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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 501–600 of 1,168 · page 6 of 12

  1. #1027 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Two power-driven vessels are crossing within one half mile of each other as shown in illustration D042RR below. Vessel "A" sounds o... illustration
  2. #1028 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Two power-driven vessels are crossing within one half mile of each other as shown in illustration D042RR below. Vessel "A" sounds o... illustration
  3. #1029 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Two power-driven vessels are crossing within one half mile of each other as shown in illustration D042RR below. Vessel "A" sounds o... illustration
  4. #1030 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Two power-driven vessels are crossing within one half mile of each other as shown in illustration D042RR below. Vessel "A" sounds o... illustration
  5. #1032 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" on open waters as shown in illustration D017RR below and will pass without changing course. Wha... illustration
  6. #1034 INTERNATIONAL ONLY What whistle signal, if any, would be sounded when two vessels are meeting, but will pass clear starboard to starboard?
  7. #1037 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which signal is required to be sounded by a power-driven vessel ONLY?
  8. #1038 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which signal is sounded ONLY by a vessel in sight of another and NOT in or near an area of restricted visibility?
  9. #1039 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which whistle signal may be sounded by one of two vessels in sight of each other?
  10. #1040 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which signal is sounded ONLY by a vessel in sight of another?
  11. #1053 INTERNATIONAL ONLY Which signal may be sounded ONLY by vessels in restricted visibility?
  12. #1078 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When navigating in thick fog with the radar on, which action should you take?
  13. #1084 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway at night you are approaching a vessel from astern. Which light(s) would you expect to see?
  14. #1089 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
  15. #1093 INLAND ONLY Your vessel is crossing a river on the Great Lakes System. A power-driven vessel is ascending the river, crossing your course from port to...
  16. #1105 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning wing in ground (WIG) craft when taking off, landing and in flight?
  17. #1139 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel approaching your vessel from 235° relative is in what type of situation?
  18. #1144 INLAND ONLY The term "Great Lakes", as defined by the Inland Rules of the Road, includes part of the __________.
  19. #1155 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is underway and pushing ahead when vessel "B" is sighted off the starboard bow as shown in illustration D028RR... illustration
  20. #1157 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In illustration D005RR below, vessel "A", which is pushing ahead, and vessel "B" are crossing. Which is the stand-on vesse... illustration
  21. #1158 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your power-driven vessel is stopped and making no way, but is not in any way disabled. Another vessel is approaching you o...
  22. #1170 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are involved in a crossing situation with a vessel off your port bow. The other vessel is showing a high intensity all...
  23. #1174 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in fog, you hear the fog signal of another vessel ahead. If a risk of collision exists, which action is req...
  24. #1176 INLAND ONLY The term "Great Lakes", as defined by the Inland Rules of the Road, does NOT include __________.
  25. #1177 INLAND ONLY Which statement is TRUE concerning narrow channels?
  26. #1282 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The tow shown in illustration D024RR below is less than 200 meters in length and severely restricted in her ability to dev... illustration
  27. #1300 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is indicated by the day signal shown in illustration D022RR? illustration
  28. #1344 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND For the purpose of the Rules, except where otherwise required, the term __________.
  29. #1350 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The word "vessel", in the Rules, includes which of the following?
  30. #1397 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on watch and sight a vessel showing a high intensity all-round flashing red light. Which vessel is required to hav...
  31. #1401 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are the stand-on vessel in an overtaking situation. The other vessel is showing a flashing red light. What action shou...
  32. #1402 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is required to display a high intensity all-round flashing red light?
  33. #1403 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on watch and sight a vessel showing a high intensity all-round flashing red light. What does this light indicate?
  34. #1457 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which signal may at some time be exhibited by a vessel trawling?
  35. #1477 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel which displays the day signal shown in illustration D006RR below may be engaged in which task? illustration
  36. #1510 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must sound her fog signal at intervals not to exceed one minute?
  37. #1513 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning the fog signal of a sailing vessel 25 meters in length, anchored in a "special anchorag...
  38. #1538 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel aground in fog shall sound, in addition to the proper anchor signal, which of the following?
  39. #1560 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the the signals, other than a distress signal, can be used by a vessel to attract attention?
  40. #1567 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel towing is showing three forward white masthead lights in a vertical line. What does this indicate?
  41. #1568 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The tow shown in illustration D024RR below is greater than 200 meters in length and severely restricts the tow vessel's ab... illustration
  42. #1569 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is TRUE for a fishing vessel displaying the lights shown in illustration D067RR below? illustration
  43. #1570 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a 30-meter trawler. Which identification shape shown in illustration D016RR below must you show while trawling? illustration
  44. #1571 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What light(s) must sailboats 20 meters in length show when underway at night?
  45. #1572 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the duration of each blast of the whistle signals used in meeting and crossing situations?
  46. #1573 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel aground would show the same shape to signify her condition as which vessel?
  47. #1574 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When is a vessel which is fishing, required to show sidelights and a stern light?
  48. #1575 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are heading due east (090°) and observe a vessel's red sidelight on your port beam. Which direction may the vessel...
  49. #1576 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel displaying the shape shown in illustration D010RR below is which of the following? illustration
  50. #1577 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which light(s) are required to be exhibited by a 20-meter sailing vessel while underway?
  51. #1578 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is displaying ONLY the lights shown in illustration D053RR below. What type of vessel is this? illustration
  52. #1579 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which light configuration may a sailing vessel exhibit while underway?
  53. #1580 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling, and have gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally fro... illustration
  54. #1581 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation. If you think the give-way vessel is NOT taking sufficient action to a...
  55. #1582 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel towing another vessel astern (tow less than 200 meters) shall show which light(s)?
  56. #1583 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which shapes shall a vessel transferring provisions or cargo at sea display during the day?
  57. #1584 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND By night, you sight the lights of a vessel engaged in underwater operations. If an obstruction exists on the port side of...
  58. #1585 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE regarding equipment for bell and gong signals?
  59. #1586 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would display the lights shown in illustration D079RR below? illustration
  60. #1587 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is required to exhibit the lights shown in illustration D049RR below? illustration
  61. #1588 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which light(s) must a sailing vessel of over 20 meters in length while underway exhibit?
  62. #1589 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which light(s) is a vessel engaged in fishing, and at anchor required to exhibit?
  63. #1590 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which lights must a vessel being towed show at night?
  64. #1591 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel may use a lantern combining the sidelights and stern light?
  65. #1592 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What shape shall a vessel 15 meters in length, proceeding under sail as well as being propelled by machinery, exhibit?
  66. #1593 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When shall a pilot vessel on pilotage duty shall show identity lights?
  67. #1594 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel aground at night is required to show two red lights in a vertical line in addition to which lights?
  68. #1595 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which light may be displayed to assist in the identification of submarines operating on the surface?
  69. #1596 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessels do the lighting requirements in inland waters differ from those for international waters?
  70. #1597 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The lights shown in illustration D068RR mean that another vessel should NOT pass within what distance? illustration
  71. #1598 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The arc of visibility for sidelights is from right ahead to what degree?
  72. #1599 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When anchoring a 20-meter vessel at night, which light(s) must you show?
  73. #1600 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND During the day, a vessel picking up a submarine cable shall exhibit which shapes?
  74. #1601 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which shape should a vessel being towed exhibit if the tow EXCEEDS 200 meters?
  75. #1602 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, the lights shown in illustration D076RR would indicate a vessel engaged in which of the operations? illustration
  76. #1603 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is TRUE of the signal consisting of five or more short blasts on the ship's whistle?
  77. #1604 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When must a vessel display identification shapes?
  78. #1605 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which light(s) shall a vessel or object being towed astern display?
  79. #1606 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the shapes shown in illustration D016RR below would be used to indicate a vessel with a tow exceeding 200 meters... illustration
  80. #1607 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 25-meter vessel trawling is required to exhibit which shape(s)?
  81. #1608 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see a red sidelight bearing NW (315°). Which direction may the vessel be heading?
  82. #1609 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would turn off its sidelights?
  83. #1610 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the duration of a "short blast" on the whistle?
  84. #1611 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel towing astern is severely restricted in its ability to maneuver. Which lights shall it exhibit while underway?
  85. #1612 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel exhibits the same lights as which vessel?
  86. #1613 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see ONLY the light shown in illustration D080RR below. Which vessel are you observing? illustration
  87. #1614 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 20 meter vessel is towing another vessel astern. The length of the tow from the stern of the towing vessel to the stern...
  88. #1615 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel fishing should display which of the shapes shown in illustration D001RR below? illustration
  89. #1616 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is displaying ONLY the lights shown in illustration D045RR below. What type of vessel could this be? illustration
  90. #1617 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Working lights shall be used to illuminate the decks of which vessel?
  91. #1618 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the following describes a vessel displaying the shapes shown in illustration D011RR below? illustration
  92. #1619 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which type of vessel is required to display the lights shown in illustration D070RR below? illustration
  93. #1620 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel showing a rigid replica of the International Code flag "A" is engaged in which operation?
  94. #1621 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, you see the display of lights shown in illustration D074RR below. These lights indicate which vessel? illustration
  95. #1622 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is TRUE for a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver?
  96. #1623 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which identifier lights and or shapes is a vessel, which is unable to maneuver due to some exceptional circumstance requir...
  97. #1624 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see a red sidelight bearing NW (315°). That vessel may be heading in which direction?
  98. #1625 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In addition to sidelights, what light(s) should the vessel being towed astern show?
  99. #1626 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the following describes a vessel displaying the lights shown in illustration D057RR below? illustration
  100. #1627 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND As defined in the Rules, the term "vessel" would include which of the following?

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.