Rules of the Road Practice Test

Flashcards Study Notes on Rules of the Road

• A flashing light is defined as one that flashes at intervals of 120 or more times per minute.

• A 20-meter power-driven vessel pushing ahead will display two masthead lights in a vertical line.

• For vessels 20 meters long, a fog signal requires a whistle and a bell only.

• If overtaken by another vessel expressing intent to pass, sound five or more short, rapid blasts to indicate it's not safe.

• A sailing vessel 25 meters, anchored in a special anchorage area, must ring a bell for 5 seconds every minute as a fog signal.

• The rules of the road apply only to waters outside the territorial waters of the United States.

• A "special circumstance" includes situations where more than two vessels are meeting.

• The term vessel encompasses various crafts, including seaplanes, nondisplacement craft, and barges.

• Only sailing vessels, fishing vessels, and vessels less than 20 meters must not impede a vessel safely navigating a narrow channel.

• Approaching a vessel displaying lights typically indicates an overtaking situation.

• Power-driven vessels (PDV) crossing on the western rivers must give way to sailing vessels both ascending and descending the river, as well as other PDVs.

• In fog, if you hear fog signals of two prolonged blasts on your starboard quarter, it is advisable to hold your course and speed.

• Steering and sailing rules in restricted visibility apply to vessels navigating in or near such conditions.

• A vessel detecting another solely through radar in restricted visibility should avoid altering course towards a vessel abaft the beam if a risk of collision exists.