Connecticut Safe Boating Practice Exam 2
Questions and Answers with Rationales
Latest Versions
Question 1
You are operating a powerboat and notice another powerboat approaching from
your starboard side on a crossing course. A collision appears possible. What
should you generally do?
A. Maintain course and speed
B. Take early and substantial action to keep clear
C. Turn toward the other vessel
D. Accelerate and cross ahead
Correct Answer: B. Take early and substantial action to keep clear
Rationale:
In a crossing situation between power-driven vessels, the vessel that has the other
vessel on its starboard side is generally the give-way vessel. The maneuver should
be early, clear, and sufficient to prevent collision.
Question 2
You are the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation, but the other vessel is not
taking appropriate action. What should you do?
A. Continue on course regardless of the danger
B. Take appropriate action to avoid collision when necessary
C. Accelerate toward the other vessel
D. Turn off your navigation lights
Correct Answer: B. Take appropriate action to avoid collision when necessary
Rationale:
Although the stand-on vessel generally maintains course and speed, it is not
,required to continue toward an imminent collision. If the give-way vessel fails to
act, the stand-on vessel must take appropriate action to avoid the collision.
Question 3
You are approaching another power-driven vessel nearly head-on. What is the
appropriate general maneuver?
A. Both vessels turn to starboard
B. Both vessels turn to port
C. The larger vessel turns to starboard
D. The faster vessel maintains course
Correct Answer: A. Both vessels turn to starboard
Rationale:
When two power-driven vessels meet head-on or nearly head-on, both should alter
course to starboard, allowing them to pass port side to port side.
Question 4
You are overtaking another vessel from behind. Who has the primary
responsibility for keeping clear?
A. The vessel being overtaken
B. The overtaking vessel
C. The larger vessel
D. The slower vessel
Correct Answer: B. The overtaking vessel
Rationale:
An overtaking vessel must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. The
overtaking vessel remains responsible for maintaining safe separation.
Question 5
,Which situation best describes an overtaking vessel?
A. A vessel approaching another from directly ahead
B. A vessel approaching another from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft its
beam
C. Two vessels meeting bow-to-bow
D. Two vessels anchored next to each other
Correct Answer: B. A vessel approaching another from a direction more than
22.5 degrees abaft its beam
Rationale:
Under the Navigation Rules, an overtaking vessel approaches from a direction
sufficiently behind the other vessel. When in doubt, an operator should assume
they are overtaking and act accordingly.
Question 6
While underway at night, you see a red sidelight and a white masthead light on
another power-driven vessel. What does this information help you determine?
A. The vessel's port side and that it is likely approaching you
B. The vessel's stern only
C. That the vessel is anchored
D. That the vessel is a sailboat under sail only
Correct Answer: A. The vessel's port side and that it is likely approaching you
Rationale:
A red sidelight indicates the vessel's port side. Combined with appropriate white
lights, the observed light configuration can help determine the vessel's direction
and aspect.
Question 7
At night, you see a green sidelight on another vessel. What does green indicate?
, A. Port side
B. Starboard side
C. Stern
D. Anchor light
Correct Answer: B. Starboard side
Rationale:
Green navigation lights identify the starboard (right) side of a vessel. Red
identifies the port (left) side.
Question 8
A vessel displays an all-around white light while you are operating at night. What
should you do?
A. Assume it always means the vessel is underway
B. Determine the vessel's status from the complete light configuration and
circumstances
C. Assume it is a sailboat
D. Ignore the light
Correct Answer: B. Determine the vessel's status from the complete light
configuration and circumstances
Rationale:
An all-around white light can have different meanings depending on the type and
status of the vessel. Operators should interpret navigation lights as a complete
configuration rather than relying on one light alone.
Question 9
You are boating in dense fog. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Increase speed so you spend less time in the fog
B. Operate at a safe speed appropriate for restricted visibility and maintain a proper
lookout
Questions and Answers with Rationales
Latest Versions
Question 1
You are operating a powerboat and notice another powerboat approaching from
your starboard side on a crossing course. A collision appears possible. What
should you generally do?
A. Maintain course and speed
B. Take early and substantial action to keep clear
C. Turn toward the other vessel
D. Accelerate and cross ahead
Correct Answer: B. Take early and substantial action to keep clear
Rationale:
In a crossing situation between power-driven vessels, the vessel that has the other
vessel on its starboard side is generally the give-way vessel. The maneuver should
be early, clear, and sufficient to prevent collision.
Question 2
You are the stand-on vessel in a crossing situation, but the other vessel is not
taking appropriate action. What should you do?
A. Continue on course regardless of the danger
B. Take appropriate action to avoid collision when necessary
C. Accelerate toward the other vessel
D. Turn off your navigation lights
Correct Answer: B. Take appropriate action to avoid collision when necessary
Rationale:
Although the stand-on vessel generally maintains course and speed, it is not
,required to continue toward an imminent collision. If the give-way vessel fails to
act, the stand-on vessel must take appropriate action to avoid the collision.
Question 3
You are approaching another power-driven vessel nearly head-on. What is the
appropriate general maneuver?
A. Both vessels turn to starboard
B. Both vessels turn to port
C. The larger vessel turns to starboard
D. The faster vessel maintains course
Correct Answer: A. Both vessels turn to starboard
Rationale:
When two power-driven vessels meet head-on or nearly head-on, both should alter
course to starboard, allowing them to pass port side to port side.
Question 4
You are overtaking another vessel from behind. Who has the primary
responsibility for keeping clear?
A. The vessel being overtaken
B. The overtaking vessel
C. The larger vessel
D. The slower vessel
Correct Answer: B. The overtaking vessel
Rationale:
An overtaking vessel must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. The
overtaking vessel remains responsible for maintaining safe separation.
Question 5
,Which situation best describes an overtaking vessel?
A. A vessel approaching another from directly ahead
B. A vessel approaching another from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft its
beam
C. Two vessels meeting bow-to-bow
D. Two vessels anchored next to each other
Correct Answer: B. A vessel approaching another from a direction more than
22.5 degrees abaft its beam
Rationale:
Under the Navigation Rules, an overtaking vessel approaches from a direction
sufficiently behind the other vessel. When in doubt, an operator should assume
they are overtaking and act accordingly.
Question 6
While underway at night, you see a red sidelight and a white masthead light on
another power-driven vessel. What does this information help you determine?
A. The vessel's port side and that it is likely approaching you
B. The vessel's stern only
C. That the vessel is anchored
D. That the vessel is a sailboat under sail only
Correct Answer: A. The vessel's port side and that it is likely approaching you
Rationale:
A red sidelight indicates the vessel's port side. Combined with appropriate white
lights, the observed light configuration can help determine the vessel's direction
and aspect.
Question 7
At night, you see a green sidelight on another vessel. What does green indicate?
, A. Port side
B. Starboard side
C. Stern
D. Anchor light
Correct Answer: B. Starboard side
Rationale:
Green navigation lights identify the starboard (right) side of a vessel. Red
identifies the port (left) side.
Question 8
A vessel displays an all-around white light while you are operating at night. What
should you do?
A. Assume it always means the vessel is underway
B. Determine the vessel's status from the complete light configuration and
circumstances
C. Assume it is a sailboat
D. Ignore the light
Correct Answer: B. Determine the vessel's status from the complete light
configuration and circumstances
Rationale:
An all-around white light can have different meanings depending on the type and
status of the vessel. Operators should interpret navigation lights as a complete
configuration rather than relying on one light alone.
Question 9
You are boating in dense fog. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Increase speed so you spend less time in the fog
B. Operate at a safe speed appropriate for restricted visibility and maintain a proper
lookout
