Coastal Examination Practice Questions

Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) – Near Coastal Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary purpose of a vessel's bilge

pump?

• Increase speed
• Remove water from the bilge
• Provide propulsion
• Stabilize the vessel 1 / 4

• Remove water from the bilge

Rationale: Bilge pumps are designed to remove unwanted water from the

bilge, helping maintain vessel buoyancy and safety.

• What does the term “load line” indicate on a vessel?
• Maximum engine power
• Maximum safe draft under varying water conditions
• Minimum crew required
• Type of cargo allowed
• Maximum safe draft under varying water conditions

Rationale: The load line shows the legal limit to which a vessel may be

loaded to ensure safety under different water densities and sea conditions.

• When operating a vessel in restricted visibility, the OUPV operator

should:

• Maintain full speed
• Sound appropriate sound signals and proceed at safe speed
• Turn off navigation lights
• Anchor immediately
• Sound appropriate sound signals and proceed at safe speed

Rationale: Safe speed and proper sound signaling help prevent collisions in

limited visibility.

• The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

(COLREGS) apply: 2 / 4

• Only on international voyages
• To all vessels upon the high seas and in connected waters navigable

by seagoing vessels

• Only to passenger vessels
• Only in U.S. territorial waters
• To all vessels upon the high seas and in connected waters navigable by

seagoing vessels

Rationale: COLREGS are internationally binding rules for navigation to

prevent collisions.

• Which type of fire extinguisher should be used on a Class B fire

(flammable liquids)?

• Water
• Carbon dioxide
• Foam or CO2
• Water with soap
• Foam or CO2

Rationale: Class B fires involve flammable liquids; water is ineffective and

dangerous. Foam or CO2 suffocates the fire safely.

• Which document must a U.S. passenger vessel carry to operate

commercially?

• International Safety Certificate
• Certificate of Inspection (COI) or OUPV documentation 3 / 4

• Maritime License for Officer Only
• Coast Guard Registration Only
• Certificate of Inspection (COI) or OUPV documentation

Rationale: The COI or OUPV license indicates compliance with Coast Guard

regulations for carrying passengers.

7. A vessel with a displacement hull is limited in speed because:

• It cannot exceed hull speed without planing
• It lacks a motor
• It is unsafe to exceed 10 knots
• It is always heavily loaded
• It cannot exceed hull speed without planing

Rationale: Displacement hulls push through water and are limited by hull

speed, calculated as 1.34 × √(waterline length in feet).

• What is the purpose of a vessel’s sound-powered telephone?
• Broadcast music
• Communicate without external power
• Alert passengers of fire
• Provide internet access
• Communicate without external power

Rationale: Sound-powered phones work mechanically, ensuring

communication during power failures.

• / 4