DMV Practice Test Hub › Boating › Right of way: overtaking, crossing, head-on
Boating test topic: right of way: overtaking, crossing, head-on
10 test-style questions with the answer and the exact rule.
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- If you detect another vessel by radar alone in restricted visibility and determine a risk of collision exists, which course alteration should be avoided when the other vessel is forward of the beam?An alteration of course to port. The rule advises avoiding an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, unless that vessel is being overtaken.33 CFR § 83.19(d): “If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided: (i) An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken;”
- What is the obligation of the give-way vessel even when the stand-on vessel takes action?The obligation to keep out of the way is not relieved. The stand-on vessel's actions do not remove the responsibility of the give-way vessel to avoid collision.33 CFR § 83.17(d): “This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.”
- You are approaching another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam. How is your status defined under the rules?You are deemed to be overtaking the other vessel. Approaching from behind within the specified angle defines the interaction as an overtaking situation, requiring you to keep clear.33 CFR § 83.13(b): “A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam”
- Two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses, creating a risk of collision. How should each vessel alter its course?Alter course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other. In a head-on meeting situation, both vessels must turn to starboard to pass port-to-port.33 CFR § 83.14(a): “Unless otherwise agreed, when two power-driven vessels are meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to involve risk of collision each shall alter her course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.”
- You are operating a power-driven vessel on the Great Lakes, proceeding downbound with a following current, and you meet an upbound vessel on a reciprocal course. How does the standard head-on rule apply to this situation?The downbound vessel has the right-of-way over the upbound vessel. On specified waters like the Great Lakes, the vessel moving with the current (downbound) has priority over the vessel moving against the current (upbound).33 CFR § 83.14(d): “Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Rule, a power-driven vessel operating on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary, and proceeding downbound with a following current shall have the right-of-way over an upbound vessel”
- When operating in a narrow channel, what is the required position for a vessel proceeding along the course?Keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable. The rule mandates staying near the starboard outer limit to ensure safe passage for opposing traffic.33 CFR § 83.09(a): “A vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel or fairway shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable.”
- According to the responsibilities between vessels, which type of vessel must a sailing vessel underway keep out of the way of?A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver. The rule states that a sailing vessel must yield to vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver.33 CFR § 83.17(c): “A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of: (ii) A vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver;”
- Two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision. You see the other vessel on your starboard side. What is your obligation?Keep out of the way and avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel if circumstances admit. The vessel with the other on its starboard side is the give-way vessel and must keep clear, avoiding crossing ahead if possible.33 CFR § 83.15(a): “When two power-driven vessels are crossing so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which has the other on her starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.”
- In a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels, if you are the give-way vessel and need to alter course to avoid collision, what is the preferred direction of alteration according to the rules?Alter course to starboard to pass astern of the other vessel. The rule specifies that a give-way vessel should not alter course to port for a vessel on its own port side, implying the standard safe maneuver is to alter to starboard.33 CFR § 83.17(c): “A power-driven vessel which takes action in a crossing situation in accordance with paragraph (a)(ii) of this Rule to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, not alter course to port for a vessel on her own port side.”
- What is the requirement for a vessel crossing a narrow channel or fairway regarding vessels that can only navigate within that channel?The crossing vessel must not cross if doing so impedes the passage of the vessel navigating within the channel. Crossing vessels must ensure their maneuver does not hinder the progress of vessels confined to the narrow channel.33 CFR § 83.09(d): “A vessel must not cross a narrow channel or fairway if such crossing impedes the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within such channel or fairway.”