ICC — International Certificate of Competence

Practice questions (with answers)

1. A vessel less than 20m in a narrow channel:

   1. Has right of way over larger vessels because she is more manoeuvrable
   2. Shall not impede vessels that can only navigate within the channel
   3. Must stay outside the channel altogether and may never enter it
   4. Is stand-on with respect to any vessel following the channel
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   Correct answer: B. Shall not impede vessels that can only navigate within the channel

   Rule 9(b): vessels under 20m shall not impede vessels which can safely navigate only within the channel.

2. A vessel may properly use an inshore traffic zone when:

   1. It wants a shorter route and the adjacent lane is crowded with slow traffic
   2. It is bound to or from a port, offshore installation, or station within the zone
   3. It is over 20 metres and wishes to keep clear of the heavier traffic in the lane
   4. It is overtaking a slower vessel and the lane offers too little room to pass
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   Correct answer: B. It is bound to or from a port, offshore installation, or station within the zone

   Rule 10 allows inshore-zone use in specific cases, including vessels bound to or from a port, offshore installation or station within the zone, and for certain small craft, sailing vessels, fishing vessels or immediate danger.

3. Two sailing vessels in sight approach with risk of collision, neither overtaking, and have wind on different sides. Which gives way?

   1. The vessel with the wind on her starboard side gives way
   2. The vessel with wind on port side gives way
   3. The vessel to windward gives way
   4. Both vessels alter course to starboard
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   Correct answer: B. The vessel with wind on port side gives way

   Rule 12(a)(i): when each has wind on a different side, the vessel with wind on port side keeps out of the way.

4. Two sailing vessels in sight have wind on the same side and approach with risk of collision; neither is overtaking. Which gives way?

   1. The leeward vessel gives way
   2. The windward vessel gives way
   3. Both vessels alter course to starboard
   4. The faster vessel gives way
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   Correct answer: B. The windward vessel gives way

   Rule 12(a)(ii): when both have wind on the same side, the windward vessel keeps out of the way.

5. Emergency wreck marking buoys are used for:

   1. Permanent marking of wrecks already shown on charts
   2. Marking new dangers, including newly discovered wrecks
   3. Showing where salvage or diving work is going on nearby
   4. Marking temporary channels near ports
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   Correct answer: B. Marking new dangers, including newly discovered wrecks

   The emergency wreck marking buoy marks new dangers, including newly discovered wrecks. The competent authority determines further marking once the danger is removed or its information has been sufficiently promulgated.

6. The topmark of a West Cardinal mark is:

   1. Two cones, both pointing upward
   2. Two cones pointing down
   3. Two cones point to point
   4. Two cones base to base
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   Correct answer: C. Two cones point to point

   Two separate black cones with their points facing each other. The cones must remain clearly separated.

7. You are entering a river where the chart shows the conventional direction of buoyage is upstream from the sea entrance. What should determine whether a lateral mark is port-hand or starboard-hand?

   1. The side of the river where the town lies
   2. The vessel's heading at the moment
   3. The charted conventional direction of buoyage
   4. The direction the tidal stream is setting at that moment
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   Correct answer: C. The charted conventional direction of buoyage

   Lateral marks are interpreted in the conventional direction of buoyage. The chart, not guesswork, determines which side is port-hand and which is starboard-hand.

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. Pass north of the mark
   2. Pass east of the mark
   3. Pass south of the mark
   4. Treat 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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