Tonnage, Oceans Examination Practice

Coast Guard Master – Unlimited Tonnage, Oceans Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• When navigating in restricted visibility, which sound signal should a

power-driven vessel underway sound?

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

Rationale: In restricted visibility, a power-driven vessel underway must

sound one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts every two minutes according to COLREGs Rule 35.

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• The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)

require which action when two power-driven vessels are meeting head- on?

• Both vessels maintain course and speed
• Both vessels turn to starboard
• Both vessels turn to port
• Both vessels alter course to starboard and pass port to port

Rationale: Rule 14(a) of COLREGs states that vessels meeting head-on

should alter course to starboard to pass safely port-to-port.

• A vessel is displaying a red over green light at night. What type of vessel

is it?

• Power-driven vessel underway
• Sailing vessel underway
• Fishing vessel
• Pilot vessel

Rationale: Red over green sidelights indicate a sailing vessel under way, as

per COLREGs Rule 23.

• Which stability factor is most affected by adding weight high in the

vessel?

• Draft 2 / 4

• Freeboard
• Trim
• Metacentric height (GM)

Rationale: Adding weight high reduces GM, decreasing initial stability and

increasing the risk of capsizing.

• Which publication contains U.S. Coast Guard navigation rules?
• American Practical Navigator
• Navigation Rules, International-Inland
• Coast Pilot
• Light List

Rationale: The Navigation Rules, International-Inland, contains rules for

preventing collisions at sea.

• When shifting ballast water, what is the main concern?
• Increasing speed
• Reducing fuel consumption
• Maintaining stability and trim
• Improving radar visibility

Rationale: Shifting ballast affects stability and trim; improper adjustment

can endanger the vessel.

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7. The primary purpose of the load line is to:

• Determine engine efficiency
• Indicate maximum legal draft
• Show trim limits
• Measure freeboard

Rationale: Load lines indicate the maximum safe loading of a vessel in

various water conditions to prevent overloading.

• A vessel is in a heavy sea and rolls excessively. Which action improves

stability?

• Add weight to the superstructure
• Lower the center of gravity
• Increase engine RPM
• Increase speed in beam seas

Rationale: Lowering the center of gravity increases metacentric height

(GM) and improves stability.

9. The Beaufort scale is used to describe:

• Tidal heights
• Wind force
• Current velocity
• Visibility
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