Free OUPV practice test
Rules of the Road practice test
Right of way, lights and shapes, sound signals and the differences between the International and Inland rules.
20 free questions
20 questions. Pick an answer to see its rule.
For the purpose of the Inland Navigation Rules, the term "Inland Waters" includes which of the following?
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B. The Great Lakes on the United States side of the boundary
Inland Waters run shoreward of the COLREGS demarcation lines and include the Western Rivers and the Great Lakes on the U.S. side of the boundary.
Inland Rule 3. Source: NMC sample exam.
A law enforcement vessel patrolling a marine regatta may exhibit a flashing blue light or which of the following alternates?
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D. an alternately flashing red and yellow light
Patrol vessels at a marine event may use a flashing blue light or the alternately flashing red and yellow light. Remember red and yellow as the non-police alternative.
33 CFR Parts 88 and 100. Source: NMC sample exam.
A commercial vessel engaged in public safety activities may display a(n) identity light(s). Which of the following is appropriate for these activities?
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A. alternately flashing red and yellow light
Blue is for law enforcement. A commercial vessel doing public safety work may use the alternately flashing red and yellow light instead, and it gets no right of way from it.
33 CFR 88.07. Source: NMC sample exam.
What is a "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
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D. A vessel laying revetment mats to provide bank protection along a channel
Laying, servicing or picking up underwater structures such as revetment mats limits a vessel's ability to keep out of the way because of the nature of the work.
Rule 3(g). Source: NMC sample exam.
What is a vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
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A. A vessel towing unable to deviate from her course
A towing operation that severely restricts the tug and tow from deviating from course is listed as restricted in ability to maneuver. Being towed as a dead ship or having deep draft is not.
Rule 3(g). Source: NMC sample exam.
You are operating a vessel in a narrow channel. Your vessel must stay within the channel to be navigated safely. Another vessel is crossing your course from starboard to port, and you are in doubt as to his intentions. According to Rule 9, which statement is TRUE?
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A. You may sound at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle
When you can't tell what the other vessel intends, International Rule 9(d) lets you sound the danger signal of at least five short and rapid blasts. Inland Rule 9(d) says must.
Rule 9(d), Rule 34(d). Source: NMC sample exam.
Which vessel shall avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft?
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A. A sailing vessel
Under International rules, every vessel other than one not under command or restricted in ability to maneuver avoids impeding a vessel constrained by draft. That leaves the sailing vessel.
Rule 18(d). Source: NMC sample exam.
When is a stand-on vessel FIRST allowed by the Rules to take action in order to avoid collision?
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D. When the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action to avoid collision
The stand-on vessel may act on its own as soon as it's apparent the give-way vessel isn't taking appropriate action. It doesn't have to wait until collision is imminent.
Rule 17(a)(ii). Source: NMC sample exam.
Which is TRUE if your vessel is the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation?
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D. you must keep your course and speed
The first duty of the stand-on vessel is to keep course and speed so the give-way vessel can predict its movement.
Rule 17(a)(i). Source: NMC sample exam.
You are underway in heavy fog. You hear the fog signal of a vessel which is somewhere ahead of your vessel. Which actions are you required to take?
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D. Slow to minimum to maintain course and navigate with caution
A fog signal heard forward of the beam means reducing to the minimum speed at which you can keep your course, and navigating with extreme caution.
Rule 19(e). Source: NMC sample exam.
You are underway in restricted visibility. You hear the fog signal of another vessel about 22° on your starboard bow. If danger of collision exists, which action(s) are you required to take?
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D. Slow to a minimum that the vessel can stay on course
A signal 22 degrees on the bow is forward of the beam. Unless you've determined no risk exists, slow to the minimum that keeps you on course.
Rule 19(e). Source: NMC sample exam.
In fog you observe your radar and determine that risk of collision exists with a vessel which is 2 miles off your port bow. Which action should you take?
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A. Take avoiding action as soon as possible
Radar detection of a close-quarters risk requires early avoiding action. Holding on until you sight the vessel is exactly what the rule forbids.
Rule 19(d). Source: NMC sample exam.
What is TRUE when operating in fog and other vessels are detected by radar?
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A. You should maneuver in ample time if a close-quarters situation is developing.
A vessel that detects another by radar alone must decide if close quarters is developing and, if so, act in ample time. A turn to port for a vessel forward of the beam is to be avoided.
Rule 19(d). Source: NMC sample exam.
Which lights is a 45-meter power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside required to display?
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B. Two masthead lights in a vertical line
Under International rules a pushing or alongside-towing power vessel under 50 meters shows two masthead lights in a vertical line, and sidelights and a stern light. Yellow towing lights are for towing astern.
Rule 24(c). Source: NMC sample exam.
You have sighted three red lights in a vertical line on another vessel dead ahead at night. Which vessel would display these lights?
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D. A vessel constrained by its draft
Three all-round red lights in a vertical line mark a vessel constrained by draft, which exists only in the International rules.
Rule 28. Source: NMC sample exam.
Which statement is TRUE concerning the fog signal of a canal boat 25 meters in length, anchored in a "special anchorage area" approved by the Secretary?
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D. The vessel is not required to sound a fog signal.
Vessels under 20 meters, and barges, canal boats, scows and other nondescript craft of any length, need no anchor signal in a special anchorage area under Inland rules.
Inland Rule 35(l), 33 CFR 83.35(l), 33 CFR 110.1(a). Source: NMC sample exam.
You are approaching a sharp bend in a river. You have sounded a prolonged blast and it has been answered by a vessel on the other side of the bend. Which statement is TRUE?
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D. If power-driven, both vessels must exchange passing signals when in sight and passing within half mile of each other.
The prolonged bend signal doesn't replace passing signals. Power-driven vessels still exchange them once in sight within half a mile.
Inland Rule 34(a)(i), 34(e). Source: NMC sample exam.
Two power-driven vessels are meeting. What would a two blast whistle signal by either vessel mean?
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A. "I am altering course to port"
International signals are signals of action: two short blasts means 'I am altering my course to port'. Inland signals state an intention to pass.
Rule 34(a). Source: NMC sample exam.
Which is a recognized distress signal?
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D. All of the above
All of them are listed in Annex IV, along with SOS and MAYDAY.
Annex IV. Source: Helm original.
Which flag and shape combination signals distress?
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A. A square flag with a ball above or below it
A square flag having above or below it a ball, or anything resembling a ball.
Annex IV. Source: Helm original.
Topics in this module
Helm’s 105 questions here cover Distress, General, Lights, Restricted Visibility, Sound Signals, Steering & Sailing. This sample deals evenly across them.
Keep going with Rules of the Road
The full module has 105 questions, timed mock exams and spaced review that brings back what you’re about to forget.
Start freeKeep studying
- Sound signalsEvery horn, bell and fog signal, with audio and citations.
- Lights and shapesWhat each vessel shows at night and by day.
- What the exam coversThe modules, and what to confirm in your letter.
- Six-pack licenseWho needs one and what the regulations ask for.
- Rules of the roadWho gives way, and how Inland differs.
- BuoysRed right returning, and what each mark means.
Sources
Helm is an independent study aid, not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard or the National Maritime Center. This page is for study, not navigation guidance or legal advice. Check the current rules before you rely on anything here.