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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 601–700 of 1,168 · page 7 of 12

  1. #1628 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is displaying ONLY the lights shown in illustration D061RR below. Which vessel is this? illustration
  2. #1629 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway in fog, you hear a vessel ahead sound two prolonged blasts on the whistle. Which action should you take?
  3. #1630 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would exhibit the lights shown in illustration D056RR below? illustration
  4. #1631 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which identifier is an inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object being towed, where the length of tow is 100 meters...
  5. #1632 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND How long is the duration of a prolonged blast of the whistle?
  6. #1633 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see a vessel displaying three lights in a vertical line. The highest and lowest lights are red and the middle light is...
  7. #1634 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are towing several barges astern at night. Which statement is TRUE?
  8. #1635 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When must the shapes for a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver be shown?
  9. #1636 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are approaching a vessel dredging during the day and see two balls in a vertical line on the port side of the dredge....
  10. #1637 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND By day, when it is impracticable for a small vessel engaged in diving operations to display the shapes for a vessel engage...
  11. #1638 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which shapes is a vessel conducting mine clearing operations required to exhibit?
  12. #1639 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which shape must be shown by a vessel 25 meters in length aground during daylight hours?
  13. #1640 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is exhibiting the lights shown in illustration D082RR below. Which can you conclude about the vessel? illustration
  14. #1641 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel shall display the lights shown in illustration D060RR below? illustration
  15. #1642 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When must the lights required by the Rules be shown?
  16. #1643 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which shape shall a 22-meter sailing vessel exhibit when it is being propelled by machinery during daylight hours?
  17. #1644 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel engaged in mine clearance operations shows special identity lights. Which is TRUE of these lights?
  18. #1645 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which shape would a vessel aground show during daylight?
  19. #1646 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What shape would a vessel at anchor show during daylight?
  20. #1647 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel may exhibit lights other than those prescribed by the Rules as long as the additional lights comply with which re...
  21. #1648 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel may exhibit lights other than those prescribed by the Rules as long as the additional lights meet which requireme...
  22. #1649 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, you see the lights shown in illustration D078RR below. These lights would indicate which vessel? illustration
  23. #1650 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The display of lights shown in illustration D048RR below could represent which vessel? illustration
  24. #1651 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What shape(s) is/are required to be shown by a vessel aground?
  25. #1652 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND When is a pilot vessel on pilotage duty at night required to show sidelights and a stern light?
  26. #1653 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is a characteristic of a "flashing light"?
  27. #1654 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What shape will a vessel 30 meters in length aground display?
  28. #1655 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which signal would a vessel aground show during daylight?
  29. #1656 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the following shapes shall a power-driven vessel when towing (length of tow exceeds 200 meters) exhibit during da...
  30. #1657 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see the display of lights shown in illustration D071RR below. What do these lights indicate? illustration
  31. #1658 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND According to the Rules, which operation would require the vessel to display two cones with their apexes together?
  32. #1659 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel shall show three lights in a vertical line, the top and bottom being red and the middle being white?
  33. #1660 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel displaying the shape shown in illustration D013RR below is doing which of the following? illustration
  34. #1661 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which shall a vessel not under command display?
  35. #1662 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which light(s) is/are required by a 200-meter vessel at anchor?
  36. #1663 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the shapes shown in illustration D016RR below must you show when at anchor? illustration
  37. #1664 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a 25-meter vessel at anchor. Which light(s) are you required to show?
  38. #1665 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel at anchor shall display, between sunrise and sunset, on the forward part of the vessel where it can best be seen...
  39. #1666 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel at anchor will show which shape?
  40. #1667 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" as shown in illustration D017RR below. Vessel "B" is an air-cushion vessel operating i... illustration
  41. #1668 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The white masthead light required for a power-driven vessel under the Rules is visible over how many degrees of the horizo...
  42. #1669 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is TRUE for a towing light?
  43. #1670 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 49 meter seagoing tug has a tow greater than 200 meters as shown in illustration D024RR below and is severely restricted... illustration
  44. #1671 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see a vessel's green sidelight bearing due east from you. Which direction may the vessel be heading?
  45. #1672 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 30-meter tug is underway and NOT towing. At night, this vessel must show sidelights and which additional light(s)?
  46. #1673 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A towing light, according to the Rules, is which color?
  47. #1674 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND As defined in the Rules, a towing light is a yellow light having the same characteristics as which light?
  48. #1675 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are heading due east (090°) and observe a vessel's red sidelight on your port beam. The vessel may be heading in w...
  49. #1676 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is required to exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light?
  50. #1677 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the maximum length of a power-driven vessel which may show an all-round white light and sidelights instead of a ma...
  51. #1678 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a 75-meter power-driven vessel underway at night?
  52. #1679 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND An all-round flashing yellow light may be exhibited by which vessel?
  53. #1680 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessel "A" is overtaking vessel "B" as shown in illustration D017RR below, and will pass without changing course. Vessel "... illustration
  54. #1681 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night you sight a vessel displaying a single green light. Which vessel have you sighted?
  55. #1682 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 50-meter vessel is towing astern and the length of the tow is 100 meters. In addition to sidelights, which lights are re...
  56. #1683 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the minimum length of a power-driven vessel that must show forward and after masthead lights?
  57. #1684 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, you see a vessel displaying the light shown in illustration D046RR below. Which vessel would exhibit this light? illustration
  58. #1685 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What shape must be shown on a partly submerged vessel which is being towed?
  59. #1686 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the shapes shown in illustration D016RR below would you show on the after end of an inconspicuous partially subme... illustration
  60. #1687 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, a broken down vessel being towed would show the same lights as which vessel?
  61. #1688 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 45-meter vessel is pulling a 210-meter tow. Which lights is she required to exhibit?
  62. #1689 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which actions should a vessel that is not equipped with towing lights perform to indicated that it has another vessel in t...
  63. #1690 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel with a 150-meter stern tow is required to display which lights?
  64. #1691 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are approaching another vessel at night. You can see both red and green sidelights and, above the level of the sidelig...
  65. #1692 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What shape should a vessel being towed exhibit if the tow EXCEEDS 200 meters?
  66. #1693 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which lights shall a power-driven vessel towing another vessel astern (tow less than 200 meters) show?
  67. #1694 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel underway at night is displaying the lights shown in illustration D062RR below. What do these lights indicate? illustration
  68. #1695 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel may exhibit a lantern combining the two sidelights and stern light?
  69. #1696 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which light(s) shall a vessel being towed astern show?
  70. #1697 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What shall a partly submerged vessel or object being towed, which is not readily noticeable, show?
  71. #1698 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which light(s) is/are a power-driven vessel towing astern required to show?
  72. #1699 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What lights shall a vessel being towed astern of another vessel show at night?
  73. #1700 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which light(s) shall a towing vessel pushing a barge ahead and rigidly connected in a composite unit show?
  74. #1701 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the shapes shown in illustration D016RR below would you show on the after end of an inconspicuous partially subme... illustration
  75. #1702 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel shows the same lights as which vessel?
  76. #1703 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What shape will a vessel being towed astern, where the length of the tow exceeds 200 meters exhibit to signify its conditi...
  77. #1704 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would display the shape shown in illustration D010RR below? illustration
  78. #1705 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is TRUE of a tug boat displaying the shape shown in illustration D010RR below? illustration
  79. #1706 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The vessel showing the shape in illustration D022RR below is which of the following? illustration
  80. #1707 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What would a vessel towing a barge show at the stern of the tow vessel?
  81. #1708 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is required to show a yellow light over a white light at night?
  82. #1709 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a towing light for a vessel towing astern?
  83. #1710 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND During the day, a vessel with a tow over 200 meters in length will show which shape(s)?
  84. #1711 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are overtaking a vessel at night and you see a yellow light showing above the stern light of the overtaken vessel. Whi...
  85. #1712 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which light(s) is/are required for a vessel being towed?
  86. #1713 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, a barge being towed astern must display which light(s)?
  87. #1714 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is TRUE for barges being towed at night?
  88. #1715 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Under which conditions is a sailing vessel NOT allowed to show the all-round red over green lights on the mast?
  89. #1716 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A sailing vessel is displaying the shape shown in illustration D035RR. What does this shape indicate? illustration
  90. #1717 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which lights is a 15-meter sailing vessel required to show?
  91. #1718 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see ONLY the light shown in illustration D080RR below. Which type of vessel are you observing? illustration
  92. #1719 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In the daytime, you see a large sailing vessel on the beam. You know that she is also propelled by machinery if she shows...
  93. #1720 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a sailing vessel. While under sail you decide to use your engine to assist in propulsion. Which of the shapes s... illustration
  94. #1721 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your 18-meter vessel is under sail at night displaying sidelights, stern light, and a red light over a green light at the...
  95. #1722 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, if you see a vessel ahead displaying the lights shown in illustration D070RR below, what action should you take? illustration
  96. #1723 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a 30-meter fishing vessel. Which of the shapes shown in illustration D016RR below must you show while engaged i... illustration
  97. #1724 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What shape must be shown by a fishing vessel over 20 meters in length, and has gear extending more than 150 meters horizon...
  98. #1725 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel engaged in fishing must display a light in the direction of any gear that extends outward more than 150 meters. W...
  99. #1726 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the following describes a vessel showing the shape in illustration D034RR below? illustration
  100. #1727 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You sight a vessel displaying the shape shown in illustration D034RR below. What does this shape indicate about the vessel... illustration

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.