Navigation Rules of the Road – Complete First Sailing Exam Answer Key (USA, Inland & International, 2025)

NAV LAW EXAM
1. INLAND ONLY
Two power-driven vessels are meeting in the situation as
shown. One short blast by vessel "A" means .
A. "I am altering my course to starboard" B. "I intend to leave
you on my port side"
C. "My intention is to hold course and speed" D. "I intend to
pass on your starboard side": B
2. While underway in fog, you hear a vessel ahead sound two
short blasts on the whistle. You should .
A. not sound any whistle signals until the other vessel is
sighted
B. sound only fog signals until the other vessel is sighted
C. sound whistle signals only if you change course
D. sound two short blasts and change course to the left: B
3. BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND INLAND
You are on vessel "B" and crossing a narrow channel. Vessel
"A", who can only navigate within the channel, is on your port
bow and crossing as shown. Which action should you take?
A. Maintain course and speed as the ship is on your port
bow. B. Give way to the other vessel.

,C. Increase speed and cross his bow. D. Sound the danger
signal.: B
4. BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND INLAND
A sailing vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel and can
safely navigate ONLY inside the channel. The sailing vessel
approaches a vessel engaged in fishing. Which statement is
TRUE?
A. The fishing vessel must sound the danger signal.
B. The fishing vessel shall not impede the passage of the
sailing vessel. C. Each vessel should move to the edge of the
channel on her port side.
D. Both vessels should be displaying the signal for a vessel
restricted in her ability to maneuver.: B
5. BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND INLAND
Which vessel shall NOT impede the passage of a vessel
which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or
fairway?
A. A vessel dredging
B. A sailing vessel
C. A vessel servicing an aid to navigation
D. All of the above: B
6. INLAND ONLY

,You are underway in a narrow channel, and are being
overtaken by another power-driven vessel. The overtaking
vessel sounds the signal indicating his intention to pass you
on your starboard side. You signal your agreement by
sounding .
A. one short blast
B. two prolonged blasts
C. two prolonged followed by two short blasts
D. one prolonged, one short, one prolonged, and one short
blast in that order: A
7. BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND INLAND
A pilot vessel may continue to sound an identity signal if she
is . A. underway, but not making way
B. aground
C. being towed
D. not engaged in pilotage duty: A
8. INLAND ONLY
Which term is NOT defined in the Inland Navigation Rules? A.
Seaplane
B. Restricted visibility
C. Underway
D. Vessel constrained by her draft: D

, 9. A power-driven vessel towing astern shall show
. A. two towing lights in a vertical line
B. a towing light in a vertical line above the stern light
C. two towing lights in addition to the stern light
D. a small white light in lieu of the stern light: B
10. BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND INLAND
What lights, if any, would you exhibit at night if your vessel
were broken down and being towed by another vessel?
A. None
B. Same lights as for a power-driven vessel underway
C. A white light forward and a white light aft
D. The colored sidelights and a white stern light: D
11. BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND INLAND What does the word
"length" refer to?
A. Length between the perpendiculars
B. Length overall
C. Waterline length
D. Registered length: B