Bermuda Pilot Licence (Classes A, B and C)

Practice questions (with answers)

1. To which vessels do the COLREGs apply?

   1. AMerchant ships over 50 m on international voyages
   2. BVessels beyond territorial waters, outside any national jurisdiction
   3. CAll vessels on the high seas and connected navigable waters
   4. DPower-driven vessels at sea; sailing craft follow local harbour rules
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   Correct answer: C. All vessels on the high seas and connected navigable waters

   Rule 1 states the COLREGs apply to all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels.

2. According to Rule 2, departure from the COLREGs is permitted when:

   1. AThe master decides the rules are impractical
   2. BIt is necessary to avoid immediate danger
   3. CVisibility is restricted
   4. DThe vessel is in a traffic separation scheme
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   Correct answer: B. It is necessary to avoid immediate danger

   Rule 2(b) allows departure from the rules when necessary to avoid immediate danger.

3. A vessel under sail also being propelled by her engine is classified as:

   1. AA sailing vessel
   2. BA power-driven vessel
   3. CA vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre
   4. DA vessel not under command
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   Correct answer: B. A power-driven vessel

   Rule 3(c): a sailing vessel means any vessel under sail provided that propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used.

4. A proper look-out must be maintained:

   1. AOnly at night
   2. BOnly in fog
   3. CAt all times
   4. DOnly when underway
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   Correct answer: C. At all times

   Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain a proper look-out at ALL times.

5. In IALA Region A, the port-hand mark colour is:

   1. AGreen, usually conical
   2. BRed, usually can-shaped
   3. CYellow, with an X-shaped topmark
   4. DBlack, with red bands
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   Correct answer: B. Red, usually can-shaped

   Region A: port-hand red, starboard-hand green. Region B: port-hand green, starboard-hand red. Interpret both in the charted conventional direction of buoyage.

6. A North Cardinal mark indicates safe water lies to the:

   1. ASouth of the mark
   2. BEast of the mark
   3. CNorth of the mark
   4. DWest of the mark
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   Correct answer: C. North of the mark

   Cardinal marks indicate safe water lies on the named side: North cardinal = pass to the north.

7. An isolated danger mark indicates:

   1. AThe side of a danger where the safe water lies
   2. BA danger with navigable water all around
   3. CThe mid-channel point of a fairway
   4. DA newly discovered danger, not yet charted
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   Correct answer: B. A danger with navigable water all around

   An isolated danger mark is on or near a danger with navigable water around it. Consult charts and nautical publications for the extent of the danger and safe passing distance.

8. You sight a cardinal mark with both cones pointing down and a light showing six quick flashes followed by one long flash. What is the safe action?

   1. APass north of the mark
   2. BPass east of the mark
   3. CPass south of the mark
   4. DTreat it as an isolated danger mark
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   Correct answer: C. Pass south of the mark

   Two cones down and the 6+1 light rhythm identify a South Cardinal mark, meaning the safe water lies to the south of the mark.

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