Officer of the Watch (OOW) Certificate of Competency – COLREGs Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• In what situation should vessels take particular caution?
• What does a single blast of a ship's whistle typically indicate?
• What additional identity lights may a sailing vessel exhibit?
• In Rule 2, which precaution is mentioned as necessary by 'ordinary practice of seamen'?
• When would you consider postponing the handover of the navigation watch?
• What does it signify when you see a fishing vessel with a man on deck repeatedly raising and lowering his arms outstretched to each side?
• What is the definition of 'All-round light'?
• With respect to positioning of lights, how is 'height above the hull' defined?
• What is the fog signal for a power-driven vessel making way through the water?
• What should you do upon sighting a vessel aground directly ahead?
• When may the masthead light or all-round white light on a power-driven vessel of less than 12m be displaced from the fore and aft centerline of the vessel?
• What are the requirements for the positioning of sidelights on a vessel?
• What signal should a vessel make when stopped and making no way?
• What does the term 'short blast' mean?
• Which navigational lights are typically found on an oil installation?
• When searching for a life raft, what would you tell lookouts to watch for?
• Which type of hybrid operation is a WIG craft specifically designed for?
• How are vessels generally required to proceed in a narrow channel?
• Which type of light is required to indicate a vessel is making way?
• What is the intention behind using light signals in maritime communication?
• What is the manoeuvring signal for 'I am altering my course to starboard'?
• What should a vessel do in dense fog if it does not have operational radar?
• When two masthead lights are carried on a vessel, what are the requirements for vertical positioning/separation and visibility?
• In clear weather, what should a vessel at anchor sound when another vessel approaches on a steady bearing?
• What is the minimum size of the shape that indicates a vessel constrained by her draught?
• During fog conditions, what is essential for vessel safety?
• What methods should an Officer of the Watch (OOW) utilize to maintain a good lookout?
• What should the lookout report to the Officer of the Watch?
• What does 'underway' mean in nautical terms?
• For what purpose are visual signals used in addition to sound signals?
• What is the requirement for visibility of masthead lights on a vessel?
• In a narrow channel, how should you proceed when overtaking a vessel of less than 20m in length?
• What is the recommended caution level for a vessel constrained by her draught?
• What is the recommended signal for a vessel intending to communicate urgency?
• WIG crafts are primarily characterized by their ability to do what?
• What should you do if a vessel not under command is overtaking you?
• What shape is displayed by a vessel proceeding under sail while also being propelled by machinery?
• What is the content of the rule concerning the 'Conduct of vessels in restricted visibility'?
• What type of vessel must follow navigational rules without exceptions?
• If the steering fails while at sea with other vessels nearby, what should be your primary action?
• A vessel is towing a partly submerged object with a length greater than 100m and a breadth greater than 25m. How should it be lit?
• What is the minimum visibility of all lights on a vessel of 12m or more in length but less than 50m in length?
• What type of assistance might be requested in a distress message?
• What is the minimum visibility for manoeuvring light signals?
• What should a vessel do when navigating in restricted waters with a deep draughted vessel nearby?
• Which VHF channels are available for inter-ship communications?
• When joining a new vessel, what checks would you make to the radar set?
• What does Rule 35 state regarding sound signals for a vessel at anchor?
• When is the use of a urgency signal justified?
• What lights would a sailing vessel that is less than 7 meters long be required to exhibit?
• If a vessel is fitted with a fore and aft whistle with a distance of 110m between them, can both whistles be used for manoeuvring and warning signals?
• What additional information may facilitate a rescue in a distress message?
• What does 'Masthead light' mean?
• What does seeing a white isophase light indicate?
• What information should be included in a distress message?
• To whom do the collision avoidance rules apply?
• What is the meaning of the term 'not to impede' in the context of collision regulations?
• In what capacity can WIG crafts be utilized effectively?
• What should a vessel do to keep clear of another vessel?
• Which sector is most likely to employ WIG craft?
• When passing over fishing nets, how should a vessel proceed?
• What is the recommended safe passing distance of a vessel engaged in mine clearing duties?
• Which of the following describes 'Sternlight'?
• When shall a vessel be deemed to be overtaking another vessel?
• Which definition correctly describes a 'seaplane'?
• How should you overtake a vessel in a narrow channel or fairway?
• When does an air cushioned vessel exhibit an all-round flashing yellow light?
• What vessels should a sailing vessel underway keep out of the way of?
• What size is the shape used to indicate a ball signal on a vessel?
• What lights should a vessel not under command (NUC) exhibit when at anchor?
• What is the minimum visibility of an all-round white light on an inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object being towed?
• Which characteristic primarily defines the operational function of a WIG craft?
• If a fishing vessel is using nets and you must pass, what is the priority action?
• What is the fog signal for a power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water?
• If a departure from established rules is necessary, what is expected of a vessel?
• What action should you take when overtaken by a vessel not under command?
• Which Annex concerns signals for fishing vessels of 20m or more in length engaged in pair trawling?
• If a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver is overtaking you, what should be your response?
• What are the requirements regarding the positioning of a manoeuvring light as described in the Rules?
• What does a vessel flying the International flag hoist 'N' over 'C' indicate?
• What lights should a power-driven vessel exhibit which is of less than 7m in length and whose speed does not exceed 7 knots?
• Which action should not be taken while operating a vessel in congested waters?
• What is the correct positioning for all-round lights on a vessel?
• What may a vessel of less than 12m in length exhibit instead of the lights prescribed for a power-driven vessel underway?
• What lights should a pilot vessel exhibit when it is not engaged in pilotage duty?
• What is the minimum visibility of all the navigation lights on a vessel of less than 12m in length?
• What size is the shape used to indicate a diamond signal on a vessel?
• What type of light can be exhibited during the hours of darkness according to maritime regulations?
• When utilizing light signals to attract attention, what should be avoided?
• What are the requirements for the vertical sectors and minimum intensity of navigational lights on a power-driven vessel?
• What signals should you show if you are on a vessel 10' off land rendezvousing for crew change?
• When should the rules concerning lights be complied with?
• Which vessels should a power-driven vessel underway keep out of the way of?
• Is a vessel less than 50m in length required to display two mast headlights?
• Does a vessel have a right to take action early in an encounter to disengage from what might become a dangerous situation?
• Which vessels should a fishing vessel keep out of the way of when underway?
• What is an acceptable method for attracting the attention of another vessel?
• What action does a WIG craft utilize to achieve its multi-modal functionality?
• What does 'vessel constrained by her draught' mean?
• When a sailing vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel, which vessels should not impede his passage?
• Which type of sailing vessels is allowed to carry combined lights in a lantern?
• Where are vessels typically allowed to fish in a narrow channel?
• What does the term 'power-driven vessel' refer to?
• What does the term 'Pan Pan' signify in maritime communication?
• With regard to a sailing vessel, what are the requirements regarding vertical sectors/minimum intensity of navigational lights as fitted?
• A vessel of less than 20m in length is proceeding along a narrow channel. Who should not impede his passage?
• What is the primary operational mode of a Wing-In-Ground craft?
• Which piece of information is critical when a vessel sends a distress alert?
• What does the flag hoist 'YG' signify?
• What is the minimum visibility of an all-round light on a vessel of 20m in length?
• If more than one whistle is fitted on a vessel, what criteria determines if they are allowed to be sounded simultaneously?
• What are the requirements for the horizontal positioning of masthead lights on a vessel of greater than 50m in length?
• What are the requirements regarding the horizontal sectors of sidelights?
• What is the minimum visibility of a sidelight on a vessel of 20m in length?
• How is a 'sailing vessel' defined?
• What navigation lights must a vessel exhibit while drifting off a port awaiting a pilot?
• What is the minimum visibility of a towing light on a vessel of 20m in length?
• What is the minimum vertical distance required between shape signals displayed on vessels?
• When proceeding along a narrow channel or fairway on a power-driven vessel, who should not impede your passage?
• A vessel is towing a partly submerged object whose breadth is greater than 25m. How should it be lit?
• If a magnetic compass is 'dead beat', what does this mean?
• To whom do these navigation rules apply?
• Where a tow exceeds 200m in length, what shapes would be exhibited?
• How do the 'International Collision Regulations' affect local rules made by a port or harbour?
• When being overtaken by a deep draughted vessel, what action should you take?
• In restricted visibility, you hear the fog signal of one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. What type of vessel would sound this signal?
• How should a vessel act when directed to keep out of the way of another vessel?
• What is required of vessels in a head-on situation?
• What is the main purpose of the rules regarding lights on vessels?
• What is the primary use of VHF channel 16?
• What does 'Towing light' refer to?
• What action should be taken when a fog bank is observed ahead?
• In congested waters, which lights should a lookout prioritize reporting?
• What type of vessels are covered by the term 'vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre'?
• When a pushing vessel and the vessel being pushed are rigidly connected, what lights should they exhibit?
• What is the first action you should take if your vessel experiences a blackout while under the watch of a pilot?
• What is the minimum visibility of a masthead light on a vessel of 25m in length?
• What is the minimum diameter of a bell or gong on a vessel of 20m or more in length?
• What type of propulsion is typically not associated with a WIG craft?
• What does 'vessel engaged in fishing' refer to?
• A pilot vessel when on duty may sound an identity signal immediately after the required sound signals. What does this identity signal consist of?
• What does the term 'Mayday' indicate?
• How should a seaplane on the water conduct her passage?
• What lights must a vessel that is engaged in fishing at anchor exhibit?
• You have a vessel on a steady bearing on your port bow. Can you take early action?
• What is the minimum visibility of all lights on a vessel of 50m or more in length?
• Which of the following best describes the operational environment of a WIG craft?
• Fishing vessels greater than 20m in length, when engaged in trawling, shall exhibit lights to indicate which operation they are conducting. What operations do the night and day lights indicate?
• What is one advantage of using a Wing-In-Ground craft compared to conventional aircraft?
• A small vessel engaged in diving operations should exhibit which signal to indicate its activity?
• On a power-driven vessel of 20m or more in length, what are the requirements for the positioning of masthead lights?
• What are the requirements for spacing and minimum visibility of additional lights on fishing vessels?
• A vessel is towing two vessels on her starboard side. How should these vessels be lit?
• What does a vessel need to show to avoid collision in restricted visibility?
• What is the safe passing distance from an oil installation?
• A vessel under oars should exhibit which lights when at night?
• What is the primary benefit of surface-effect action in WIG craft operations?
• What mode of transportation does a Wing-In-Ground craft incorporate?
• What warning should be given when submarines are operating in the area?
• If a deep draughted vessel exhibiting NUC lights is on your port side, what should your action be?
• When observing another vessel at night, what lights indicate a head-on situation?
• What does the term 'prolonged blast' mean?
• What are the requirements for spacing of lights on a vessel of 20m or more in length when the rules require two or three lights in a vertical line?
• What is contained in the 'Weekly Notices to Mariners'?
• You have a vessel approaching from your starboard beam on a steady bearing. What avoiding action would you take?
• A vessel greater than 100m in length is engaged in fishing at anchor in restricted visibility. What fog signal should she sound?
• What is a defining feature of WIG craft design?
• What is the manoeuvring signal for 'I am altering my course to port'?
• What does the term 'whistle' mean in maritime context?
• Which of the following vessels should avoid impeding a vessel constrained by her draught?
• What size is the shape used to indicate a cone on a vessel?
• How should you conduct your passage in a narrow channel or fairway?
• What is the manoeuvring signal to indicate 'I am operating astern propulsion'?
• What does the continuous sounding of a fog-signalling apparatus signify?
• When a vessel of less than 20m is crossing from the starboard side in a narrow channel, what action should you take?
• What defines a 'Flashing light' in maritime terms?
• What does the term WIG craft refer to in maritime terminology?
• What action should you take after sounding a prolonged blast when rounding a bend in a narrow channel?
• What does the term 'not under command' mean?
• As the relieving Officer of the Watch, what should you do if you encounter an instruction in the Master's orders that you do not understand?
• When two vessels are approaching each other in a narrow channel, which vessel typically waits?
• What is the minimum distance away from the fore and aft centerline for lights indicating a vessel not under command or restricted in its ability to maneuver?
• What is the minimum visibility of a sternlight on a vessel of 20m in length?
• What is the minimum audible range of a whistle on a vessel greater than 75m in length but less than 200m in length?
• How should an inconspicuous, partly submerged vessel or object be lit?
• What is the minimum visibility of a masthead light on a vessel of 15m in length?
• What does the term 'vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre' refer to?
• What is the minimum audible range of a whistle on a vessel greater than 20m in length but less than 75m?
• How should you respond if your vessel encounters another reported aground?
• Which vessels at anchor are required to illuminate their decks?
• What are 'Sidelights'?
• If you are in restricted visibility, what should you do after stopping your engines while sounding a long blast?
• A vessel is towing a partly submerged object less than 25m in breadth. How should it be lit?
• Which sailing vessels may carry their navigation lights in one combined lantern at or near the top of the mast?
• Are vessels allowed to cross to the opposite side of a narrow channel at any time?
• What are trolling lines?
• What is the minimum audible range of a whistle fitted to a vessel greater than 200m or more in length?
• Which of the following best defines the word 'vessel'?
• After taking action to avoid collision with another vessel, what should you continue to monitor?
• When is a head-on situation deemed to exist?