Ship Driver Rules of the Road (COLREGS) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does an all-round white light displayed by a vessel at anchor indicate?
- The vessel is underway and making way
- The vessel is at anchor in its current position (Correct answer)
- The vessel is aground
- The vessel is fishing
Correct answer: The vessel is at anchor in its current position
A vessel at anchor must show an all-round white light visible from all directions per COLREGS Rule 30 to warn approaching vessels.
Question 2: What is the minimum sound signal required for a power-driven vessel in restricted visibility?
- One prolonged blast every 2 minutes (Correct answer)
- Two short blasts every 2 minutes
- One prolonged blast every 30 seconds
- Three short blasts every minute
Correct answer: One prolonged blast every 2 minutes
A power-driven vessel making way in restricted visibility must sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes per COLREGS Rule 35.
Question 3: A sailing vessel underway at night must show:
- Red and green sidelights and a white sternlight only (Correct answer)
- A white masthead light, sidelights, and sternlight
- All-round white light only
- Flashing yellow light
Correct answer: Red and green sidelights and a white sternlight only
A sailing vessel underway shows only red and green sidelights and a white sternlight — no masthead light, which distinguishes it from a power vessel.
Question 4: In a narrow channel, a vessel wishing to overtake another must:
- Sound five short blasts to warn the other vessel
- Request permission via two prolonged and one short blast (or two prolonged and two short blasts) (Correct answer)
- Simply pass on whichever side is clear
- Wait at a safe anchorage
Correct answer: Request permission via two prolonged and one short blast (or two prolonged and two short blasts)
In narrow channels, the overtaking vessel signals its intent with two prolonged blasts + one short (to pass starboard) or two prolonged + two short (to pass port) per Rule 9.
Question 5: What does five or more short blasts on a whistle signify?
- I am altering course to port
- I request a bridge opening
- Danger — I am unsure of your intentions (Correct answer)
- I am operating in reverse
Correct answer: Danger — I am unsure of your intentions
Five or more short blasts is the danger signal under COLREGS Rule 34(d), indicating doubt about another vessel's actions or intention.
Question 6: Which vessel type has the LOWEST priority in the COLREGS right-of-way hierarchy?
- Vessel not under command
- Sailing vessel
- Power-driven vessel (Correct answer)
- Vessel engaged in fishing
Correct answer: Power-driven vessel
Ordinary power-driven vessels underway have the lowest priority in the COLREGS hierarchy and must give way to all other vessel categories listed in Rule 18.
Ship Driver Rules of the Road (COLREGS) 2
What does an all-round white light displayed by a vessel at anchor indicate?