's starboard side is showing — it is crossing from right to left
A green (starboard) light seen alone means the other vessel is showing its right side, so it is traveling across your path from right to left.
Which of the following vessels is NOT required to give way to a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver?
Answer: A vessel not under command
A vessel 'not under command' (NUC) has the highest priority and is not required to yield to any other vessel.