Boating Certification Test Navigation Rules of the Road 3

Question 1

A vessel is approaching a bend in a river where visibility is obstructed. What sound signal should it sound?

Accepted Answer

One prolonged blast

Answer

Rule 9 requires a vessel navigating near a bend to sound one prolonged blast to warn approaching vessels.

Question 2

At night, a vessel sees only a green light ahead. What can the operator conclude?

Accepted Answer

Another vessel's starboard side is visible — it may be crossing or head-on

Answer

A green light is the starboard sidelight, indicating you are seeing the other vessel's right side — it could be crossing or slightly head-on.

Question 3

Which vessel has the right-of-way over all others under the COLREGS hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

A vessel not under command

Answer

Vessels not under command rank highest in the priority hierarchy and must be avoided by all other vessels.

Question 4

Two power-driven vessels are in a crossing situation. Vessel A is to the right of Vessel B. Which vessel must give way?

Accepted Answer

Vessel B gives way because the other vessel is on its starboard side

Answer

In a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side is the give-way vessel — Vessel B must yield to Vessel A.

Question 5

What does three short blasts from a vessel mean?

Accepted Answer

I am operating in reverse

Answer

Three short blasts signal that the vessel's engines are going astern (in reverse).

Boating Certification Test Practice Test