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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 101–200 of 1,168 · page 2 of 12

  1. #218 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A towing vessel 30 meters in length is pushing barges ahead. How many white masthead lights is the vessel REQUIRED to show...
  2. #219 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a vessel of 75 meters in length, at anchor?
  3. #221 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which lights shall a 200-meter vessel exhibit when at anchor?
  4. #224 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is carrying three lights in a vertical line. The highest and lowest of these are red and the middle light is whit...
  5. #225 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Lighting requirements in inland waters are different from those in international waters for __________.
  6. #228 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND If you anchor your 25-meter vessel in a harbor, what light(s) must you show?
  7. #229 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Barges being towed at night must exhibit navigation lights __________.
  8. #230 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the minimum length of an anchored vessel which is required to show a white light both forward and aft?
  9. #231 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the minimum length of vessels required to show two anchor lights?
  10. #234 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In illustration D023RR below which represents the arc of visibility of a red sidelight? illustration
  11. #235 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a vessel heading due south and see the lights shown in illustration D051RR below one point on the port bow. Wha... illustration
  12. #236 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is towing and carrying the required lights on the masthead. What is the visibility arc of these lights?
  13. #237 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In illustration D023RR below "B" represents the arc of visibility of which of the following? illustration
  14. #238 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A towing vessel is towing two barges astern. The length of the tow from the stern of the tug to the stern of the last barg...
  15. #240 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A white masthead light shows through an arc of how many degrees?
  16. #242 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway at night you are coming up on a vessel from astern. What lights would you expect to see?
  17. #245 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A "flashing light", by the definition given in the rules, is a light that __________.
  18. #247 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" as shown in illustration D017RR below. Which color light will vessel "A" observe on ve... illustration
  19. #248 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The stern light shall be positioned such that it will show from dead astern to how many degrees on each side of the stern...
  20. #251 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must exhibit a conical shape, apex downwards?
  21. #256 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must exhibit forward and after masthead lights when underway?
  22. #257 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which display of lights shown in illustration D072RR below indicates a 65-meter tug towing a barge astern, length of tow 1... illustration
  23. #259 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your tug is underway at night and NOT towing. What light(s) should your vessel show aft to other vessels coming up from as...
  24. #260 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a vessel under oars?
  25. #261 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel may show identifying lights when not actually engaged in her occupation?
  26. #263 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would exhibit sidelights when underway and not making way?
  27. #264 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are towing two barges astern. The length of the tow from the stern of the tug to the stern of the last barge is 150 me...
  28. #265 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see a vessel displaying ONLY the lights shown in illustration D045RR below. This vessel could be which of the followin... illustration
  29. #266 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on watch and sight a vessel showing only the lights in illustration D059RR below. What type of vessel do these lig... illustration
  30. #269 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a vessel heading due north and see the lights shown in illustration D051RR below one point on your port bow. Th... illustration
  31. #270 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a vessel and see ahead the lights shown in illustration D059RR below. These lights indicate which of the follow... illustration
  32. #272 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a vessel heading due south and see the lights shown in illustration D051RR below, one point on the port bow. Wh... illustration
  33. #275 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which power-driven vessel is NOT required to carry a light in the position of the after masthead light?
  34. #279 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would exhibit sidelights when underway and not making way?
  35. #280 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two barges are being pushed ahead by a tugboat. Which statement is TRUE concerning lights on the barges?
  36. #282 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What type of vessel displays the lights as shown in illustration D082RR? illustration
  37. #283 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning lights and shapes for towing vessels?
  38. #284 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are under sail with the auxiliary engine running and the propeller engaged on a 15 meter sail vessel. Which statement...
  39. #285 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The vessel whose lights are shown in illustration D082RR below is navigating in a narrow channel. Which statement about th... illustration
  40. #286 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The tow shown in illustration D024RR below is made up of inconspicuous, partly submerged vessels and is 150 meters in leng... illustration
  41. #287 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The tug shown in illustration D024RR below is greater than 50 meters and severely restricted in her ability to deviate fro... illustration
  42. #289 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What do the lights displayed in illustration D073RR indicate? illustration
  43. #291 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel, when towing astern, shall show __________.
  44. #293 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see the display of lights shown in illustration D064RR below. This could indicate which of the following? illustration
  45. #296 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see the display of lights shown in illustration D064RR below. These lights could indicate which of the following? illustration
  46. #303 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, you are towing a partly submerged vessel, 20 meters in length and 4 meters in breadth. What lights must you disp...
  47. #308 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What light(s), if any, would you show at night if your vessel was broken down and being towed astern by another vessel?
  48. #310 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must exhibit three white masthead lights in a vertical line?
  49. #312 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel MUST show two masthead lights in a vertical line?
  50. #313 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a partly submerged vessel being towed?
  51. #319 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A towing vessel 35 meters in length, with a tow 100 meters astern, must show a minimum of how many masthead lights?
  52. #320 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What lights must be shown on a barge being towed astern at night?
  53. #321 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE when you are towing more than one barge astern at night?
  54. #324 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE of a 30-meter sailing vessel underway?
  55. #328 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway at night and you sight the lights shown in illustration D047RR below. You know these lights indicate whic... illustration
  56. #329 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night you sight a vessel displaying one green light. What is indicated by this light configuration?
  57. #334 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. #336 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would display a cone, apex downward?
  59. #339 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel, when anchored at night, is not required to show anchor lights?
  60. #345 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see the display of lights shown in illustration D054RR below, this could be which of the following? illustration
  61. #353 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must show a masthead light abaft of and higher than her identifying lights?
  62. #369 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must show forward and after masthead lights when making way?
  63. #370 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a towing vessel which, due to the nature of her work, is unable to keep out of the way...
  64. #373 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must exhibit forward and after white masthead lights when making way?
  65. #374 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the following describes a vessel exhibiting the lights shown in illustration D056RR below? illustration
  66. #375 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see a vessel displaying the day signal shown in illustration D006RR below. The vessel may be which of the following? illustration
  67. #380 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel, when anchored at night, would NOT be required to show anchor lights?
  68. #382 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND An anchored vessel is servicing an aid to navigation and is restricted in her ability to maneuver. Which lights will she s...
  69. #385 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND If a towing vessel and her tow are severely restricted in their ability to deviate from their course, they may show lights...
  70. #388 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel towing astern and her tow are severely restricted in their ability to change course. When making way, the towing...
  71. #389 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which display indicates a vessel conducting mine clearance operations?
  72. #391 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel engaged in mineclearing shows special identity lights __________.
  73. #398 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the minimum sound signaling equipment required aboard a vessel 10 meters in length?
  74. #399 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE regarding equipment for sound signals?
  75. #401 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the minimum sound signaling equipment required aboard a vessel 24 meters in length?
  76. #402 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel 25 meters in length must have which sound signaling appliance onboard?
  77. #403 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must have a gong, or other equipment which will make the sound of a gong?
  78. #404 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two power-driven vessels are crossing as shown in illustration D042RR below. Vessel "A" sounds two short blasts on the whi... illustration
  79. #405 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning the light used with whistle signals?
  80. #406 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two power-driven vessels are crossing as shown in illustration D042RR below. Vessel "A" sounds one short blast on the whis... illustration
  81. #407 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel may sound the danger signal?
  82. #411 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which signal may be used by a vessel that is in doubt as to whether sufficient action is being taken by another vessel to...
  83. #412 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel may sound the danger signal?
  84. #414 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is the danger signal?
  85. #416 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In a crossing situation, which vessel may sound the danger signal?
  86. #417 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway and in sight of another vessel, less than one half mile away, you put your engines on astern propulsion. Wh...
  87. #419 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel may use the danger signal?
  88. #421 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In a meeting situation, which vessel may sound the danger signal?
  89. #426 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What signal indicates doubt that sufficient action is being taken by another vessel to avoid collision?
  90. #431 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in low visibility and sounding fog signals. What changes would you make in the fog signal immediately upo...
  91. #433 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are proceeding under sail with the auxiliary engine running and the propeller engaged. Which statement is TRUE?
  92. #434 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND If practical, when shall a manned vessel being towed sound her fog signal?
  93. #435 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND If underway in low visibility and sounding fog signals, what changes would you make in the fog signal IMMEDIATELY upon los...
  94. #437 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would sound a fog signal consisting of the ringing of a bell for 5 seconds?
  95. #439 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When should the fog signal of a manned vessel under tow be sounded?
  96. #440 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in fog you hear the rapid ringing of a bell. What does this signal indicate?
  97. #443 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would sound a fog signal consisting of the ringing of a bell for 5 seconds?
  98. #451 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel 50 meters in length at anchor must sound which fog signal?
  99. #453 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel at anchor, not fishing or otherwise restricted in its ability to maneuver, sounds her fog signal at...
  100. #456 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 200-meter vessel is aground in fog. Which signal is optional?

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.