Ship Driver Etiquette for Ship Drivers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what is the courteous and correct action?
- Both alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port (Correct answer)
- Both alter course to port
- The smaller vessel must stop and wait
- Maintain course and speed and force the other to move
Correct answer: Both alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port
In a head-on situation each vessel turns to starboard so they pass port-to-port.
Question 2: What is the polite radio practice when contacting another vessel on VHF Channel 16?
- Shout to get attention quickly
- Hail briefly, then switch to a working channel for the conversation (Correct answer)
- Stay on 16 for the entire conversation
- Use channel 16 only for casual chat
Correct answer: Hail briefly, then switch to a working channel for the conversation
Channel 16 is for hailing and distress; conversations move to a working channel to keep 16 clear.
Question 3: How should a ship driver behave when passing a vessel engaged in fishing with nets out?
- Pass as close as possible to wave hello
- Give a wide berth to avoid fouling their gear (Correct answer)
- Cut across their lines to save time
- Sound five short blasts at them
Correct answer: Give a wide berth to avoid fouling their gear
Courteous boating means giving fishing vessels room so you don't damage their nets or lines.
Question 4: What is the proper etiquette regarding wake when passing moored boats or a marina?
- Speed up to clear the area faster
- Slow to no-wake speed to avoid damage and discomfort (Correct answer)
- Maintain cruising speed; wake is their problem
- Turn sharply to spread the wake out
Correct answer: Slow to no-wake speed to avoid damage and discomfort
Reducing to no-wake speed near moorings prevents damage and shows respect for others.
Question 5: When you are the give-way vessel in a crossing situation, what is the courteous action?
- Make an early, obvious course change so your intent is clear (Correct answer)
- Wait until the last moment to alter course
- Expect the stand-on vessel to move for you
- Sound the horn and keep going
Correct answer: Make an early, obvious course change so your intent is clear
Early, substantial action clearly shows the stand-on vessel that you are keeping clear.
Question 6: What is considered good etiquette at a busy fuel dock?
- Leave the boat unattended while shopping
- Fuel promptly and move off so others can use the dock (Correct answer)
- Tie up all day to socialize
- Block the dock until you finish lunch
Correct answer: Fuel promptly and move off so others can use the dock
Fuel docks are shared; refuel quickly and clear the space for waiting boats.
Question 7: How should you respond when another vessel signals thanks after you give way?
- Ignore them entirely
- Acknowledge with a wave or brief signal (Correct answer)
- Demand they pay a toll
- Block their path in return
Correct answer: Acknowledge with a wave or brief signal
A simple wave acknowledges the courtesy and maintains friendly relations on the water.
Ship Driver Etiquette for Ship Drivers 2
When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what is the courteous and correct action?