Boating Certification Test Navigation Rules of the Road Questions and Answers

Question 1

You are operating a power-driven vessel and see another power-driven vessel approaching from your starboard (right) side. The two vessels are on crossing paths and a risk of collision exists. What is your primary responsibility according to the Navigation Rules?

Accepted Answer

You are the give-way vessel and must take early and substantial action to keep clear.

Answer

According to Navigation Rule 15, when two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side is the 'give-way' vessel. The give-way vessel is required to take early and substantial action to keep well clear of the 'stand-on' vessel, which should maintain its course and speed.

Question 2

Two power-driven vessels are meeting in a head-on situation. What action is required by both vessels to avoid a collision?

Accepted Answer

Both vessels should alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port.

Answer

Navigation Rule 14 specifically addresses head-on situations between two power-driven vessels. It states that when meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses, each vessel shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.

Question 3

Which of the following sound signals should a power-driven vessel making way (underway and moving) sound in or near an area of restricted visibility, such as fog?

Accepted Answer

One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes.

Answer

Rule 35 of the Navigation Rules dictates the sound signals to be used in restricted visibility. A power-driven vessel making way through the water is required to sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes.

Question 4

A vessel that is required by the Navigation Rules to keep out of the way of another vessel is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Give-way vessel

Answer

The term 'give-way vessel' is used in the Navigation Rules to describe the vessel that must take early and substantial action to keep clear of the other vessel. The other vessel, which should maintain its course and speed, is called the 'stand-on vessel'.

Question 5

At night, you see a single white light ahead. As you get closer, you notice it is on a boat that appears to be stationary. What does this single all-round white light most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

A vessel at anchor.

Answer

According to the Navigation Rules, a vessel at anchor must display an all-round white light where it can best be seen. While small powerboats may also use an all-round white light, in the context of a stationary vessel, an anchor light is the most probable identification.

Boating Certification Test Practice Test

Boating Certification Test Practice Test

Boating Certification Test Navigation Rules of the Road Questions and Answers