UNITED STATES COAST GUARD MASTER
CAPTAIN EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Master when navigating in restricted
visibility?
A. Maintain maximum speed
B. Sound fog signals only
C. Post additional lookouts
D. Rely solely on radar
Answer: C
Rationale: In restricted visibility, COLREGS require a proper lookout by
sight, hearing, and all available means, often necessitating additional
lookouts.
2. Which publication contains the International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea?
A. Coast Pilot
B. Sailing Directions
C. COLREGS
D. Notice to Mariners
Answer: C
Rationale: The COLREGS are the official international rules governing
vessel navigation to prevent collisions.
3. What is the minimum safe passing distance when overtaking another vessel
in a narrow channel?
, A. As close as possible
B. Determined by local custom
C. Sufficient to avoid suction and interaction
D. Fixed by COLREGS
Answer: C
Rationale: Safe passing distance must account for hydrodynamic effects
such as suction and interaction.
4. A vessel constrained by her draft displays which lights at night?
A. Three red lights in a vertical line
B. Red-white-red
C. Three all-round red lights
D. Two red lights
Answer: C
Rationale: A vessel constrained by her draft displays three all-round red
lights in a vertical line.
5. What does a single prolonged blast on the whistle indicate in restricted
visibility?
A. Vessel stopped
B. Vessel altering course to starboard
C. Power-driven vessel making way
D. Sailing vessel underway
Answer: C
Rationale: One prolonged blast every two minutes indicates a power-
driven vessel making way in fog.
6. Which factor most affects a vessel’s stopping distance?
A. Wind direction
B. Engine horsepower
C. Vessel speed
D. Water temperature
Answer: C
Rationale: Stopping distance increases exponentially with vessel speed.
, 7. What chart projection is most commonly used for marine navigation?
A. Gnomonic
B. Polyconic
C. Mercator
D. Orthographic
Answer: C
Rationale: Mercator projection preserves rhumb lines, making it ideal for
marine navigation.
8. What is the purpose of a deviation table?
A. Correct chart errors
B. Adjust compass for variation
C. Correct compass for magnetic influences
D. Measure current set and drift
Answer: C
Rationale: Deviation tables correct compass readings for magnetic
influences aboard the vessel.
9. What is set in current navigation?
A. Speed of current
B. Direction of current
C. Leeway angle
D. Vessel heading
Answer: B
Rationale: Set is the direction toward which the current flows.
10.What does drift refer to?
A. Direction of wind
B. Direction of current
C. Speed of current
D. Speed of vessel
Answer: C
Rationale: Drift is the speed of the current, usually measured in knots.
CAPTAIN EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Master when navigating in restricted
visibility?
A. Maintain maximum speed
B. Sound fog signals only
C. Post additional lookouts
D. Rely solely on radar
Answer: C
Rationale: In restricted visibility, COLREGS require a proper lookout by
sight, hearing, and all available means, often necessitating additional
lookouts.
2. Which publication contains the International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea?
A. Coast Pilot
B. Sailing Directions
C. COLREGS
D. Notice to Mariners
Answer: C
Rationale: The COLREGS are the official international rules governing
vessel navigation to prevent collisions.
3. What is the minimum safe passing distance when overtaking another vessel
in a narrow channel?
, A. As close as possible
B. Determined by local custom
C. Sufficient to avoid suction and interaction
D. Fixed by COLREGS
Answer: C
Rationale: Safe passing distance must account for hydrodynamic effects
such as suction and interaction.
4. A vessel constrained by her draft displays which lights at night?
A. Three red lights in a vertical line
B. Red-white-red
C. Three all-round red lights
D. Two red lights
Answer: C
Rationale: A vessel constrained by her draft displays three all-round red
lights in a vertical line.
5. What does a single prolonged blast on the whistle indicate in restricted
visibility?
A. Vessel stopped
B. Vessel altering course to starboard
C. Power-driven vessel making way
D. Sailing vessel underway
Answer: C
Rationale: One prolonged blast every two minutes indicates a power-
driven vessel making way in fog.
6. Which factor most affects a vessel’s stopping distance?
A. Wind direction
B. Engine horsepower
C. Vessel speed
D. Water temperature
Answer: C
Rationale: Stopping distance increases exponentially with vessel speed.
, 7. What chart projection is most commonly used for marine navigation?
A. Gnomonic
B. Polyconic
C. Mercator
D. Orthographic
Answer: C
Rationale: Mercator projection preserves rhumb lines, making it ideal for
marine navigation.
8. What is the purpose of a deviation table?
A. Correct chart errors
B. Adjust compass for variation
C. Correct compass for magnetic influences
D. Measure current set and drift
Answer: C
Rationale: Deviation tables correct compass readings for magnetic
influences aboard the vessel.
9. What is set in current navigation?
A. Speed of current
B. Direction of current
C. Leeway angle
D. Vessel heading
Answer: B
Rationale: Set is the direction toward which the current flows.
10.What does drift refer to?
A. Direction of wind
B. Direction of current
C. Speed of current
D. Speed of vessel
Answer: C
Rationale: Drift is the speed of the current, usually measured in knots.
