of Towing Vessels Examination Practice

United States Coast Guard Mate (Pilot) of Towing Vessels Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• The primary purpose of the International Regulations for Preventing

Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) is to:

• Protect cargo from damage
• Ensure efficient shipping operations
• Prevent collisions between vessels
• Minimize fuel consumption

Rationale: COLREGS are designed to establish navigational rules to

prevent collisions at sea.

2. A “squat” effect occurs when:

• A vessel is overloaded 1 / 4

• A vessel moves at high speed in shallow water
• A vessel heels excessively
• Towing gear is improperly secured

Rationale: Squat is the reduction in under-keel clearance caused by

high-speed transit in shallow water.

• When navigating in restricted visibility, the sound signal for a power-

driven vessel underway is:

• One prolonged blast every two minutes
• Two short blasts every two minutes
• Three short blasts every two minutes
• One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts every two

minutes

Rationale: This signal identifies a power-driven vessel making way in

fog according to COLREGS.

4. In towing, the “bridle” refers to:

• The main towing line
• A rigging connecting two towing lines to a tug
• The anchor line
• The emergency towline

Rationale: A bridle distributes towing forces evenly from a tug to the

tow.

• Which type of anchor is most suitable for soft clay seabeds?
• Stockless anchor 2 / 4

• Danforth anchor
• Plow-type anchor
• Grapnel anchor

Rationale: Plow-type anchors are designed to penetrate soft clay and

hold securely.

6. A tug towing astern should ensure that:

• The towline is slack at all times
• The tow is secured to the bow only
• The towline has proper catenary and tension
• The towline is shorter than 50 feet

Rationale: Proper catenary reduces shock loads and improves towing

safety.

• Which is a key factor in preventing towline parting during towing?
• Using multiple tugs
• Maintaining steady speed and avoiding abrupt maneuvers
• Shortening the towline
• Using synthetic line only

Rationale: Sudden strain and speed changes increase risk of towline

failure.

8. The primary danger of towing in ice-infested waters is:

• Reduced visibility only
• Slower towing speeds
• Hull damage and towline failure due to ice impact 3 / 4

• Fuel consumption increase

Rationale: Ice can puncture hulls or sever towlines if precautions are

not taken.

• What is the minimum number of crew required on a towing vessel

under 26 feet in length?

• One
• Two
• Three
• Four

Rationale: Safety regulations require at least two crew members to

operate towing vessels safely.

• When using radar to determine the risk of collision, which

method is standard?

• Visual bearings only
• Estimating distance by eye
• Plotting relative motion on a radar screen
• Using sonar readings

Rationale: Relative motion plotting on radar helps determine the

closest point of approach (CPA).

11. The “effective length” of a towing line is influenced by:

• Line material only
• Tug horsepower
• Catenary and scope of the line
• / 4