OBS Online Boating Navigation Rules & Regulations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, which vessel must give way?
- The vessel on the port side of the other (Correct answer)
- The vessel on the starboard side of the other
- The faster vessel
- The larger vessel
Correct answer: The vessel on the port side of the other
The vessel that has the other on its starboard side is the give-way vessel and must yield.
Question 2: What does a vessel's all-round white light indicate?
- The vessel is anchored
- It is visible from all directions and marks vessels under 39.4 feet when underway (Correct answer)
- The vessel is towing another vessel
- The vessel is operating in restricted visibility
Correct answer: It is visible from all directions and marks vessels under 39.4 feet when underway
An all-round white light is visible through 360 degrees and is used by small vessels as a combined masthead/stern light option.
Question 3: What is the minimum sound signal required for a vessel over 12 meters when operating in restricted visibility?
- One short blast every 2 minutes
- One prolonged blast every 2 minutes (Correct answer)
- Two short blasts every 2 minutes
- One prolonged and two short blasts every 2 minutes
Correct answer: One prolonged blast every 2 minutes
A power-driven vessel making way in restricted visibility must sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
Question 4: In the US Inland Rules, a flashing blue light is used exclusively by which type of vessel?
- Commercial fishing vessels
- Law enforcement vessels (Correct answer)
- Towing vessels operating at night
- Vessels aground
Correct answer: Law enforcement vessels
Under US Inland Rules, law enforcement vessels may display a flashing blue light when engaged in law enforcement activities.
Question 5: Which side of a channel should a recreational boater keep to when traveling upstream (returning from sea)?
- The left side
- The right side (starboard) (Correct answer)
- The center of the channel
- Either side is acceptable
Correct answer: The right side (starboard)
When traveling upstream or returning from sea, boaters should keep to the right (starboard) side of the channel.
Question 6: What action must the stand-on vessel take if a collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel's actions alone?
- Continue on course and speed at all times
- Take the most effective action to avoid collision (Correct answer)
- Sound five short blasts and stop engines
- Immediately anchor to avoid the collision
Correct answer: Take the most effective action to avoid collision
If collision is imminent and the give-way vessel has not acted, the stand-on vessel must take whatever action best avoids the collision.
Question 7: A vessel displaying a black cylinder shape by day is indicating what condition?
- The vessel is constrained by its draft
- The vessel is anchored (Correct answer)
- The vessel is not under command
- The vessel is restricted in ability to maneuver
Correct answer: The vessel is anchored
A black cylinder displayed by day is the dayshape signal for a vessel at anchor.
OBS Online Boating Navigation Rules & Regulations 2
When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, which vessel must give way?