OUPV Rules of The Road Exam
Prep 2025 Questions and Answers
International Rules Applicability - ✔✔all vessels on the high seas and all connected
navigable waters, but not to interfere with special rules made by proper authorities (ex..
USCG Inland Rules)
Safe Speed - ✔✔Speed at which a vessel can take proper action to avoid collision and
stop in an appropriate distance.
Safe Speed Considerations - ✔✔State of the sea, traffic density, maneuverability,
visibility, background interference, harbor rules, and draft
A risk of collision exists if the ____ of an approaching vessel does not _____ -
✔✔bearing, appreciably change
Risk of Collision - ✔✔If there is any doubt, there is a risk. Constant bearing decreasing
range constitutes a risk.
Action to avoid a collision should be ____ and ____ and not ____ - ✔✔positive and
made in ample time, result in another close quarters situation
Vessel in a narrow channel less than 20M or sailing vessel - ✔✔shall not impede the
passage of a vessel which can only safely navigate within the channel
Fishing vessels in a narrow channel - ✔✔shall not impede any vessel
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY OLIVIA WEST, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, Vessel crossing a narrow channel - ✔✔shall not cross if it impedes the passage of a
vessel that can only safely navigate within the channel
Nearing a bend in a narrow channel - ✔✔sounds a prolonged blast of the horn, to be
returned by an approaching vessel on the other side of the bend (if present)
Traffic Separation Scheme - ✔✔Reduce risk of collision in narrow area, dense traffic, or
otherwise constricted seas. No pecking order, vessels cross at right angles, enter and
leave TSS at small angles
Sailing ROW - ✔✔Starboard tack has ROW, if on the same tack leeward boat has ROW.
A sailboat on a port tack and unsure of the tack of an approaching sailing vessel (due to
restricted visibility) shall give way
Overtaking - ✔✔A vessel approaching from 135 degrees behind a vessel (seeing only
stern light) is considered overtaking. If any doubt assume you are overtaking.
Overtaking sailboat still gives way even if overtaken boat is a power boat.
Head on Situation - ✔✔two powerboats on reciprocal courses. Both vessels turn to
starboard.
Crossing Situation - ✔✔Vessel to starboard is the stand on vessel.
Stand on Vessel responsibilities - ✔✔maintain course and speed unless: giveway boat is
not taking substantial action then stand on vessel may alter course to avoid collision. If
actions of giveway boat are not sufficient to avoid a collision then the stand-on boat
must take action.
Pecking Order (responsibilities) - ✔✔New Reels Catch Fish, So Purchase Some
Willingly: NUC, RAM, CBD, Fishing, Sailing, Power, Seaplane, WIG
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY OLIVIA WEST, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
Prep 2025 Questions and Answers
International Rules Applicability - ✔✔all vessels on the high seas and all connected
navigable waters, but not to interfere with special rules made by proper authorities (ex..
USCG Inland Rules)
Safe Speed - ✔✔Speed at which a vessel can take proper action to avoid collision and
stop in an appropriate distance.
Safe Speed Considerations - ✔✔State of the sea, traffic density, maneuverability,
visibility, background interference, harbor rules, and draft
A risk of collision exists if the ____ of an approaching vessel does not _____ -
✔✔bearing, appreciably change
Risk of Collision - ✔✔If there is any doubt, there is a risk. Constant bearing decreasing
range constitutes a risk.
Action to avoid a collision should be ____ and ____ and not ____ - ✔✔positive and
made in ample time, result in another close quarters situation
Vessel in a narrow channel less than 20M or sailing vessel - ✔✔shall not impede the
passage of a vessel which can only safely navigate within the channel
Fishing vessels in a narrow channel - ✔✔shall not impede any vessel
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY OLIVIA WEST, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, Vessel crossing a narrow channel - ✔✔shall not cross if it impedes the passage of a
vessel that can only safely navigate within the channel
Nearing a bend in a narrow channel - ✔✔sounds a prolonged blast of the horn, to be
returned by an approaching vessel on the other side of the bend (if present)
Traffic Separation Scheme - ✔✔Reduce risk of collision in narrow area, dense traffic, or
otherwise constricted seas. No pecking order, vessels cross at right angles, enter and
leave TSS at small angles
Sailing ROW - ✔✔Starboard tack has ROW, if on the same tack leeward boat has ROW.
A sailboat on a port tack and unsure of the tack of an approaching sailing vessel (due to
restricted visibility) shall give way
Overtaking - ✔✔A vessel approaching from 135 degrees behind a vessel (seeing only
stern light) is considered overtaking. If any doubt assume you are overtaking.
Overtaking sailboat still gives way even if overtaken boat is a power boat.
Head on Situation - ✔✔two powerboats on reciprocal courses. Both vessels turn to
starboard.
Crossing Situation - ✔✔Vessel to starboard is the stand on vessel.
Stand on Vessel responsibilities - ✔✔maintain course and speed unless: giveway boat is
not taking substantial action then stand on vessel may alter course to avoid collision. If
actions of giveway boat are not sufficient to avoid a collision then the stand-on boat
must take action.
Pecking Order (responsibilities) - ✔✔New Reels Catch Fish, So Purchase Some
Willingly: NUC, RAM, CBD, Fishing, Sailing, Power, Seaplane, WIG
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY OLIVIA WEST, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
