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

1. INTERNATIONAL RULES: A fishing vessel must give way to which type of vessel?

A. power-driven vessel
B. towing vessel
C. sailing vessel
D. vessel restricted in ability to maneuver

2. INTERNATIONAL RULES: The dayshape of a cone pointing up, when displayed on a fishing vessel, indicates:

A. it is traveling
B. it has gear extending more than 150 meters
C. it is stopped and not making way
D. it is anchored

3. INTERNATIONAL RULES: While under way in fog you hear four short blasts. What does this indicate?

A. a pilot vessel
B. a vessel being towed
C. a fishing vessel
D. a sailboat

4. Under the U.S. Aids to Navigation System, a lighted buoy with a circular topmark marks:

A. safe water
B. the port side of the channel
C. a hazard to navigation
D. the position of underwater cables

5. In order of highest to lowest, clouds are:

A. alto, cirrus, stratus
B. alto, stratus, cirrus
C. cirrus, alto, stratus
D. stratus, cirrus, alto

ANSWERS: 1. D, Rule 18 2. B, Rule 26(c) 3. A. Rule 35(j) 4. A 5. C

This article originally appeared in the February 2012 issue.