Polish sailing licence (Patent żeglarza jachtowego): exam, requirements and fees practice test
A free Polish sailing licence (Patent żeglarza jachtowego): exam, requirements and fees mock exam with 75 questions. Take it against the clock and the pass mark, or read through the answers: every one is explained, so you learn from each mistake.
75 questions · Practise at your own pace · Timed option: 90 min · Target: 65/75
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1.A vessel less than 20m in a narrow 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 of 100 metres or more must carry:
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Correct answer: C. A whistle, bell, and gong
Rule 33: vessels 100m+ must have a whistle, bell, AND gong.
3.A vessel is considered overtaking when approaching from:
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Correct answer: C. More than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam of the other vessel
Rule 13(b): a vessel is overtaking when coming up from more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam.
4.According to Rule 2, departure from the COLREGs is permitted when:
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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.
5.A masthead light shows over an arc of:
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Correct answer: C. 225 degrees
Rule 21(a): masthead light shows over an arc of 225 degrees from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on each side.
6.Emergency wreck marking buoys are coloured:
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Correct answer: C. Blue and yellow vertical stripes
equal numbers and widths of blue and yellow vertical stripes; 4 to 8 stripes in total. 1 s blue + 0.5 s darkness + 1 s yellow + 0.5 s darkness; period 3 s.
7.What light does a lit preferred-channel (modified lateral) mark show at a channel division?
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Correct answer: A. Composite group flashing Fl(2+1), in its main colour
A modified lateral mark shows composite group flashing Fl(2+1) in the main colour of the mark. White Fl(2) belongs to isolated danger marks.
8.The Steering and Sailing Rules in Section I (Rules 4–10) apply:
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Correct answer: C. In any condition of visibility
Rule 4: rules in Section I apply in any condition of visibility — clear, restricted, day or night.
9.Special marks are coloured:
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Correct answer: C. Yellow
Special marks are yellow, indicating special areas like military zones, cables, or pipelines.
10.A pilot vessel on duty displays at the masthead:
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Correct answer: B. White over red all-round lights
Rule 29(a): white over red all-round lights at or near the masthead.
11.A vessel of at least 12 metres not under command (NUC) shows which status lights?
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Correct answer: B. Two all-round red lights vertically
Rule 27(a)(i) prescribes two all-round red lights vertically. Under Rule 27(g), vessels under 12 metres, except those engaged in diving operations, are not required to show the Rule 27 lights and shapes.
Study Rule 27: Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Ability to Manoeuvre
12.Which of these is a typical use of a special mark?
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Correct answer: A. Marking a cable or pipeline area
Special marks indicate areas or features such as cables, pipelines, spoil grounds, military exercise zones, ODAS and recreation zones. New dangers may instead be marked with lateral, cardinal, isolated-danger or emergency-wreck marks, as the competent authority determines (R1001 §3.2.2).
13.If an emergency wreck marking buoy carries a RACON, which Morse letter does it transmit?
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Correct answer: D. D (dash–dot–dot)
The RACON on an emergency wreck marking buoy, if fitted, is coded Morse D (dash–dot–dot).
14.The day shape for a vessel engaged in fishing is:
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Correct answer: C. Two cones point to point
Rule 26: fishing vessels display two cones point to point in a vertical line as a day shape.
15.Rule 33(a) lets the bell or gong be replaced by other equipment with the same sound characteristics, provided that:
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Correct answer: A. Manual sounding of the prescribed signals is always possible
Rule 33(a): the bell or gong or both may be replaced by other equipment having the same respective sound characteristics, provided that manual sounding of the prescribed signals shall always be possible.
16.Under the standard arrangement in Rule 25(a), a sailing vessel underway displays which navigation lights?
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Correct answer: B. Sidelights and a sternlight
Rule 25(a) prescribes sidelights and a sternlight for a sailing vessel underway. Rule 25(b) permits a combined lantern below 20 m; paragraph (c) allows a separate red-over-green pair, not with that combined lantern; paragraph (d) provides a conditional alternative below 7 m.
Study Rule 25: Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars
17.At night a vessel engaged in fishing other than trawling has outlying gear extending more than 150 metres horizontally to starboard. Which extra light is required?
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Correct answer: A. An all-round white light in the direction of the outlying gear
Rule 26(c)(ii) requires an additional all-round white light toward outlying gear extending more than 150 metres for fishing other than trawling. The corresponding day shape is a cone with apex upward.
18.In a Rule 15 crossing encounter, the give-way vessel shall, if circumstances admit:
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Correct answer: C. Keep well clear and avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel
Rule 15 requires the give-way vessel to keep out of the way and, if circumstances admit, avoid crossing ahead. Rules 8 and 16 require early, substantial and effective action; the safe choice of course or speed depends on the whole situation.
19.Five or more short and rapid blasts mean:
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Correct answer: C. Doubt or danger — the intentions of the other vessel are not understood
Rule 34(d): at least five short and rapid blasts indicate doubt about whether sufficient action is being taken.
20.For a vessel of 50m or more, the masthead light must be visible at:
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Correct answer: C. 6 nautical miles
Rule 22: masthead light of vessels 50m+ must be visible at a minimum of 6 nautical miles.
21.In the COLREG, what does the word 'whistle' mean (Rule 32)?
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Correct answer: A. Any sound-signalling appliance that can give the prescribed blasts and meets Annex III
Rule 32(a): 'whistle' means any sound-signalling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts and complying with the specifications in Annex III, so sound level and audibility are part of the definition.
22.Navigation lights must be displayed:
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Correct answer: B. From sunset to sunrise and, if carried, also by day in restricted visibility
Rule 20(b) requires prescribed lights from sunset to sunrise. Under 20(c), those lights, if carried, must also be shown by day in restricted visibility and may be shown in other circumstances when deemed necessary.
23.In restricted visibility, a manned vessel being towed (the last of the tow if there are several) sounds at intervals of not more than 2 minutes:
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Correct answer: B. One prolonged followed by three short blasts
Rule 35(e): a towed vessel, or the last vessel of the tow, if manned, sounds one prolonged followed by three short blasts at intervals of not more than 2 minutes, when practicable immediately after the towing vessel's signal. One prolonged and two short (Rule 35(c)) is the towing vessel's own signal.
24.So far as possible, the give-way vessel shall take action that is:
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Correct answer: B. Early and substantial
Rule 16 requires every vessel directed to keep out of the way, so far as possible, to take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
25.Local harbour authorities may make special rules that:
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Correct answer: B. Must conform as closely as possible to COLREGs
Rule 1(b) permits appropriate authorities to make special rules for connected navigable roadsteads, harbours, rivers, lakes and inland waterways; these must conform as closely as possible to COLREG.
26.Where is an isolated danger mark laid in relation to the danger it marks?
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Correct answer: A. On the danger itself, or moored over it
R1001: an isolated danger mark is erected on, or moored on or above, a danger of limited extent with navigable water all around it. It does not mark a passing distance: check charts and nautical publications for the danger's extent.
27.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?
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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.
28.How many flashes per minute does a very quick (VQ) light on a cardinal mark show?
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Correct answer: D. 100 or 120
Quick (Q) flashing is 50 or 60 flashes per minute; very quick (VQ) is 100 or 120 flashes per minute.
29.A power-driven vessel towing astern with tow length exceeding 200 metres, measured from her stern to the after end of the tow, shows:
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Correct answer: C. Three masthead lights in a vertical line
Rule 24(a)(i): three masthead lights in a vertical line when the tow exceeds 200 metres.
30.Which of these is listed in Annex IV (Rule 37) as a visual distress signal?
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Correct answer: D. A smoke signal giving off orange-coloured smoke
Rule 37 / Annex IV: a smoke signal giving off orange-coloured smoke is a distress signal. Annex IV rockets throw red stars, and its parachute and hand flares show a red light; blue or white lights are not on the list.
31.A sailing vessel underway in restricted visibility sounds:
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Correct answer: B. One prolonged followed by two short blasts at intervals of not more than 2 minutes
Rule 35(c): one prolonged followed by two short blasts at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.
32.Once an emergency wreck marking buoy has been laid, who determines any further marking of the danger?
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Correct answer: C. The competent authority
R1001: the competent authority determines further marking once the danger has been removed or its information sufficiently promulgated.
33.How do special marks differ between IALA Region A and Region B?
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Correct answer: B. No difference; only lateral marks change
Only the lateral marks (and the preferred-channel marks derived from them) swap colours between Region A and Region B. Special marks are yellow, with a yellow X topmark and a yellow light if fitted, in both regions.
34.A large vessel fine on the starboard bow shows only a slight bearing change over time, and range is decreasing. What is the safest conclusion?
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Correct answer: B. Risk may still exist and should be treated as real
Rule 7 warns that even when bearing changes, collision risk may still exist, especially with a large vessel or at close range. If in doubt, deem the risk to exist.
35.A dredger of at least 12 metres restricted in ability to manoeuvre shows on the obstructed side:
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Correct answer: B. Two red all-round lights or balls
Rule 27(d): two red all-round lights or two balls on the obstructed side, two green or two diamonds on the clear side.
Study Rule 27: Vessels Not Under Command or Restricted in Ability to Manoeuvre
36.If circumstances admit, action to avoid collision shall be:
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Correct answer: B. Positive, made in ample time
Rule 8(a) requires action in accordance with Part B and, if circumstances admit, positive action made in ample time with due regard to good seamanship.
37.What shape is an isolated danger mark normally?
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Correct answer: D. Pillar or spar
An isolated danger mark is normally a pillar or spar; it is identified by its black and red colours and two black spheres.
38.A vessel of 50 metres or more at anchor at night shows:
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Correct answer: B. An all-round white light forward and a lower one aft
Rule 30(a): an all-round white light in the fore part and another all-round white light at a lower level near the stern.
39.If fitted, the topmark of a safe water mark is:
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Correct answer: B. A single red sphere
A safe water mark carries a single red sphere as its topmark, if fitted, on red and white vertical stripes.
40.An air-cushion vessel operating in non-displacement mode must additionally show:
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Correct answer: B. An all-round flashing yellow light
Rule 23(b): an air-cushion vessel in non-displacement mode shows an all-round flashing yellow light.
41.If an isolated danger mark is lit, what light does it show?
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Correct answer: C. White, group flashing Fl(2)
When fitted, the isolated danger light is white, group flashing (2): two flashes repeated. A long flash every 10 s belongs to safe water marks.
42.Signals to attract attention must:
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Correct answer: B. Not be mistaken for any prescribed signal or aid to navigation
Rule 36: signals to attract attention must not be mistaken for any other prescribed signal or navigation aid.
43.The second masthead light on a power-driven vessel must be:
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Correct answer: C. Abaft of and higher than the forward one
Rule 23(a)(ii): the second masthead light must be abaft of and higher than the forward one.
44.In dense fog the vessels are not in sight and collision risk has not been ruled out. You hear a fog signal apparently forward of the beam and radar shows developing close quarters there. What principle applies?
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Correct answer: B. Reduce to the minimum speed for course-keeping and be prepared to take all way off
Rule 19(e), unless collision risk has been ruled out, requires minimum course-keeping speed when a fog signal is heard apparently forward of the beam or close quarters there cannot be avoided. Take all way off if necessary and navigate with extreme caution until danger is over.
45.From what length must a vessel be provided with a bell in addition to a whistle?
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Correct answer: B. 20 metres or more
Rule 33(a): a vessel of 12 m or more has a whistle; from 20 m she also has a bell; from 100 m she additionally has a gong.
46.In thick fog another vessel is detected only by ARPA and is not in sight. Its bearing is steady and range is closing fast. Which rule governs the avoiding action?
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Correct answer: C. Rule 19 — restricted visibility, because vessels are not in sight
Rule 11 restricts Section II (including crossing, head-on and overtaking) to vessels in sight of one another. A target detected only on radar is not 'in sight'; Rule 19 governs instead.
47.A vessel constrained by her draught may display:
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Correct answer: B. Three red all-round lights vertically
Rule 28: three red all-round lights vertically, in addition to normal power-driven vessel lights.
48.Which factor is NOT listed in Rule 6 for determining safe speed?
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Correct answer: C. Vessel's commercial schedule
Rule 6 lists visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, etc. Commercial schedule is never a factor in safe speed determination.
49.Which is a clear violation of the look-out requirement?
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Correct answer: B. Assigning the look-out person administrative paperwork during the watch
A proper look-out must be able to give full attention to the task. Assigning unrelated duties that distract the watch violates the rule.
50.The day shape for a vessel of 12 metres or more aground is:
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Correct answer: C. Three balls vertically
Rule 30(d): three balls in a vertical line is the day shape for a vessel aground.
51.Under Rule 32, how long does a 'prolonged blast' last?
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Correct answer: C. From four to six seconds
Rule 32(c): a prolonged blast is a blast of from four to six seconds' duration. A blast of about one second is a short blast (Rule 32(b)).
52.Both an isolated danger mark and a safe water mark have navigable water around them. What sets them apart?
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Correct answer: B. Only the safe water mark's own position is safe
A safe water mark indicates navigable water all around its own position (fairway, mid-channel or landfall). An isolated danger mark stands on or over a danger of limited extent: the water around it is navigable, but its own position is not. Both may carry a white light and a topmark, and both may be pillar-shaped.
53.What does a safe water mark tell you?
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Correct answer: C. There is navigable water all around the mark
A safe water mark indicates navigable water all around it; it is used as a fairway, mid-channel or landfall mark. Cardinal marks name a safe side.
54.Which shapes may a safe water mark have?
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Correct answer: B. Spherical, pillar or spar
A safe water mark may be spherical, pillar or spar, with red and white vertical stripes; conical and can shapes belong to lateral marks.
55.The topmark of a West Cardinal mark is:
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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.
56.In IALA Region A, the port-hand mark colour is:
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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.
57.At night you see a white light flashing VQ(9) every 10 s. Which mark is it, and where does the navigable water lie?
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Correct answer: A. A West cardinal; navigable water lies to the west
VQ(9) 10 s (or Q(9) 15 s) is the West cardinal light: nine flashes, like 9 o'clock. Navigable water lies on the named side, to the west of the mark.
58.The optional pair of all-round lights near the top of a sailing vessel's mast is:
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Correct answer: B. Red over green
Rule 25(c) permits red over green all-round lights, in addition to separate sidelights and sternlight. These are not masthead lights as defined in Rule 21(a), and must not be combined with the Rule 25(b) combined lantern.
Study Rule 25: Sailing Vessels Underway and Vessels Under Oars
59.Under Rule 36, a vessel trying to attract attention may direct her searchlight beam:
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Correct answer: A. In the direction of the danger, without embarrassing any vessel
Rule 36: any vessel may direct the beam of her searchlight in the direction of the danger, in such a way as not to embarrass any vessel.
60.A 'vessel not under command' (NUC) is one that:
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Correct answer: C. Through exceptional circumstances cannot manoeuvre as required and therefore cannot keep out of another vessel's way
Rule 3(f) requires both inability to manoeuvre as required because of exceptional circumstances and consequent inability to keep out of another vessel's way.
61.In restricted visibility, a vessel aground gives the anchor bell signal (and the gong if required). What must she add?
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Correct answer: C. Three separate, distinct bell strokes just before and after the ringing
Rule 35(h): a vessel aground gives the bell signal and, if required, the gong signal of Rule 35(g), and in addition three separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ringing of the bell. She may also sound an appropriate whistle signal.
62.The day shape for a vessel constrained by draught is:
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Correct answer: C. A cylinder
Rule 28: the day shape is a cylinder.
63.A vessel has whistles fitted more than 100 metres apart. How must she give manoeuvring and warning signals?
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Correct answer: A. On one of the whistles only
Rule 34(f): if whistles are fitted on a vessel at a distance apart of more than 100 metres, one whistle only shall be used for giving manoeuvring and warning signals.
64.A 12-metre sailing yacht wants to cross a traffic lane and decides to linger inside the lane while sorting sails because she is exempt from using the main lane. What is correct?
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Correct answer: C. Incorrect because she must not impede a power-driven vessel following the traffic lane
Under Rule 10, small vessels and sailing vessels may have limited allowances, but they still shall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane.
65.What does Rule 18 establish about priority between a vessel not under command (NUC) and a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre (RAM)?
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Correct answer: C. Rule 18 establishes no priority order between NUC and RAM
Rule 18(b) requires a sailing vessel underway to keep out of the way of NUC, RAM and vessels engaged in fishing. Rule 18 does not rank NUC above RAM; there is no complete vessel priority ladder.
66.A 'short blast' is defined as a blast of about:
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Correct answer: B. One second
Rule 32(b): a short blast means a blast of about one second's duration.
67.Rule 38 provides exemptions for:
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Correct answer: B. Specified light and sound requirements for eligible older vessels complying with the 1960 rules
Rule 38 concerns vessels complying with the 1960 Collision Regulations whose keels were laid, or which were at a corresponding construction stage, before 15 July 1977. It grants only listed exemptions, some permanent and others for transition periods; navigation duties remain.
68.A power-driven stand-on vessel acts under Rule 17(a)(ii) in a crossing with another power-driven vessel. If circumstances admit, she shall NOT:
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Correct answer: B. Alter course to port for a vessel on her port side
Rule 17(c) says a power-driven vessel taking action under Rule 17(a)(ii) in a crossing with another power-driven vessel shall, if circumstances admit, not alter to port for a vessel on her own port side.
69.The towing light is:
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Correct answer: C. Yellow, with the same arc as the sternlight
Rule 21(d) defines the towing light as yellow with the same characteristics as the sternlight. Rule 24(a)(iv) places it in a vertical line above the sternlight.
70.Which sound signal is listed in Annex IV (Rule 37) as a distress signal?
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Correct answer: B. A continuous sounding with any fog-signalling apparatus
Rule 37 / Annex IV: a continuous sounding with any fog-signalling apparatus is a distress signal. Five short and rapid blasts is the Rule 34(d) doubt signal; short-prolonged-short is the Rule 35(g) anchor warning; four short blasts is the Rule 35(k) pilot identity signal.
71.Two sailing vessels in sight approach with risk of collision, neither overtaking, and have wind on different sides. Which gives way?
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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.
72.Under Rule 36, which kind of light shall be avoided when attracting another vessel's attention?
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Correct answer: D. High-intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobes
Rule 36: attention signals must not be mistaken for any signal authorized elsewhere in the Rules or for an aid to navigation, and a searchlight may be directed toward the danger. For this purpose the use of high-intensity intermittent or revolving lights, such as strobe lights, shall be avoided.
73.Where it is impracticable for a seaplane or WIG craft to show the lights and shapes prescribed in Part C, she must:
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Correct answer: B. Exhibit lights and shapes as closely similar as possible in characteristics and position to those prescribed
Rule 31: where compliance is impracticable, seaplanes and WIG craft shall exhibit lights and shapes as closely similar in characteristics and position as possible.
74.Annex IV (Rule 37) lists a gun or other explosive signal as a distress signal when it is fired:
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Correct answer: C. At intervals of about one minute
Rule 37 / Annex IV: a gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute indicates distress and need of assistance.
75.In a narrow channel, in sight of the vessel ahead, you intend to overtake her on her port side. Which whistle signal do you give?
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Correct answer: C. Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts
Rule 34(c)(i): two prolonged followed by two short blasts means 'I intend to overtake you on your port side'; two prolonged and one short is for her starboard side. Prolonged-short-prolonged-short is the agreement signal of the vessel being overtaken (Rule 34(c)(ii)).
About this test
Same format as the official theory exam: 75 questions in 90 minutes, with 65 right answers needed to pass.
This mock covers only the parts our question bank teaches: the steering and sailing rules, lights and shapes, sound signals, and IALA buoyage. The official exam also tests other subjects, so study those from the official syllabus.
The questions follow the international rules (COLREG) and IALA buoyage at sea. The Polish exam also tests the rules of the road on inland waterways and inland waterway signs, which this mock doesn't cover, so study those from the official syllabus.
These are IALACOLREG's own study questions, not official exam questions.
Reviewed by Ramon Curto, Nautical teacher at IECNPC
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