Traffic Laws & Regulations Flashcards
7 cards from real OBS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Traffic Laws & Regulations flashcards as text
Which color light indicates the port (left) side of a vessel at night?
Answer: Red
A red light on the port (left) side and a green light on the starboard (right) side are required navigation lights for vessels.
When is a vessel considered to be 'underway' under navigation rules?
Answer: When it is not at anchor, made fast to shore, or aground
A vessel is underway whenever it is not anchored, moored, or aground — even if it is drifting with no engine power.
What is the purpose of the 'Inland Navigation Rules' as distinct from 'International Rules'?
Answer: They govern vessel conduct on U.S. inland waters, while International Rules apply beyond 12 nautical miles offshore
Inland Rules apply inside the U.S. demarcation lines (inland waters), while International COLREGS apply on the high seas beyond those lines.
A vessel displaying an all-around white light and no other lights at night is most likely:
Answer: A vessel at anchor or a small powerboat under 23 feet
Vessels under 23 feet (7 meters) may use a single all-around white light instead of separate port, starboard, and stern lights.
Which statement about the 'Rules of the Road' hierarchy is correct when a stand-on vessel must take action?
Answer: If collision is imminent and the give-way vessel has not acted, the stand-on vessel must take the best action available to avoid collision
When collision becomes imminent and the give-way vessel has not acted, the stand-on vessel is required to take whatever action best avoids collision.
What does a green can-shaped buoy with an odd number indicate in the U.S. lateral marker system?
Answer: Keep to your left when returning from sea — it marks the port side of the channel
Green odd-numbered buoys mark the port (left) side of the channel when returning from sea and should be passed on the vessel's port side.
Under federal law, a boat operator who refuses a Coast Guard boarding inspection may face:
Answer: Civil penalties and possible criminal charges
Refusing a lawful Coast Guard boarding inspection is a federal violation carrying civil penalties and potentially criminal charges.