NASBLA Navigation Rules & Right of Way 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Masthead light, sidelights, and a sternlight

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

My engines are going astern

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The observer is viewing the vessel's port side

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

A safe speed adapted to the prevailing conditions of restricted visibility

Answer

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

NASBLA - National Association of State Boating Law Administrators Certified Practice Test