Rules of the Road
License Prep
Introduction and Overview
We recommend studying the Rules of the Road Exam by breaking it up by rules. First, download the schedule below and update with your own dates. Then start each rules sections. Focus only on one day's worth of rules each day. You probably could cram through all of them in one day, but it is much better to let it build slowly while also building your other subjects (oceans, chart plot, generals, etc.). First go through the presentation and any other study materials that are provided for the day. There are many different options offered by Quizlet to study the set, but I recommend using "Learn" and under "Options" turning off "Written" and "Flash Cards". Keep "Multiple Choice" activated. I also recommend activating "Shuffle Terms". If there is a question which you do not know the answer to or keep getting it wrong, go back to the Prezi and identify what you may be misinterpreting. This is important for learning the material and not simply memorizing the question/answers. After you are confident with this day's section, open the Cumulative Quizlet. This will let you review all of the questions up until this point. Once you have gone through the 15 days of studying, you will be practicing full tests. Keep practicing full tests until you score above a 90% consistently. After every test, identify what questions you were consistently getting wrong and go back to those study days to focus on understanding the material. Quizlet does not allow for images next to a multiple choice question. I recommend downloading or printing a copy of the diagrams which you will have on hand while practicing.
Session 1: Rules 1, 2, 3
We recommend studying the Rules of the Road Exam by breaking it up by rules. First, download the schedule below and update with your own dates. Then start each rules sections. Focus only on one day's worth of rules each day. You probably could cram through all of them in one day, but it is much better to let it build slowly while also building your other subjects (oceans, chart plot, generals, etc.). First go through the presentation and any other study materials that are provided for the day. There are many different options offered by Quizlet to study the set, but I recommend using "Learn" and under "Options" turning off "Written" and "Flash Cards". Keep "Multiple Choice" activated. I also recommend activating "Shuffle Terms". If there is a question which you do not know the answer to or keep getting it wrong, go back to the Prezi and identify what you may be misinterpreting. This is important for learning the material and not simply memorizing the question/answers. After you are confident with this day's section, open the Cumulative Quizlet. This will let you review all of the questions up until this point. Once you have gone through the 15 days of studying, you will be practicing full tests. Keep practicing full tests until you score above a 90% consistently. After every test, identify what questions you were consistently getting wrong and go back to those study days to focus on understanding the material. Quizlet does not allow for images next to a multiple choice question. I recommend downloading or printing a copy of the diagrams which you will have on hand while practicing.
Session 2: Rules 4 - 8
Rule 4 is Application. This rule says that the rest of the rules in this section must be followed at any time. This means that rules 5 - 8 shall always be followed, even if there is restricted visibility. Rule 5 is Lookout. Lookout is more of a concept than a position so addressing it is not done simply by having someone with "lookout duties. The concept of Lookout in the rules is that you must maintain a constant watch using all available means to identify if there is a risk of collision. This includes listening to sound signals, radio calls, and using electronic equipment. This concept also brings awareness to the limitations of some methods of identifying risk of collision including the RADAR. Rule 6 is Safe Speed. Again, this is more of a concept than a set speed. You must take into account all factors which might influence your ability to avoid collision including maneuverability, weather, and background lights. If you are unable to avoid collision, you were not going a safe speed. Rule 7 is Risk of Collision. Maintain your lookout so that you can identify if there is a risk of collision as early as possible. If you have a constant bearing but decreasing range, there is a risk of collision. If you are in doubt, assume there is a risk of collision. There may be a risk of collision even if there is a bearing change (it mentions large vessels or towing vessels with a large tow). Rule 8 is Action to avoid collision. This rule stipulates what you must do when taking action to avoid collision. First, you must make sure that it is large (easy to see), early, and positive (it should make things better and not result in another risk of collision). Course changes are best because they are easy to see, but you can always slow down to give more time to assess. Avoid multiple course changes (leads to the dance of death). Monitor the situation after your action until they are well past and clear (nothing could result in a collision, even if they lost steering). This rule must be followed by all vessels (including both stand on and give way vessels).
Session 2: Review
You have completed the study tasks for Day 1 and Day 2. Now you should go through the bank of questions again and see if you still remember everything that has been covered so far. If you notice that you are still confused about a few questions, go back to those sections to review and make sure that you have fully mastered all content areas covered so far. Reminder: Enter your scores into the Progress Tracker!
Session 3: Rules 11, 16 - 18
Rule 11 is Application for rules 11, 16 - 18. These rules only apply when in sight. This means that Rule 12 - Sailing Vessels, Rule 13 - Overtaking, Rule 14 - Head-on Situation, Rule 15 - Crossing Situation, Rule - 16 Give-way, Rule 17 - Stand-On, and Rule 18 - Responsibility between vessels (Hierarchy). This means that if you are in Restricted Visibility and you cannot see another vessel but have identified them on the RADAR, these rules would NOT apply. This means that Give-way and Stand-on ONLY exist if you can see the other vessel. Rule 19 - Restricted visibility is what you would follow if you cannot see the other vessel when in Restricted viability. Rule 16 is Action by the Give-way vessel. This rule is pretty simple, if you are directed as being the give-way vessel, keep out of the way of the other vessel. Other rules provide more specifics on the best way to avoid, but here it is simply "avoid". Rule 17 is Action by the Stand-on vessel. This rule is a little more complex than Rule 16. There are three stages of the Stand-on Vessel. Maintain Course and Speed - This is the normal stage where you do what most people think of when they hear "stand-on" MAY alter course/speed if the other vessel is not taking action - This stage exists at the same time as Maintain Course and Speed, but you should wait until it is clear that the other vessel is taking appropriate action. This rule does not necessarily let you take action as you want as the stand-on vessel. It also does not give you "right of way" or the ability to dictate to the give-way vessel how they will take action. SHALL take action when at extremis. This is the stage which means everyone waited too long and now you are at the point where the other vessel cannot prevent collision. In order to avoid collision, you MUST do something. Because of Rule 2, you are still responsible for avoiding collision, even though you are the stand-on vessel. Rule 17 also points out that a stand-on vessel should avoid altering course to port for a vessel on your port side. It also reminds the give-way vessel that they still maintain their responsibility to avoid, even if there stand-on vessel has taken action. Rule 18 is Responsibilities Between Vessels or also known as "Hierarchy". This rule stipulates which vessels avoid other vessels. The easiest way to remember this is by the acronym: New NUC Reels RAM Catch CBD Fish Fishing/Trawling So Sailing Purchase PDV Some Seaplane/WIG craft NUC and RAM are technically on the same line and neither are directed to keep out of the way of the other. However, NUC is generally considered less capable of avoiding collision than RAM, so it is placed on the top. In a situation where there is a risk of collision between NUC and RAM, more information about the situation is needed to determine who will avoid the other.
Session 4: Rules 12 - 15
Reminder, these are a part of the In Sight Section, so these rules only apply if you can see the other vessel. Rule 12 is Sailing Vessels. This rule explains which vessel is give-way when it is two sailing vessels with a risk of collision. There are basically three rules based on the side of the wind. You can determine the side of the wind by looking at the sails. The wind will be on the opposite side of the sail. If there are multiple sails, the wind is primarily on the opposite side of the largest sail. When on opposite sides, Wind on Port side gives way When on same sides, Closest to the wind gives way When you have wind on your Port side and you are not sure what side the wind is for the other vessel, you should give way. Rule 13 is Overtaking. This rule explains which vessels is designated as the give-way vessel when one vessel is overtaking another with a risk of collision. An overtaking situation is where there is a vessel approaching from 22.5 degrees abaft the beam (they can see the stern light). If you are in doubt, assume you are overtaking. This rule requires a risk of collision, otherwise it is not a situation which is defined in the rules and does not require action. If a situation begins as an Overtaking situation, it remains an overtaking situation. ANY vessel overtaking ANY other vessel is give-way. This means that if a NUC vessel is overtaking a PDV, the NUC vessel is still required to avoid the PDV. This rule also does not say which side is required to overtake on. This means that you can overtake on STBD or on Port. Rule 14 is Head On. This rule explains which vessel is designated as the give-way vessel when two PDVs have a risk of collision and they are on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses (can see both side lights). This rule requires both vessels to be PDVs so a head-on situation cannot exist between any other vessel types. Those situations would follow Rule 18 Responsibility Between Vessels (Hierarchy). If you are in doubt, assume it is a Head-on situation. Both vessels give-way to STBD, passing Port to Port. Inland does have some unique aspects to this rule. Inland allows the vessels to give-way to Port, passing STBD to STBD if agreed. This can be by sound signals or over the radio. International does not allow this arrangement to be made. On the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, and Waters Specified by the Secretary there is a rule based on if you are heading up or down the river. Vessels Down-bound have the Right-of-Way. This is the only time that the term Right-of-Way is used. This means that the vessel which has the current on the stern (going down-bound and with the river) has the ability to propose which side the vessels will pass on.
Session 4: Review
You have completed the study tasks for Day 1 and Day 2. Now you should go through the bank of questions again and see if you still remember everything that has been covered so far. If you notice that you are still confused about a few questions, go back to those sections to review and make sure that you have fully mastered all content areas covered so far. Reminder: Enter your scores into the Progress Tracker!
Session 5: Rules 9 & 10
Rule 9 is Narrow Channels. This rule explains how vessels will interact and transit within a Narrow Channel. Keep as far to the STBD side as practicable. Yes, you can go down the center, but you should keep as far to the STBD side as the situation allows. Certain vessels will avoid a vessel transiting safely in a Narrow Channel. These are: Small vessels less than 20m Sailing Vessels Fishing Vessels Crossing Vessels If you need the other vessel to move to STBD or Port to allow you to overtake safely, you can make this request using Whistle Signals. If the other vessel agrees, they must move and allow the overtaking vessel to pass safely The overtaking vessel remains giveway, but not both vessels are giveway and must take action so that the situation resolves safely. Be careful coming around the bend which obscures your view, you might not see a vessel on the other side. Sound One Prolong Blast to notify vessels on the other side of the bend of your approach. Avoid Anchoring in a Narrow Channel Inland Only (Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or Waters Specified by the Secretary) Down-bound vessel has right-of-way over the up-bound vessel. This means that the Down-bound vessel will initiate sound signals and propose the way that they will pass (Port to Port and STBD to STBD). Yes, you should keep as far to the STBD side of the channel as safe, but sometimes the current is so strong on these rivers that it is safer for the Down-bound vessel to take the outside of the bend in the river. Rule 10 is Traffic Separation Schemes. This rule is very similar to Narrow Channels but be careful, there are some significant differences. Follow the appropriate lane. Do NOT go against the flow of traffic. If you are not using a TSS, stay well clear of it. Join at the terminations of the Traffic separation scheme or at a small angle (acute) - Like slowly merging onto the highway Cross at a large angle so it is clear (90 degrees) - Like cutting across a busy street Inshore lanes should be used only by: Small vessels (less than 20m) Sailing Fishing Transiting directly to a port, offshore installation/structure, pilot station, or anything located in the inshore lane. Stay out of the Traffic Separation Zone unless: crossing emergencies fishing Avoid Anchoring in a Traffic Separation Scheme or at it's terminations A vessel transiting safely in a Traffic Separation Scheme shall be avoided by: Small Vessels less than 20m Sailing Fishing Notice Crossing is NOT included. Crossing vessels are treated as a Crossing situation
Session 6: Rule 19
When you are in or near (such as near a fog bank) restricted visibility and you can NOT see the other vessel, you follow this rule. As soon as you can see the other vessel, you follow the insight rules such as crossing and head-on. Give-way and Stand-on are also insight rules, which means that they do not exist if you cannot see the other vessel. This rule notes overtaking vessels, so if you are overtaking another vessel but cannot see them, you still avoid them similar to an overtaking situation. This rules reminds you to keep all conditions and circumstances in mind when it comes to Lookout and Safe Speed. If you identify a vessel on your RADAR but cannot see them: If forward of the beam, Avoid turn to Port If abaft the beam, Avoid turn towards them If you hear a fog signal forward of the beam but do not see visually or on RADAR, reduce to "Bare Steerage-way" and navigate carefully until danger of collision is over. You may have to stop completely. Bare Steerage-way is the slowest you can go and still have control of your vessel Safe Speed is a speed where you can still avoid collision. You should ALWAYS be going a safe speed
Session 6: Review
You have completed the study tasks for Day 1 and Day 2. Now you should go through the bank of questions again and see if you still remember everything that has been covered so far. If you notice that you are still confused about a few questions, go back to those sections to review and make sure that you have fully mastered all content areas covered so far. Reminder: Enter your scores into the Progress Tracker!
Session 7: Rule 32 - 34
This set has a LARGE database of questions in the Coast Guard bank. I only included a small percentage of the questions which have been presented by the Coast Guard and it is still a massive bank. Be sure to approach these questions from understanding the material. Also, be careful about verbiage used. I recommend printing out the Maneuvering Sound Signals Sheet and the Overtaking Sound Signals Sheet and using them while you study. Memorize these spread sheets and this will be one of the first things you "dump" onto your test. This will become a quick reference at this point so that you brain can focus on understanding the questions instead of remembering the information. Rule 32 is Definitions for the Sound and Light Signals. Whistle - Sound making device which makes a blast which complies with Annex II Short Blast - about 1 second Prolong Blast - 4-6 seconds Note, there is no such thing as a "long blast" Rule 33 is Equipment for Sound Signals 12m or less - some sort of means to create an efficient sound signal (usually an air-horn) 12m-20m - Whistle 20-100m - Whistle and Bell Over 100m - Whistle, Bell, and Gong Additionally, an automated sound signal can be used, however there must also be a manual means of creating the sound signal. Rule 34 is Maneuvering and Warning Signals International - Maneuvering signals are required by all vessels with a risk of collision and are in sight. Inland - Maneuvering signals are required by two power driven vessels within 1/2 NM, and in sight There are slight verbiage differences between Inland and International. The resulting action is the same, but the exact meaning is slightly different. Focus on the differences between "Intention" and "Action". See Maneuvering Sound Signals and Overtaking Sound Signals sheets below. You may supplement whistle signals with light signals (this means in addition to). International can only use an all around white light. Inland can use an all around white or a yellow light. International can repeat the signal as needed. Inland synchronizes the light with the sound signal.
Session 8: Rules 35 - 37
Rule 35 - Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility These sound signals are to be sounded in or near restricted visibility. They are used to notify other positions of your position since you cannot see them. See the Restricted Visibility Sound Signals Sheet below. Note that vessels engaged in fishing or RAM when at anchor sound the "Doing" or "Hampered" signal instead of the anchor signal. Also note that sound signals are not required when anchored in a special anchorage designated by the secretary for vessels that are less than 20 meters and are a barge, canal boat, scow, or other nondescript craft. Rule 36 - Signals to Attract Attention You may use light or sound signals that cannot be mistaken for any other signal to attract attention of another vessel. You may also direct a search light in the direction of danger, but do not embarrass (shine the light at the other vessel which will blind them) the other vessel. Strobe lights shall be avoided. Rule 37 - Distress Signals The following are distress signals. These signals indicate that the vessel is in immediate need of assistance. Note that this does not include NUC or Aground. The lights for NUC and Aground vessels are NOT considered Distress Signals. Red Star Shells Fog Horn Continuous Sounding Flames on vessel Gun fired at intervals of 1 min Orange Background Black Ball and Square SOS "MAYDAY" Parachute Red Flare Dye Marker (any color) on water Code Flags November Charlie Square Flag and Ball Waving Arms Radio-Telegraph Alarm (GMDSS alert) Radio-Telephone Alarm (Distress call over the radio) Position Indicating RADIO Beacon (SART or EPIRB) Smoke (orange) Inland Only - High intensity white light flashing at intervals of 50-70 times per minute
Session 8: Review
You have completed the study tasks for Day 1 and Day 2. Now you should go through the bank of questions again and see if you still remember everything that has been covered so far. If you notice that you are still confused about a few questions, go back to those sections to review and make sure that you have fully mastered all content areas covered so far. Reminder: Enter your scores into the Progress Tracker!
Session 9: Rules 20 - 30 Dayshapes
The day shapes are outlined throughout Rules 20 - 30. When comparing these to the lights which exist alongside the day shapes in these rules, the day shapes are significantly easier. They are also easier to memorize as one set instead of memorizing them alongside their light counterparts as it is written in the rules. These day shapes include: Anchor - Anchor Ball Anchor FWD, Ball FWD NUC - 2 Anchor Balls 2 Red lts - 2 Balls Aground - 3 Anchor Balls I'm still looking for something good for this one CBD - Cylinder Draft Can Beer RAM - Ball, Diamond, Ball (Add anchor ball if at anchor) Red, White, Red - Ball, Diamond, Ball Dredge/Underwater Operations - 2 Balls on side with obstruction, 2 diamonds on side safe to pass (Added to RAM shapes) 2 Reds and 2 Greens - 2 Balls and 2 Diamonds Mine Clearance - 3 Balls on the cross tree (Add anchor ball if at anchor) 3 Greens on a cross tree - 3 balls on a cross tree Dive operations - Code Flag Alpha I'm still looking for something good for this one Fishing/Trawling - 2 cones apex together (Looks like an hour glass) Fishing is a Good Time When gear extends greater than 150m - Cone apex up and place on side with the gear (Added to Fishing/Trawling shapes) I'm still looking for something good for this one Sailing with Auxiliary Machinery - Cone Apex Down Engines Down, Apex Down
Session 10: Rules 23 & Annex V
Rule 23 covers the lights which are required for a power driven vessel which include: Masthead Lts (only 1 for less than 50m in length, 2 if any size) Side Lts Stern Lt If less than 12, they can use an all around white lt instead of a masthead lt and stern lt. This all-around white lt can be shifted off of centerline is the side Lts are in a combined lantern If less than 7m and 7kts, only needs the all around white lt. Inland Only - On the Great Lakes, the After Masthead can be combined with the stern lt in an all-around white lt. A PDV does not indicate makingway status so their side lts and stern lts are always on. Rule 23 lists special identification lts which are added to the lights prescribed for a PDV, similar to some listed in Annex V. It is easier to memorize these identification lts together even though they currently exist in separate places in the rules book. Below are the special identification lts for PDVs All-around yellow flashing lt - PDV in Non-displacement mode All-around red flashing lt - WIG taking off, landing, or transiting near the water All-around Blue flashing lt - Law enforcement vessel (Inland Only) All-around Alternating Red and Yellow lt - Public Safety Vessel (Inland Only)
Session 10: Review
You have completed the study tasks for Day 1 and Day 2. Now you should go through the bank of questions again and see if you still remember everything that has been covered so far. If you notice that you are still confused about a few questions, go back to those sections to review and make sure that you have fully mastered all content areas covered so far. Reminder: Enter your scores into the Progress Tracker!
Session 12: Review
You have completed the study tasks for Day 1 and Day 2. Now you should go through the bank of questions again and see if you still remember everything that has been covered so far. If you notice that you are still confused about a few questions, go back to those sections to review and make sure that you have fully mastered all content areas covered so far. Reminder: Enter your scores into the Progress Tracker!
Session 15: Review
You have completed the study tasks for Day 1 and Day 2. Now you should go through the bank of questions again and see if you still remember everything that has been covered so far. If you notice that you are still confused about a few questions, go back to those sections to review and make sure that you have fully mastered all content areas covered so far. Reminder: Enter your scores into the Progress Tracker!
Session 17 - 19: Study All Rules
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Session 20: Take the Exam!
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