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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 201–300 of 1,168 · page 3 of 12

  1. #458 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 200-meter vessel is aground in restricted visibility. Which signal is optional?
  2. #463 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 200-meter vessel is aground in fog. Which signal is optional?
  3. #466 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway your vessel enters fog. You stop your engines and the vessel is dead in the water. Which fog signal should...
  4. #468 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...
  5. #469 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is required to sound a fog signal of one prolonged followed by two short blasts?
  6. #471 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway and making way your vessel enters fog. Which fog signal should you sound every two minutes?
  7. #472 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 200-meter vessel is aground in restricted visibility. Which signal is optional?
  8. #474 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in fog and hear one short, one prolonged, and one short blast in succession. What is the meaning of this...
  9. #477 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which signal shall a power-driven vessel sound when making way in fog?
  10. #478 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the optional whistle signal which may be sounded by a vessel at anchor?
  11. #482 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your vessel is underway but stopped and making no way through the water when fog sets in. Which fog signal should you soun...
  12. #484 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning fog signals?
  13. #486 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...
  14. #490 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel is underway in fog but is stopped and making no way through the water. What is the required fog sign...
  15. #492 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your vessel enters fog. You stop your engines, and the vessel is dead in the water. Which fog signal should you sound?
  16. #494 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the required fog signal for a manned vessel being towed at night?
  17. #500 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The wind is ESE, and a sailing vessel is steering NW. Which fog signal should she sound?
  18. #504 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in fog, you hear a vessel sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts on the whistle. What does...
  19. #505 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway and towing, your vessel enters fog. Which fog signal should you sound?
  20. #507 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in fog you hear a vessel sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. What does this signal indi...
  21. #511 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement concerning whistle signals is FALSE?
  22. #512 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is to sound a fog signal of one prolonged followed by two short blasts?
  23. #514 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your vessel is 75 meters in length and restricted in her ability to maneuver. Visibility is restricted. What signal do you...
  24. #515 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel sounds the same fog signal when underway or at anchor?
  25. #516 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel sounds the same fog signal when underway or at anchor?
  26. #522 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the identity signal which may be sounded by a vessel engaged on pilotage duty in fog?
  27. #524 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in fog, you hear a vessel sound four short blasts in succession. What does this signal indicate?
  28. #528 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Concerning the identification signal for a pilot vessel, in fog, which statement is TRUE?
  29. #533 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the following is TRUE of a distress signal?
  30. #534 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A man aboard a vessel is signaling by raising and lowering his outstretched arms to each side. What does this indicate?
  31. #535 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What does an orange flag showing a black circle and square indicate?
  32. #539 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which signal is recognized as a distress signal?
  33. #541 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is a distress signal?
  34. #542 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see a vessel displaying the code flag "LIMA" below which is a red ball. The vessel is indicating it is in which of the...
  35. #543 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway and hear a vessel continuously sounding her fog whistle. What is this vessel indicating?
  36. #555 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...
  37. #557 INLAND ONLY Which signal must a power-driven vessel give, in addition to one prolonged blast, when backing out of a berth with another vessel in sight...
  38. #561 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which vessel is NOT regarded as being "restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
  39. #562 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision. Which statement is TRUE, according to the Rules?
  40. #573 INLAND ONLY For the purpose of the Inland Navigation Rules, the term "Inland Waters" includes which of the following?
  41. #575 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is overtaking when she can see which light(s) of a vessel ahead?
  42. #577 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In which situation would risk of collision definitely exist?
  43. #578 INLAND ONLY At night, a barge moored in a slip used primarily for mooring purposes shall exhibit which of the following?
  44. #580 INLAND ONLY What is true of a "special flashing light"?
  45. #582 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can only navigate inside a narrow channel?
  46. #583 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement concerning maneuvering in restricted visibility is FALSE?
  47. #585 INLAND ONLY Signals shall be sounded by a power-driven vessel intending to overtake __________.
  48. #587 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Risk of collision may exist __________.
  49. #589 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which factor is listed in the Rules as one which must be taken into account when determining safe speed?
  50. #594 INLAND ONLY What lights will a single vessel being towed alongside show?
  51. #596 INTERNATIONAL ONLY At night you sight the lights shown in illustration D066RR below. What do the lights indicate? illustration
  52. #597 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are crossing a narrow channel in a small motorboat. You sight a tankship off your port bow coming up the channel. Whic...
  53. #598 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in thick fog. You have not determined if risk of collision exists. Which statement is TRUE?
  54. #600 INLAND ONLY Under the Inland Navigation Rules, what is the meaning of a one short blast signal used when meeting another vessel?
  55. #602 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In a crossing situation, a vessel fishing must keep out of the way of a vessel which is __________.
  56. #604 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two vessels are in an overtaking situation. Which of the lights on the overtaken vessel will the overtaking vessel see?
  57. #605 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In narrow channels, vessels of less than what length shall not impede the safe passage of vessels which can navigate only...
  58. #606 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel which has the other to starboard must keep out of the way if ______...
  59. #608 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two vessels are meeting in a narrow channel as shown in illustration D037RR below. Vessel "A" is a sailing vessel. Vessel... illustration
  60. #609 INLAND ONLY Two power-driven vessels are crossing within a half a mile of each other as shown in illustration D042RR below. Vessel "A" sounds one shor... illustration
  61. #611 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on vessel "A" and proceeding down a narrow channel as shown in illustration D040RR below. You can only navigate wi... illustration
  62. #612 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning two sailing vessels approaching each other?
  63. #616 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The Navigation Rules state that a vessel shall be operated at a safe speed at all times so that she can be stopped within...
  64. #617 INLAND ONLY A vessel engaged in public safety activities may display an alternately flashing red and yellow light. This special light may be used by a...
  65. #618 INLAND ONLY If you were coming up on another power-driven vessel from dead astern and desired to overtake on the other vessel's starboard side, which...
  66. #619 INLAND ONLY While underway and in sight of another vessel a mile ahead you put your engines on astern propulsion. Which statement concerning whistle s...
  67. #620 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In determining "safe speed", all of the following must be taken into account EXCEPT the __________.
  68. #622 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel shall NOT impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway?
  69. #623 INLAND ONLY What do the lights shown in illustration D075RR below represent? illustration
  70. #624 INLAND ONLY You are on a vessel that the Secretary has determined cannot comply with the spacing requirement for masthead lights. What is required in...
  71. #626 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The rules require which factor to be taken into account when determining safe speed?
  72. #628 INLAND ONLY A vessel leaving a dock or berth must sound a prolonged blast of the whistle only if __________.
  73. #629 INLAND ONLY Two power-driven vessels are meeting in a narrow channel on the Great Lakes as shown in illustration D037RR below. Vessel "A" is downbound... illustration
  74. #630 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" and vessel "B" (which is pushing ahead) are meeting head-on as shown in illustration D008RR below. How must the... illustration
  75. #631 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is directed not to impede the passage of a vessel which can only navigate inside a narrow channel?
  76. #632 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning risk of collision?
  77. #633 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" as shown in illustration D009RR below. Which vessel is the stand-on vessel? illustration
  78. #634 INLAND ONLY Which light display would mark the opening in a pipeline where vessels could pass through?
  79. #636 INLAND ONLY Two power-driven vessels are meeting in a narrow channel on the Great lakes as shown in illustration D029RR below. Vessel "A" is downbound... illustration
  80. #637 INLAND ONLY What is the whistle signal used to indicate a power-driven vessel leaving a dock?
  81. #641 INLAND ONLY Which statement is TRUE concerning the light used for maneuvering signals?
  82. #642 INLAND ONLY The special light for a vessel engaged in public safety activities must meet which of the following requirements?
  83. #644 INLAND ONLY A power-driven vessel intends to overtake another power-driven vessel on the overtaken vessel's port side. Which whistle signal should be...
  84. #645 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are approaching another vessel and are not sure whether danger of collision exists. What must you assume?
  85. #650 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a vessel equipped with operational radar?
  86. #651 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Risk of collision may be deemed to exist under which of the following situations?
  87. #652 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessels "A" and "B" are crossing as shown in illustration D026RR below. Which statement is TRUE? illustration
  88. #653 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessels "I" and "II" are power-driven vessels. You are on vessel "I" as shown in illustration D036RR below. In this scenar... illustration
  89. #654 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The steering and sailing rules for vessels in restricted visibility apply to vessels __________.
  90. #656 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning risk of collision?
  91. #658 INLAND ONLY You are on a power-driven vessel "I" as shown in illustration D036RR below. Vessel "II" is a power-driven vessel engaged in fishing that w... illustration
  92. #659 INLAND ONLY Your vessel is proceeding down a channel, and can safely navigate only within the channel. Another vessel is crossing your bow from port t...
  93. #662 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which procedure(s) shall be used to determine risk of collision?
  94. #663 INLAND ONLY Two power-driven vessels are meeting in a narrow channel as shown in illustration D037RR below. Which of the following statements is TRUE? illustration
  95. #664 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel engaged in fishing shall keep out of the way of which of the following vessels?
  96. #666 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel shall slacken her speed, stop, or reverse her engines, if necessary, to __________.
  97. #667 INLAND ONLY Which of the following may be displayed by a law enforcement boat?
  98. #668 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND An overtaking situation at night would be one in which one vessel sees which light(s) of a vessel ahead?
  99. #669 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In which situation does a risk of collision exists?
  100. #672 INLAND ONLY When two power-driven vessels are meeting on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary, where there is a curre...

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.