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NS Class 7 Knowledge Test study materials
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NS Class 7 Knowledge Test practice questions

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Question 1Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Under the collision regulations, which vessel is the give-way vessel when a power-driven vessel and a sailing vessel under sail are in a crossing situation that risks collision?

  1. The power-driven vessel, because it must keep out of the way of a vessel under sail Correct answer.
  2. The sailing vessel, because it is more maneuverable
  3. The vessel with the larger gross tonnage
  4. Whichever vessel has the other on its port side

Explanation

Rule 18 establishes a hierarchy of responsibility; a power-driven vessel underway must keep out of the way of a vessel under sail, so the power-driven vessel is the give-way vessel. The sailing vessel keeps her course and speed as stand-on vessel unless action is needed to avoid collision. Maneuverability, tonnage, and the crossing geometry do not reverse this allocation.

Question 2Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Two power-driven vessels are crossing with a risk of collision. Which one must keep out of the way?

  1. The vessel approaching from the north
  2. The vessel that has the other on her own port side
  3. The vessel that has the other on her own starboard side Correct answer.
  4. The faster vessel

Explanation

For two power-driven vessels crossing, the vessel that has the other on her starboard side must keep out of the way and should avoid crossing ahead if possible. The vessel with the other on her port side is the stand-on vessel. Speed and compass direction play no part in this rule.

Question 3Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A power-driven vessel is meeting another power-driven vessel head-on. What action is required of each?

  1. Both alter course to port and pass starboard side to starboard
  2. The smaller vessel stops and lets the larger pass
  3. Both alter course to starboard and pass port side to port side Correct answer.
  4. Each holds course until the other signals first

Explanation

When two power-driven vessels meet nearly end-on so that a risk of collision exists, each must alter course to starboard and pass on the port side of the other. This produces a predictable port-to-port passing. Neither vessel should wait for a signal before acting.

Question 4Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

When a power-driven vessel approaches another vessel from directly astern and overtakes it, which statement is correct?

  1. The overtaken vessel must keep clear of the overtaking vessel
  2. The overtaking vessel must pass on the starboard side only
  3. Both vessels share equal responsibility to alter course
  4. The overtaking vessel must keep out of the way until finally past and clear Correct answer.

Explanation

Any vessel overtaking another must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken until she is finally past and clear. The overtaken vessel keeps her course and speed. There is no fixed side for passing; the overtaking vessel chooses a safe side.

Question 5Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

In restricted visibility, a vessel detects by radar a target ahead and a risk of collision is developing. What is the required action?

  1. Sound one short blast and hold course
  2. Reduce speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on course and, if necessary, take all way off Correct answer.
  3. Increase speed to pass ahead of the target
  4. Maintain course and speed because the other vessel must give way

Explanation

Rule 19 requires vessels in restricted visibility to proceed at a safe speed and, when a risk of collision is detected, to reduce speed to the minimum at which the vessel can be kept on course. If necessary she must take all way off and navigate with extreme caution until the danger passes. Neither vessel in restricted visibility has automatic right-of-way.

Question 6Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel is approaching a narrow channel. Which action complies with the rules?

  1. Keep to the port side so oncoming traffic passes to starboard
  2. Keep as near to the outer limit of the channel on her starboard side as is safe and practicable Correct answer.
  3. Anchor until the channel is clear of other traffic
  4. Keep to the centerline of the channel at all times

Explanation

A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway must keep as near to the outer limit on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. This keeps opposing traffic separated. Small vessels and sailing vessels must not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel.

Question 7Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

What does a vessel sound in restricted visibility when she is underway but has stopped and has no way on?

  1. Two prolonged blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes Correct answer.
  2. One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes
  3. One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts
  4. Three short blasts at intervals of not more than one minute

Explanation

A power-driven vessel making way through the water in restricted visibility sounds one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes. When underway but stopped and making no way, she sounds two prolonged blasts with an interval between them, at the same intervals. These fog signals allow other vessels to distinguish the two conditions.

Question 8Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

In a crossing situation, which action by the stand-on vessel is permitted under the rules?

  1. Alter course to port to open the crossing
  2. Immediately stop engines to let the give-way vessel pass
  3. Maintain course and speed and, if the give-way vessel fails to act, take action to avoid collision Correct answer.
  4. Sound five short blasts and hold course regardless of risk

Explanation

The stand-on vessel must keep her course and speed but may take action to avoid collision as soon as it becomes apparent the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action. If collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone, the stand-on vessel must take the best action available. She should avoid altering course to port for a vessel on her own port side.

Question 9Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Which signal indicates that a power-driven vessel is operating astern propulsion?

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

Explanation

Three short blasts indicate that a power-driven vessel is operating astern propulsion. One short blast means altering course to starboard, two short blasts mean altering course to port. Five short blasts express doubt or danger.

Question 10Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel approaching a bend in a narrow channel where other vessels may be obscured must sound which signal?

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

Explanation

A vessel nearing a bend or area of a narrow channel where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction must sound one prolonged blast. Any approaching vessel within hearing around the bend must answer with one prolonged blast. This warns of presence and prevents surprise meetings.

Question 11Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Under the rules, what does the term 'safe speed' require a vessel to consider?

  1. Only the vessel's maximum engine output
  2. Visibility, traffic density, maneuverability, background lights, and the state of wind, sea, and current Correct answer.
  3. Only the speed limit posted in the harbor
  4. The speed of the nearest vessel ahead

Explanation

Safe speed is determined by all relevant factors, including visibility, traffic density, stopping distance and turning ability, background lights at night, and the state of wind, sea, and current. It also depends on the draft relative to available water. No single factor such as engine output or a posted limit defines it.

Question 12Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Which of the following describes the traffic separation scheme rule for a vessel using a traffic lane?

  1. Cross the lane at any angle at high speed
  2. Proceed against the flow to shorten the route
  3. Proceed in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane Correct answer.
  4. Anchor in the separation zone to wait for traffic

Explanation

A vessel using a traffic separation lane must proceed in the general direction of traffic flow for that lane. She should keep clear of the separation zone or line and cross lanes on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the flow. Anchoring in the separation zone is generally prohibited.

Question 13Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel at anchor in restricted visibility must sound which signal?

  1. One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes
  2. Two prolonged blasts at intervals of two minutes
  3. Three short blasts at intervals of one minute
  4. Rapid ringing of the bell for about five seconds at intervals of not more than one minute Correct answer.

Explanation

A vessel at anchor in restricted visibility sounds rapid ringing of the bell for about five seconds at intervals of not more than one minute. A vessel aground does the same but adds three separate and distinct strokes on the bell before and after the ringing. These signals warn approaching vessels of the stationary hazard.

Question 14Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

In a narrow channel, a small power-driven vessel is proceeding and encounters a large vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel. What is the small vessel's obligation?

  1. Pass the large vessel on the starboard side regardless of space
  2. Not impede the safe passage of the large vessel Correct answer.
  3. Hold course and require the large vessel to give way
  4. Sound five short blasts and continue at speed

Explanation

A vessel of less than 20 meters in length, or a sailing vessel, must not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel. The small vessel should take early action to allow the larger vessel to pass. This is a duty not to impede, not a transfer of all give-way obligations.

Question 15Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

What is the significance of a vessel displaying two black balls in a vertical line by day?

  1. She is a vessel constrained by her draft
  2. She is a vessel aground
  3. She is a vessel not under command Correct answer.
  4. She is a vessel engaged in fishing

Explanation

Two black balls in a vertical line by day indicate a vessel not under command. A vessel aground shows three black balls. A vessel constrained by draft shows a cylinder, and a vessel engaged in fishing shows a basket or cone depending on gear. Recognizing these shapes helps other vessels apply the correct give-way hierarchy.

Question 16Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A power-driven vessel is underway at night and sees a red light and a white light ahead, with the red light to the left of the white light. What does this indicate?

  1. A vessel at anchor
  2. A vessel overtaking from astern
  3. A vessel crossing from port to starboard Correct answer.
  4. A vessel crossing from starboard to port

Explanation

Seeing a red sidelight and a white masthead or stern light ahead with the red to the left indicates a vessel crossing from your port side toward your starboard side. In that crossing you are the stand-on vessel. A green light to the right of the white light would indicate a vessel crossing from starboard, making you the give-way vessel.

Question 17Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Which statement about the use of the whistle in a narrow channel to indicate intention is correct?

  1. Two short blasts mean the vessel is operating astern
  2. Five short blasts mean the vessel intends to anchor
  3. A vessel must never sound signals in a narrow channel
  4. A vessel may use one short blast to indicate she intends to overtake on the other vessel's starboard side Correct answer.

Explanation

In a narrow channel, a vessel intending to overtake may sound one short blast to indicate she intends to pass on the other vessel's starboard side, or two short blasts for the port side. The vessel to be overtaken answers with the same signal if in agreement or five short blasts if in doubt. These signals coordinate a safe passing.

Question 18Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

When two sailing vessels are approaching with a risk of collision and each has the wind on a different side, which vessel must keep out of the way?

  1. The vessel that is to windward
  2. The vessel that is to leeward
  3. The vessel with the wind on her starboard side
  4. The vessel with the wind on her port side Correct answer.

Explanation

When two sailing vessels are on different sides of the wind, the vessel with the wind on her port side must keep out of the way of the other. This is the equivalent of the port-side rule for power-driven vessels. The windward/leeward rule applies when both vessels have the wind on the same side.

Question 19Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Two sailing vessels are running with the wind on the same side. Which one must keep out of the way?

  1. The vessel to windward Correct answer.
  2. The vessel with the larger sail area
  3. The vessel to leeward
  4. The vessel that is ahead

Explanation

When both sailing vessels have the wind on the same side, the vessel to windward must keep out of the way of the vessel to leeward. This prevents the windward vessel from taking the wind from the leeward vessel. Position ahead or sail area does not decide the matter.

Question 20Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel engaged in fishing with nets is underway and encounters a power-driven vessel underway not engaged in fishing. Who must keep out of the way?

  1. The fishing vessel, because it is moving
  2. The vessel with the smaller crew
  3. Neither; both hold course
  4. The power-driven vessel, because the fishing vessel has restricted ability to maneuver Correct answer.

Explanation

A vessel engaged in fishing is generally a stand-on party against a power-driven vessel not engaged in fishing, because fishing gear restricts her ability to maneuver. The power-driven vessel must keep out of the way. The fishing vessel must still maintain course and speed unless action is needed to avoid collision.

Question 21Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Which of the following best describes the rule for crossing a traffic separation lane?

  1. Cross at the shallowest possible angle to shorten the crossing
  2. Cross only when a pilot is aboard
  3. Cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow Correct answer.
  4. Cross only at night when traffic is light

Explanation

A vessel crossing a traffic separation lane should cross on a heading as nearly as practicable at right angles to the general direction of traffic flow. This minimizes the time spent in the lane and the risk of collision. Crossing at shallow angles or only under special conditions is not required or permitted by the scheme.

Question 22Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A power-driven vessel is showing two all-round red lights in a vertical line and two black balls by day. What does this indicate, and how should other vessels respond?

  1. She is not under command, and other vessels must keep out of her way Correct answer.
  2. She is a pilot vessel, and other vessels may pass closely
  3. She is a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver, and others may hold course
  4. She is aground, and others may pass on either side

Explanation

Two all-round red lights in a vertical line at night, or two black balls by day, indicate a vessel not under command. Such a vessel cannot maneuver as required, so other vessels must keep out of her way. Recognizing these signals early allows timely avoidance action.

Question 23Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Which statement correctly describes the action required of a give-way vessel in a crossing situation?

  1. She must wait for the stand-on vessel to signal before acting
  2. She must alter course to port and pass ahead of the stand-on vessel
  3. She must maintain course and speed to remain predictable
  4. She must alter course to starboard and pass astern of the stand-on vessel Correct answer.

Explanation

A give-way vessel in a crossing situation must take early and substantial action to keep well clear, normally by altering course to starboard and passing astern of the stand-on vessel. She should avoid crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel. Waiting for a signal is not required and may delay necessary action.

Question 24Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

What is the purpose of the stand-on vessel's obligation to keep her course and speed?

  1. To allow the give-way vessel to judge the situation and take effective avoiding action Correct answer.
  2. To transfer all responsibility for collision avoidance to the give-way vessel
  3. To establish that the stand-on vessel has right-of-way in all circumstances
  4. To eliminate the need for the stand-on vessel to keep a lookout

Explanation

Keeping course and speed makes the stand-on vessel's movements predictable, allowing the give-way vessel to plan and execute an effective avoidance maneuver. The stand-on vessel does not have absolute right-of-way and must act if the give-way vessel fails to. She remains fully responsible for keeping a proper lookout.

Question 25Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel is approaching another vessel head-on at night and sees both sidelights and a masthead light ahead. What action should she take?

  1. Alter course to port and pass starboard side to starboard
  2. Alter course to starboard and pass port side to port side Correct answer.
  3. Stop engines and sound one short blast
  4. Hold course because the other vessel must give way

Explanation

Seeing both sidelights and a masthead light nearly in line ahead indicates a head-on meeting with a risk of collision. Each power-driven vessel must alter course to starboard and pass port side to port side. Neither vessel is automatically the give-way vessel in a head-on situation.

Question 26Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Which vessel must keep out of the way when a power-driven vessel meets a sailing vessel in open water with a risk of collision?

  1. Neither vessel, because both maintain course
  2. The sailing vessel
  3. The power-driven vessel Correct answer.
  4. The vessel with the wind on her port side

Explanation

Under the general right-of-way hierarchy, a power-driven vessel underway must keep out of the way of a vessel under sail alone. The sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel and must keep her course and speed. This rule applies in open water and does not depend on the wind direction.

Question 27Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A power-driven vessel is underway and encounters a vessel engaged in fishing with trawls. Which vessel is required to keep out of the way?

  1. The power-driven vessel Correct answer.
  2. The vessel nearer to the coast
  3. The fishing vessel, because trawling restricts manoeuvrability
  4. The vessel with the greater speed

Explanation

A vessel engaged in fishing is high in the right-of-way order, and any power-driven vessel not engaged in fishing must keep out of her way. The fishing vessel keeps her course and speed as the stand-on vessel. Speed or proximity to shore does not change this allocation.

Question 28Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses with a risk of collision. What action must each take?

  1. The vessel with the wind on her port side gives way
  2. Both reduce speed and pass starboard to starboard
  3. The smaller vessel gives way to the larger
  4. Both alter course to starboard and pass port to port Correct answer.

Explanation

This is a head-on situation, and each vessel must alter course to starboard so that they pass port to port. Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel in this situation. If course alteration alone is insufficient, speed may also be reduced.

Question 29Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

In a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels, which vessel is the give-way vessel?

  1. The vessel that has the other on her own port side
  2. The vessel proceeding at the higher speed
  3. The vessel that has the other on her own starboard side Correct answer.
  4. The vessel overtaking from astern

Explanation

When two power-driven vessels cross with a risk of collision, the vessel that has the other on her starboard side must keep out of the way. She should normally avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel. The other vessel is the stand-on vessel.

Question 30Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Which vessel is the give-way vessel when one power-driven vessel is overtaking another?

  1. The overtaking vessel Correct answer.
  2. The vessel with the deeper draught
  3. The vessel being overtaken
  4. The vessel displaying the more powerful masthead light

Explanation

Any vessel overtaking any other must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. This holds regardless of the type of propulsion of either vessel. The overtaking vessel remains the give-way vessel until finally past and clear.

Question 31Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel. On which side should she keep when it is safe and practicable?

  1. The centre line of the channel
  2. Whichever side has the deeper water
  3. The side of the channel nearer to her starboard side Correct answer.
  4. The side of the channel nearer to her port side

Explanation

A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel must keep as near to the outer limit of the channel on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. This keeps opposing traffic separated. The rule applies unless local conditions make it unsafe.

Question 32Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

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

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

Explanation

In sight of one another, one short blast means the vessel intends to alter course to starboard. Two short blasts mean an alteration to port. Three short blasts indicate astern propulsion.

Question 33Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A power-driven vessel underway at night is required to exhibit which lights in addition to her sidelights?

  1. Two all-round red lights in a vertical line
  2. A flashing amber light and a sternlight
  3. A single all-round white light only
  4. A masthead light forward and a sternlight Correct answer.

Explanation

A power-driven vessel underway must show a masthead light forward, sidelights, and a sternlight. Vessels of 50 metres or more also show a second masthead light aft. The all-round red lights in a vertical line indicate a vessel not under command.

Question 34Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Two power-driven vessels are crossing, and the give-way vessel's alteration of course alone will not prevent a close-quarters situation. What must she do?

  1. Take action including slackening speed or stopping if necessary Correct answer.
  2. Alter course to port to pass astern of the stand-on vessel
  3. Maintain course and speed and await a signal
  4. Sound five short blasts and continue at the same speed

Explanation

The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep well clear, and if course change alone is insufficient she must also reduce speed or stop. Any alteration should be large enough to be readily apparent. Passing ahead of the stand-on vessel is to be avoided.

Question 35Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A stand-on vessel in a crossing situation has taken action in good time to avoid collision. What is her continuing obligation?

  1. She must not afterwards alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side Correct answer.
  2. She must immediately resume her original course
  3. She must increase speed to clear the area
  4. She must sound one long blast

Explanation

Once the stand-on vessel has taken action, she must not afterwards alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side. This prevents a late port alteration that could create a new close-quarters risk. She should otherwise keep her course and speed while the give-way vessel acts.

Question 36Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel is navigating in restricted visibility and hears a fog signal apparently forward of her beam. What is the required action?

  1. Maintain speed and course to determine the other vessel's bearing
  2. Alter course to starboard and increase speed
  3. Reduce speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on course and navigate with caution Correct answer.
  4. Stop engines and wait for the other vessel to pass

Explanation

When a fog signal is heard forward of the beam, or a vessel is detected forward of the beam in restricted visibility, the vessel must reduce speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on course. She must then navigate with caution until the danger of collision has passed. This applies whether or not the other vessel is in sight.

Question 37Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel using a traffic separation scheme intends to enter a traffic lane from a side zone. What is the correct practice?

  1. Enter only after informing the nearest coast station
  2. Cross the lane at right angles to reach the far side
  3. Enter at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable Correct answer.
  4. Enter at the lane's termination point only

Explanation

A vessel joining a traffic lane from an adjacent zone should enter at as small an angle to the general direction of traffic flow as practicable. Crossing lanes should be done at right angles when necessary. Entering at a shallow angle minimises disruption to following traffic.

Question 38Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres in length is underway. Which light configuration may she exhibit?

  1. Three all-round red lights in a vertical line
  2. A single all-round white light and sidelights Correct answer.
  3. Two masthead lights in a vertical line and a sternlight
  4. No lights if she is making less than 7 knots

Explanation

A power-driven vessel of less than 12 metres may show an all-round white light and sidelights instead of the full masthead light and sternlight combination. She must still be visible to other vessels. The option to omit lights entirely does not exist for a vessel underway.

Question 39Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel is not under command because of a steering failure and is making way through the water. What lights must she show at night?

  1. Two all-round red lights in a vertical line, and sidelights and a sternlight when making way Correct answer.
  2. Three all-round red lights in a vertical line
  3. Two all-round white lights in a vertical line
  4. A single all-round red light over a white light

Explanation

A vessel not under command shows two all-round red lights in a vertical line, and when making way also shows sidelights and a sternlight. By day she shows two black balls in a vertical line. These signals warn other vessels that she cannot manoeuvre as required.

Question 40Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel is aground in restricted visibility. Which sound signal must she make?

  1. Three strokes of the bell before and after rapid ringing of the bell for five seconds Correct answer.
  2. One short blast every minute
  3. Four short blasts every minute
  4. Two prolonged blasts every two minutes

Explanation

A vessel aground sounds three separate and distinct strokes of the bell before and after rapid ringing of the bell for about five seconds. She may also sound three strokes before and after the rapid ringing as an optional addition. This signal differs from the anchored vessel's signal, which has no preceding three strokes.

Question 41Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A power-driven vessel is approaching a vessel engaged in fishing and sees only a green sidelight and a white light. What does this suggest about the fishing vessel's aspect?

  1. Her port side is visible and she is showing fishing vessel lights
  2. Her starboard side is visible and she is showing fishing vessel lights Correct answer.
  3. She is seen from directly astern
  4. She is not under command

Explanation

A green sidelight indicates the starboard side of the vessel is presented to the observer. A fishing vessel showing a white light in addition is displaying her fishing lights. This tells the observer she is engaged in fishing and is the stand-on vessel.

Question 42Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A power-driven vessel is taking a pilot on board. Which signal indicates this by day?

  1. The flag letter G hoisted Correct answer.
  2. A red flag flown at the stern
  3. A black ball hoisted at the masthead
  4. Two black cones point to point

Explanation

A vessel requiring a pilot shows the flag letter G by day and, at night, two all-round lights in a vertical line, white over red. This signal warns other vessels that the vessel is manoeuvring to take a pilot. It is distinct from the shapes used for other statuses.

Question 43Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A power-driven vessel is constrained by her draught and proceeding along a narrow channel. What is the significance of this status?

  1. She loses all rights and must follow the give-way rules as normal
  2. She must anchor until the channel is clear
  3. She is treated as having the right of way over most other vessels in the channel Correct answer.
  4. She must give way to all sailing vessels regardless of circumstances

Explanation

A vessel constrained by her draught, because of the nature of her work, is given priority in narrow channels and fairways. Other vessels must not impede her safe passage. She still must navigate with caution and show the required signals.

Question 44Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel is approaching another vessel from astern in a narrow channel and wishes to overtake. Which signal indicates an intention to overtake on the other vessel's starboard side?

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

Explanation

In a narrow channel, two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast signal an intention to overtake on the other vessel's starboard side. The vessel being overtaken signals agreement with one prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, in that order.

Question 45Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

Two sailing vessels are approaching with a risk of collision, and each has the wind on a different side. Which vessel must keep out of the way?

  1. The vessel farther from the other
  2. The vessel with more sails set
  3. The vessel with the wind on her port side Correct answer.
  4. The vessel with the wind on her starboard side

Explanation

When sailing vessels have the wind on different sides, the vessel with the wind on her port side must keep out of the way. The vessel with the wind on her starboard side is the stand-on vessel. This rule applies with a risk of collision.

Question 46Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel is showing two black cones point to point in a vertical line by day. What is she engaged in?

  1. Trawling Correct answer.
  2. Towing
  3. Mine clearance operations
  4. Pilotage

Explanation

Two black cones point to point in a vertical line indicate a vessel engaged in trawling. At night such a vessel shows an all-round green over white light. The shape warns other vessels that trawling gear restricts her manoeuvrability.

Question 47Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A power-driven vessel and a sailing vessel are crossing in open water, and the sailing vessel is on the power-driven vessel's starboard side. Which action should the power-driven vessel take?

  1. Reduce speed only if the sailing vessel signals
  2. Sound one short blast and alter to port
  3. Maintain course and speed because she is the stand-on vessel
  4. Keep out of the way of the sailing vessel and avoid crossing ahead of her Correct answer.

Explanation

The power-driven vessel must keep out of the way of a sailing vessel regardless of which side the sailing vessel is on. She should take early and substantial action and avoid crossing ahead. The sailing vessel as stand-on vessel keeps her course and speed.

Question 48Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel is approaching a bend in a narrow channel where other vessels may be obscured. What signal must she sound?

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

Explanation

A vessel approaching a bend or an area of a narrow channel where other vessels may be obscured must sound one prolonged blast. Any approaching vessel within hearing around the bend answers with one prolonged blast. This exchange warns both vessels of each other's presence.

Question 49Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel is drifting with engines stopped and no way on in restricted visibility. Which fog signal must she sound?

  1. Two prolonged blasts with an interval of about two seconds between them Correct answer.
  2. One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts
  3. One prolonged blast only
  4. Three strokes of the bell

Explanation

A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water sounds two prolonged blasts with an interval of about two seconds between them. A vessel making way sounds one prolonged blast. The distinction tells other vessels whether she is moving through the water.

Question 50Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way

A vessel engaged in fishing with nets is proceeding and encounters a power-driven vessel not engaged in fishing. Which statement about their obligations is correct?

  1. The fishing vessel must give way because she is making way
  2. Both vessels must alter course to starboard
  3. The fishing vessel must show a red over white light and give way
  4. The power-driven vessel must keep out of the way of the fishing vessel Correct answer.

Explanation

A vessel engaged in fishing ranks above a power-driven vessel not engaged in fishing, so the power-driven vessel must keep out of the way. The fishing vessel remains the stand-on vessel and keeps her course and speed. Her restricted manoeuvrability is the reason for the priority.