Steam or Motor Vessels Examination

Coast Guard Master of Near Coastal Steam or Motor Vessels Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which publication contains official navigation rules for vessels on

inland and international waters?

• International Maritime Organization Manual
• International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

(COLREGS)

• United States Coast Guard Navigation Rules
• Merchant Marine Manual

Rationale: The COLREGS is the internationally recognized standard

for preventing collisions on the water. 1 / 4

• When a vessel is underway and sees a red light over a green light on

another vessel at night, this indicates:

• The vessel is anchored
• The vessel is sailing
• The vessel is towing
• The vessel is crossing your path port-to-port

Rationale: Red over green indicates a vessel crossing from your

starboard side.

• What is the primary purpose of the Plimsoll line on a ship?
• To measure draft for docking
• To determine cargo weight
• To indicate the maximum safe loading level
• To mark fire zones

Rationale: The Plimsoll line ensures vessels are not overloaded,

maintaining stability and safety.

• A "vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver" must display which

shapes during the day?

• Circle over diamond
• Ball-diamond-ball
• Two cones apex to apex
• Single ball

Rationale: The ball-diamond-ball shape identifies vessels restricted in

maneuverability according to COLREGS. 2 / 4

5. A sextant is primarily used to measure:

• Wind speed
• Altitude of celestial bodies
• Water depth
• Distance traveled

Rationale: Sextants measure angles between celestial objects and

the horizon for navigation.

6. Dead reckoning navigation relies on:

• Satellite signals
• Course, speed, time, and drift
• Radar readings
• Buoy positions

Rationale: Dead reckoning calculates position based on known

speed, course, and time elapsed.

7. The main source of electrical power on a motor vessel is usually:

• Batteries only
• Solar panels
• Ship’s generator
• Wind turbines

Rationale: The ship’s generator provides primary electrical power for

engines and ship systems.

• Which type of anchor is best for soft mud seabeds?
• Stockless anchor 3 / 4

• Danfort or mushroom anchor
• Grapnel anchor
• Plow anchor

Rationale: Danforth and mushroom anchors have large flukes that

dig into soft bottoms effectively.

• In the event of engine failure in heavy weather, the immediate action

should be:

• Abandon ship
• Call for tug assistance only
• Drop anchor if possible and use emergency steering
• Wait for weather to improve

Rationale: Anchoring prevents drifting into danger and maintaining

control is essential until repairs are made.

• What is the primary purpose of a liferaft’s hydrostatic release?
• Inflates the raft manually
• Automatically releases the raft if the ship sinks
• Keeps the raft tethered to the ship
• Signals distress automatically

Rationale: Hydrostatic releases ensure liferafts deploy when a vessel

sinks without manual intervention.

• Which type of vessel is required to carry an Automatic

Identification System (AIS)?

• Fishing vessels under 15 meters
• / 4