Boating Certification Test Navigation Rules of the Road 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Two sailboats are on a collision course. Sailboat A is on a port tack and Sailboat B is on a starboard tack. Which boat is the stand-on vessel?
- Sailboat A on port tack
- Sailboat B on starboard tack (Correct answer)
- The boat moving faster
- The larger boat
Correct answer: Sailboat B on starboard tack
When sailboats meet on opposite tacks, the vessel on the starboard tack is the stand-on vessel.
Question 2: What does a vessel show to indicate it is constrained by its draft?
- Three red lights in a vertical line
- A cylinder displayed where it can best be seen (Correct answer)
- A diamond shape at the masthead
- A flashing yellow light
Correct answer: A cylinder displayed where it can best be seen
A vessel constrained by her draft displays a cylinder shape (by day) where it can best be seen.
Question 3: In a narrow channel, where should a vessel generally keep when safe and practicable?
- In the center of the channel
- On the starboard side of the channel (Correct answer)
- On the port side of the channel
- On the side closest to shallow water
Correct answer: On the starboard side of the channel
Rule 9 requires vessels to keep as far to the starboard side of the channel as is safe and practicable.
Question 4: A vessel engaged in fishing with nets has restricted maneuverability. How many white lights does it show at night in addition to its sidelights?
- One white light above a red light (Correct answer)
- Two red lights in a vertical line
- Three white lights in a triangle
- One white all-round light only
Correct answer: One white light above a red light
A vessel engaged in fishing shows a green light over a white light (or red over white if gear extends more than 150 m) and sidelights when underway.
Question 5: What signal must a power-driven vessel sound when overtaking another vessel in a narrow channel to pass on the vessel's starboard side?
- One prolonged blast (Correct answer)
- Two short blasts
- One short blast
- Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast
Correct answer: One prolonged blast
In the US Inland Rules, one short blast signals intent to pass on the other vessel's port side; one prolonged blast is used in other contexts — however, overtaking signals in a narrow channel use one short blast for starboard-side passing.
Question 6: Which vessel is considered the 'give-way' vessel when a sailing vessel and a vessel not under command meet?
- The sailing vessel gives way (Correct answer)
- The vessel not under command gives way
- Both vessels must stop
- The faster vessel gives way
Correct answer: The sailing vessel gives way
A vessel not under command has priority over a sailing vessel; thus the sailing vessel must give way.
Question 7: What is the minimum distance a vessel must remain from another vessel to avoid creating a dangerous wake or wash?
- No fixed distance; the operator must operate at a safe speed given conditions (Correct answer)
- 100 feet
- 200 feet
- 500 feet
Correct answer: No fixed distance; the operator must operate at a safe speed given conditions
Navigation rules require vessels to operate at a safe speed; there is no single fixed distance, but operators are responsible for any damage caused by their wake.
Boating Certification Test Navigation Rules of the Road 2
Two sailboats are on a collision course.
Sailboat A is on a port tack and Sailboat B is on a starboard tack.
Which boat is the stand-on vessel?