Coast Guard Test Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Coast Guard Test facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is a key strategy used by the Coast Guard to prevent marine pollution? → Inspecting vessels and enforcing pollution laws
2. What is the difference between a Category I and Category II EPIRB? → Category I activates automatically when submerged; Category II is manually activated only
3. What is hypothermia's primary cause in a marine emergency? → Prolonged exposure to cold water or air
4. A sailing vessel and a power-driven vessel are on a collision course in open water; which is normally the stand-on vessel? → The sailing vessel
5. What action reduces the risk of capsizing when caught in heavy following seas? → Adjusting speed to avoid surfing down wave faces
6. What is the term for the imaginary line from which maritime zones like the territorial sea are measured? → The baseline
7. What color is a standard Coast Guard-approved distress flare at night? → Red
8. Which search pattern is a series of parallel tracks covering a rectangular area? → Parallel track (creeping line) search
9. Which defense operation involves the Coast Guard boarding suspect vessels to enforce sanctions? → Maritime interdiction operations
10. What does the acronym IALA stand for in the context of buoyage systems? → International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities
11. What is the proper term for the right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward? → Starboard
12. What is the recommended action for a survivor being hoisted in a rescue basket? → Sit still and keep hands inside
13. When a person falls overboard, what is the immediate first action for the helmsman? → Shout 'man overboard,' point, and turn toward the victim
14. What is the primary environmental concern with antifouling paints containing tributyltin (TBT)? → They are toxic and harm non-target marine organisms
15. What does 'characteristic' mean when describing a light signal? → The pattern of flashes and the color that identifies a specific light
16. What is the primary function of a DSC-equipped VHF radio in an emergency? → Send an automated digital distress alert with position
17. What are the Rules of the Road (COLREGS) for vessels in restricted visibility? → Proceed at safe speed, post lookouts, have sound signals ready, and use radar if available
18. When multiple survivors are in cold water together, which technique conserves heat? → The huddle position
19. What is the purpose of a National Contingency Plan? → To provide the framework for responding to oil and hazardous substance releases
20. During refueling operations, what equipment should be readily available to prevent water pollution? → Spill containment materials such as absorbent pads and drip pans
21. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the United States extends how far from the baseline? → 200 nautical miles
22. What is the first step in a Coast Guard SAR operation? → Receiving and assessing the distress call
23. The Coast Guard workhorse medium-range recovery helicopter is the: → MH-60 Jayhawk
24. Which armed service is the Coast Guard officially designated as at all times? → A branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
25. Which publication lists all US aids to navigation maintained by the Coast Guard? → Light List
26. Which document outlines a vessel's procedures for responding to an oil pollution emergency? → The Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)
27. What does a preferred channel mark (junction buoy) indicate? → A channel junction where the preferred channel is indicated by the top band color
28. Coast Guard cutters supporting Navy fleets often perform which defense role? → Maritime security and escort operations
29. The Contiguous Zone extends how far from the baseline? → 24 nautical miles
30. Under maritime law, a mariner is generally obligated to do what for a person in distress at sea? → Render assistance if it can be done safely