Boating Certification Test Rules of the Water & Right of Way 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Inland Navigation Rules, what does one prolonged blast of a horn (4–6 seconds) signal when leaving a dock or berth?
- Danger
- I am turning to starboard
- I am departing and other vessels should stand clear (Correct answer)
- I intend to overtake
Correct 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.
Question 2: Two powerboats are approaching each other head-on at night. Which lights will you see on the approaching vessel?
- A red light on the left and a green light on the right (Correct answer)
- Two white lights stacked vertically
- A single white masthead light only
- A green light on the left and a red light on the right
Correct 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.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a vessel's whistle signal of five or more short blasts?
- Request for assistance
- Signal to overtake
- Danger or doubt signal (Correct answer)
- Anchoring signal
Correct 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.
Question 4: A powerboat and a sailboat under sail are on crossing courses. The sailboat is on the powerboat's port side. Who gives way?
- The powerboat gives way because sail has priority over power (Correct answer)
- The sailboat gives way because it is on the give-way side
- The powerboat gives way because it is larger
- Both must stop and communicate
Correct 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.
Question 5: In a narrow channel, small vessels should stay as close as possible to which side?
- The port (left) side
- The center
- The starboard (right) side (Correct answer)
- The deeper side regardless of direction
Correct 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.
Question 6: A motorboat sees only a green light ahead at night. What does this indicate?
- The vessel is at anchor
- The vessel's starboard side is showing — it is crossing from right to left (Correct answer)
- The vessel is the stand-on vessel
- The vessel is moving in the same direction
Correct 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.
Question 7: Which of the following vessels is NOT required to give way to a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver?
- A vessel not under command (Correct answer)
- A powerboat with a working engine
- A vessel engaged in fishing
- A sailing vessel under sail
Correct 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.
Boating Certification Test Rules of the Water & Right of Way 3
Under the Inland Navigation Rules, what does one prolonged blast of a horn (4–6 seconds) signal when leaving a dock or berth?