Maryland Maritime Able Seaman Exam With
Actual Questions & Verified
Answers,Explained Rationales/Expert Verified
For Guaranteed Pass 2026/Latest
Update/Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary responsibility of an Able Seaman (AB) on
board a vessel?
A. Engine maintenance
B. Navigation planning
C. Deck maintenance and watchkeeping
D. Radio communications
Answer: C
Rationale: The Able Seaman primarily performs deck duties,
including maintenance, cargo handling, and standing watch
under the officer of the watch.
2. Which international regulation governs collision prevention at
sea?
A. SOLAS
B. MARPOL
C. COLREGS
D. STCW
Answer: C
Rationale: COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea) sets the rules of navigation to avoid collisions.
3. What knot is commonly used to create a temporary loop at the
end of a line?
A. Square knot
, B. Bowline
C. Clove hitch
D. Sheet bend
Answer: B
Rationale: The bowline creates a secure, non-slipping loop that is
easy to untie after loading.
4. What is the purpose of a lifebuoy?
A. Fire suppression
B. Marking cargo zones
C. Assisting man overboard recovery
D. Steering assistance
Answer: C
Rationale: Lifebuoys are thrown to persons overboard to provide
flotation and aid in rescue.
5. What does “port side” refer to on a vessel?
A. Right side facing bow
B. Left side facing bow
C. Rear of vessel
D. Top deck
Answer: B
Rationale: Port side is the left-hand side when facing forward
toward the bow.
6. Which light is shown by a vessel engaged in towing?
A. One white masthead light
B. Two white masthead lights in a vertical line
C. Red and green sidelights only
D. Blue flashing light
Answer: B
, Rationale: Towing vessels display two masthead lights vertically
to indicate towing operations.
7. What is the purpose of a sea anchor?
A. Increase speed
B. Stabilize vessel in rough seas
C. Assist in docking
D. Measure water depth
Answer: B
Rationale: A sea anchor reduces drift and stabilizes a vessel
during heavy weather.
8. Which fire extinguisher is best for electrical fires?
A. Water
B. Foam
C. CO₂
D. Sand only
Answer: C
Rationale: CO₂ extinguishers remove oxygen without conducting
electricity, making them ideal for electrical fires.
9. What is a “starboard” side?
A. Left side
B. Right side
C. Bottom of vessel
D. Engine room
Answer: B
Rationale: Starboard refers to the right-hand side when facing
forward.
10. What does the term “draft” refer to?
A. Ship speed
B. Depth of water needed to float vessel
Actual Questions & Verified
Answers,Explained Rationales/Expert Verified
For Guaranteed Pass 2026/Latest
Update/Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary responsibility of an Able Seaman (AB) on
board a vessel?
A. Engine maintenance
B. Navigation planning
C. Deck maintenance and watchkeeping
D. Radio communications
Answer: C
Rationale: The Able Seaman primarily performs deck duties,
including maintenance, cargo handling, and standing watch
under the officer of the watch.
2. Which international regulation governs collision prevention at
sea?
A. SOLAS
B. MARPOL
C. COLREGS
D. STCW
Answer: C
Rationale: COLREGS (International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea) sets the rules of navigation to avoid collisions.
3. What knot is commonly used to create a temporary loop at the
end of a line?
A. Square knot
, B. Bowline
C. Clove hitch
D. Sheet bend
Answer: B
Rationale: The bowline creates a secure, non-slipping loop that is
easy to untie after loading.
4. What is the purpose of a lifebuoy?
A. Fire suppression
B. Marking cargo zones
C. Assisting man overboard recovery
D. Steering assistance
Answer: C
Rationale: Lifebuoys are thrown to persons overboard to provide
flotation and aid in rescue.
5. What does “port side” refer to on a vessel?
A. Right side facing bow
B. Left side facing bow
C. Rear of vessel
D. Top deck
Answer: B
Rationale: Port side is the left-hand side when facing forward
toward the bow.
6. Which light is shown by a vessel engaged in towing?
A. One white masthead light
B. Two white masthead lights in a vertical line
C. Red and green sidelights only
D. Blue flashing light
Answer: B
, Rationale: Towing vessels display two masthead lights vertically
to indicate towing operations.
7. What is the purpose of a sea anchor?
A. Increase speed
B. Stabilize vessel in rough seas
C. Assist in docking
D. Measure water depth
Answer: B
Rationale: A sea anchor reduces drift and stabilizes a vessel
during heavy weather.
8. Which fire extinguisher is best for electrical fires?
A. Water
B. Foam
C. CO₂
D. Sand only
Answer: C
Rationale: CO₂ extinguishers remove oxygen without conducting
electricity, making them ideal for electrical fires.
9. What is a “starboard” side?
A. Left side
B. Right side
C. Bottom of vessel
D. Engine room
Answer: B
Rationale: Starboard refers to the right-hand side when facing
forward.
10. What does the term “draft” refer to?
A. Ship speed
B. Depth of water needed to float vessel
