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Deck · 1,168 questions

Rules of the Road - USCG Exam Questions

Steering and sailing rules, lights and shapes, and sound signals, covering both the international COLREGs and the U.S. Inland Rules. This is the strictest module on the deck exam: it requires 90 percent to pass.

Every question below is a real U.S. Coast Guard exam question with four choices. Answer one and the correct choice is revealed instantly, with the USCG reference and illustration where the question uses one.

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All Rules of the Road questions

Questions 1,001–1,100 of 1,168 · page 11 of 12

  1. #2028 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which lights shall a vessel that is constrained by her draft, display, in a vertical line to indicate her condition?
  2. #2029 INTERNATIONAL ONLY You have sighted three red lights in a vertical line on another vessel dead ahead at night. Which vessel would display these lights...
  3. #2030 INTERNATIONAL ONLY A vessel constrained by her draft may display which lights?
  4. #2031 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which is TRUE when your vessel is moving from a berth alongside a quay (wharf)?
  5. #2032 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Power-driven vessels "A" and "B" are meeting on a river as shown in illustration D041RR below and will pass 1/4 mile apart. Which a... illustration
  6. #2033 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which vessel would sound two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast on the whistle?
  7. #2034 INTERNATIONAL ONLY You are in sight of another vessel in a crossing situation, and the other vessel sounds one short blast. You are going to hold cour...
  8. #2035 INTERNATIONAL ONLY When two vessels are in sight of one another, all of the following signals may be given EXCEPT which signal?
  9. #2036 INTERNATIONAL ONLY When two vessels are in sight of one another and NOT in or near an area of restricted visibility, any of the following signals may...
  10. #2037 INTERNATIONAL ONLY On open water, a power-driven vessel coming up dead astern of another vessel and altering her course to starboard so as to pass on...
  11. #2038 INTERNATIONAL ONLY In a crossing situation on international waters, what does a short blast by the give-way vessel indicate?
  12. #2039 INTERNATIONAL ONLY A vessel sounds one short blast. What does this signal indicate about the vessel?
  13. #2040 INTERNATIONAL ONLY A signal of one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, and one short blast, in that order is given by which vessel?
  14. #2041 INTERNATIONAL ONLY A whistle signal of one prolonged, one short, one prolonged and one short blast, is sounded by which vessel?
  15. #2042 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" on open waters and will pass without changing course. Which action should vessel "A" take?
  16. #2043 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which is TRUE for a light used to signal passing intentions?
  17. #2044 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which is TRUE for the light which may be used with a vessel's whistle?
  18. #2045 INTERNATIONAL ONLY A vessel sounds two short blasts. What does this indicate?
  19. #2046 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Two power-driven vessels are meeting. What would a two blast whistle signal by either vessel mean?
  20. #2047 INTERNATIONAL ONLY You are in sight of a power-driven vessel that sounds two short blasts of the whistle. What does this signal mean?
  21. #2048 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Your vessel is backing out of a slip in a harbor. Visibility is restricted. Which signal are you required to sound?
  22. #2049 INTERNATIONAL ONLY You are underway on the high seas in restricted visibility. You hear a fog signal of one prolonged and two short blasts. Which vess...
  23. #2050 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which vessel would sound a fog signal of one prolonged and two short blasts?
  24. #2051 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which vessel sounds the same fog signal as a vessel not under command?
  25. #2052 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What equipment for fog signals is required for a vessel 15 meters in length?
  26. #2053 INLAND ONLY For the purpose of the Inland Navigation Rules, the term "Inland Waters" includes which of the following?
  27. #2054 INLAND ONLY A law enforcement vessel patrolling a marine regatta may exhibit a flashing blue light or which of the following alternates?
  28. #2055 INLAND ONLY A commercial vessel engaged in public safety activities may display a(n) identity light(s). Which of the following is appropriate for thes...
  29. #2056 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is a "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
  30. #2057 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is a vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
  31. #2058 INTERNATIONAL ONLY You are operating a vessel in a narrow channel. Your vessel must stay within the channel to be navigated safely. Another vessel is...
  32. #2059 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which vessel shall avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft?
  33. #2060 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When is a stand-on vessel FIRST allowed by the Rules to take action in order to avoid collision?
  34. #2061 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is TRUE if your vessel is the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation?
  35. #2062 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are in charge of a stand-on vessel in a crossing situation. The other vessel is 1.5 miles to port. Which action should...
  36. #2063 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND If two sailing vessels are running free with the wind on the same side, which one must keep clear of the other?
  37. #2064 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in heavy fog. You hear the fog signal of a vessel which is somewhere ahead of your vessel. Which actions...
  38. #2065 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in restricted visibility. You hear the fog signal of another vessel about 22° on your starboard bow. If d...
  39. #2066 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In fog you observe your radar and determine that risk of collision exists with a vessel which is 2 miles off your port bow...
  40. #2067 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is TRUE when operating in fog and other vessels are detected by radar?
  41. #2068 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You hear the fog signal of another vessel forward of your beam. Risk of collision may exist. You are required to take whic...
  42. #2069 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which lights is a 45-meter power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside required to display?
  43. #2070 INTERNATIONAL ONLY You have sighted three red lights in a vertical line on another vessel dead ahead at night. Which vessel would display these lights...
  44. #2071 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see another vessel approaching, and its compass bearing does not significantly change. What does this indicate?
  45. #2072 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND By radar alone, you detect a vessel ahead on a collision course, about 3 miles distant. Your radar plot shows this to be a...
  46. #2073 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is a requirement for any action taken to avoid collision?
  47. #2074 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on Vessel "A" engaged in fishing in a narrow channel as shown in the illustration. Vessel "B" is a tanker proceedi... illustration
  48. #2075 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is TRUE for a vessel using a traffic separation scheme?
  49. #2076 INTERNATIONAL ONLY A wing in ground (WIG) craft cannot comply with the spacing requirement for masthead lights. What is required in this situation?
  50. #2077 INLAND ONLY Which is a characteristic of a "special flashing light"?
  51. #2078 INLAND ONLY Which statement is TRUE concerning lighting requirements for Great Lakes vessels?
  52. #2079 INLAND ONLY Vessels "A" and "B" are meeting on a river as shown in the illustration and will pass 1/4 mile apart. Which is one of the lights on vessel... illustration
  53. #2080 INLAND ONLY What must a partially submerged object towed by a vessel show during the day?
  54. #2081 INLAND ONLY At night, which lights are required on barges moored in a group formation, more than two barges wide, and located where other vessels cann...
  55. #2082 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel may exhibit lights other than those prescribed by the Rules as long as the additional lights meet which requireme...
  56. #2083 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel shows the same lights as which vessel?
  57. #2084 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel may combine her sidelights and stern light in one lantern on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel?
  58. #2085 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway at night, and you sight the lights shown in the illustration. You know these lights indicate which of the... illustration
  59. #2086 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When is a power-driven vessel "not under command" at night required to show her sidelights?
  60. #2087 INLAND ONLY Which statement is TRUE concerning the fog signal of a canal boat 25 meters in length, anchored in a "special anchorage area" approved by...
  61. #2088 INLAND ONLY You are approaching a sharp bend in a river. You have sounded a prolonged blast and it has been answered by a vessel on the other side of...
  62. #2089 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" on open waters as shown in the illustration and will pass without changing course. What signal... illustration
  63. #2090 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Two power-driven vessels are meeting. What would a two blast whistle signal by either vessel mean?
  64. #2091 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is the duration of each prolonged blast on whistle signals used by a power-driven vessel in fog, whether making way...
  65. #2092 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the duration of each blast of the whistle signals used in head-on and/or crossing situations?
  66. #2093 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is TRUE when a vessel uses any sound or light signals to attract the attention of another vessel?
  67. #2094 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must have a gong, or other equipment which will make the sound of a gong?
  68. #2095 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE regarding equipment for bell and gong signals?
  69. #2096 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel signals you three flashes on its maneuvering light. What is the meaning of this signal?
  70. #2097 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two power-driven vessels are crossing as shown in the illustration. Vessel "A" sounds three short blasts on the whistle. W... illustration
  71. #2098 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in fog when you hear the following signal: one short blast, one prolonged blast and one short blast in su...
  72. #2099 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in a fog, you hear a whistle signal of one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. This signal could...
  73. #2100 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in fog when you hear the rapid ringing of a bell for five seconds followed by the sounding of a gong for...
  74. #2101 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway and hear a vessel continuously sounding her fog whistle. What is this vessel indicating?
  75. #2102 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When a vessel signals her distress by means of a gun or other explosive signal, which firing intervals should be used?
  76. #2103 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision. Which statement is TRUE, according to the Rules?
  77. #2104 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in restricted visibility. You hear the fog signal of another vessel about 20° on your starboard bow. Risk...
  78. #2105 INLAND ONLY A power-driven vessel proceeding downstream in a narrow channel on the Western Rivers sights another power-driven vessel moving upstream....
  79. #2106 INLAND ONLY Your power-driven vessel is crossing a river on the Great Lakes System. A power-driven vessel is ascending the river, crossing your course...
  80. #2107 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When do the Navigation Rules state that risk of collision shall be deemed to exist?
  81. #2108 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel should not impede the navigation of a power-driven vessel?
  82. #2109 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which label in the illustration represents the length of a vessel as defined by the Rules? illustration
  83. #2110 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in fog, you hear a vessel ahead sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle. Which action should you take?
  84. #2111 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When navigating in thick fog with the radar on, which action should you take?
  85. #2112 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement applies to a situation where a sailing vessel is overtaking a power-driven vessel?
  86. #2113 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In restricted visibility, when must a towed vessel sound a fog signal?
  87. #2114 INLAND ONLY Which of the following may be displayed by a law enforcement boat?
  88. #2115 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A towing vessel has a barge in tow astern. What lights should the towing vessel exhibit at the stern?
  89. #2116 INLAND ONLY Under the Inland Navigation Rules, what is the meaning of a one short blast signal used when meeting another vessel?
  90. #2117 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are approaching another vessel on crossing courses. It is about one mile distant and is on your starboard bow. You bel...
  91. #2118 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In the illustration which represents the arc of visibility of a red sidelight? illustration
  92. #2119 INLAND ONLY Which of the following is indicated by a vessel displaying a flashing blue light?
  93. #2120 INLAND ONLY You are on power-driven vessel "A" and power-driven vessel "B" desires to overtake you on the starboard side as shown in the illustration.... illustration
  94. #2121 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessels "A" and "B" are power-driven vessels and crossing as shown in the illustration. Which statement is TRUE? illustration
  95. #2122 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which situation would be a "special circumstance" under the Rules?
  96. #2123 INLAND ONLY Which is TRUE of a vessel downbound with a following current when meeting an upbound vessel on the Western Rivers?
  97. #2124 INLAND ONLY Which of the following may be displayed by a commercial vessel engaged in public safety activities?
  98. #2125 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In open waters, a vessel fishing is in a crossing situation with a vessel sailing. The sailing vessel is located on the fi...
  99. #2126 INLAND ONLY What whistle signal would a power-driven vessel overtaking another in a narrow channel, and wishing to pass on the other vessel's port sid...
  100. #2127 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are at anchor in fog. The fog signal of a vessel underway has been steadily growing louder and the danger of collision...

Rules of the Road questions: what to expect

Q How many Rules of the Road questions are in the Deck pool?

There are 1,168 Rules of the Road questions on this site, every one released by the U.S. Coast Guard or taken from the National Maritime Center's sample examinations, with its correct answer. The exam draws its Rules of the Road module from the same pool.

Q What score do I need to pass the Rules of the Road module?

Rules of the Road requires 90 percent, the highest passing score on the exam. On a 30-question module that leaves room for three mistakes, so most candidates make it the center of their study plan.

Q Are these the real USCG Rules of the Road exam questions?

Yes. They are the published U.S. Coast Guard questions, matched to the National Maritime Center's 2026 sample examinations. Answer any question to see the correct choice, the USCG reference and the illustration where the question uses one.

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About the Deck question pool

The Deck pool holds the current U.S. Coast Guard questions for every deck credential, from Able Seaman and the OUPV six-pack up to unlimited Master. Each question is multiple choice with four options, graded instantly, with the USCG reference shown where one exists.