Navigation Rules & Right of Way Flashcards

What lights must a power-driven vessel less than 50 meters in length display when underway at night?

Answer: Masthead light, sidelights, and a sternlight

A power-driven vessel under 50 meters underway must show one masthead light forward, sidelights (red/green), and a white sternlight per Rule 23.

What does three short blasts on a vessel's whistle signal mean when vessels are in sight of each other?

Answer: My engines are going astern

Rule 34 specifies that three short blasts is the maneuvering signal for operating engines in reverse (astern propulsion).

What sound signal must a vessel at anchor in restricted visibility sound every two minutes?

Answer: Ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds

Rule 35 requires a vessel at anchor to ring a bell rapidly for about five seconds every two minutes in restricted visibility.

What does a red sidelight on a vessel indicate to an observer?

Answer: The observer is viewing the vessel's port side

Red sidelights are mounted on the port (left) side; if you see a red light you are viewing the vessel from its port side.

Under Rule 19 (Restricted Visibility), what speed must a vessel maintain?

Answer: A safe speed adapted to the prevailing conditions of restricted visibility

Rule 19 requires vessels in or near restricted visibility to proceed at a safe speed adapted to the conditions, not a specific numerical limit.

What is the minimum sounding interval for a power-driven vessel making way in restricted visibility?

Answer: One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes

Rule 35 requires a power-driven vessel making way in restricted visibility to sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes.

What do sidelights on a vessel indicate regarding the arc of visibility?

Answer: Each sidelight covers an arc of 112.5 degrees

Under Rule 21, each sidelight must cover an arc of the horizon of 112.5 degrees, from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam.