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US rules of the road

Navigation Rules practice for real decisions on the water

Practice the reasoning behind lookout, safe speed, collision risk, crossing situations, and action to avoid collision. Start with five explained scenarios.

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5 scenarios
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Inland + International

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5 questions · free · explained

Question 1 of 5

What is the primary purpose of maintaining a proper lookout?

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A safe answer starts before vessels get close

The Navigation Rules form a decision system rather than a list of isolated right-of-way facts. A vessel must maintain a proper lookout, proceed at a safe speed, assess collision risk, and take early and substantial action when required.

US waters may be governed by Inland Rules or International Rules. Many principles overlap, but some signals and provisions differ. Always identify the applicable rules for the waters where you operate.

1

Lookout

Use sight, hearing, and all available means appropriate to the circumstances to understand traffic and hazards.

2

Safe speed

Choose a speed that allows effective action and stopping within a distance appropriate to visibility, traffic, and conditions.

3

Collision risk

Treat steady relative bearing with decreasing range as a warning and avoid assumptions based on limited information.

4

Early action

Make course or speed changes large enough to be readily apparent and continue monitoring until finally past and clear.

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Independent questions and explanations checked against the documents below on . This short sample does not assess the complete certification standard and is not an official exam, answer key or endorsement.

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