Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Marine Captain Licensing 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 anchor?
• To signal distress
• To prevent the vessel from drifting
• To increase speed
• To secure cargo

Rationale: The anchor is used to hold a vessel in place and prevent it

from drifting due to wind or current.

• What does a red buoy on your starboard side indicate when returning

from sea?

• Port-hand buoy 1 / 4

• Starboard-hand buoy
• Danger buoy
• Safe water buoy

Rationale: In the U.S., red buoys mark the starboard side of the

channel when returning from the sea (“red, right, returning”).

• What is the effect of a strong current on a vessel’s course over

ground?

• No effect
• Increases engine efficiency
• Causes drift from intended course
• Reduces wind resistance

Rationale: Currents push the vessel off its intended course, so the

navigator must correct heading to compensate.

• Which is the correct sound signal for a vessel underway making way in

restricted visibility?

• One prolonged blast every 2 minutes
• One prolonged blast every 2 minutes
• Two short blasts every 2 minutes
• One short and one prolonged blast every 2 minutes

Rationale: Inland and international rules require a prolonged blast

every 2 minutes for a power-driven vessel underway in restricted visibility. 2 / 4

• When must a marine captain ensure all life jackets are readily

accessible?

• Only during passenger boarding
• At all times while underway
• Only in bad weather
• Only at night

Rationale: Safety regulations require life jackets to be accessible to

all persons on board at all times while underway.

• What is the primary hazard of carbon monoxide on boats?
• Fire hazard
• Poisoning from inhalation
• Hull corrosion
• Engine damage

Rationale: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can

accumulate and cause poisoning, leading to serious injury or death.

• What does the term “draft” refer to?
• Length of vessel
• Depth of water needed to float the vessel
• Width of vessel
• Capacity of fuel tanks

Rationale: Draft is the vertical distance between the waterline and

the bottom of the hull (keel), determining the depth of water required to float safely. 3 / 4

• Which type of fire extinguisher is suitable for electrical fires on a

vessel?

• Water-based
• Foam
• CO2 or dry chemical
• Wet chemical

Rationale: CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers are non-conductive and

safe for electrical fires.

• A vessel is overtaking another on the starboard side. Who has the right

of way?

• The vessel being overtaken
• The vessel on port side
• The overtaking vessel must keep clear
• Both must stop

Rationale: The overtaking vessel is responsible for keeping clear of

the vessel being overtaken.

• What is the safe speed in conditions of restricted visibility?
• Maximum speed possible
• A speed at which the vessel can stop within the distance visible
• Any speed if radar is used
• Half the normal speed

Rationale: Navigation rules require speed to be controlled so the

vessel can stop within the distance seen ahead to avoid collisions.

• / 4