OUPV Rules of The Road EXAM (updated 2025) Questions & Answers
| Latest Already Graded A+ UPDATE 2025|2026
International Rules Applicability - correct answer 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 - correct answer Speed at which a vessel can take proper action to avoid collision
and stop in an appropriate distance.
Safe Speed Considerations - correct answer 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 _____ - correct answer
bearing, appreciably change
Risk of Collision - correct answer 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 ____ - correct answer positive and
made in ample time, result in another close quarters situation
Vessel in a narrow channel less than 20M or sailing vessel - correct answer shall not impede the
passage of a vessel which can only safely navigate within the channel
Fishing vessels in a narrow channel - correct answer shall not impede any vessel
Vessel crossing a narrow channel - correct answer 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 - correct answer 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 - correct answer 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 - correct answer 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 - correct answer 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 - correct answer two powerboats on reciprocal courses. Both vessels turn to
starboard.
, Crossing Situation - correct answer Vessel to starboard is the stand on vessel.
Stand on Vessel responsibilities - correct answer 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) - correct answer New Reels Catch Fish, So Purchase Some
Willingly: NUC, RAM, CBD, Fishing, Sailing, Power, Seaplane, WIG
Conduct in Restricted Visibility - correct answer Vessels shall proceed at a safe speed, engine
controls ready for immediate maneuverability (avoid control delays), contact on radar that
indicates close quarters situation requires early and substantial action
Hearing fog signal in restricted visibility - correct answer When hearing a fog signal forward of
the beam, vessel must slow down and bare steerageway
When to display Lights and dayshape - correct answer Lights: Between sunset and sunrise
(whenever its dark) and during restricted visibility. Dayshapes: during daylight hours and/or
during restricted visibility
Masthead light - correct answer White light facing forward covering a 225 deg arc, 22.5 abaft
the beam on either side
Sidelights - correct answer Red and Green lights shining 112.5 deg, including 22.5 abaft the
beam on the port and starboard sides respectively
Sternlight - correct answer 135 deg white light pointed dead astern. 67.5 on either side of the
keel
Towing Light - correct answer 135 deg yellow light. Only used when towing astern
Flashing light - correct answer Flashes 2x per second (120+ times per minute). Amber or yellow
when on a hovercraft or hydrofoil
Special Flashing Light - correct answer inland only. Yellow, flashing 50-70 times per minute, and
an arc of 180-225 degrees. Located on the front of a barge being pushed or hip towed.
Power vessel lights 50M and over - correct answer forward and higher aft masthead light,
sternlight and sidelight
Power Vessel lights under 50M - correct answer masthead light (aft is optional), sternlight, and
sidelight
Power vessel lights under 12M - correct answer May show all around white light acting as stern
and masthead light in addition to running lights
| Latest Already Graded A+ UPDATE 2025|2026
International Rules Applicability - correct answer 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 - correct answer Speed at which a vessel can take proper action to avoid collision
and stop in an appropriate distance.
Safe Speed Considerations - correct answer 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 _____ - correct answer
bearing, appreciably change
Risk of Collision - correct answer 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 ____ - correct answer positive and
made in ample time, result in another close quarters situation
Vessel in a narrow channel less than 20M or sailing vessel - correct answer shall not impede the
passage of a vessel which can only safely navigate within the channel
Fishing vessels in a narrow channel - correct answer shall not impede any vessel
Vessel crossing a narrow channel - correct answer 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 - correct answer 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 - correct answer 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 - correct answer 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 - correct answer 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 - correct answer two powerboats on reciprocal courses. Both vessels turn to
starboard.
, Crossing Situation - correct answer Vessel to starboard is the stand on vessel.
Stand on Vessel responsibilities - correct answer 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) - correct answer New Reels Catch Fish, So Purchase Some
Willingly: NUC, RAM, CBD, Fishing, Sailing, Power, Seaplane, WIG
Conduct in Restricted Visibility - correct answer Vessels shall proceed at a safe speed, engine
controls ready for immediate maneuverability (avoid control delays), contact on radar that
indicates close quarters situation requires early and substantial action
Hearing fog signal in restricted visibility - correct answer When hearing a fog signal forward of
the beam, vessel must slow down and bare steerageway
When to display Lights and dayshape - correct answer Lights: Between sunset and sunrise
(whenever its dark) and during restricted visibility. Dayshapes: during daylight hours and/or
during restricted visibility
Masthead light - correct answer White light facing forward covering a 225 deg arc, 22.5 abaft
the beam on either side
Sidelights - correct answer Red and Green lights shining 112.5 deg, including 22.5 abaft the
beam on the port and starboard sides respectively
Sternlight - correct answer 135 deg white light pointed dead astern. 67.5 on either side of the
keel
Towing Light - correct answer 135 deg yellow light. Only used when towing astern
Flashing light - correct answer Flashes 2x per second (120+ times per minute). Amber or yellow
when on a hovercraft or hydrofoil
Special Flashing Light - correct answer inland only. Yellow, flashing 50-70 times per minute, and
an arc of 180-225 degrees. Located on the front of a barge being pushed or hip towed.
Power vessel lights 50M and over - correct answer forward and higher aft masthead light,
sternlight and sidelight
Power Vessel lights under 50M - correct answer masthead light (aft is optional), sternlight, and
sidelight
Power vessel lights under 12M - correct answer May show all around white light acting as stern
and masthead light in addition to running lights
