Seamanship quiz

Test your knowledge with these Coast Guard license exam prep questions from the National Captain’s Institute
www.captains.com

1. INTERNATIONAL RULES: A vessel wishing to overtake another vessel on her starboard side in a narrow channel would sound which signal?

A. 1 prolonged, 1 short, 1 prolonged, 1 short
B. 2 prolonged and 2 short
C. 2 prolonged and 1 short
D. no signal required unless changing course

2. INTERNATIONAL RULES: Two red lights in a vertical line indicate:
A. vessel aground
B. not under command
C. stationary dredge
D. restricted in ability to maneuver

3. INTERNATIONAL RULES: A sailing vessel is on your power vessel’s port side in a
crossing situation. Who has the right of way?
A. sailing vessel because it is on your
port side
B. sailing vessel because it is a sailing vessel
C. you because the sailboat is to port
D. you because you are to starboard of the sailboat

4. When you are steering on a pair of range lights and discover the upper light is to the right of the lower light you should:
A. come right
B. come left
C. stop and wait for alignment
D. continue on course

5. Magnetic variation differs:
A. between compasses
B. with change in geographic location
C. with changes in headings
D. with changes in speed

Answers:
1.C, Rule 34 (c) 2.B, Rule 27, 3.B, Rule 18 4.B 5.B

This article originally appeared in the April 2012 issue.