General Rules
Where do the International Rules of the Road apply?
Seaward of US lines of demarcation
If you are in doubt as to whether or not risk of collision exists, what should you assume ?
That risk of collision exists
While operating in a narrow channel which side of the channel should you keep to when practical?
Starboard side
These lights, colored red and green, show an arc of visibility of 112.5 degrees
Sidelights
One short blast in International Waters means
I am altering course to starboard
Define Rule 2
Responsibility, also called the rule of good seamanship. Nothing in the rules exonerates the master of the ship or her crew from their obligation to avoid collision. Allows for the departure from the strict adherence to the Rules to avoid immediate danger
Define constant bearing decreasing range
Bearing remains steady over time while range continually decreases (i.e. Ships are on a collision course)
How do the Rules specify you should cross a TSS
At as near to a right angle as possible
This light is placed as near as practicable to the stern and shows an arc of visibility of 135 degrees
Sternlight
You are in inland waters. You meet another power driven vessel so as to involve risk of collision. You correctly identify that you are the give-way vessel in a crossing situation and intend to alter your course to starboard to avoid collision. Which sound signal would you sound? What does this signal mean?
One short blast meaning I intend to leave you on my port side
Three specific circumstances when a vessel is not considered "Underway" IAW Rule 3
Aground, anchored, moored
How should actions taken to avoid collision be executed IAW Rule 8
Positive, ample time, and with due regard to the observance of good seamanship (i.e. Should be obvious to the other ship that you are maneuvering, successive small course changes should be avoided)
When does Rule 19 apply?
When operating in or near an area of restricted visibility
"Red over red captain is dead" identifies this type of vessel
Not under command
Three short blasts, in international or inland waters, means?
I am operating astern propulsion
Note: Do not say "I am backing up" on the exam. You can have a backing bell ordered without immediately making stern way. The signal just means that your engines are astern, not necessarily that you have stern way
When do the rules in Part A (Rules 4-10) apply?
In any condition of visibility
Define a crossing situation
Two power driven vessels meeting so as to involve risk of collision. The vessel that has the other on her starboard side is the give way and shall take avoiding action. Avoid crossing ahead when practical to do so
While operating in restricted visibility, ships are required to maneuver at what speed?
A safe speed
You observe a ship at night with three all-around lights in a vertical line. The top and bottom-most lights are red and the middle light is white. What type of vessel is this?
A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver
At least 5 short and rapid blasts is defined as what per the Rules?
The danger signal (Or doubt signal)
When is a lookout required per Rule 5
All times using all available means to include sight and hearing
What action shall the stand on vessel in a crossing situation avoid IAW Rule 17
Alteration of course to port
When operating in restricted visibility, your ship detects another ship by RADAR alone. What maneuver(s) are prohibited based on the Rules?
An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of your beam, or an alteration of course towards a vessel abaft your beam
A vessel around shows what dayshape
Three black balls in a vertical line
The fog signal and interval of that signal that a power driven vessel would sound while operating in restricted visibility
One prolonged blast at intervals not to exceed two minutes
Note: This means that a vessel could choose to sound a signal every 30 seconds or 45 seconds. It is based on the mariner's discretion. Typically you would sound more frequent signals in heavier traffic