Browse all practice questions for the COLREGs International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) Practice Test. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

COLREGs International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) Practice Test 2026 - Free IRPCS Practice Questions and Study Guide course image
More practice questions

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

  • What action should a stand-on vessel take if a collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone?
  • How should alterations to course or speed be made to avoid collision?
  • Rule 18 outlines responsibilities between which of the following?
  • What should a vessel do if it is unsure about collision risk?
  • Rule 23 provides regulations for which type of vessels?
  • What action is NOT permitted to alleviate the duty of keeping clear for the overtaking vessel?
  • What is the focus of Part A of the COLREGs?
  • Which of the following best describes a vessel "underway"?
  • What is the focus of Part B Section 3?
  • What requirement does Rule 4 of COLREGs emphasize?
  • When two sailing vessels are approaching, what should the vessel which has the wind on the port side do?
  • What does Rule 21 cover regarding lights and shapes?
  • Which part of the COLREGs does NOT cover any rules about conduct?
  • Which rule governs the conduct of vessels in restricted visibility?
  • How is a vessel deemed to be overtaking another vessel?
  • How often should the COLREGs be reviewed by seafarers?
  • What shapes should a vessel constrained by her draft display?
  • What is the duty of a vessel under Rule 20 regarding engine operation?
  • What is the most effective action to avoid a close-quarters situation?
  • When two sailing vessels approach one another, which vessel is required to keep out of the way?
  • What do Rule 1 and Rule 2 of COLREGs address?
  • What does Rule 34 emphasize about proceeding through a "TSS" (Traffic Separation Scheme)?
  • Which action is advised to avoid a developing risk of collision?
  • What should a vessel do if necessary to avoid a collision?
  • Why must vessels navigate with extreme caution under certain conditions?
  • What must a vessel using a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) do while navigating?
  • What restriction applies to vessels less than 20m in length when navigating a narrow channel?
  • What actions are required by ships operating in a narrow channel according to Rule 9?
  • Which section of the COLREGs covers the rules for 'Conduct of Vessels in Sight of One Another'?
  • Under which rule must vessels display day shapes to indicate their operational status?
  • Which of the following statements is true regarding collision responsibility?
  • What do the rules of the COLREGs help vessels achieve at sea?
  • When may a vessel use all available means to avoid a collision?
  • What does Rule 36 require concerning signaling?
  • What does COLREGs stand for?
  • What must vessels do if both are sailing with the wind on the same side?
  • When is a vessel permitted to enter a separation zone?
  • In cases of restricted visibility, which action is least recommended?
  • How should a non-power-driven vessel exhibit itself at night?
  • Which rule applies in situations of overtaking?
  • What is a requirement for all vessels when navigating in restricted visibility according to Rule 19b?
  • What should a vessel be prepared to do in the event of a close-quarters situation?
  • What must overtaking vessels do to facilitate safe passing in a narrow channel?
  • What does Rule 17 entail regarding the actions of vessels?
  • What is the definition of a crossing situation in maritime context?
  • In a crossing situation, which vessel is obligated to keep out of the way?
  • If the situation allows, what is the ideal time frame for making an alteration of course?
  • When crossing lanes in a TSS, how should a vessel orient itself?
  • What should be the outcome of any action taken to avoid collision?
  • What should a vessel not using a traffic separation scheme do?
  • How should a vessel navigate a narrow channel?
  • What is the primary obligation of a vessel under rule 10 when engaged in safety maintenance?
  • What is the primary consideration when determining safe speed?
  • What should not be assumed when determining risk of collision based on radar information?
  • Which rules cover lights and shapes in maritime navigation?
  • What should a seaplane on the water do when there is a risk of collision?
  • If it is determined that no risk of collision exists, what action is a vessel not required to take?
  • What should a vessel engaged in fishing do while navigating in a narrow channel?
  • Under what rule is the visibility of vessels determined?
  • Which parts of the COLREGs focus on sound and light signals?
  • Which Rule mentions the conditions for using sound signals under specific regulations?
  • What does Rule 14 state regarding head-on situations?
  • How must a vessel determine the risk of collision?
  • How many rules are included in the COLREGs?
  • Which rule defines the responsibility to avoid collisions?
  • In the case of a square-rigged vessel, how is the windward side determined?
  • What is a "vessel in sight"?
  • Which term describes a vessel constrained by draught?
  • In a head-on situation, what is the action that both vessels must take?
  • According to the rules, what should a vessel do if there is any uncertainty about the navigation situation?
  • Which rule emphasizes the need for vessels to be lit when at night?
  • When operating radar, what is essential for assessing risk of collision?
  • What is the best course of action if two vessels are on a collision course?
  • If a vessel is unsure whether it is overtaking another, what should it do?
  • What should the stand-on vessel do when one vessel is required to give way?
  • How should a vessel engaged in fishing behave near a traffic lane?
  • How does Rule 22 define "vessel"?
  • What is the proper protocol for taking action to avoid a collision?
  • According to Rule 9, how should vessels behave in a narrow channel?
  • Under Rule 29, how should vessels respond in crossing situations to minimize collision risks?
  • How should a vessel determine its windward side?
  • What is one critical aspect of navigating in close-quarters situations?
  • Which equipment is essential for early warning of risk of collision?
  • What is the requirement for vessels navigating in small craft areas as recommended by Rule 9?
  • Under which condition must a vessel take avoiding action as per Rule 19d?
  • What does Rule 5 of COLREGs require vessels to do?
  • What does Rule 10j state about vessels less than 20m or sailing vessels?
  • What type of signals are covered in Part D of the COLREGs?
  • What must an overtaking vessel indicate before attempting to pass in a narrow channel?
  • What defines a head-on situation between two vessels?
  • What is the significance of Rule 27?
  • What does Rule 8 require vessels to do to avoid collision?
  • What action should a vessel take if it needs to enter a separation zone?
  • When must a vessel reduce her speed according to Rule 19e?
  • What is required of every vessel regarding look-out?
  • What does Rule 10a pertain to?
  • What is one of the obligations of vessels under Rule 18 concerning CBD?
  • How should vessels conduct themselves when overtaking another vessel according to COLREGs?
  • What does Rule 32 mandate regarding vessels engaged in fishing?
  • What does Rule 11 describe?
  • What should a vessel do if there is any doubt about potential risk of collision?
  • What must every vessel maintain to avoid collisions?
  • What is the main purpose of Rule 6?
  • If a vessel possesses the other on its starboard side in a crossing situation, what should it do?
  • When does a sailing vessel have the right of way over a power-driven vessel?
  • What is the primary concern of Rule 19?
  • What must be assessed to determine an appropriate safe speed?
  • What is required of a vessel that has the right of way in terms of Rules compliance?
  • What is required of a give-way vessel according to the regulations?
  • What is the primary authority governing navigation on the high seas?
  • What constitutes 'due regard' in navigation?
  • When must a vessel take early action to avoid impeding another vessel?
  • What is the exemption for vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver during safety operations in TSS?
  • What happens if a vessel alters its bearing after overtaking another vessel?
  • Which term refers to vessels employed for essential maneuvers that restrict their ability to navigate?
  • Which factor is NOT considered when determining safe speed for a vessel?
  • When in doubt about a head-on situation, what should a vessel do?
  • Which indication may suggest that a risk of collision exists?
  • Under COLREGs, what action should a vessel take if visibility is compromised?
  • What action is a vessel required to undertake when approaching another vessel on a collision course?
  • What light configuration should a power-driven vessel exhibit when anchored?
  • What does Rule 15 dictate concerning crossing situations?
  • What does Rule 26 govern about the actions taken by a vessel when at anchor?
  • What is the range of rules covered in Part C?
  • What is one of the key components of safe navigation according to COLREGs?
  • How does Rule 12 distinguish between vessels' responsibilities in crossing situations?
  • What priority must a power-driven vessel give to a sailing vessel under Rule 10?
  • Which rule addresses the risk of collision?
  • Under what condition can a vessel cross a narrow channel or fairway?
  • Which section discusses 'Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility'?
  • What must a vessel do if it cannot accurately determine the windward vessel?
  • What is the primary purpose of Rule 9 concerning narrow channels?
  • What is the general guideline for anchoring in a narrow channel?
  • What type of rules does Part C of the COLREGs cover?
  • What is the primary purpose of COLREGs?
  • Which vessels must adhere to the rules in the section that apply to vessels in sight of one another?
  • What is the recommended action for a vessel regarding anchoring in a traffic separation scheme?
  • What is the primary objective of Rule 10?
  • What should vessels do if they see another vessel displaying distress signals?
  • What is the requirement of Rule 38 regarding vessels engaged in fishing?
  • Which chapter of the COLREGs contains the general rules?
  • What shape must a vessel fishing at night display?
  • How must vessels signal in case of restricted visibility as per Rule 35?
  • What type of vessel should avoid impeding a seaplane on the water?
  • During what activities must WIG crafts comply with the Rules of this Part as a power-driven vessel?
  • According to COLREGs, what is the term for the responsibility of avoiding collisions?
  • What should vessels on a collision course do to ensure safety?
  • What is the primary obligation of a vessel that is overtaking another vessel?
  • Under what condition does Rule 19a apply?
  • What is a consequence for a vessel constrained by her draught according to Rule 18d?
  • What should a vessel do when navigating near the terminations of traffic separation schemes?
  • What factors should be considered for determining a safe speed according to COLREGs?
  • What is the rule concerning the use of inshore traffic zones?
  • How do 'end devices' affect visibility according to COLREGs?
  • What does the term "look-out" refer to in the context of COLREGs?
  • What does Rule 19 concern?
  • Under Rule 3, how is "underway" defined?
  • What is generally expected of a vessel joining or leaving a traffic lane?
  • Which part of the COLREGs addresses 'Verification of Compliance with the Provisions of the Convention'?
  • To avoid a collision, what should be ensured regarding the passed distance from another vessel?
  • What should a vessel do if it hears a fog signal from another vessel ahead of her beam according to Rule 19e?
  • In overtaking situations, which vessel is the stand-on vessel?
  • What must every vessel do in conditions of restricted visibility according to Rule 19c?
  • Under what circumstances do COLREGs apply?
  • Which vessel has a responsibility to avoid impeding safe navigation according to Rule 9?
  • Why is it essential to maintain a proper look-out as stipulated in Rule 5?
  • When must a WIG craft keep well clear of all other vessels?
  • How many sections are there in Part B of the COLREGs?
  • What should a vessel do to avoid impeding the passage of a vessel constrained by her draught?
  • What is the primary focus of rules 4-10 in the COLREGs?
  • When should a vessel take action to avoid a collision according to COLREGs?
  • Under what condition can a vessel engaged in laying or servicing submarine cables in a TSS be exempt from compliance?
  • What does the term "restricted visibility" refer to?
  • Which rule addresses the need for ships to comply with statutory regulations?
  • What is the primary purpose of the COLREGs?
  • Which vessels are denoted as "give-way vessels"?
  • What kinds of vessels are included under the definition of "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver"?
  • According to Rule 19d, what should a vessel avoid if altering course?
  • What is the definition of a "seaplane" according to the rules?
  • What is the significance of Rule 33 regarding shapes displayed by vessels aboard?
  • Which of the following vessels is required to display specific lights according to Rule 21?
  • What is essential for a vessel to navigate with when there is a risk of collision?
  • According to Rule 17c, what should a power-driven vessel not do to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel?
  • What is recommended when altering course to avoid a vessel forward of the beam?
  • How does Rule 25 address the display of anchor lights?
  • Which rule discusses the actions of vessels constrained by their draft?
  • What does Rule 10 govern?
  • What does Part E of the COLREGs cover?
  • Which of the following actions should be avoided when trying to prevent a collision?
  • What is the obligation of the give-way vessel as described in Rule 17d?
  • What does Rule 26 specify regarding anchor lights?
  • Under Rule 18, which type of vessel must take priority in meeting situations?
  • Which vessels are allowed to use an inshore traffic zone without restrictions?
  • Which vessels are required to follow COLREGs?
  • How should a power-driven vessel navigate in restricted visibility?
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy