Ship Driver Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Ship Driver facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How should a ship driver handle music and noise while at anchor near others? → Keep volume low, especially after dark
2. What is the polite way to set anchor when you are unsure your hook is holding? → Back down to test the set and monitor your position
3. What does an all-round white light displayed by a vessel at anchor indicate? → The vessel is at anchor in its current position
4. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for vessel operators in federal waters? → 0.08% — same as automotive DUI standard
5. What is the signal mirror used for in a survival situation? → Reflecting sunlight to attract rescuers up to 10 miles away
6. When towing another disabled vessel, what is a key safety precaution? → Keep crew clear of the towline in case it parts under tension
7. What light configuration indicates a power-driven vessel underway less than 50 meters in length? → Masthead light forward, sternlight aft, sidelights
8. What is the minimum sustained wind speed that classifies a tropical cyclone as a 'tropical storm' in the Atlantic basin? → 34 knots
9. What is the purpose of a vessel's ground tackle? → The anchor, chain, and rode used for anchoring
10. What does 'cavitation' mean in the context of a propeller? → Formation and collapse of vapor bubbles on the propeller causing loss of thrust and damage
11. If the engine fails in a current near rocks, what is the best immediate action? → Deploy the anchor to stop drifting toward danger
12. What is a nautical mile approximately equal to? → 1,852 meters
13. What does a red flare or orange smoke signal indicate? → A vessel in distress needing assistance
14. What is a 'sea breeze' and when is it most likely to occur? → A daytime onshore wind caused by differential heating between land and water
15. What is advection fog and where is it most commonly encountered by mariners? → Fog formed when warm moist air moves over colder water; common over cold ocean currents
16. What color navigation light is shown on the port side of a vessel? → Red
17. What should you do during a thunderstorm while underway? → Reduce speed, stay low, avoid touching metal, and head to safe harbor if possible
18. What is the purpose of the National Recreational Boating Safety (NRBS) Program? → To fund state boating safety education, enforcement, and accident reporting programs
19. What condition requires a vessel to be hauled out for inspection of the running gear? → Persistent vibration through the hull while underway at normal speed
20. What does 'amidships' refer to? → The middle portion of the ship
21. What is the courteous way to handle trash and waste while boating? → Pack it out and dispose of it properly ashore
22. What do three red parachute flares signal? → You are in distress and require immediate assistance
23. What is the rear-most part of a ship called? → Stern
24. What does MARPOL Annex V regulate? → Garbage disposal from ships
25. What does the maritime adage 'red sky in the morning, sailor take warning' refer to? → Stormy weather may be approaching from the west
26. When entering a US port from seaward, where should red buoys be? → On your right (starboard side)
27. What does 'list' mean when describing a ship? → A leaning to one side
28. Why should a kill-cord (engine cut-off lanyard) be attached to the operator on a small powerboat? → So the engine stops if the operator is thrown from the helm
29. What does the term 'aft' mean? → Toward the rear
30. Which of the following is the primary broadcast system for maritime weather warnings and navigational information? → NAVTEX