Boating Certification Test Navigation Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Two power-driven vessels are crossing. 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 smaller vessel
Correct answer: The vessel on the port side of the other
In a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side is the give-way vessel.
Question 2: What does a vessel constrained by her draft have in common with a vessel not under command?
- Both must show red lights only
- Both have restricted ability to maneuver and must be given way (Correct answer)
- Both must anchor immediately
- Both may sound any signal they choose
Correct answer: Both have restricted ability to maneuver and must be given way
Both vessel types have limited maneuverability and other vessels must keep clear of them.
Question 3: Which sound signal indicates a vessel is altering course to STARBOARD?
- Two short blasts
- One short blast (Correct answer)
- Three short blasts
- One prolonged blast
Correct answer: One short blast
One short blast signals a course change to starboard under the Inland Rules.
Question 4: A vessel overtaking another in a narrow channel wishes to pass on the overtaken vessel's port side. What signal should the overtaking vessel sound?
- Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast
- Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts (Correct answer)
- One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts
- Three short blasts
Correct answer: Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts
Two prolonged and two short blasts is the Inland Rules signal indicating intent to overtake on the port side.
Question 5: What is the minimum sound signal equipment required for a vessel less than 12 meters in length?
- A whistle and a bell
- Any means of making an efficient sound signal (Correct answer)
- A whistle only
- A horn and a foghorn
Correct answer: Any means of making an efficient sound signal
Vessels under 12 meters need only some means of making an efficient sound signal — no specific device is mandated.
Question 6: In restricted visibility, a vessel making way through the water should sound what signal every 2 minutes?
- Two prolonged blasts
- One prolonged blast (Correct answer)
- Three short blasts
- One prolonged and two short blasts
Correct answer: One prolonged blast
A power-driven vessel making way in restricted visibility sounds one prolonged blast every two minutes.
Question 7: Which vessel has the highest priority in the right-of-way hierarchy?
- Sailing vessel
- Vessel not under command (Correct answer)
- Fishing vessel
- Power-driven vessel
Correct answer: Vessel not under command
A vessel not under command has the highest right-of-way since it cannot maneuver to avoid collision.
Boating Certification Test Navigation Rules 2
Two power-driven vessels are crossing.
Which vessel must give way?