Maritime and Marine Navigation Rules (COLREGS) 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the International Rules (COLREGS), what does a vessel display when she is not under command?
- Two all-round red lights in a vertical line (Correct answer)
- Two all-round white lights in a vertical line
- One all-round red light and one all-round white light
- Two all-round green lights in a vertical line
Correct answer: Two all-round red lights in a vertical line
A vessel not under command shows two all-round red lights in a vertical line under COLREGS Rule 27.
Question 2: Which navigation rule applies when two power-driven vessels meet head-on?
- Both vessels must alter course to starboard (Correct answer)
- The vessel on the port side gives way
- The stand-on vessel maintains course and speed
- Both vessels must stop and signal
Correct answer: Both vessels must alter course to starboard
Rule 14 requires both vessels in a head-on situation to alter course to starboard so each passes on the port side of the other.
Question 3: What is the minimum visible range required for a masthead light on a vessel 50 meters or more in length?
- 6 miles (Correct answer)
- 3 miles
- 5 miles
- 2 miles
Correct answer: 6 miles
COLREGS Annex I requires masthead lights on vessels 50 meters or more to be visible for at least 6 nautical miles.
Question 4: Under COLREGS, what sound signal does a power-driven vessel make when altering course to starboard?
- One short blast (Correct answer)
- Two short blasts
- Three short blasts
- One prolonged blast
Correct answer: One short blast
Rule 34 states one short blast signals intent to alter course to starboard.
Question 5: A sailing vessel underway is overtaking a power-driven vessel. Which vessel is the stand-on vessel?
- The power-driven vessel being overtaken (Correct answer)
- The sailing vessel doing the overtaking
- Both vessels share equal responsibility
- Whichever vessel is larger
Correct answer: The power-driven vessel being overtaken
Rule 13 states that any vessel overtaking another must keep clear, regardless of the type of vessel being overtaken.
Question 6: What does a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver display at night?
- Red-white-red all-round lights in a vertical line (Correct answer)
- White-red-white all-round lights in a vertical line
- Two red and one white all-round lights
- Three all-round red lights in a vertical line
Correct answer: Red-white-red all-round lights in a vertical line
COLREGS Rule 27 requires red-white-red all-round lights in a vertical line for a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
Maritime and Marine Navigation Rules (COLREGS) 1
Under the International Rules (COLREGS), what does a vessel display when she is not under command?