USCG OUPV / Master Captain Licence Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

Question 1

A vessel not under command shows which shapes by day?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A cylinder and a diamond. A vessel not under command shows two black balls in a vertical line by day (Rule 27(a)).

Question 2

What shape does a vessel constrained by her draft show by day?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A cone. A vessel constrained by draft displays a cylinder by day (Rule 28).

Question 3

A vessel aground shows which shapes by day?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

One ball and one diamond. A vessel aground shows three balls in a vertical line by day (Rule 30(d)).

Question 4

A vessel restricted in ability to maneuver (RAM) shows which shapes by day?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Three diamonds in a vertical line. A RAM vessel shows ball-diamond-ball (top to bottom) in a vertical line by day (Rule 27(b)).

Question 5

A minesweeper or vessel engaged in minesweeping shows which shapes?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Three black diamonds. Minesweepers show three black balls — one at the foremast head and one at each end of the foreyard (Rule 27(f)).

Question 6

What minimum diameter must a day shape (ball) be for vessels over 20 meters?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

0.9 m. Day shapes for vessels over 20m must have a minimum dimension of 0.6 m (Annex I).

Question 7

Which vessel displays a basket or other appropriate shape to indicate it is engaged in fishing?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Any vessel engaged in fishing not making way. A vessel with outlying gear extending more than 150m horizontally shows a basket or appropriate shape in the direction of the gear (Rule 26(c)(i)).

Question 8

The shapes in the Rules of the Road are what color?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Red. All day shapes prescribed by the Collision Regulations are black (Rule 20).

Question 9

A vessel proceeding under sail when also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit where practicable, in addition to the sidelights:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

A red and green combined lantern. A sailing vessel using its engine in addition to sail shows a cone, apex downward, forward where visible (Rule 25(e)).

Question 10

A vessel engaged in underwater operations shows which shapes by day?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Three diamonds in a vertical line. A vessel in underwater operations shows ball-diamond-ball plus two balls on obstruction side and two diamonds on passable side (Rule 27(d)).

USCG OUPV / Master Captain Licence Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (21–30)

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