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EU Boatmaster (Flanders) study materials
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EU Boatmaster (Flanders) practice questions

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Question 1Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Under CEVNI, which light or shape must a vessel indicate when it is at anchor in a fairway during daylight?

  1. A black ball Correct answer.
  2. Two black balls
  3. A black cone pointing downwards
  4. A yellow buoy-shaped float

Explanation

CEVNI requires a vessel at anchor to show a black ball by day where it can be seen, and at night the appropriate anchor lights. The ball is the standard daytime signal marking a stationary vessel in the fairway.

Question 2Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

What is the general rule on priority when two power-driven vessels meet head-on on a narrow inland waterway?

  1. The vessel with the faster speed must stop
  2. The vessel going downstream has priority Correct answer.
  3. The larger vessel has priority
  4. Both must alter course to starboard

Explanation

On inland waterways the vessel proceeding downstream generally has the right of way over one proceeding upstream, because the upstream vessel is easier to control and stop against the current. The upstream vessel must take the necessary action to let the downstream vessel pass.

Question 3Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel displays one blue light visible from all sides at night. What does this indicate under CEVNI?

  1. The vessel is a small craft under 20 metres
  2. The vessel is carrying dangerous goods
  3. The vessel is fishing with nets
  4. The vessel is a ferry crossing the fairway Correct answer.

Explanation

A single all-round blue light is the CEVNI signal for a ferry crossing the fairway. It warns other traffic that the vessel may move across the waterway and must be given room.

Question 4Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

What does a red flag waved from a lock or bridge installation generally mean to an approaching vessel?

  1. Proceed with caution at reduced speed
  2. Sound one long blast and continue
  3. Stop, the passage is closed Correct answer.
  4. The lock is ready for entry on the left side

Explanation

A red flag or red light at a lock, bridge or similar structure signals that passage is prohibited and the vessel must stop or hold position. The vessel may only proceed once the signal allows it.

Question 5Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Which sound signal does a vessel give to indicate that it is about to turn to starboard?

  1. Three short blasts
  2. Two short blasts
  3. One long blast
  4. One short blast Correct answer.

Explanation

In the CEVNI sound signal system, one short blast announces an intended alteration of course to starboard. Two short blasts announce a turn to port and three short blasts indicate going astern.

Question 6Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

What is the minimum distance a vessel must generally keep from a dredger showing a specific marking on the side where passage is prohibited?

  1. 25 metres
  2. 100 metres
  3. 50 metres Correct answer.
  4. 10 metres

Explanation

CEVNI sets a general rule that vessels must keep at least 50 metres from dredgers and similar working craft on the side where passage is forbidden, unless local regulations or signals indicate otherwise. This protects both the workers and the vessel from mooring lines and dredging equipment.

Question 7Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Which document must a pleasure craft normally carry on board when navigating Flemish inland waterways?

  1. A bill of lading
  2. The vessel's registration certificate or equivalent proof of identity Correct answer.
  3. A cargo manifest
  4. A radio operator licence

Explanation

A pleasure craft must carry proof of its registration or identity and produce it on request from the competent authority. Cargo documents are irrelevant to a pleasure craft without commercial cargo.

Question 8Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

What does a white light flashing at regular intervals on a bridge pier indicate?

  1. The bridge is a railway bridge
  2. The span is open and may be used Correct answer.
  3. The arch or span is closed to navigation
  4. The bridge is under construction

Explanation

A white flashing light on a bridge pier marks the navigable span that may be used. Red lights mark spans that are closed to navigation.

Question 9Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A power-driven vessel is overtaking another in a narrow canal. Which vessel must keep out of the way?

  1. The vessel travelling upstream
  2. The overtaking vessel Correct answer.
  3. The vessel being overtaken
  4. The smaller of the two vessels

Explanation

The overtaking vessel is responsible for keeping clear of the vessel being overtaken until it is finally past and clear. The vessel being overtaken must maintain course and speed so the manoeuvre can be completed safely.

Question 10Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Under CEVNI, what must a vessel do when it hears five or more short rapid blasts from another vessel?

  1. Interpret it as a doubt or danger signal and take avoiding action Correct answer.
  2. Treat it as a greeting and continue
  3. Answer with the same signal and hold course
  4. Reduce speed and sound one long blast

Explanation

Five or more short rapid blasts express doubt about the other vessel's intentions or warn of imminent danger. The receiving vessel must take immediate action to avoid collision and clarify the situation.

Question 11Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel wishes to enter a lock. The lock shows a red light together with a green light. What is the correct interpretation?

  1. Entry is permitted but with caution
  2. Only small craft may enter
  3. Entry is forbidden until only green shows Correct answer.
  4. The lock is out of service

Explanation

When red and green are shown together at a lock, entry is still prohibited; the vessel must wait until only the green light is displayed. The combination signals that the lock is being prepared and is not yet ready.

Question 12Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Which statement correctly describes the meaning of a black cylinder shape displayed by a vessel?

  1. The vessel is a pushing unit
  2. The vessel is engaged in fishing
  3. The vessel is carrying dangerous goods Correct answer.
  4. The vessel is aground

Explanation

A black cylinder is the daytime signal for a vessel carrying dangerous goods. At night the same vessel shows a red light in addition to its normal navigation lights.

Question 13Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel is approaching a bend on a narrow waterway where visibility is restricted. What is the required sound signal?

  1. Three short blasts
  2. One prolonged blast followed by one short blast
  3. Two short blasts
  4. One long blast Correct answer.

Explanation

A vessel approaching a bend or area with restricted visibility sounds one long blast as a warning to any traffic that may be hidden from view. Vessels hearing it should respond appropriately to make their presence known.

Question 14Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

What is the purpose of the blue sign with a white 'P' and a crossed-out anchor in Flemish inland waterway signage?

  1. Permission to moor permanently
  2. Prohibition of anchoring Correct answer.
  3. Designation of a ferry crossing
  4. Warning of a dredging area

Explanation

The sign prohibits anchoring in the marked area, typically because of cables, pipelines or other hazards on the bed. Vessels may still pass through but must not drop anchor.

Question 15Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A small motorboat is crossing a fairway. A large commercial vessel is proceeding along the fairway. Who must give way?

  1. The commercial vessel, because it is larger
  2. The vessel travelling faster
  3. Neither, both keep course
  4. The small motorboat, because it is crossing Correct answer.

Explanation

A vessel crossing a fairway must give way to vessels proceeding along that fairway. The small motorboat must wait or adjust its course so the commercial vessel can pass without altering course.

Question 16Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Which light configuration indicates a vessel engaged in pushing ahead at night?

  1. One green light over one white light
  2. Two masthead lights in a vertical line plus sidelights and sternlight Correct answer.
  3. Three all-round red lights in a vertical line
  4. Two all-round blue lights

Explanation

A pushing vessel shows the normal power-driven vessel lights: two masthead lights in a vertical line, sidelights and a sternlight. The pushed craft may show additional lights depending on its length and the configuration.

Question 17Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

What must a vessel do if it runs aground in a fairway and becomes an obstruction?

  1. Leave immediately without reporting
  2. Wait silently for a passing vessel
  3. Warn other traffic and inform the competent authority Correct answer.
  4. Sound three short blasts only

Explanation

A grounded vessel that obstructs the fairway must warn approaching traffic, for example with the prescribed signals, and notify the competent authority so that navigation can be managed. Prompt reporting reduces the risk of collision.

Question 18Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Under CEVNI, when may a vessel display the 'not under command' signals?

  1. When it cannot manoeuvre as required and cannot keep out of the way Correct answer.
  2. When it is towing another vessel
  3. Whenever it is moored at a quay
  4. When it is engaged in fishing

Explanation

The not-under-command signals are reserved for a vessel that, through exceptional circumstances, is unable to manoeuvre as required and therefore cannot keep out of the way of other vessels. They must not be used for ordinary mooring or operational convenience.

Question 19Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel displays two black balls in a vertical line by day. What does this indicate?

  1. The vessel is not under command Correct answer.
  2. The vessel is aground
  3. The vessel is fishing
  4. The vessel is a mine-clearing vessel

Explanation

Two black balls in a vertical line are the daytime signal for a vessel not under command. At night the same vessel shows two all-round red lights in a vertical line.

Question 20Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

What is the correct action for a vessel when it sees a red light and a white light close together ahead at night on a narrow waterway?

  1. It is a vessel approaching head-on; alter to starboard Correct answer.
  2. It is a ferry crossing; give way
  3. It is a dredger; stop immediately
  4. It is a vessel at anchor; pass on either side

Explanation

A red sidelight together with a white masthead light seen ahead indicates a vessel approaching head-on or nearly so. Each vessel must alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port.

Question 21Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel is navigating a section marked by a yellow buoy with a black topmark. What does this generally indicate?

  1. The preferred channel lies to one side of the buoy Correct answer.
  2. The buoy marks a pipeline crossing
  3. Mooring is permitted alongside the buoy
  4. The area is closed to all traffic

Explanation

Yellow buoys with a black topmark in inland navigation often indicate a bifurcation or a preferred channel, showing on which side the main navigable route lies. The exact meaning depends on the topmark and local signage.

Question 22Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel intends to overtake on the port side in a narrow canal. Which sound signal and response sequence applies?

  1. Two short blasts, answered by two short blasts if agreed Correct answer.
  2. No signal is needed in a canal
  3. Three short blasts, answered by one long blast
  4. One short blast, answered by one short blast

Explanation

An overtaking vessel wishing to pass on the port side sounds two short blasts; the vessel to be overtaken answers with two short blasts if it agrees, or with five short blasts if passage is not possible. This confirms the manoeuvre before it begins.

Question 23Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel is carrying a blue cone point-up in addition to its normal shapes. What does this signal?

  1. The vessel is under tow
  2. The vessel is a high-speed craft
  3. The vessel is a pilot vessel
  4. The vessel is carrying flammable goods Correct answer.

Explanation

A blue cone point-up is the daytime signal for a vessel carrying flammable or explosive goods in certain inland configurations. It warns other traffic to keep clear and avoid sparks or open flame nearby.

Question 24Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Two power-driven vessels are crossing on a wide inland waterway with no special local rules. Which factor determines who gives way?

  1. The vessel with the deeper draught gives way
  2. The vessel sounding one long blast gives way
  3. The vessel with the other on its starboard side gives way Correct answer.
  4. The vessel travelling downstream always gives way

Explanation

In a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side must give way and avoid crossing ahead. This mirrors the general collision-prevention principle applied on inland waterways where no specific local rule overrides it.

Question 25Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel observes a series of red and white lights marking a bridge span, with the red lights lower than the white. What is the correct interpretation?

  1. The span is closed to navigation
  2. The span is navigable but clearance is limited Correct answer.
  3. The span is reserved for ferries
  4. The span is open only to downstream traffic

Explanation

Where red and white lights mark a bridge span, the arrangement indicates whether the span is navigable and the available clearance. Red lights placed to mark limits warn the vessel to keep within the indicated fairway opening.

Question 26Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Under CEVNI, what is the general rule for a vessel proceeding downstream on a river with respect to a vessel proceeding upstream?

  1. The larger vessel always has the right of way regardless of direction.
  2. The vessel proceeding downstream must give way to the vessel proceeding upstream.
  3. The vessel proceeding upstream must give way to the vessel proceeding downstream. Correct answer.
  4. Both vessels must alter course to starboard simultaneously.

Explanation

In CEVNI, the general principle on rivers is that the vessel proceeding upstream must give way to the vessel proceeding downstream. This rule reflects the greater manoeuvrability and control that a downstream vessel typically has in the current. It applies unless special local rules or signals indicate otherwise.

Question 27Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel is approaching a lock and sees a single red light displayed at the lock entrance. What does this signal mean?

  1. The lock is ready and the vessel should proceed with caution.
  2. Entry is prohibited; the vessel must wait. Correct answer.
  3. The lock is out of service and no entry is allowed.
  4. Entry is permitted but only for small craft.

Explanation

A single red light at a lock entrance means entry is prohibited at that moment. The vessel must stop and wait until a green light or other permission is given. This signal is used to control traffic and prevent collisions inside the lock chamber.

Question 28Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Which sound signal must a power-driven vessel give to indicate that it intends to overtake another vessel on the starboard side?

  1. One short blast Correct answer.
  2. Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast
  3. Two short blasts
  4. Three short blasts

Explanation

Under CEVNI, a power-driven vessel intending to overtake on the starboard side signals with one short blast. The vessel being overtaken must then confirm with one short blast if it agrees. If it disagrees, it gives several short blasts.

Question 29Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

What is the meaning of a blue sign with a white symbol of a bridge and an arrow pointing downwards in Flemish inland waterway signage?

  1. The bridge is a lifting bridge that operates automatically.
  2. A bridge ahead is closed to navigation.
  3. The bridge must be opened for the vessel to pass.
  4. There is a vertical clearance limit indicated for the bridge ahead. Correct answer.

Explanation

A blue sign with a white bridge symbol and a downward arrow indicates a vertical clearance limit under the bridge. The number shown with the arrow specifies the maximum height allowed. Vessels exceeding this height must not pass.

Question 30Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel is navigating at night and sees a red light and a white light close together ahead on its starboard bow. What does this indicate?

  1. A power-driven vessel underway Correct answer.
  2. A vessel at anchor
  3. A vessel not under command
  4. A sailing vessel underway

Explanation

A power-driven vessel underway at night displays a red sidelight on the port side, a green sidelight on the starboard side, and a white masthead light. Seeing a red and white light close together on the starboard bow indicates you are looking at the port side and masthead light of a power-driven vessel crossing your path. This helps you determine its aspect and apply the steering rules.

Question 31Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Under CEVNI, which vessel must give way when two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on on a narrow waterway?

  1. The vessel proceeding upstream
  2. Both vessels must alter course to starboard Correct answer.
  3. The vessel proceeding downstream
  4. The vessel with the greater tonnage

Explanation

When two power-driven vessels meet head-on, both must alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port. This is a fundamental rule to avoid collision. Neither vessel has an inherent right of way; both must take action.

Question 32Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

What does a vessel display by showing a black cone with its point upwards?

  1. It is a vessel constrained by its draught Correct answer.
  2. It is a vessel pushing ahead
  3. It is a vessel not under command
  4. It is a vessel engaged in fishing

Explanation

A black cone with its point upwards is the day signal for a vessel constrained by its draught. Such a vessel is severely restricted in its ability to manoeuvre due to the depth of water available. Other vessels should give it a wide berth.

Question 33Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel is approaching a bend on a narrow waterway where visibility is restricted. What sound signal must it give?

  1. One prolonged blast Correct answer.
  2. Two prolonged blasts
  3. Three short blasts
  4. One short blast

Explanation

A vessel approaching a bend with restricted visibility must sound one prolonged blast. This warns other vessels that may be approaching from the opposite direction. A vessel hearing this signal should respond with a prolonged blast to indicate its presence.

Question 34Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

What is the required action for a vessel when it sees a blue sign with a white 'P' and a crossed-out anchor?

  1. It indicates a prohibition on anchoring. Correct answer.
  2. It indicates a ferry crossing.
  3. It indicates a permitted anchorage area.
  4. It indicates a prohibition on mooring.

Explanation

A blue sign with a white 'P' and a crossed-out anchor indicates that anchoring is prohibited in that area. The 'P' likely stands for 'Prohibited' in the local context. Vessels must not anchor there, often to protect underwater cables or pipelines.

Question 35Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel is navigating in a fairway and encounters a yellow buoy with a black topmark. What does this generally indicate?

  1. The buoy marks a prohibited area.
  2. There is a hazard and the vessel should proceed with caution. Correct answer.
  3. The preferred channel is to the left.
  4. The preferred channel is to the right.

Explanation

A yellow buoy with a black topmark is typically a warning buoy indicating a hazard or a special area. It alerts the vessel to proceed with caution. It does not indicate a preferred channel direction, which is usually shown by other buoyage.

Question 36Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Under CEVNI, what is the meaning of a vessel displaying two black balls in a vertical line by day?

  1. The vessel is at anchor.
  2. The vessel is aground.
  3. The vessel is engaged in fishing.
  4. The vessel is not under command. Correct answer.

Explanation

Two black balls in a vertical line indicate that a vessel is not under command. This means it is unable to manoeuvre as required due to some exceptional circumstance. Other vessels must keep out of its way.

Question 37Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Two power-driven vessels are crossing on a wide inland waterway with no special local rules. Which factor determines who must give way?

  1. The vessel with the other on its port side must give way.
  2. The vessel with the other on its starboard side must give way. Correct answer.
  3. The vessel proceeding downstream must give way.
  4. The smaller vessel must give way.

Explanation

Under CEVNI, when two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side must give way. This is similar to the COLREGs rule. The give-way vessel should avoid crossing ahead and, if necessary, alter course to pass astern.

Question 38Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A vessel observes a series of red and white lights marking a bridge span, with the red lights lower than the white. What does this indicate?

  1. The span is closed to navigation. Correct answer.
  2. The span is open for navigation.
  3. The span is restricted to vessels under a certain height.
  4. The span is reserved for small craft only.

Explanation

Red and white lights on a bridge span, with red lower than white, indicate that the span is closed to navigation. Vessels must not attempt to pass through. When the span is open, green lights are typically shown.

Question 39Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

Under CEVNI, a vessel displaying a single blue cone with its point downwards by day is indicating which of the following?

  1. That it is a vessel of less than twelve metres in length
  2. That it is a vessel not under command and unable to manoeuvre
  3. That it is a vessel engaged in fishing with nets extending into the fairway
  4. That it is a vessel carrying dangerous goods in a quantity requiring marking Correct answer.

Explanation

CEVNI uses a blue cone, point downwards, as the daytime signal of a vessel carrying dangerous goods above the threshold quantity set out in the regulations. At night the same information is given by an all-round blue light. The signal warns other traffic that extra caution and a wider berth are advisable.

Question 40Navigation and waterway regulations (CEVNI, inland waterway rules)

A power-driven vessel is about to enter a narrow, straight canal section and notices that another power-driven vessel is already inside the section coming towards it. What does CEVNI require?

  1. The vessel outside the section waits and lets the vessel inside pass through first Correct answer.
  2. Both vessels continue and each alters course to starboard to pass
  3. The smaller vessel of the two always reverses out of the section
  4. The vessel already inside the section must stop and wait until the entrance is clear

Explanation

In narrow sections where two vessels cannot pass easily, the vessel approaching the section must wait until the section is clear of traffic coming the other way. This prevents meeting situations in confined water where manoeuvring room is minimal. The rule applies regardless of which vessel is larger or more heavily loaded.

Question 41Boat handling, manoeuvring and seamanship

Under the CEVNI rules, which vessel must keep out of the way when a power-driven vessel meets a sailing vessel under sail in open water?

  1. The sailing vessel
  2. The smaller of the two vessels
  3. The vessel proceeding upstream
  4. The power-driven vessel Correct answer.

Explanation

The general principle of the steering and sailing rules is that the more manoeuvrable vessel gives way. A power-driven vessel is expected to keep clear of a vessel under sail that is proceeding by sail alone, unless the sailing vessel is overtaking.

Question 42Boat handling, manoeuvring and seamanship

You are approaching a lock and the traffic signal shows a single red light. What does this mean for your vessel?

  1. You must sound one long blast and proceed
  2. You must stop and wait outside the lock Correct answer.
  3. You may enter only if the lock gates are open
  4. You may enter slowly with caution

Explanation

A single red light at a lock means entry is prohibited and vessels must wait clear of the lock entrance until the signal changes. Entering against a red light risks collision with vessels still leaving or with gate movements.

Question 43Boat handling, manoeuvring and seamanship

What is the purpose of making fast a spring line when mooring alongside a quay in a current?

  1. It prevents the vessel from surging ahead or astern along the quay Correct answer.
  2. It holds the bow away from the wall
  3. It measures the depth of water alongside
  4. It lifts the anchor clear of the bottom

Explanation

A spring line runs fore-and-aft at an angle and limits movement along the quay, resisting the effect of current or propeller thrust. Breast lines hold the vessel against the wall, while springs control longitudinal motion.

Question 44Boat handling, manoeuvring and seamanship

When a power-driven vessel is overtaking another vessel, which vessel must keep out of the way?

  1. The vessel travelling with the current
  2. The vessel with the larger tonnage
  3. The overtaking vessel Correct answer.
  4. The vessel being overtaken

Explanation

The overtaking vessel is always the give-way vessel and must keep clear until she is finally past and clear. The vessel being overtaken keeps her course and speed so the manoeuvre stays predictable.

Question 45Boat handling, manoeuvring and seamanship

You must turn a single-screw vessel with a right-handed propeller in a narrow basin. Which effect helps the stern swing to port when you go astern?

  1. Rudder lift
  2. Propeller transverse thrust Correct answer.
  3. Squat
  4. Bank effect

Explanation

With a right-handed propeller, astern thrust produces transverse thrust that pushes the stern to port. This paddle-wheel effect is used deliberately when manoeuvring in confined water.

Question 46Boat handling, manoeuvring and seamanship

What is squat and when is it most pronounced?

  1. A rise of the bow caused by head wind
  2. A drop in under-keel clearance caused by water flow around a moving hull, worst in shallow water Correct answer.
  3. A list caused by uneven fuel tanks
  4. A vibration caused by a damaged propeller

Explanation

Squat is the reduction in under-keel clearance and change of trim caused by the increase in water speed around a moving hull. It increases markedly with speed and is most dangerous in shallow or restricted water.

Question 47Boat handling, manoeuvring and seamanship

You are entering a lock with a following current. Which technique best keeps control?

  1. Approach with the engine in neutral and drift in
  2. Approach bow-first at full throttle and reverse hard at the last moment
  3. Approach slowly and use short ahead pulses with the stern held toward the current Correct answer.
  4. Approach at speed and rely on the lock gates to stop you

Explanation

A following current pushes the stern, so you keep modest headway and use brief engine pulses to stay steerable while the current holds the stern. Excessive speed or drifting removes your ability to stop in time.

Question 48Boat handling, manoeuvring and seamanship

Which line is used to hold a vessel's bow against the quay when mooring alongside?

  1. The bow line Correct answer.
  2. The spring line
  3. The heaving line
  4. The stern line

Explanation

The bow line leads forward from the bow to the quay and holds the bow in to the wall. The stern line does the same at the stern, while springs control fore-and-aft movement.

Question 49Boat handling, manoeuvring and seamanship

What does one short blast mean when sounded by a power-driven vessel under way?

  1. I am altering my course to starboard Correct answer.
  2. I intend to overtake on your port side
  3. I am going astern
  4. I am altering my course to port

Explanation

In the inland and international manoeuvring signals, one short blast indicates an intention to alter course to starboard. Two short blasts indicate a turn to port, and three indicate going astern.

Question 50Boat handling, manoeuvring and seamanship

A vessel is showing two black balls in a vertical line by day. What does this indicate?

  1. The vessel is constrained by her draught
  2. The vessel is engaged in fishing
  3. The vessel is aground
  4. The vessel is not under command Correct answer.

Explanation

Two black balls in a vertical line by day are the day signal for a vessel not under command. A vessel aground shows three black balls, and a vessel constrained by draught shows a cylinder.