OUPV Navigation General Exam Questions
with Detailed Answers
This study guide covers the core knowledge areas tested on the USCG OUPV
(Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels / "Six-Pack") Navigation General
examination, including the Navigation Rules (Rules of the Road), aids to
navigation, chart reading and publications, tides and currents, piloting and
dead reckoning, weather, and distress signals and safety.
,1. Navigation Rules (Rules of the Road)
Question 1
Under the Navigation Rules, which vessel is the 'stand-on' vessel when a
power-driven vessel meets a sailing vessel?
Answer:
The sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel. Under Rule 18, a power-driven
vessel underway must generally keep out of the way of a vessel under sail,
except when the sailing vessel is overtaking, or in a narrow channel where a
vessel that can only navigate within the channel has right of way over a
sailing vessel.
Question 2
Two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on. What action must each
take?
Answer:
Under Rule 14, each vessel shall alter course to starboard so that each
passes on the port side of the other. Each vessel should sound one short
blast (Inland) to indicate this intended action, or simply act under COLREGS
International without a mandatory signal unless in doubt.
Question 3
Define a 'crossing situation' and state which vessel must give way.
Answer:
A crossing situation exists when two power-driven vessels are on courses
that cross so as to involve risk of collision, but are not meeting head-on or
overtaking. Under Rule 15, the vessel that has the other on her own
starboard side is the give-way vessel and must keep out of the way,
normally by altering course to starboard to pass astern of the stand-on
vessel.
Question 4
What is the definition of an 'overtaking' vessel under Rule 13?
Answer:
, A vessel is overtaking when it approaches another vessel from a direction
more than 22.5 degrees abaft that vessel's beam, i.e., in such a position that
at night she would see only the sternlight of the vessel being overtaken and
neither of her sidelights. The overtaking vessel must keep clear of the
vessel being overtaken until finally past and clear, regardless of subsequent
changes in bearing.
Question 5
What one short blast, two short blasts, and three short blasts mean
under the Inland Navigation Rules when vessels are in sight of one
another.
Answer:
One short blast means 'I intend to leave you on my port side' (altering
course to starboard). Two short blasts mean 'I intend to leave you on my
starboard side' (altering course to port). Three short blasts mean 'I am
operating astern propulsion.'
Question 6
What does five or more short and rapid blasts of the whistle signify?
Answer:
Five or more short and rapid blasts is the danger/doubt signal, indicating
that the vessel does not understand the other vessel's intentions or actions,
or doubts that sufficient action is being taken to avoid collision.
Question 7
What sound signal must a vessel restricted in visibility (fog) sound if she
is a power-driven vessel making way through the water?
Answer:
A power-driven vessel making way through the water in restricted visibility
sounds one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
Question 8
What is the fog signal for a power-driven vessel underway but stopped
and making no way through the water?
Answer:
with Detailed Answers
This study guide covers the core knowledge areas tested on the USCG OUPV
(Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels / "Six-Pack") Navigation General
examination, including the Navigation Rules (Rules of the Road), aids to
navigation, chart reading and publications, tides and currents, piloting and
dead reckoning, weather, and distress signals and safety.
,1. Navigation Rules (Rules of the Road)
Question 1
Under the Navigation Rules, which vessel is the 'stand-on' vessel when a
power-driven vessel meets a sailing vessel?
Answer:
The sailing vessel is the stand-on vessel. Under Rule 18, a power-driven
vessel underway must generally keep out of the way of a vessel under sail,
except when the sailing vessel is overtaking, or in a narrow channel where a
vessel that can only navigate within the channel has right of way over a
sailing vessel.
Question 2
Two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on. What action must each
take?
Answer:
Under Rule 14, each vessel shall alter course to starboard so that each
passes on the port side of the other. Each vessel should sound one short
blast (Inland) to indicate this intended action, or simply act under COLREGS
International without a mandatory signal unless in doubt.
Question 3
Define a 'crossing situation' and state which vessel must give way.
Answer:
A crossing situation exists when two power-driven vessels are on courses
that cross so as to involve risk of collision, but are not meeting head-on or
overtaking. Under Rule 15, the vessel that has the other on her own
starboard side is the give-way vessel and must keep out of the way,
normally by altering course to starboard to pass astern of the stand-on
vessel.
Question 4
What is the definition of an 'overtaking' vessel under Rule 13?
Answer:
, A vessel is overtaking when it approaches another vessel from a direction
more than 22.5 degrees abaft that vessel's beam, i.e., in such a position that
at night she would see only the sternlight of the vessel being overtaken and
neither of her sidelights. The overtaking vessel must keep clear of the
vessel being overtaken until finally past and clear, regardless of subsequent
changes in bearing.
Question 5
What one short blast, two short blasts, and three short blasts mean
under the Inland Navigation Rules when vessels are in sight of one
another.
Answer:
One short blast means 'I intend to leave you on my port side' (altering
course to starboard). Two short blasts mean 'I intend to leave you on my
starboard side' (altering course to port). Three short blasts mean 'I am
operating astern propulsion.'
Question 6
What does five or more short and rapid blasts of the whistle signify?
Answer:
Five or more short and rapid blasts is the danger/doubt signal, indicating
that the vessel does not understand the other vessel's intentions or actions,
or doubts that sufficient action is being taken to avoid collision.
Question 7
What sound signal must a vessel restricted in visibility (fog) sound if she
is a power-driven vessel making way through the water?
Answer:
A power-driven vessel making way through the water in restricted visibility
sounds one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
Question 8
What is the fog signal for a power-driven vessel underway but stopped
and making no way through the water?
Answer:
