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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 301–400 of 1,168 · page 4 of 12

  1. #674 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When two power-driven vessels are crossing, which vessel is the stand-on vessel?
  2. #678 INLAND ONLY If a towing vessel and her tow are severely restricted in their ability to deviate from their course, lights in addition to the towing ide...
  3. #679 INLAND ONLY A power-driven vessel crossing a river on the Great Lakes or Western Rivers, must keep out of the way of which of the following power-driv...
  4. #680 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel hearing a fog signal forward of her beam has not determined if risk of collision exists. What shall she reduce sp...
  5. #682 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
  6. #683 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When in sight of another vessel and there is sufficient sea room, any action taken to avoid collision must __________.
  7. #686 INLAND ONLY You see the lights shown in illustration D085RR below while proceeding in a channel. Where should you pass? illustration
  8. #687 INLAND ONLY Which of the following is TRUE for a vessel of less than 20 meters in length at anchor at night in a "special anchorage area designated by...
  9. #692 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is a requirement for any action taken to avoid collision?
  10. #694 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...
  11. #695 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are fishing at night, and you sight a vessel showing three lights in a vertical line. The upper and lower lights are r...
  12. #697 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessels "A" and "B" are crossing as shown in illustration D030RR below. Which statement is TRUE? illustration
  13. #698 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Rule 14 describes the action to be taken by vessels meeting head-on. Which of the following conditions must exist in order...
  14. #699 INLAND ONLY Vessels "A" and "B" are meeting on a river as shown in illustration D029RR below and will pass 1/4 mile apart. Which statement is TRUE? illustration
  15. #700 INLAND ONLY Which is a characteristic of a "special flashing light"?
  16. #701 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on vessel "B" and crossing a narrow channel. Vessel "A", who can only navigate within the channel, is on your port... illustration
  17. #702 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessels of less than what length may not impede the passage of other vessels which can safely navigate only within a narro...
  18. #704 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel shall NOT impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway?
  19. #706 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 and you believe that...
  20. #707 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel should not impede the navigation of a power-driven vessel?
  21. #708 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on Vessel "A" engaged in fishing in a narrow channel as shown in illustration D037RR below. Vessel "B" is a tanker... illustration
  22. #715 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your 15-meter tug is underway and crossing a deep and narrow channel. A large container vessel is off your port bow on a s...
  23. #716 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel has on her port side a sailing vessel which is on a collision course. What action is the power-drive...
  24. #717 INLAND ONLY Which term is NOT defined in the Inland Navigation Rules?
  25. #718 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is NOT to impede the passage of a vessel which can only navigate safely within a narrow channel?
  26. #719 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A sailing vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel and can safely navigate ONLY inside the channel. The sailing vessel...
  27. #720 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?
  28. #723 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" (towing) and vessel "B" are meeting as shown in illustration D012RR below. In this situation, which statement i... illustration
  29. #725 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A sailing vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel and can safely navigate ONLY inside the channel. The sailing vessel...
  30. #726 INLAND ONLY A barge more than 50 meters long is required to show how many white anchor lights when anchored in a Secretary approved "special anchorage...
  31. #727 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A sailing vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel and can safely navigate ONLY inside the channel. The sailing vessel...
  32. #729 INLAND ONLY While underway at night, you see two yellow lights displayed in a vertical line. What do the lights indicate to you?
  33. #730 INLAND ONLY A power-driven vessel operating in a narrow channel with a following current on the Great Lakes or Western Rivers is meeting an upbound ve...
  34. #734 INLAND ONLY Identify the operation indicated by the lights exhibited as shown in illustration D085RR below. illustration
  35. #737 INLAND ONLY A power-driven vessel operating in a narrow channel with a following current on the Great Lakes or Western Rivers is meeting an upbound ve...
  36. #739 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement about the Navigation Rules is TRUE?
  37. #741 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" as shown in illustration D017RR below and will pass without changing course. Which lig... illustration
  38. #743 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A traffic separation zone is that part of a traffic separation scheme which __________.
  39. #744 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A traffic separation zone is that part of a traffic separation scheme which __________.
  40. #748 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In a crossing situation on open waters, a sailing vessel shall keep out of the way of all the following vessels EXCEPT a _...
  41. #749 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Systems of inbound and outbound lanes to promote the safe flow of vessel traffic in certain areas around the world are kno...
  42. #751 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a situation involving a fishing vessel and a vessel not under command?
  43. #756 INLAND ONLY A power-driven vessel crossing on the Western Rivers has the right of way over which vessels?
  44. #758 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning two sailing vessels?
  45. #759 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two sailing vessels are approaching each other as shown in illustration D003RR below. Which statement is correct? illustration
  46. #760 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Two vessels are meeting head-on. How must the vessels pass?
  47. #761 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?
  48. #763 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are under sail making 5 knots. The apparent wind is broad on the port beam at 10 knots. You see another sailing vessel...
  49. #765 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a sailing vessel with the wind on the starboard side and are approaching another sailing vessel that has the wi...
  50. #766 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on vessel "A" and approaching vessel "B" as shown in illustration D015RR below. You are not sure whether your vess... illustration
  51. #767 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A sailing vessel is overtaking a tug and tow as shown in illustration D043RR below. Which statement is correct? illustration
  52. #768 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" as shown in illustration D017RR below. Which of the following describes vessel "A" in... illustration
  53. #770 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" as shown in illustration D017RR below. Vessel "B" should do which of the following? illustration
  54. #772 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE in an overtaking situation?
  55. #774 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement concerning an overtaking situation is correct?
  56. #775 INLAND ONLY Which statement is TRUE concerning lighting requirements for Great Lakes vessels?
  57. #777 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Power-driven vessels must keep out of the way of sailing vessels except __________.
  58. #779 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are underway in restricted visibility and hear a fog signal forward of the beam. Nothing appears on your radar screen....
  59. #780 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel approaching your vessel from 235° relative is in what type of situation?
  60. #781 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND An overtaking situation would be one in which one vessel is approaching another from more than how many degrees abaft the...
  61. #782 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are under sail and overtaking a tug and tow. Which action is correct?
  62. #784 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In which situation do the Rules require both vessels to change course?
  63. #785 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What describes a head-on situation?
  64. #786 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on vessel "A" pushing a barge ahead and meeting vessel "B" as shown in illustration D012RR below. How should the v... illustration
  65. #787 INLAND ONLY Which is TRUE of a vessel downbound with a following current when meeting an upbound vessel on the Western Rivers?
  66. #788 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway at night, you sight a vessel ahead displaying the lights shown in illustration D071RR below. How should the... illustration
  67. #790 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When is a stand-on vessel FIRST allowed by the Rules to take action in order to avoid collision?
  68. #792 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In a crossing situation, what action should the stand-on vessel normally take?
  69. #796 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Every vessel that is to keep out of the way of another vessel must take positive early action to comply with this obligati...
  70. #799 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see the lights shown in illustration D050RR below on your port bow. What action should you take? illustration
  71. #803 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Underway at night you see the red sidelight of a vessel well off your port bow. Which statement is TRUE?
  72. #806 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The rules require that a stand-on vessel SHALL take action to avoid collision when she determines that __________.
  73. #808 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When shall the stand-on vessel change course and speed?
  74. #809 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What must be TRUE in order for a stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision by her maneuver alone?
  75. #812 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When shall the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation take action to avoid the other vessel?
  76. #813 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which requirement must be met in order for a stand-on vessel to take action to avoid collision?
  77. #814 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When is a stand-on vessel in a crossing situation allowed to take action?
  78. #815 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND If you are the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation, you may take action to avoid collision by your maneuver alone. Whe...
  79. #817 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning seaplanes on the water?
  80. #820 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning seaplanes on the water?
  81. #821 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your power-driven vessel is underway when you sight a sailing vessel on your port bow. Which vessel is the "stand-on" vess...
  82. #822 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In illustration D002RR below, vessel I is a power-driven vessel. Vessel II is a sailing vessel with the wind dead aft. Whi... illustration
  83. #826 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are aboard vessel "A" , a power-driven vessel, on open waters and vessel "B", a sailing vessel, is sighted off your po... illustration
  84. #827 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A fishing vessel is approaching a vessel not under command. Which statement is TRUE?
  85. #829 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are aboard vessel "A" which is towing on open waters when vessel "B", a sailing vessel, is sighted off your port bow a... illustration
  86. #830 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND On open waters, a power-driven vessel shall keep out of the way of which of the following?
  87. #832 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Of the vessels listed, which must keep out of the way of all the others?
  88. #836 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE, according to the Rules?
  89. #837 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Unless the rules require otherwise, a sailing vessel must keep out of the way of __________.
  90. #838 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel should NOT impede the navigation of a power-driven vessel?
  91. #841 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is the stand-on vessel when two vessels crossing in fog are NOT in sight of one another?
  92. #842 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When navigating in restricted visibility, what action shall a power-driven vessel take?
  93. #843 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is required of a vessel navigating near an area of restricted visibility?
  94. #846 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is TRUE when operating in fog and other vessels are detected by radar?
  95. #847 INLAND ONLY Which statement is TRUE concerning the Inland Navigation Rules?
  96. #848 INLAND ONLY For the purpose of the Inland Navigation Rules, the term "Inland Waters" includes which of the following?
  97. #850 INLAND ONLY You are navigating in a narrow channel and must remain in the channel for safe operation. Another vessel is crossing the channel ahead of...
  98. #851 INLAND ONLY A power-driven vessel operating in a narrow channel with a following current on the Great Lakes or Western Rivers is meeting an upbound ve...
  99. #853 INLAND ONLY A power-driven vessel crossing a river on the Western Rivers has the right of way over which vessel?
  100. #855 INLAND ONLY Which is TRUE of a vessel downbound with a following current when meeting an upbound vessel on the Western Rivers?

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.