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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.

Random question Start at question 11 Build a timed exam

All Rules of the Road questions

Questions 1–100 of 1,168 · page 1 of 12

  1. #11 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel displaying the lights shown in illustration D063RR below is which of the following? illustration
  2. #14 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the minimum vessel length which must show two white masthead lights, one forward and one aft, when underway at nig...
  3. #16 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on vessel "A" as shown in illustration D032RR below, and hear vessel "B" sound a signal indicating her intention t... illustration
  4. #20 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would have no white lights visible when meeting her head-on?
  5. #21 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND For identification purposes at night, U.S. Navy submarines on the surface may display an intermittent flashing light of wh...
  6. #23 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which is a light signal authorized by the Secretary of the Navy as an additional navigational light for a ship of war?
  7. #25 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The towing light is a(n) __________.
  8. #26 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is being propelled both by sail and by engines. Under the Rules, the vessel is __________.
  9. #27 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A 60-meter vessel which is trawling is required to show which of the following?
  10. #28 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND If a rowboat underway does NOT show the lights specified for a sailing vessel underway, it shall show which of the followi...
  11. #30 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your vessel is at anchor in fog. The fog signal of another vessel, apparently underway, has been growing louder and the da...
  12. #32 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see ONLY the light shown in illustration D080RR below. This could be what type of vessel? illustration
  13. #33 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is "underway" within the meaning of the Rules?
  14. #34 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel when anchored at night, would NOT be required to show anchor lights?
  15. #36 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND According to the Navigation Rules, all of the following are engaged in fishing EXCEPT a vessel __________.
  16. #38 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which situation would be a "special circumstance" under the Rules?
  17. #39 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning fog signals?
  18. #40 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel, which does not normally engage in towing operations, is towing a vessel in distress. Which of the following stat...
  19. #43 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the following describes a vessel exhibiting the lights shown in illustration D083RR below? illustration
  20. #46 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND There are two classes of vessels which do not have to comply with the rule regarding traffic separation schemes, to the ex...
  21. #47 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In illustration D087RR below, which represents the breadth as defined in the Rules? illustration
  22. #48 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A single towing light will be carried above a vessel's stern light under which of the following situations?
  23. #52 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, a vessel displaying the lights shown in illustration D052RR below is doing which of the following? illustration
  24. #56 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Your 18-meter vessel is propelled by sail and power. What action is required when the engine is stopped?
  25. #58 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is a light signal authorized by the Secretary of the Navy as an additional navigational light for a ship of war?
  26. #59 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night a vessel displaying the lights shown in illustration D065RR is doing which of the following? illustration
  27. #64 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning the light used with whistle signals?
  28. #69 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND While underway and in sight of another vessel crossing less than .5 mile away, you put your engines full speed astern. Whi...
  29. #70 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is the fog signal for a vessel 75 meters in length, restricted in her ability to maneuver, at anchor?
  30. #74 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A power-driven vessel "not under command" at night must show which lights in a vertical line?
  31. #75 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The masthead light may be displaced from the centerline on which of the following vessels?
  32. #81 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on watch in fog. Which vessel is "in sight"?
  33. #87 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In illustration D023RR below item "B" shows the arc of visibility of which of the following lights? illustration
  34. #92 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on vessel "A", as shown in illustration D032RR below and hear vessel "B" sound a signal indicating his intention t... illustration
  35. #94 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a 15-meter vessel "A" in a narrow channel as shown in illustration D032RR below. Vessel "B", a large tanker whi... illustration
  36. #95 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel transferring cargo while underway is classified by the Rules as a vessel __________.
  37. #97 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The word "vessel", in the Rules, includes __________.
  38. #99 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In order for a vessel to be "engaged in fishing" she must be __________.
  39. #100 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND According to the Rules, which vessel is NOT "restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
  40. #101 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What would be a "special circumstance" under the Rules?
  41. #102 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In complying with the Rules, of what must the mariner take due regard?
  42. #105 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND According to the Navigation Rules, you may depart from the Rules when __________.
  43. #108 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the following in illustration D086RR below represents the length of a vessel as defined by the Rules? illustration
  44. #110 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a "vessel engaged in fishing"?
  45. #112 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What determines if a vessel is "restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
  46. #114 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which craft is a "power-driven vessel" under the Rules of the Road?
  47. #115 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND By definition which vessel is unable to keep out of the way of another vessel?
  48. #116 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Vessels "A" and "B" are meeting in a narrow channel as shown in illustration D029RR below but are not in sight of one anot... illustration
  49. #117 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver" is one which __________.
  50. #118 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is "engaged in fishing" when __________.
  51. #119 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In illustration D023RR below which item shows the arc of visibility of a green sidelight? illustration
  52. #120 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning the danger signal?
  53. #124 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel that is defined as "restricted in her ability to maneuver" is unable to keep out of the way of another vessel due...
  54. #125 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The term "power-driven vessel" refers to any vessel __________.
  55. #126 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, a vessel displaying the lights shown in illustration D052RR below. Which of the following describes this vessel? illustration
  56. #130 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What does the word "length" refer to?
  57. #132 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is "underway" according to the Rules?
  58. #135 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which display of lights shown in illustration D072RR below indicates a dredge underway and not dredging? illustration
  59. #139 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is a "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver" under the Rules?
  60. #141 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND All of the following vessels are "restricted in their ability to maneuver" EXCEPT a vessel __________.
  61. #142 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel underway but not making way and fishing other than trawling will show which lights?
  62. #144 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The term "restricted visibility" as used in the Rules refers __________.
  63. #145 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In illustration D023RR below item "C" shows the arc of visibility of which of the following? illustration
  64. #147 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, a power-driven vessel less than 12 meters in length may, instead of the normal navigation lights, show sidelight...
  65. #148 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is NOT to be regarded as "restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
  66. #149 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which of the following describes a vessel exhibiting the lights shown in illustration D084RR below? illustration
  67. #150 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What does the word "breadth" mean?
  68. #152 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel is "in sight" of another vessel when she __________.
  69. #153 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel may carry her sidelights and stern light in one combined lantern?
  70. #154 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, a vessel which is less than 7 meters in length and anchored in an area where other vessels do not normally navig...
  71. #155 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is a vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
  72. #157 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The NAVIGATION RULES define a "vessel not under command" as a vessel which __________.
  73. #158 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel is to be regarded as a vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
  74. #160 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must show a towing light above the stern light?
  75. #162 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What is a "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
  76. #164 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You see the lights shown in illustration D077RR below. This could be which of the following? illustration
  77. #165 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Under the Rules, the term "vessel" includes __________.
  78. #166 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would be required to show a white light from a lantern exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision?
  79. #167 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND For the purpose of the Rules, except where otherwise required, the term __________.
  80. #169 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The stern light shall be positioned such that it will show from dead astern to how many degrees on each side of the stern...
  81. #170 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would exhibit sidelights when underway and not making way?
  82. #171 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In illustration D023RR below item "A" represents the arc of visibility of which of the following lights? illustration
  83. #178 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which lights are shown by a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver to indicate that the vessel is making way?
  84. #183 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Navigation lights must be displayed in all weathers from sunset to sunrise. They also __________.
  85. #185 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The lights shown in illustration D058RR below represent which of the following? illustration
  86. #187 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND A vessel may exhibit lights other than those prescribed by the Rules as long as the additional lights __________.
  87. #189 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel must show an after masthead light, if over 50 meters in length?
  88. #191 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel shall NOT show her sidelights?
  89. #194 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND An anchored vessel on pilotage duty must show which light(s) at night?
  90. #195 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessels shall turn off their sidelights?
  91. #198 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which vessel would exhibit sidelights when underway and not making way?
  92. #199 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Signals required for vessels aground include __________.
  93. #200 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND What lights, if any, would you exhibit at night if your vessel were broken down and being towed by another vessel?
  94. #201 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND In illustration D023RR below item "D" represents the arc of visibility of which of the following lights? illustration
  95. #202 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The lights displayed in illustration D044RR below would be shown by a vessel described by which of the following? illustration
  96. #210 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, a vessel displaying the lights shown in illustration D052RR below represents which of the following? illustration
  97. #211 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a vessel heading due north and see the lights shown in illustration D051RR below, one point on your port bow. W... illustration
  98. #214 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND An anchor ball need NOT be exhibited by an anchored vessel if she is __________.
  99. #215 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND At night, power-driven vessels less than 12 meters in length may, instead of the underway lights for vessels under 50 mete...
  100. #216 BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND Which statement is TRUE concerning a vessel of 150 meters in length, at anchor?

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.