Free practice test
Patrón de Yate practice test
A free Patrón de Yate mock exam with 30 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.
Reviewed by Ramon Curto, Nautical teacher at IECNPC
- 30 questions
- 25 minutes
- Pass: 24 of 30
This is our practice format, not the official one: check the current exam format with the exam authority.
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.
These are IALACOLREG's own study questions, not official exam questions.
Take it as a timed test
25 minutes on the clock. The answers stay hidden until you finish, then you see your score against the pass mark.
Questions and answers
1.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.
2.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.
3.When Rule 34(a) whistle signals are supplemented by light signals, what is the interval between successive signals?
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Correct answer: B. Not less than ten seconds
Rule 34(b)(ii): each flash lasts about one second, the interval between flashes is about one second, and the interval between successive signals is not less than ten seconds.
4.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.
5.In restricted visibility, what does a vessel engaged in fishing sound while she is at anchor?
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Correct answer: B. One prolonged followed by two short blasts, instead of the bell
Rule 35(d): a vessel engaged in fishing at anchor, and a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre carrying out her work at anchor, sound the Rule 35(c) signal (one prolonged followed by two short blasts) instead of the Rule 35(g) anchor signals.
6.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.
7.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.
8.A vessel under sail also being propelled by her engine is classified as:
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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.
9.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
10.A proper look-out must be maintained:
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Correct answer: C. At all times
Rule 5 requires every vessel to maintain a proper look-out at ALL times.
11.Compliance with the COLREGs:
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Correct answer: B. Does not exonerate a vessel from the consequences of neglecting good seamanship
Rule 2(a) states nothing in the rules exonerates any vessel from the consequences of neglecting good seamanship.
12.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.
13.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.
14.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.
15.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.
16.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.
17.A vessel engaged in fishing with gear restricting manoeuvrability shows sidelights and a sternlight when:
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Correct answer: C. Making way through the water
Rule 26: sidelights and sternlight are shown by fishing vessels only when making way through the water.
18.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.
19.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.
20.Which light could a lit safe water mark show?
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Correct answer: D. White, one long flash every 10 s
A safe water light, if fitted, is white: isophase, occulting, one long flash every 10 s, or Morse A. White Fl(2) marks an isolated danger; VQ(9) a West cardinal.
21.What does a special mark by itself tell you?
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Correct answer: D. Charts and publications describe its area
A special mark indicates an area or feature whose nature is described in charts and nautical publications; the mark itself gives no passing side. Navigable water all around is the meaning of a safe water mark.
22.How should you use an isolated danger mark when planning to pass it?
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Correct answer: B. Check charts and publications for the danger's extent and safe distance
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 a safe passing distance.
23.If there is any doubt about whether risk of collision exists:
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Correct answer: C. The risk shall be deemed to exist
Rule 7(a): if there is any doubt, such risk shall be deemed to exist.
24.Which of these may be fitted to an emergency wreck marking buoy?
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Correct answer: C. An AIS transponder
R1001: an emergency wreck marking buoy may carry an AIS transponder and, if fitted, a RACON. EPIRBs, NAVTEX and DSC belong to the GMDSS equipment of ships and shore stations, not to buoyage.
25.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)).
26.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.
27.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.
28.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.
29.In restricted visibility, a pilot vessel on pilotage duty may add to her Rule 35(a), (b) or (g) signals an identity signal of:
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Correct answer: C. Four short blasts
Rule 35(k): a pilot vessel when engaged on pilotage duty may, in addition to the signals prescribed in paragraphs (a), (b) or (g), sound an identity signal consisting of four short blasts.
30.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.
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