PNB (Patrón para Navegación Básica) — Spain

Practice questions (with answers)

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

   1. The master decides the rules are impractical
   2. It is necessary to avoid immediate danger
   3. Visibility is restricted
   4. The 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.

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

   1. A sailing vessel
   2. A power-driven vessel
   3. A vessel restricted in ability to manoeuvre
   4. A 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.

3. A proper look-out must be maintained:

   1. Only at night
   2. Only in fog
   3. At all times
   4. Only 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.

4. Safe speed means a speed that allows:

   1. Maximum fuel efficiency
   2. Arrival at the destination on schedule
   3. Effective collision avoidance and stopping within an appropriate distance
   4. Maintaining steerage way only
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   Correct answer: C. Effective collision avoidance and stopping within an appropriate distance

   Rule 6 requires a speed allowing proper and effective action to avoid collision and stopping within a distance appropriate to the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

5. An East Cardinal mark shows how many quick flashes?

   1. 1 flash
   2. 3 flashes
   3. 6 flashes + long flash
   4. 9 flashes
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   Correct answer: B. 3 flashes

   White lights, when fitted: North Q or VQ; East VQ(3) 5 s or Q(3) 10 s; South VQ(6)+LFl 10 s or Q(6)+LFl 15 s; West VQ(9) 10 s or Q(9) 15 s. The long flash lasts at least 2 s.

6. If fitted, the topmark of an isolated danger mark is:

   1. A single red sphere
   2. Two black spheres vertically
   3. A yellow X-shape
   4. Two black cones, point to point
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   Correct answer: B. Two black spheres vertically

   Isolated danger marks have two black spheres (balls) as topmark. (if fitted).

7. Safe water marks are used as:

   1. Marks placed on an isolated danger
   2. Fairway or mid-channel marks
   3. Marks for a special area or feature
   4. Port-hand lateral marks
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   Correct answer: B. Fairway or mid-channel marks

   Safe water marks are used as fairway, mid-channel, or landfall marks.

8. If fitted, the topmark of a special mark is:

   1. A single red sphere
   2. A yellow X-shape (cross)
   3. Two black cones, points up
   4. A green cone, point up
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   Correct answer: B. A yellow X-shape (cross)

   Special marks have a yellow X-shaped (St. Andrew's cross) topmark. (if fitted).

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