Register
Question 1
Which rule contains general definitions including Not Under Command and RAM?
Correct Answer:
Rule 3 (General Definitions) and related rules for Not Under Command, RAM, and other statuses.
Explanation:
General definitions and statuses such as Not Under Command and RAM are defined in Rule 3, with the related definitions used throughout the COLREGs. Rule 3 sets out the basic terms and how they apply to all the other rules, so knowing these definitions is essential for interpreting any situation on the water. Not Under Command describes a vessel that, due to an exceptional circumstance, cannot comply with the Rules, so other vessels must take appropriate action to avoid it. RAM, or restricted in ability to maneuver, refers to a vessel that can navigate but has limited maneuverability and may require other vessels to take caution or give way, depending on the situation. The other options cover specific topics—look-out, actions to avoid collision, and head-on situations—but they do not define these general statuses. That’s why the option pointing to Rule 3 and the related definitions is the best answer.
Question 2
In a crossing where you are the stand-on vessel, what should you do if the other vessel seems likely to cross ahead?
Correct Answer:
Maintain course and speed and be ready to take action to avoid
Explanation:
In a crossing situation, if you are the stand-on vessel you should keep your course and speed and stay prepared to take action to avoid if the other vessel does not keep clear. This reflects the rule that the vessel with the right of way maintains its planned path, while the other vessel is responsible for maneuvering to avoid a collision. By holding your course and speed, you reduce unnecessary maneuvering and confusion, but you must be ready to make a timely, substantial maneuver if it becomes evident that collision is imminent. The other options push you into taking the evasive action yourself immediately, which is the role of the give-way vessel, not the stand-on vessel. Stopping engines or turning immediately without a confirmed need would create new risks and are not the correct course of action under normal crossing rules.
Question 3
In a traffic separation scheme, which vessel must not impede a PDV following a traffic lane if it is less than 20 meters in length?
Correct Answer:
A vessel under 20 meters in length
Explanation:
In a traffic separation scheme, a vessel that is less than 20 metres in length, a sailing vessel, or a vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane. This rule is there to keep the PDV’s path clear within the lane, reducing the risk of sudden maneuvers or close-quarters situations as ships move along designated routes. When the scenario specifies a vessel under 20 metres, that category is the one that must not block or hinder the PDV in the lane. The other options don’t fit the length condition described: SAMPLEa vessel over 40 metres isn’t singled out by this size-based prohibition, and while sailing and fishing vessels are covered by the rule, the prompt’s emphasis on being under 20 metres points to the under-20-metre vessel as the precise match.
Question 4
In a crossing situation, if another vessel is on your starboard side, what should you do?
Correct Answer:
Give way and take early action to avoid collision
Explanation:
When another vessel is on your starboard side in a crossing, you must give way. The vessel on your starboard has the right of way, so you should take early action to avoid collision rather than hold your course. This usually means reducing speed and/or altering course to pass well clear of the other vessel, typically by steering to a safe side to avoid crossing paths. Stopping immediately or trying to turn the other way could place you in a worse position or violate the established right-of-way.
Question 5
In a head-on situation with poor visibility, which COLREGs rule prescribes the conduct of vessels?
Correct Answer:
Rule 19
Explanation:
In poor visibility, vessels must exercise extra caution and be prepared to take early action to avoid collision. The rule that directly covers conduct in such circumstances is the rule dealing with conduct of vessels in or near a narrow channel, or in doubt about another vessel’s actions. It requires proceeding with caution at a safe speed and being ready to take action to avoid collision, using all available means to determine risk. In a head-on encounter with limited visibility, this rule tells you to stay vigilant, adjust speed as needed, and be prepared to alter course if necessary, while still following the general requirements to maintain a proper look-out and to avoid collision. The other rules—look-out, safe speed, and action to avoid collision—support these actions but do not specifically prescribe the conduct for this scenario, making this rule the best fit.
Question 1
Exam overview

About this Exam

Prepare with the COLREGs Scenarios Practice Test practice quiz. This question bank includes 10 questions covering vessel, ahead, situation, rule, and crossing. Use it to review important concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and build confidence for the related exam, course, or assessment.

More details

Additional Information

COLREGs Scenarios Practice Test

This practice set contains 10 questions from the matching question bank and focuses on vessel, ahead, situation, rule, and crossing. Work through each question carefully, review the provided solutions, and revisit topics that need more study before your next attempt.

This is an independent study resource intended for practice and review; it is not an official examination or an endorsement by any organization named in the title.

Quiz information

Frequently Asked Questions

The complete question count is available after full access is unlocked.
No fixed duration is currently configured for this quiz.
Question explanations are included where they are available in the quiz content, helping you review the reasoning after answering.
Yes. You can retake the practice test again as you continue studying during your available access period.
After your access is confirmed, you can continue into the complete practice exam from this quiz flow.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, this page provides independent practice material for study and exam preparation and is not the official examination itself.
Keep studying

Related Questions

COLREGs Distress Signals Practice Test

0 min

COLREGs International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) Practice Test

0 min

COLREGs Lights & Shapes Practice Test

0 min

COLREGs Rules of the Road Practice Test

0 min

OOW MCA COLREGs Practice Exam

0 min

EMT Practical Exam Medical Scenarios Questions

0 min