COLREGs Scenarios Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• You are unsure whether you are crossing or overtaking. What is the recommended action?
• Which COLREGs rule covers Action by the Give-Way Vessel?
• When leaving a Traffic Separation Scheme, what is the correct approach?
• Rule 9 states what about a vessel crossing and a vessel navigating only within the channel?
• In a head-on situation between two power-driven vessels, what should each vessel do?
• If the other vessel still does not take action, what may you do to avoid collision?
• 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?
• Which COLREGs rule governs Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS)?
• What does a signal of five or more short and rapid blasts typically indicate in a collision avoidance context?
• If a vessel is anchored near a channel, what COLREGs considerations apply?
• You are a PDV and there is a crossing with another PDV on your port bow. ROC exists. What action should you take?
• In restricted visibility, what is the conceptual principle for signaling intent to pass on the port side?
• In a head-on situation, the passage should occur on which side of the other vessel?
• In a crossing scenario with low visibility and two vessels on crossing courses, what is the primary objective?
• You see a single white light. What could it be?
• A PDV and a sailing vessel dead ahead with a risk of collision exists. Which rule governs your action?
• What does RAM stand for in COLREGs terminology?
• If you determine you are being impeded and the other vessel has not taken action, what should you do?
• In a crossing scenario, which statement correctly defines the give-way and stand-on roles?
• Which COLREGs rule addresses Vessels RAM (Restricted in Their Ability to Maneuver)?
• Which rule addresses the general definitions related to not under command or RAM?
• What is the recommended action when a RAM Minesweeper (typically exceeding 50 meters) is observed with yardarms showing on the starboard beam?
• What does CPA stand for in collision avoidance?
• What sequence should you describe to justify your collision avoidance actions?
• In a crossing situation, which statement best aligns with Rule 15?
• Under Rule 13, when you are the overtaking vessel, what is your primary obligation?
• What is the role of the “stand-on” vessel in a crossing with a given risk of collision?
• Which rule requires you to assess the risk of collision?
• How should COLREGs be applied when there is no clear right-of-way?
• In a RAM within a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), can a vessel cross at 70 degrees?
• Within a Traffic Separation Scheme, which rule requires you to follow the established lanes?
• In a scenario where there is not enough sea room to pass ahead, what action should you take?
• What is a typical day shape for a vessel not under command?
• Passing astern means which of the following?
• What is a typical night lighting arrangement for a vessel underway?
• How should radar be used to assess risk of collision?
• If another vessel’s actions put you on a potential collision course but you can’t clearly identify its type, what should you do?
• Which COLREGs rule covers Narrow Channels?
• In fog, with no targets on radar, you hear a fog signal forward of your beam. What is the recommended action?
• Which COLREGs rule addresses interactions between Power-Driven and Sailing Vessels?
• What is a typical day shape for a RAM vessel?
• What is the duty of the stand-on vessel in a crossing in narrow channel?
• Which COLREGs rule requires you to maintain a proper look-out?
• In a head-on situation between two PDVs, if one vessel is constrained by land on the starboard side and cannot alter to starboard, what action should be taken?
• In a head-on situation, what is the recommended turning direction for both vessels?
• Which rule prescribes the action to avoid collision by altering course and/or speed?
• If you believe the other vessel is not taking necessary action, which action might you take?
• What is the day shape indicating RAM status?
• Which rule requires reducing speed and navigating with extreme caution in conditions of restricted visibility to avoid collision?
• After taking initial evasive action, which practice should you continue to implement according to collision avoidance best practice in these scenarios?
• Which metric derived from AIS data is commonly used to assess collision risk in addition to distance and speed?
• What is the purpose of the “Not Under Command” indicator in COLREGs?
• RAM vessels are typically indicated by lights in combination with what other indicator?
• Which statement best describes the general goal of COLREGs in navigation safety?
• In an overtaking situation, what is the required action of the overtaking vessel?
• True or False: It is acceptable to leave the TSS if danger is not immediate?
• Which rule governs the sound signals used in restricted visibility?
• Which COLREGs rule governs Sailing Vessels?
• How is a RAM vessel visually indicated to other vessels?
• A VEI vessel's gear extends more than 150 meters. How should this be interpreted for your navigation?
• In a crossing scenario where you are the give-way vessel and the other vessel is crossing, what is the primary action you should take?
• In COLREGs, what does 'keep well clear' imply?
• In a crossing situation, which vessel should maintain course and speed to avoid collision?
• The overtaking vessel still has not taken action and is closer. What is an appropriate course of action?
• In a crossing situation, which vessel is the give-way vessel according to COLREGs?
• Facing a VEI trawling vessel on your port bow with ROC existing, what action is required?
• Which rule addresses the use of day shapes to indicate a vessel's status?
• Which statement best describes the overtaking rule?
• Which COLREGs rule outlines responsibilities in a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS)?
• Which vessels never show masthead lights?
• In a crossing situation, the give-way vessel should do what?
• In a crossing where you are the stand-on vessel, what should you do?
• Which COLREGs rule addresses vessels in sight of one another?
• If you determine you are impeded and the other vessel has not changed course, what is the recommended course?
• In a crossing scenario where both vessels are power-driven, what is the general approach to avoid collision?
• Which of the following vessels does not typically show an anchor light?
• In a crossing situation, if another vessel is on your starboard side, what should you do?
• In a near-miss scenario, which signal might indicate your intention to pass and warn the other vessel?
• In a sailing crossing on your starboard bow with another sailing vessel, what is the initial signal if you doubt they will take action?
• In a crossing where you are the stand-on vessel, what should you do if the other vessel seems likely to cross ahead?
• How can you best prepare for a collision avoidance scenario during training?
• Which COLREGs rule covers Action by the Stand-on Vessel?
• What is the primary purpose of the COLREGs?
• In a close-quarters encounter with a RAM Minesweeper at close range, what is the recommended course of action?
• Rule 17 c states not to alter to port when a vessel is on your port side. What is the recommended action in this case?
• When impeded in a TSS by VEI fishing following a traffic lane, what should you do?
• In restricted visibility, which tools are recommended to help determine risk of collision besides visual observation?
• What does the signal of five or more short blasts indicate?
• Rule 18 covers actions to avoid collision when two vessels are in or approaching what type of situation?
• You are being overtaken and the overtaking vessel has not yet taken action; ROC exists. What is required of the overtaken vessel?
• Which COLREGs rule addresses head-on situations and requires alteration to starboard if possible?
• How does COLREGs define a “vessel”?
• In a head-on situation with poor visibility, which COLREGs rule prescribes the conduct of vessels?
• If two vessels have an impede relationship, how should you interpret actions?
• Nothing happens and the range decreases; what may you do to avoid collision?
• In radar navigation, which indicator confirms a risk of collision with another vessel?
• You PDV and have a vessel on your starboard bow with bearing constant and range decreasing slowly. This scenario most likely indicates which situation?
• Within a TSS, which exemptions allow work to proceed?
• Which COLREGs rule covers Overtaking?
• Which signal is used to indicate your intention to pass and to warn others?
• Which practice best supports the ability to act early and decisively to avoid collisions during training?
• Not Under Command indicators are typically signaled by which indicators?
• In a narrow channel, a PDV crossing on your starboard bow and you are the give way vessel. What is your primary action under Rule 15?
• Which COLREGs rule requires you to take early and substantial action to avoid collision?
• If gear extends >150 meters from the stern and you plan to cross ahead safely, which port side should you go?
• You are a PDV, and RAM Towing is on your port bow, crossing from port to starboard. What is the recommended action?
• During overtaking and intending to pass well clear on the starboard side, what signaling action should you take?
• Which COLREGs rule governs the use of lights and shapes at night and in restricted visibility?
• You see this dead ahead in a crossing situation. What is the recommended action?
• What is the general principle for collision avoidance when two vessels are power-driven on crossing paths?
• Under COLREGs, when a PDV is following a vessel in a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) and the lead vessel has not taken action, what is your primary obligation?
• If you only have AIS, how should you verify the status of another vessel?
• Which description best matches 'Slow down' in collision avoidance?
• Ok, you're closer now, and they have taken no action. What action should you take to indicate doubt that they will avoid collision?
• In a crossing situation, the give-way vessel must do which of the following?
• Which COLREG rule governs a head-on encounter between two vessels approaching on reciprocal courses?
• In a narrow channel where safe passing is difficult, what is the recommended action?
• In an overtaking situation, when are you finally past and clear?
• Which COLREGs rule covers Crossing Situations?
• Which rule contains general definitions including Not Under Command and RAM?
• If you believe another vessel may not take action and collision risk persists, which signaling is appropriate under COLREGs?
• What does the term Not Under Command (NUC) indicate about a vessel's maneuverability?
• Which COLREGs rule covers Head-on Situations?
• Regarding leaving the TSS, you should not leave unless danger is imminent. Which option expresses this?
• What describes a Bald or very bold alteration of course in collision avoidance?
• In a head-on situation, what maneuver should both vessels take?
• Under which scenario is it permissible to depart from the COLREGs?
• Which COLREGs rule covers the risk of collision and requires you to assess it?
• In Rule 19 scenarios, how should you frame your initial statement to justify actions?
• In a crossing situation, which vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid collision?
• In a mid-ocean overtaking scenario, you see a vessel ahead on your port bow and ROC exists. Which side should you overtake on to keep your own starboard side clear?
• If you are unsure about the other vessel's actions and the risk of collision is increasing, what signaling action is appropriate?
• While observing a VEI fishing activity on your port bow, which action is required?
• How do COLREGs treat fishing vessels in crossing situations?
• CPA stands for what in collision avoidance terminology?
• What does 'give-way' require in a potential collision scenario?
• When impeded in the TSS, what is the generally best course of action?
• Which fog signaling device is required on ships longer than 100 meters?
• Which COLREGs rules should be checked to determine if there is an impede relationship in restricted visibility?
• In a crossing where risk persists, what action is appropriate for the give-way vessel?
• What is Rule 15 primarily concerned with?
• What is the purpose of AIS in COLREGs navigation?
• If there is not enough sea room to pass ahead in a TSS, what action should you take?
• You RAM and there is a Not Under Command (NUC) vessel crossing on your port bow. ROC exists. What is the required action under collision regulations?
• In crossing situations, if you are the stand-on vessel and the other vessel does not alter course, what may you do?
• Under the special rule for a Traffic Separation Scheme, which vessel is not to impede a PDV following a traffic lane?
• In some crossing scenarios, how does collision avoidance differ when one vessel is sailing versus power-driven?
• In a collision risk scenario where ROC exists, which statement best describes your obligation?
• A PDV has a sailing vessel on its port bow with ROC existing. Which rule applies?
• In a crossing situation involving a fishing vessel, what is required of both vessels?
• In radar plotting, OA stands for what?
• In crossing situations, is it correct to follow lane or right-of-way rules?
• What does 'stand-on' require when there is no imminent collision risk?
• In restricted visibility, what is the fundamental best practice for collision avoidance?
• If you observe a potential risk using AIS, what should you do?
• What is the standard practice for safe passing in a crossing between a power-driven and a sailing vessel?
• In uncertain crossing versus overtaking, which action is recommended by group discussion to enhance safety?
• In a crossing situation, which vessel is the give-way vessel?
• What is the day shape indicating Not Under Command?
• What practical steps help improve COLREGs compliance in busy harbors?
• If you are exactly 22.5 degrees abaft another vessel's beam, which statement correctly reflects overtaking status under COLREGs?
• Which COLREGs rule defines Safe Speed?
• In a crossing where the other vessel is on your starboard side, which statement best describes the action required of the give-way vessel?
• What is the importance of maintaining situational awareness in COLREGs practice?
• When space allows in a TSS, which describes a safe way to get ahead of another vessel?
• A fishing vessel has outlying gear extending more than 150 meters astern on the stern, and you are a PDV on the same course and speed directly abeam on the port side at close range. ROC exists with the FV. What should you do?
• PDV following a lane in a TSS; VEI fishing on port bow; ROC exists. Actions?
• If your radar plots are not equidistant, what should you do?
• You have another PDV on your starboard bow. ROC exists. Which rule applies?
• VEI fishing other than trawling on the starboard bow with ROC existing. Which action is correct?
• Under Rule 5, what is the general guidance when using radar?
• In a crossing where a vessel is on your starboard bow and you are the stand-on vessel, what should you do?
• If, after giving way, the other vessel does not take action, what signaling action is used to indicate doubt?
• If the stand-on vessel observes the other vessel failing to take action, what may it do?
• In preparation for a possible close-quarters situation in a narrow channel, what is the recommended first step?
• Under Rule 5, which equipment should be used in addition to a visual lookout to identify potential collision threats?
• If ROC is established, what should you do in your response?
• When several vessels are near a channel, what is the best practice to avoid collision?
• In restricted visibility, what is a fundamental approach to collision avoidance?
• What is the purpose of a 'safe distance' between vessels?
• Rule 11 addresses which scenario?
• Which practice best supports safe navigation and collision avoidance in high-traffic waters?
• In an overtaking situation, what must the overtaking vessel do?
• Not sure whether crossing or head-on; ROC exists. Which rule applies if you must choose?
• If you are severely restricted in your ability to deviate from your course while avoiding collision, which action may be appropriate?
• In a narrow-channel crossing, if you are the stand-on vessel and the other vessel is crossing on your port bow, what is your stated role?
• In restricted visibility, what should you do to reduce collision risk?
• When a vessel has a restricted ability to maneuver due to special conditions, what should other vessels do?
• What is a key factor when there is no clear right-of-way to inform give-way decisions?
• If two vessels are on a crossing course and there is a risk of collision, who should alter course?
• In fog with no targets on radar, but you hear a fog signal apparently forward of your beam, what action should you take to avoid collision?
• You are a PDV, and RAM dredger is on your starboard bow, crossing. ROC exists. What action should you take?
• In a head-on situation, what action should both vessels take to avoid collision?
• In an overtaking situation, what must the overtaking vessel do?
• Scenario: There is a vessel on your port side and you have sufficient sea room. What action should you take to pass safely?