Able Bodied Seaman - Rules of the Road Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is the purpose of the COLREGs (Rules of the Road)?
• Nav lights for motor vessel underway less than 12 meters: which lights are required?
• Under Inland rules, one short blast indicates what action?
• Which light configuration indicates a RAM (Restricted in Ability to Maneuver) vessel?
• If collision risk persists in a crossing, what may the stand-on vessel do?
• Which statement is true about Red Over Red signals?
• What combination of signals indicates a vessel not under command?
• Under International rules, one short blast indicates what action?
• What is the general guideline for handling traffic at a narrow channel?
• A light described as a flashing light must flash at a minimum rate of how many flashes per minute?
• In crossing situations, which vessel must give way?
• Which signal signifies a blind bend for both, and is used inland also when leaving berth?
• Which of the following is a RAM signal combination?
• If you encounter a vessel signaling distress, what action is appropriate?
• If a flashing light is assigned to a hovercraft, what color is it?
• In crossing situations, which vessel generally has the right of way, and which must give way?
• What is the not-underway fog signal for an anchored vessel under 100 meters?
• Constant Bearing Decreasing Range is indicated when which statement is true?
• Which signal indicates you intend to overtake on your starboard side?
• What is the sound signal for all encumbered vessels in restricted visibility?
• In poor visibility, what is the primary factor in determining safe speed?
• In crossing situations, which statement best describes how COLREGs determine which vessel must take action?
• In inland navigation, what does the signal of two short blasts indicate when you are overtaking another vessel?
• Which statement describes how COLREGs determine priority in encounter types?
• In collision avoidance, which factor indicates that a safe passing is possible?
• In restricted visibility, what is the purpose of sound signals?
• White over Red indicates which situation?
• In a scenario with a sailing vessel and a power-driven vessel meeting head-on, who should maneuver if necessary?
• A vessel conducting underwater operations shall display which day shape?
• The masthead light covers how many degrees?
• Which of the following is NOT among the four vessels that may not impede passage in a narrow channel?
• Why is early action emphasized in Rule 8?
• Why is the distinction between stand-on and give-way vessels important?
• The absence of a masthead light indicates the vessel is which type?
• One long, one short, one long, one short (International when being overtaken) means?
• Which signal indicates you may overtake?
• What does 'risk of collision' mean in Rule 7?
• In the acronym, what does 'Fish' represent?
• Which of the following describes the color and rate of a special flashing light used on a tow?
• Which statement correctly contrasts not under command and RAM?
• Green over White indicates which activity?
• Which signal indicates a pilot ahead?
• If a fishing vessel has gear extended 150 meters to the side, what day shape addition is used?
• Under Rule 33, what signal is required for vessels over 100 meters?
• What factors should you consider when determining a safe distance between vessels?
• In a crossing situation, which vessel has the right of way?
• How is 'safe speed' defined in Rule 6?
• What does 'vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver' mean?
• In a crossing between two power vessels, which vessel should keep out of the way?
• Which statement best describes Rule 18?
• Not Underway fog signals for an anchored vessel equal to or greater than 100 meters
• How is a power-driven vessel defined?
• In the acronym, what does 'So' represent?
• What light configuration indicates a tug and a long tow when the tug and tow exceeds 200 meters?
• In a near-collision, the stand-on vessel should take action to avoid collision.
• Under Inland and international rules, a vessel 100 meters or more shall have what sound signal equipment?
• Five short blasts (International and inland when overtaking) indicate which outcome?
• A vessel constrained by its draft (CBD) uses which day shape?
• Which statement about maintaining a proper look-out is correct?
• Which four vessel types are described as turning off side, stern lights, and if required masthead lights when underway and not making way?
• Under Rule 8, what action should the give-way vessel take?
• Which statement is true about giving-way actions in dense traffic?
• Which length category requires two separate masthead lights on a vessel?
• What does a white flag followed by a blue flag mean?
• Which factor is most relevant to determine if there is enough margin for safe maneuver?
• Which statement about masthead lights is correct for a power-driven vessel underway?
• Which vessels may not impede passage in a narrow channel?
• Which signal indicates you may overtake on your starboard side?
• Rule 18 addresses:
• Approaching a redside light means?
• Red over red with a 360 white light indicates which condition?
• What is the role of radar in applying COLREGs?
• The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way boat is not taking appropriate action; if you must take action, do not turn toward the give-way boat or cross in front of it.
• Which statement about RAM remains true?
• When the tow length exceeds 200 meters, what additional day shape must be displayed?
• Which day shapes indicate a vessel not under command?
• Mine clearance Rule 27 requires other vessels to stay at least how many meters away?
• What day shapes would a vessel engaged in underwater operations display?
• In inland overtaking, which signal indicates you intend to overtake on your port side?
• Three short blasts (International and Inland) convey which meaning?
• Under Rule 33, a vessel longer than 12 meters but not more than 20 meters must sound with which signal?
• How many 360 white lights are required for an anchored boat less than 50 meters?
• One long blast (Inland and International) is used as a blind bend for both; inland also when leaving berth. What does this signal convey?
• Which signal indicates a vessel constrained by its draft (CBD) in International conventions?
• Which signal indicates you do not understand the other vessel's intentions/Warning-Doubt?
• What is the night signal for a vessel engaged in fishing?
• In restricted visibility, which two vessel types sound the same signal when underway or at anchor?
• What is the night signal for a sailing vessel underway?
• In the acronym, what does 'Often' represent?
• What does the signal of two short blasts in International waters indicate?
• Which statement about COLREGs priorities in encounters is correct?
• Under Inland and international rules, a vessel 50 meters or more shall have what sound signal equipment?
• In the acronym, what vessel is represented by 'Reels'?
• What is Rule 34 primarily about?
• In the priority acronym, what does 'New' denote?
• Under Rule 7, risk of collision exists when the bearing to the approaching vessel does not appreciably change.
• Which scenarios commonly test knowledge of COLREGs for AB Seamen?
• Three Greens on a yard indicates Mine clearance.
• What are the intervals for restricted visibility underway sound signals?
• Under what condition can a sailboat be without its masthead light?
• The signal One long, two short is used by which vessels in restricted visibility?
• In a crossing situation, if the other vessel does not maneuver, what should the stand-on vessel consider doing?
• In head-on situations, what is the recommended course of action if safe passing cannot be achieved?
• In an overtaking situation, what must the overtaking vessel do?
• Which signal equipment is required for a vessel 100 meters or more under Inland and international rules?
• What type of vessel uses a cone day shape pointing down?
• In a near-collision situation, the stand-on vessel should
• What does Rule 9 (Narrow Channels) require?
• For motor vessel underway greater than or equal to 50 meters, which lights are required?
• What is the typical color configuration for port and starboard sidelights?
• Overtaking is a situation in which the vessel astern at night sees only the stern lights of the vessel ahead and the astern vessel wants to pass. The cut off point for stern lights and side lights is 22.5 degrees aft of midships.
• In restricted visibility scenarios, what is recommended due to collision risk?
• What action should a watchstander take if weather worsens and visibility drops?
• What is the sound signal for a power-driven vessel with restricted visibility underway, not making way?
• What is the night signal for a power-driven vessel underway?
• Which describes Safe Speed?
• Under 12 meters, what signaling is required?
• Red over Green indicates what?
• For an anchored vessel greater than or equal to 100 meters, which statement about lighting is true?
• Which day shape indicates a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver?
• Which statement about following a Traffic Separation Scheme is correct?
• In a power-driven vessel underway, what is the color arrangement of the sidelights?
• Which light configuration indicates inland-only pushing ahead or hip towing a fellow?
• What is the sound signal for a power-driven vessel with restricted visibility that is underway, making way?
• What does 'right-of-way' imply in COLREGs?
• For a tug and tow of 200 meters or less, which light configuration is correct?
• Which signaling combination is consistent with maneuvering rules?
• Which set of vessels is described as turning off side, stern, and if required masthead lights when underway, not making way?
• For an anchored boat less than 100 meters, how many 360 white lights are required?
• After using a VHF to clarify intentions, what should you continue to monitor?
• What is the night signal for a vessel not under command?
• What is the day shape for a RAM (Restricted in Ability to Maneuver) vessel?
• In traffic at sea, which practice aligns with following lanes in a traffic separation scheme?
• Which statement best describes how a RAM vessel signals?
• What best describes the fundamental rule for vessel passage and mutual awareness?
• Which statement about RAM (restricted in ability to maneuver) signals is true?
• The vessel that is required to take early and substantial action to keep well away from other vessels by stopping, slowing down or changing course.
• What does Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Schemes) require?
• A vessel at anchor shall display what day shape?
• If you are unsure of another vessel's status, what should you do?
• One short blast (Inland when overtaking) indicates which action?
• Which factors should you assess to determine a safe pass when two vessels are on collision courses?
• Day shapes are used to communicate a vessel's status even in poor visibility.
• The towing light is which color?
• What is the night signal for a vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver?
• What is meant by a 'vessel not under command'?
• What is the sound signal for being towed in restricted visibility (if manned)?
• In a crossing situation, what should the stand-on vessel do?
• Inland vessels may radio or sound signal for an alternative course of action.
• Two long and two short blasts (International when overtaking) indicate overtaking on which side?
• Additional day shape for fishing vessel with gear 150 meters to the side?
• Two long and one short blast, International when overtaking, indicates you intend to overtake on which side?
• In a crossing situation, which vessel is the stand-on vessel?
• Which signals indicate a vessel not under command?
• Under Rule 5, what is required of a proper look-out?
• For an anchored vessel greater than or equal to 100 meters, which description correctly states the lighting requirement?
• Which day shape indicates a vessel aground?
• What do day shapes and lights indicate about a vessel's maneuvering status?
• In head-on situations involving international vessels, what action is required?
• What is the general rule about using a VHF radio in collision avoidance?
• In the acronym, what does 'Some' represent?
• What color is the port sidelight?
• What is the typical visual indication that a vessel is constrained by its draft?
• Which equipment is recommended to help detect and track other vessels for collision avoidance?
• If a vessel overtakes another, which vessel is the stand-on vessel?
• What should you do if you observe a vessel displaying day shapes indicating restricted maneuverability?
• How should vessels operate in restricted visibility?
• How should you respond if you encounter a vessel signaling distress?
• Underway motor vessel less than 20 meters, which navigation lights are required?
• In inland navigation, when you are being overtaken, what signal should you respond with to indicate the overtaking vessel may pass?
• Rule 33 applies to signals for vessels over 20 meters. What signal is required?
• What is the typical purpose of the anchor light and anchor day shape?
• Which category comprises day signals under COLREGs?
• Which statement best describes Inland Rules versus International COLREGs in the AB Seaman context?
• Signals indicating a vessel is fishing are described as what?
• One main purpose of day shapes is to communicate a vessel’s status to other vessels even in poor visibility.
• In International and Inland rules, five short blasts when overtaking means what?
• The sidelight beam on a small vessel underway (under 20 meters) is how many degrees per side?
• A vessel with two separate masthead lights indicates which length category?
• CBDR stands for Constant Bearing Decreasing Range — a target whose range is decreasing and bearing is not changing is on a collision course.
• When being overtaken, what signal should you respond with?
• Approaching a green sidelight means?
• How do Inland Rules differ from International COLREGs for the AB Seaman exam context?
• In overtaking at night, which statement identifies overtaking?
• Which light configuration is used for towing astern on both international and inland waters?
• What should you do when visibility is reduced due to weather?
• Who has priority when two power-driven vessels are in crossing paths with a risk of collision?
• The special flashing light used on a tow in inland waters must be what color and rate?
• Which indicators tell other vessels that a vessel is anchored?
• What day shape indicates a vessel at anchor?
• Which signal sequence indicates a vessel at anchor when there is a possibility of collision?
• Two short blasts (Inland) indicate which action?
• When approaching a vessel that is not signaling its status, what is the recommended action?
• Which of the following pairs a color pattern with its day shape for Red Over Red?
• In a head-on situation, what should both vessels do?
• Which rule governs lights and shapes?
• Which color is the starboard sidelight on a power-driven vessel underway?
• What day shape accompanies a vessel that has run aground?
• When encountering distress signals from another vessel, what is the recommended action?
• In the acronym, what does 'Purchase' represent?
• Not Underway fog signals for an anchored vessel less than 100 meters
• When would a sailboat have their masthead light off?
• Rule 34 governs which type of signals?
• In the acronym, what does 'Catch' represent?
• Which activity is indicated by Red over White?
• In COLREGs, how is a sailing vessel defined?
• For motor vessel underway greater than or equal to 20 meters and less than 50 meters, which lights are required?
• In traffic separation schemes, vessels should:
• What is a fishing vessel in COLREGs terms?
• What is the purpose of day shapes?