34 Questions
In a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels, which vessel typically has the right of way?
The vessel on the starboard side of the other vessel
When a vessel is uncertain whether it is in a head-on or crossing situation, what should it assume and do?
Assume it is meeting head-on or crossing and act accordingly
What does the two-letter signal 'NC' in the International Code indicate to vessels?
You appear not to be complying with the traffic separation scheme
In a traffic separation zone, what activity should a vessel using the scheme NOT engage in?
Entering the separation zone to engage in fishing
When two power-driven vessels are crossing at night and there is a risk of collision, which vessel should give way?
The vessel whose red sidelight is visible off your port bow
What should a vessel entering a traffic separation zone forgo doing?
Engaging in fishing within the zone
What is the purpose of a traffic separation scheme?
To separate opposing streams of traffic
In poor visibility, what is the best way to monitor the risk of collision?
Sound three short blasts on the whistle
What does a vessel constrained by its draught have to show as additional lights?
Red, white, and red lights in a vertical line
Which situation does the display of three red lights in a vertical line indicate?
A vessel constrained by draught
What is the duration of a 'short blast' on the whistle?
2 seconds
What is the term for routeing measure aimed at the separation of opposing streams of traffic by establishing traffic lanes?
Traffic separation scheme
When observing masthead lights and both side lights of another vessel at night, what action should be taken?
Sound one prolonged blast
In Annex II of the Collision Regulations, what does the signal 'one white light over one red light' for fishing vessels in close proximity indicate?
One ship shall alter course to starboard and the other to port
When the bearing is steady and the range is 5 miles, what is indicated by a slow reduction in range?
One vessel is overtaking the other
What should be done on nearing a bend in a narrow channel when the way ahead is obscured and you hear a prolonged blast?
Continue at current speed and course
In a narrow channel, if you observe masthead lights and both side lights of another vessel at night, what does it imply?
Alter course to starboard
When navigating close to the outer limit of a channel with a vessel nearby, what action should be avoided if possible?
Navigating on the port side of the channel
What is the prescribed range for the fundamental frequency of a whistle for a vessel between 75 meters and 200 meters in length, as per Annex III of the COLREGS?
130 to 350 Hz
Where should the forward anchor light of a vessel of 50 meters or more in length be placed above the hull, according to COLREGS, Annex I?
Not less than 2 meters
According to COLREGS Annex IV, what does an orange flag with a black circle and a square shape indicate?
Signal to distress
How far apart shall the whistles of a combined whistle system be located?
5 meters
In what direction shall the light indicating the outlying gear from a fishing vessel be placed in relation to the all-round red and white lights?
Not less than 1 meter and not more than 2 meters away
For power-driven vessels of 20 meters or more in length, how high should two or three lights carried vertically be above the hull, except where a towing light is required?
4 meters
Which option describes a light characteristic requirement for stern and masthead lights on a vessel as per COLREGS?
Intensity may decrease by 50% up to the prescribed limits
Where should two or three lights on a power-driven vessel of less than 20 meters in length be placed above, except when a towing light is required?
$2$ meters
According to COLREGS Annex I, how should the vertical separation of masthead lights of a power-driven vessel be when viewed from sea level?
The after light should be seen over and separate from the forward light
What fundamental frequency range is required for a vessel less than 75 meters in length, according to Annex III of the International Collision Regulations?
250 - 700 Hz
What is the purpose of firing a gun at one-minute intervals according to COLREGS Annex IV?
To warn other vessels of danger
What is the minimum sound pressure level required at a distance of one meter from a bell or gong, as specified in Annex III of COLREGS?
160 dB
In terms of audibility, within what range should the fundamental frequency of a whistle for a vessel 200 meters or more in length be according to COLREGS Annex III?
180 - 700 Hz
What is the required minimum length for a vessel if the fundamental frequency of its whistle is between 250 - 700 Hz based on COLREGS Annex III?
200 meters or more
Under COLREGS Annex III, what is the audibility range for a whistle signal where two miles can be covered?
< 200 meters
For a directional whistle under COLREGS Annex III, what is the maximum allowed difference in sound pressure level from the prescribed level on the axis within the horizontal plane?
+/- 45˚ of the axis
Study Notes
Whistle Signals
- Five or more short blasts on the whistle indicate danger or warning.
- One long blast followed by three short blasts on the whistle indicates a vessel is towing.
- Five or more short blasts on the whistle in a continuous sequence indicate a vessel in distress.
COLREGS Annex I
- The vertical separation of masthead lights on a power-driven vessel shall be such that the after light can be seen over and separate from the forward light, at a distance from the stem, at all conditions of trim.
COLREGS Annex III
- The fundamental frequency of a whistle for a vessel less than 75 meters in length shall be between 250-700 Hz.
- A bell or gong shall produce a sound pressure level of not less than 110 dB at a distance of one meter.
- The fundamental frequency of a whistle for a vessel 200 meters or more in length shall be between 130-350 Hz.
- The audibility range of a whistle is two miles.
COLREGS Annex IV
- Firing a gun at one-minute intervals indicates a vessel is in distress.
Whistle Characteristics
- The fundamental frequency of a whistle shall be within the range of 70-700 Hz for a vessel less than 75 meters in length.
- The fundamental frequency of a whistle shall be within the range of 130-500 Hz for a vessel 200 meters or more in length.
Sound Pressure Level
- The sound pressure level of a directional whistle shall not be more than 4 dB below the prescribed sound pressure level on the axis at any direction in the horizontal plane within ± 45° of the axis.
Vessel Lighting
- A vessel constrained by its draught shall show three red lights in a vertical line.
- A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver shall show two red lights in a vertical line.
- A vessel engaged in towing shall show a white light over a red light.
Navigation
- A vessel shall avoid anchoring in a traffic separation scheme or near its terminations.
- A vessel shall monitor the risk of collision in poor visibility using radar and other available means.
Distress Signals
- Firing a gun or rocket at one-minute intervals indicates a vessel is in distress.
- A vessel in distress may also use three short blasts on the whistle.
- A vessel in distress may also use a square flag with a ball below or a black ball.
Miscellaneous
- A combined whistle system is to be regarded as a single whistle.
- A whistle shall be positioned as high as practicable and so arranged as to minimize hearing damage to personnel.
Test your knowledge on navigation lights and vessel interactions with this quiz. Questions cover scenarios such as seeing sidelights of a vessel directly ahead, determining head-on or crossing situations, and actions to take in different encounters.
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