PWC PWC Navigation Rules 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which vessel is considered the 'stand-on' vessel in a crossing situation?
- The vessel on the port side
- The vessel on the starboard side of the other (Correct answer)
- The larger vessel
- The faster vessel
Correct answer: The vessel on the starboard side of the other
In a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other on its port (left) side is the stand-on vessel and must maintain course and speed.
Question 2: What does a solid red sidelight on a vessel indicate?
- The vessel is stopped
- You are looking at the vessel's port (left) side (Correct answer)
- The vessel is in distress
- You are looking at the vessel's starboard (right) side
Correct answer: You are looking at the vessel's port (left) side
Red navigation lights are mounted on the port (left) side of a vessel, so seeing a red sidelight means you are viewing the vessel from its port side.
Question 3: A PWC underway at night is required to display which navigation lights?
- Only a white stern light
- Red and green sidelights plus a white all-around or masthead and stern light (Correct answer)
- No lights are required for PWCs
- A single yellow flashing light
Correct answer: Red and green sidelights plus a white all-around or masthead and stern light
A PWC underway at night must display the same lights as other powered vessels: red/green sidelights and white masthead and stern lights, or an all-around white light.
Question 4: What does one short blast of a horn signal from an approaching vessel mean?
- I am in distress
- I intend to pass you on my port side
- I intend to pass you on my starboard side (Correct answer)
- I am stopping my engines
Correct answer: I intend to pass you on my starboard side
One short blast means the vessel intends to pass on its own starboard side (the other vessel's port side), per USCG Navigation Rules.
Question 5: What is the 'inland rules' distance within which vessels must use navigation lights at night?
- Within 100 feet of shore
- All vessels underway in reduced visibility or from sunset to sunrise (Correct answer)
- Only within marked channels
- Within 1 mile of a marina
Correct answer: All vessels underway in reduced visibility or from sunset to sunrise
Navigation lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility, regardless of location.
Question 6: When a PWC is overtaking another vessel, which vessel must give way?
- The vessel being overtaken
- The overtaking vessel must keep clear (Correct answer)
- The larger vessel always gives way
- Neither — both maintain course
Correct answer: The overtaking vessel must keep clear
The overtaking vessel is always the give-way vessel and must keep clear of the vessel being passed, regardless of vessel type.
PWC PWC Navigation Rules 1
Which vessel is considered the 'stand-on' vessel in a crossing situation?