Spinnaker Sailing
Navigation and Right of Way Rules Quiz

These questions and their answers are gleaned from the USCG Mariners Tests, and we trust in them for their accuracy. There are over 400 questions regarding navigation rules alone and all quiz questions are picked randomly. Questions are graded individually and you do not have to answer all questions to check your answers. Don't be discouraged if you miss a few questions, some of them are pretty hard. However, the more you take this test the more you will learn!
Generate New Quiz Questions

Question 1 - Inland/International rules - A light signal consisting of three flashes means ...
) One prolonged blast every two minutes
) Two prolonged blasts every two minutes
) Three short blasts every two minutes
) One prolonged and three short blasts every two minutes

Question 2 - Inland/International rules - A sailing vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel and can safely navigate ONLY inside the channel. The sailing vessel approaches a vessel engaged in fishing. Which statement is TRUE?
) The fishing vessel must sound the danger signal.
) The fishing vessel shall not impede the passage of the sailing vessel.
) Each vessel should move to the edge of the channel on her port side.
) Both vessels should be displaying the signal for a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.

Question 3 - Inland/International rules - A distress signal ...
) consists of 5 or more short blasts of the fog signal apparatus
) consists of the raising and lowering of a large white flag
) may be used separately or with other distress signals
) is used to indicate doubt about another vessel's intentions

Question 4 - Inland/International rules - The arc of visibility for sidelights is from right ahead to ...
) 22.5° abaft the beam
) abeam
) 22.5° forward of the beam
) 135° abaft the beam

Question 5 - Inland rules - What MAY be used to indicate the presence of a partly submerged object being towed?
) A black cone, apex upward
) Two all-round yellow lights at each end of the tow
) The beam of a search light from the towing vessel shown in the direction of the tow
) All of the above

Question 6 - Inland/International rules - You are heading due east (090°) and observe a vessel's red sidelight on your port beam. The vessel may be heading ...
) northwest (315°)
) southeast (135°)
) northeast (045°)
) southwest (225°)

Question 7 - Inland/International rules - Your vessel is stopped and making no way, but is not in any way disabled. Another vessel is approaching you on your starboard beam. Which statement is TRUE?
) The other vessel must give way since your vessel is stopped.
) Your vessel is the give-way vessel in a crossing situation.
) You should be showing the lights or shapes for a vessel not under command.
) You should be showing the lights or shapes for a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.

Question 8 - Inland/International rules - During the day, a vessel picking up a submarine cable shall carry ...
) three shapes, the highest and lowest shall be red balls, and the middle shall be a white diamond
) two black balls
) three shapes; the highest and lowest shall be black balls, and the middle shall be a red diamond
) three shapes; the highest and lowest shall be black balls and the middle shall be a black diamond

Question 9 - Inland/International rules - Concerning the identification signal for a pilot vessel, in fog, which statement is TRUE?
) When at anchor, the pilot vessel is only required to sound anchor signals.
) The identification signal must be sounded any time the pilot vessel is underway.
) The pilot vessel may only sound the identity signal when making way.
) All of the above

Question 10 - Inland/International rules - A vessel sounding a fog signal of one short, one prolonged, and one short blast is indicating that the vessel is ...
) fishing
) in distress
) at anchor
) not under command