Boating Certification Test Rules of the Water & Right of Way 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Two powerboats are crossing paths. Boat A is on Boat B's starboard side. Which boat must give way?
- Boat A, because it is the stand-on vessel
- Boat B, because it is the give-way vessel (Correct answer)
- Boat A, because it must yield to vessels on its right
- Boat B, because it has the right of way
Correct answer: Boat B, because it is the give-way vessel
In a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other on its starboard (right) side is the give-way vessel and must yield.
Question 2: What is the stand-on vessel required to do when it becomes clear that the give-way vessel is NOT taking appropriate action?
- Continue on course and speed at all times
- Immediately stop and wait
- Take action to avoid collision if necessary (Correct answer)
- Sound five short blasts and anchor
Correct answer: Take action to avoid collision if necessary
If the give-way vessel fails to act, the stand-on vessel must take whatever action is needed to avoid a collision.
Question 3: A sailboat under sail and a human-powered vessel (kayak) are on a collision course. Which has right of way?
- The sailboat, because it is larger
- The kayak, because it is human-powered (Correct answer)
- The sailboat under sail always has right of way over any vessel
- Neither; both must alter course equally
Correct answer: The kayak, because it is human-powered
Human-powered vessels such as kayaks and rowboats are generally given right of way over sailboats and powerboats.
Question 4: When two vessels meet head-on in a narrow channel, what is the correct action?
- Both vessels turn to port (left)
- Both vessels turn to starboard (right) (Correct answer)
- The smaller vessel gives way to the larger
- The slower vessel must stop
Correct answer: Both vessels turn to starboard (right)
In a head-on meeting situation, both vessels must alter course to starboard so each passes on the port side of the other.
Question 5: Which signal tells another boater that you intend to pass them on THEIR port side (your starboard side)?
- One short blast
- Two short blasts (Correct answer)
- Three short blasts
- One prolonged blast
Correct answer: Two short blasts
Two short blasts mean 'I intend to pass you on my starboard side (your port side)' in inland rules.
Question 6: A vessel engaged in fishing with nets is being approached by a powerboat. Who has right of way?
- The powerboat, because it has an engine
- The fishing vessel, because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver (Correct answer)
- The powerboat, because it is faster
- Neither; both must slow to idle speed
Correct answer: The fishing vessel, because it is restricted in its ability to maneuver
A vessel engaged in fishing (with gear deployed that restricts maneuverability) takes priority over a powerboat.
Question 7: You are overtaking another vessel in open water. Where must you pass to be in compliance with the rules?
- Always to the starboard side
- Either side, but you must give way until completely past (Correct answer)
- Always to the port side
- Only when the vessel ahead signals permission
Correct answer: Either side, but you must give way until completely past
An overtaking vessel may pass on either side but must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken until safely past.
Boating Certification Test Rules of the Water & Right of Way 2
Two powerboats are crossing paths.
Boat A is on Boat B's starboard side.
Which boat must give way?