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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies > Travel & Transportation

Navigation Rules Practice Test: Ready to Ace It?

Think you can ace this nav rules practice test? Challenge your USCG rules of the road knowledge now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration ship compass nautical chart for USCG navigation rules quiz on dark blue background

Attention all boaters and maritime students! Ready to bolster your seafaring know-how with a free navigation rules practice test that simulates real USCG rules of the road questions and answers? Our interactive quiz covers right-of-way, navigation lights, sound signals, and more. Click into the navigation rules practice test for hands-on practice, then challenge yourself with our timed nav rules practice test to reinforce key concepts. Whether you're prepping for your boating license or seeking to master maritime navigation rules test, dive in now and chart a sure course to success!

What does a green navigation light displayed on the starboard side of a power-driven vessel at night indicate?
It marks the vessel’s starboard side.
It signals the vessel is at anchor.
It indicates a vessel is fishing.
It marks the vessel’s port side.
A green light on the starboard side of a vessel at night indicates the starboard side to other vessels, helping them determine the vessel’s orientation and direction of travel. Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), power-driven vessels underway must display green on starboard and red on port. This consistent lighting arrangement aids in collision avoidance at night by clearly distinguishing each vessel’s heading.
Which day shape indicates a vessel is not under command during daylight hours?
Two black balls in a vertical line.
One black ball.
A black diamond.
A black cone.
A vessel that is not under command (cannot maneuver as required by the rules) must exhibit two black balls in a vertical line during daylight hours. This shape warns other mariners that the vessel cannot move out of the way. It is specified in Rule 27 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
What sound signal must a vessel at anchor (less than 100 meters in length) give at intervals not exceeding two minutes?
One long blast.
Two long blasts.
One short blast.
Three short blasts.
A vessel at anchor and less than 100 meters in length must sound one long blast at intervals not exceeding two minutes to warn nearby vessels of its position. This signal is outlined in Rule 30 of the COLREGs. The long blast should be about four to six seconds in duration.
Which day shape indicates a vessel is constrained by its draft?
A black cylinder.
Two black balls.
A black diamond.
One black cone.
A black cylinder displayed vertically signals that a vessel is constrained by its draft and cannot deviate from its course. This shape is required under Rule 28 of the COLREGs. The cylinder must be of appropriate size to be visible in daylight.
In IALA Region B buoyage, what does a red buoy with an even number indicate when returning from sea?
It marks the starboard side of the channel.
It marks the port side of the channel.
It indicates an isolated danger.
It signifies safe water all around.
In IALA Region B (Americas and Japan), red buoys mark the starboard side when returning from sea and carry even numbers. This is commonly referred to as 'red right returning.' Mariners use this system to navigate channels safely.
What signal must a power-driven vessel making way sound in restricted visibility every two minutes?
One prolonged blast.
Two short blasts.
One short and one prolonged blast.
Three short blasts.
Rule 35 of the COLREGs requires a power-driven vessel making way in or near restricted visibility to sound one prolonged blast at intervals not exceeding two minutes. This ensures nearby vessels are aware of its presence and movement. The blast should last four to six seconds.
In a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels, which vessel is the stand-on vessel?
The vessel that has the other on its port side.
The vessel that has the other on its starboard side.
The vessel that is faster.
The vessel that is overtaking.
Under Rule 15 of the COLREGs, in a crossing situation the vessel which has the other on her port side is the stand-on vessel and must maintain course and speed. The vessel which has the other on her starboard side is the give-way vessel and must keep out of the way.
What does one short blast of the whistle on a vessel underway mean?
I intend to leave you on my port side.
I intend to leave you on my starboard side.
I am altering my course to port.
I am reversing my engines.
One short blast from a power-driven vessel indicates an intention to leave the other vessel on its port side. Two short blasts indicate an intention to leave the other on the starboard side. These signals are defined in Rule 34 of the COLREGs.
Which day shape indicates a vessel aground?
Three black balls in a vertical line.
A black diamond over a ball.
Two black cones apex to apex.
A black cylinder.
A vessel aground must exhibit three black balls in a vertical line during daylight hours, as specified in Rule 30 of the COLREGs. This alerts other vessels that it is aground and may not be fully maneuverable.
How many masthead lights must a power-driven vessel less than 50 meters in length display at night?
One masthead light.
Two masthead lights.
No masthead lights.
Three masthead lights.
A power-driven vessel under 50 meters in length is required to show one masthead light. Vessels 50 meters or more must show two masthead lights in a vertical line. This rule is detailed in Rule 23 of the COLREGs.
When must the give-way vessel in a crossing situation take action?
Early and substantial action.
Only when the stand-on vessel sounds a signal.
At the last possible moment.
Only after a collision is imminent.
The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep well clear of the stand-on vessel, as required by Rule 16 of the COLREGs. This ensures there is no doubt about the give-way vessel’s intentions and reduces collision risk. Delaying action increases danger.
What is the definition of an overtaking vessel?
A vessel approaching from more than 22.5° abaft the beam.
A vessel approaching head-on.
A vessel that has the other on its port side.
A vessel crossing from starboard to port.
Rule 13 defines an overtaking vessel as one approaching another from a direction more than 22.5° abaft its beam. The overtaking vessel must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. This rule applies to power-driven and sailing vessels.
At night, what lights must a vessel engaged in trawling display?
Two all-round lights: green over white.
Two all-round lights: red over white.
A single white light.
Red over red all-round lights.
A vessel engaged in trawling must exhibit two all-round lights in a vertical line: green over white. This distinguishes it from other fishing vessels and power-driven vessels. The lights help signal fishing operations during nighttime.
What sound signal characterizes a vessel aground in restricted visibility?
Three blasts: two prolonged followed by one short.
One prolonged and one short blast.
One long blast.
Five short blasts.
In restricted visibility, a vessel aground must sound three signals in succession—two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast—at intervals not exceeding two minutes, per Rule 30(c)(ii). This warns nearby vessels of its status and position.
How can risk of collision be determined when using radar?
The bearing remains constant and the range decreases.
The target is moving off the bow.
The target blinks on the screen.
The range remains constant.
If the radar bearing of another vessel remains constant while the range decreases, there is a risk of collision. A changing bearing indicates the vessels are not on a collision course. This principle is used in Rule 7 to assess risk.
What action should both vessels take when meeting head-on?
Each alter course to starboard.
Each alter course to port.
Stand on until the last moment.
Sound five short blasts.
Rule 14(a) requires that when two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on or nearly so, each shall alter course to starboard to pass port side to port side. This maneuver ensures a safe passage clear of collision.
In IALA Region A buoyage, what does a red buoy with an odd number indicate when returning from sea?
It marks the port side of the channel.
It marks the starboard side of the channel.
It indicates an isolated danger.
It signifies safe water all around.
In IALA Region A (Europe, Africa, Australia), red buoys mark the port side of the channel when returning from sea and carry odd numbers. This is known as 'red left returning.' Mariners use this convention to navigate safely.
Under sail at night, a sailing vessel underway must exhibit which lights?
Red and green sidelights and a white sternlight.
Two red all-round lights.
A single white masthead light.
Green over white all-round lights.
A sailing vessel underway at night must display sidelights showing green to starboard and red to port, plus a white sternlight, under Rule 25(a). These lights help identify the vessel’s type and heading.
What does two short blasts on the whistle mean for a vessel underway?
I intend to leave you on my starboard side.
I intend to leave you on my port side.
I am reversing my engines.
Danger or doubt signal.
Two short blasts indicate the vessel’s intention to leave the other vessel on its starboard side. This is defined in Rule 34(c)(i) of the COLREGs. One short blast is used for port-side passing.
In restricted visibility, what fog signal must a power-driven vessel not making way sound every two minutes?
Two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about two seconds.
One prolonged blast.
Three short blasts.
One short and one prolonged blast.
According to Rule 35 of the COLREGs, a power-driven vessel not making way through the water must sound two prolonged blasts in succession with an interval of about two seconds between them, at intervals not exceeding two minutes. This warns others of its presence.
If the give-way vessel in a crossing situation fails to take appropriate action, what should the stand-on vessel do?
Take action to avoid collision.
Maintain course and speed regardless.
Sound five short blasts immediately.
Reverse engines.
Rule 17(b) states that if the give-way vessel does not take early and substantial action, the stand-on vessel must take action to avoid collision, while still trying to keep her original course and speed. Safety of navigation is paramount.
Which sound signal indicates doubt or danger between two vessels in sight of one another?
Five or more short and rapid blasts.
Two prolonged blasts.
One prolonged and two short blasts.
Three short blasts.
Under Rule 34(d), the danger signal consists of at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle to indicate doubt or that collision risk exists. Both vessels can use this signal to communicate urgency.
A towing vessel and her tow exceed 200 meters in length. What day shape must be displayed?
A black diamond shape.
Three black balls.
A black cylinder.
Two black cones apex to apex.
When the length of a towing vessel and her tow exceeds 200 meters, a diamond shape must be displayed during daylight hours, as per Rule 24(b)(3). This indicates an extended tow and warns other vessels.
An anchored vessel over 100 meters in length must sound which pattern in restricted visibility?
Rapid ringing of the bell for about five seconds followed after five seconds by rapid ringing of the gong for about five seconds.
One prolonged blast every two minutes.
Two short blasts every two minutes.
Three short blasts every two minutes.
A vessel over 100 meters at anchor must, in addition to sounding one prolonged blast every minute, ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds then, after five seconds, ring the gong rapidly for about five seconds. This dual signal enhances visibility.
What day shape indicates a vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations during daylight?
Ball–diamond–ball in vertical alignment.
A single black diamond.
Two black balls apex to apex.
A black cylinder.
Under Rule 27(a)(v), a vessel engaged in dredging or underwater operations must display the shape Ball–Diamond–Ball in a vertical line. This informs nearby traffic of underwater activity and limited maneuverability.
When navigating a narrow channel, what should a power-driven vessel do?
Keep as near to the outer limit of the channel on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.
Keep to the center of the channel at all times.
Sound five short blasts on approach.
Stay on the port side of the channel.
Rule 9(b) states that a power-driven vessel in a narrow channel must keep as near as is safe and practicable to the starboard side of the channel. This ensures traffic flows safely in opposite directions.
What lights must a pilot vessel display when on duty at night?
White over red lights in a vertical line.
Red over white lights in a vertical line.
Green over white lights in a vertical line.
Yellow all-round light.
A pilot vessel on duty must show two all-round lights: white over red in a vertical line, as per Rule 28(e). This distinguishes it from other vessels and signals its specialized role.
Which light configuration indicates a towing vessel at night?
A yellow light above the white sternlight.
A green light above the white sternlight.
A red light above the white sternlight.
A white light above the yellow sternlight.
A towing light is a yellow light shown above the white sternlight, indicating the vessel is towing. This configuration helps other mariners distinguish towing operations at night.
In restricted visibility, what fog signal must a vessel underway and making way sound at intervals not more than two minutes?
One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts.
Two prolonged blasts.
Three short blasts.
One long blast.
Rule 35(b)(i) requires a vessel underway and making way to sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts at intervals not more than two minutes in or near restricted visibility. This distinct pattern alerts others to its movement.
What topmarks identify a south cardinal mark?
Two black cones pointing downward.
Two black cones pointing upward.
Two cones base to base.
Two cones apex to apex.
A south cardinal mark is identified by two black cones pointing downward, one above the other. This mark indicates safe water lies to the south of the buoy. Mariners use topmarks in combination with light patterns to navigate safely.
What is the light characteristic of a new danger mark?
White light flashing in groups of two.
White light flashing continuously.
Red light flashing in groups of three.
Green light flashing in groups of two.
A new danger mark exhibits a white light flashing in groups of two (two flashes at regular intervals), as defined by IALA recommendations. This indicates a newly discovered hazard. Mariners should navigate with caution in these areas.
In inland waters, what additional light must a power-driven vessel towing astern exhibit if the tow is not alongside?
A yellow light distinct from the sternlight.
A green flashing light.
A red over white light.
A white flashing light.
In inland waters, a power-driven vessel towing astern must exhibit a yellow light at the stern in addition to required masthead and sidelights if the tow is not alongside. This rule, part of Inland Navigation Rules, distinguishes towing operations.
What lights must a vessel constrained by her draft exhibit at night?
Three all-round red lights in a vertical line.
Red over green over red lights.
Two red lights over a white sternlight.
A single red light amidships.
A vessel constrained by her draft must, in addition to showing standard navigation lights, exhibit three all-round red lights in a vertical line to indicate her limited ability to deviate from her course. This requirement is in Rule 28(d) of the COLREGs.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core Navigation Principles -

    Gain a clear grasp of fundamental maritime navigation rules, including right-of-way and safe passage guidelines tested in the navigation rules practice test.

  2. Identify Vessel Lights and Shapes -

    Learn to recognize and interpret the various lights, shapes, and signals vessels display under the USCG rules of the road questions and answers.

  3. Apply Right-of-Way Rules -

    Practice making split-second decisions in realistic scenarios to determine which vessel has priority and avoid collisions on the water.

  4. Analyze Scenario-Based Questions -

    Develop critical thinking skills by working through navigation rules practice quiz questions modeled on real-life maritime situations.

  5. Evaluate Performance and Progress -

    Use detailed feedback from the maritime navigation rules test to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses and chart a path for further study.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Safe Speed Assessment -

    Under Rule 6 of the COLREGS, safe speed depends on visibility, traffic density, maneuverability, and weather. Remember the mnemonic "A.I.R.S." (Assessment, Instruments, Radar, Surroundings) to cover all key factors. Practicing this on a navigation rules practice test helps you internalize real-world decision-making.

  2. Risk of Collision -

    Rule 7 requires constant monitoring by radar and visual lookout; if bearing to another vessel remains constant, a collision risk exists. Use the "constant bearing, decreasing range" formula to spot dangers early. Quizzing yourself with uscg rules of the road questions and answers reinforces quick hazard recognition.

  3. Stand-On vs. Give-Way Roles -

    Rules 13 - 17 define that stand-on vessels maintain course and speed, while give-way vessels take early, substantial action. A handy phrase is "S stands still, G goes away" to recall who yields. Testing these scenarios in a nav rules practice test builds confident split-second choices.

  4. Navigation Lights & Shapes -

    Rules 23 - 31 specify port (red) and starboard (green) lights, plus masthead and stern lights. Remember "Red-Right-Returning" for small craft and "Red over Green, Sailing's Seen" for sailboats. Drilling these on a navigation rules practice quiz ensures instant identification even at night.

  5. Sound Signal Conventions -

    Rule 34 outlines whistle blasts: one short for starboard, two for port, and three for astern. Practice the "1-2-3 Starboard-Port-Astern" pattern to lock it into muscle memory. Including these in your maritime navigation rules test prep turns theory into onboard confidence.

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