Inland-Specific Provisions Practice Questions

1. Under the Inland Navigation Rules, what is the 'danger signal'?

• A.Three short blasts
• B.Five or more short and rapid blasts✓
• C.One prolonged blast repeated at intervals
• D.Two prolonged blasts followed by one short blast

Why: Inland Rule 34(d) defines the danger signal as five or more short and rapid blasts on the whistle, the same as 72 COLREGS Rule 34(d). It is sounded when the intentions of another vessel are not understood or when doubt exists about the sufficiency of action being taken.

2. Under 72 COLREGS Rule 15 (crossing situation), how does the give-way vessel's obligation differ from Inland Rule 15?

• A.Under COLREGS, the give-way vessel must avoid crossing ahead; under Inland Rules, the give-way vessel must sound one short blast
• B.They are identical in all respects
• C.Under Inland Rules, the give-way vessel keeps out of the way; COLREGS further specifies the give-way vessel should avoid crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel✓
• D.Under COLREGS, the stand-on vessel is permitted to take early action; Inland Rules prohibit this

Why: 72 COLREGS Rule 15 adds the guidance that the give-way vessel shall, if circumstances permit, avoid crossing ahead of the stand-on vessel. The Inland Rule 15 requires the give-way vessel to keep out of the way but does not contain the specific admonition against crossing ahead.

3. Inland Rule 9(a)(i) states that a vessel proceeding along the course of a narrow channel shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel that lies on her starboard side. How does this differ from 72 COLREGS Rule 9?

• A.It is identical — both rules use the same language✓
• B.Inland Rules additionally require a sound signal before entering a bend in a narrow channel
• C.COLREGS applies to all waters; Inland Rule 9 applies only to rivers and harbors with one-way traffic
• D.Inland Rules require keeping to the starboard side only when in a marked channel

Why: The keep-to-the-starboard-side requirement in Rule 9(a)(i) is essentially the same in both Inland Rules and 72 COLREGS. The key difference in Rule 9 is the Western Rivers downstream priority found only in Inland Rule 9(a)(ii).

4. Under the Inland Navigation Rules, which vessel type is given 'vessel constrained by her draft' status and thus receives additional privileges?

• A.Any vessel drawing more than 6 meters
• B.A power-driven vessel severely restricted in ability to deviate from her course due to her draft
• C.Sailing vessels in rivers and harbors only
• D.Vessels constrained by draft have no additional status under Inland Rules — the term is removed✓

Why: Inland Rule 3(h) defines the vessel constrained by draft the same as COLREGS — it must be power-driven and must be severely restricted in ability to deviate. There is no depth threshold in feet or meters; it is a factual determination.

5. Under Inland Rule 19 (restricted visibility), what must a vessel do upon hearing a fog signal apparently forward of the beam?

• A.Immediately stop engines and anchor
• B.Sound the danger signal and maintain course
• C.Reduce to the minimum speed at which she can be kept on course and navigate with extreme caution✓
• D.Turn to starboard and increase speed to clear the area

Why: Inland Rule 19(d) mirrors 72 COLREGS Rule 19(d): upon hearing a fog signal apparently forward of the beam, the vessel must reduce speed to the minimum at which she can maintain course and navigate with extreme caution until the risk of collision is resolved.