AB - Able Seaman Navigation Rules of the Road Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to Rule 5 of the Navigation Rules, which of the following is a component of maintaining a proper look-out?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing sight, hearing, and all available means appropriate to the conditions.

Answer

Rule 5 states that "Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision." This requires a multi-faceted approach, not relying on a single method.

Question 2

Under the International Rules, what is the whistle signal for a power-driven vessel altering its course to port when in sight of another vessel?

Accepted Answer

Two short blasts.

Answer

Rule 34(a) of the COLREGs specifies that two short blasts on the whistle indicate "I am altering my course to port." One short blast means altering course to starboard, and three short blasts mean operating astern propulsion.

Question 3

You are on a power-driven vessel and see a sailing vessel on your starboard bow on a collision course. According to the hierarchy of responsibilities between vessels (Rule 18), which vessel is the stand-on vessel?

Accepted Answer

The sailing vessel.

Answer

Rule 18 establishes a hierarchy of responsibility. A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a sailing vessel, unless the sailing vessel is overtaking the power-driven vessel. Therefore, the sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel and should maintain its course and speed.

Question 4

A power-driven vessel is towing another vessel astern. The length of the tow, from the stern of the towing vessel to the after end of the tow, is greater than 200 meters. What day shape must the towing vessel display?

Accepted Answer

A diamond shape.

Answer

According to Rule 24(a)(v), a power-driven vessel when towing, if the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters, shall exhibit a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

Question 5

While navigating in a narrow channel under Inland Rules, you intend to overtake another vessel on its starboard side. What is the correct whistle signal to indicate your intention?

Accepted Answer

One short blast.

Answer

Under the Inland Navigation Rules, Rule 34(c)(i) states that a power-driven vessel intending to overtake another power-driven vessel shall indicate her intention by sounding one short blast for "I intend to overtake you on your starboard side" or two short blasts for the port side. The International signal (two prolonged followed by one short) is different.

(AB) Able Seaman Exam Practice Test

(AB) Able Seaman Exam Practice Test

AB - Able Seaman Navigation Rules of the Road Questions and Answers