Boating Certification Test Rules of the Water & Right of Way 3

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?

Accepted Answer

I am departing and other vessels should stand clear

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A red light on the left and a green light on the right

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Danger or doubt signal

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The powerboat gives way because sail has priority over power

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The starboard (right) side

Answer

All vessels in narrow channels should keep to the starboard (right) side of the channel to allow safe two-way traffic.

Boating Certification Test Practice Test