Boating License Test Boating License Test Navigation Lights and Sound Signals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does one short blast on a horn mean in inland waters?
- I am backing up
- I intend to leave you on my port (left) side
- I intend to leave you on my starboard (right) side (Correct answer)
- I am in distress
Correct answer: I intend to leave you on my starboard (right) side
In US inland rules, one short blast means the vessel is directing its course to starboard (right).
Question 2: What does five or more short blasts on a horn indicate?
- The vessel is anchoring
- A danger or distress signal — the other vessel's intentions are unclear (Correct answer)
- The vessel is departing a dock
- The vessel is requesting a bridge opening
Correct answer: A danger or distress signal — the other vessel's intentions are unclear
Five or more short rapid blasts is the danger signal, used when the operator is in doubt about the intentions of another vessel.
Question 3: What navigation lights must a vessel under 23 feet (7 meters) display while underway at night?
- Only a flashlight may be used
- Combined red/green bow light and a white stern light, or an all-around white light (Correct answer)
- Full set of sidelights and masthead lights required
- No lights required for small vessels
Correct answer: Combined red/green bow light and a white stern light, or an all-around white light
Vessels under 7 meters may display sidelights and a stern light or, if not practical, an all-around white light.
Question 4: A vessel displaying a red light over a white light indicates what type of vessel?
- A vessel engaged in fishing (Correct answer)
- A vessel not under command
- A pilot vessel
- A towing vessel
Correct answer: A vessel engaged in fishing
A vessel engaged in fishing (other than trolling) displays red over white lights to indicate its limited maneuverability.
Question 5: What does a flashing blue light on a vessel indicate?
- The vessel is a sailing vessel
- The vessel is a law enforcement vessel (Correct answer)
- The vessel is at anchor
- The vessel is a commercial fishing boat
Correct answer: The vessel is a law enforcement vessel
Flashing blue lights are used by law enforcement vessels to signal other boaters to stop or yield.
Question 6: If you see both red and green lights plus a white light ahead at night, what is the other vessel doing?
- The vessel is anchored
- The vessel is heading directly toward you (Correct answer)
- The vessel is turning away from you
- The vessel is a vessel not under command
Correct answer: The vessel is heading directly toward you
Seeing both sidelights (red and green) plus a white masthead light means the vessel is approaching head-on.
Boating License Test Boating License Test Navigation Lights and Sound Signals 2
What does one short blast on a horn mean in inland waters?