OBS Traffic Laws & Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which vessel has the right of way over all others under the Navigation Rules?
- A large commercial ship
- A vessel not under command (Correct answer)
- A sailing vessel under sail alone
- A vessel constrained by its draft
Correct answer: A vessel not under command
A vessel not under command (unable to maneuver) has the highest right-of-way priority because it cannot take action to avoid collision.
Question 2: What do five or more short blasts on a horn or whistle mean?
- All clear to proceed
- Danger or doubt about the other vessel's intentions (Correct answer)
- Coming to a complete stop
- Request for a bridge to open
Correct answer: Danger or doubt about the other vessel's intentions
Five or more short blasts is the danger or doubt signal indicating the operator is uncertain of the other vessel's intentions.
Question 3: A motorboat is required to display which lights when operating between sunset and sunrise?
- Only a white stern light
- Red port light, green starboard light, and white stern light (Correct answer)
- All-around white light only
- Masthead light and stern light only
Correct answer: Red port light, green starboard light, and white stern light
Motorboats under 39.4 feet must display red (port), green (starboard), and white stern lights at night.
Question 4: When must a vessel give way to a vessel being overtaken?
- Never — the overtaking vessel always has right-of-way
- Always — the vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel (Correct answer)
- Only in narrow channels
- Only at night
Correct answer: Always — the vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel
The vessel being overtaken always has the right of way; the overtaking vessel must keep clear until completely past and clear.
Question 5: What is a 'no-wake zone' and what speed is typically required?
- An area where boats must anchor
- A zone where vessels must travel slowly enough to produce no wake, usually under 5 mph (Correct answer)
- A zone where engine use is prohibited
- An area restricted to sailboats only
Correct answer: A zone where vessels must travel slowly enough to produce no wake, usually under 5 mph
No-wake zones require vessels to travel at the minimum speed needed to maintain steerage, typically under 5 mph, to prevent wake damage.
Question 6: Which of these vessels must give way to a sailing vessel under sail alone?
- A vessel not under command
- A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver
- A powerboat under engine power (Correct answer)
- A vessel engaged in fishing
Correct answer: A powerboat under engine power
A power-driven vessel must give way to a sailing vessel under sail alone, as sailboats are considered less maneuverable.
Question 7: Under U.S. law, how close to a U.S. Navy vessel may a recreational boat approach?
- 25 yards
- 50 yards
- 100 yards (Correct answer)
- 500 yards
Correct answer: 100 yards
Federal law prohibits recreational vessels from coming within 100 yards of U.S. Navy ships to ensure security.
OBS Traffic Laws & Regulations 3
Which vessel has the right of way over all others under the Navigation Rules?