Practice Seamanship Exam

Name
City State Zip
E-mail
Ship	Council
SEAL Course
Time Started:	(Click on the calendar and select today's date to enter the time started)

1. When taking new rope out of the coil, draw the rope out of the coil from:

a. top outside

b. center outside

c. center inside

d. bottom outside

2. Clouds that indicate that a storm is coming are called:

a. cumulus

b. stratus

c. cumulonimbus

d. cirrocumulus

3. A document that tells the crew their duties and positions in an emergency is called:

a. emergency form

b. ship bill

c. billet bill

d. none of the above

4. Before you begin to fuel a boat you should:

a. hold the fuel nozzle so as not to touch the fuel pipe

b. open up the boat

c. both of the above

d. none of above

5. Cable laid rope is the same as plain laid except it has the following number of strands:

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 4

6. The term faking down a line means:

a. a series of figure eight coils

b. coiling the line in one large circle

c. securing to a post

d. none of above

7. A “Class A” fire extinguisher is designed to fight fires with a fuel source of:

a. wood

b. gasoline

c. electrical

d. chemical

8. When selecting a rope, you need a safety factor of about:

a. 2 to 1

b. 3 to 1

d. 4 to 1

c. 5 to 1

9. If you were purchasing anchor rode, you would want lots of stretch and would select:

a. Dacron

b. manila

c. nylon

d. none of above

10. The standing end of a line is the portion:

a. in the middle

b. belayed ashore

c. in your hand

d. the cut end

11. A bight in a line is a:

a. loop

b. wrap around another line

c. wrap around a post

d. none of above

12. The best knot to use to secure loop in a line that will not slip is:

a. square

b. clove

c. bowline

d. marlin

13. A device used to keep the inside of an eye splice from being cut by abrasion is called a:

a. horseshoe

b. rope guard

c. thimble

d. hawse pipe

14. The most dangerous waves are:

a. cycloidal

b. trochoidal

c. mastochoidal

d. none of above

15. A block is a device used to:

a. keep line straight

b. redirect the force of the line

c. hook to a halyard

d. none of above

16. The helm command “handsomely” means:

a. gradually or carefully

b. quickly

c. evenly

d. none of above

17. The law requires that you have the following on board a 35 foot vessel:

a. one C-1 fire extinguisher

b. one A-1 fire extinguisher

c. one B-1 fire extinguisher

d. none of above

18. You are the helmsman of a vessel with no rudder indicator with a maximum 30 degree rudder arc
from midship to full rudder. The wheel makes two full turns from left full to right full. How much
would you turn the wheel from your position of amidships to execute the command, "Right 10
degrees rudder?"

a. one full turn right

b. one third of a turn right

c. two thirds of a turn right

d. three quarters of a turn right

19. While sailing a 25 foot sailboat in 12 knots of wind, if the winds suddenly increase to 18 and the wind
is building, you should:

a. reef immediately

b. turn down wind

c. sheet in the main

d. none of above

20. The most widely used anchor for small craft is:

a. Northill

b. mushroom

c. Navy

d. Danforth

21. A good rule for cruising sailboats calls for a working anchor weight about ___ lbs. per foot of boat
length:

a. one

b. two

c. one half

d. three

22. When anchoring for the evening under normal conditions use a scope of:

a. 5 to 1

b. 6 to 1

c. 7 to 1

d. 8 to 1

23. Chain is made up into shots. A shot is ____ fathoms:

a. 10

b. 15

c. 20

d. 25

24. The best choice of bottom for anchor holding is:

a. very soft sand

b. hard sand

c. mud

d. rock

25. When setting the anchor be sure that you:

a. throw it as far as possible

b. reverse the boat at full power

c. use no more than 20 feet of line

d. none of above

26. To be sure that you are not drifting while at anchor, always:

a. take relative bearings on shore objects

b. check position with other boats

c. check GPS position

d. a, b, and c

27. A sailboat with two masts, a jib, a main and mizzen, with the mizzen mast stepped forward of the
rudder post is called a:

a. sloop

b. cat boat

c. yawl

d. ketch

28. On a 16 ft. Hobie Cat (actual measurement is 16 ft 2 inches) sailboat without a motor, you are
required by law to have:

a. one type IV flotation device

b. one bell

c. a type B-1 fire extinguisher

d. a, b, and c

29. The line that keeps the boat from moving forward or backward when alongside is called:

a. bowline

b. spring line

c. stern line

d. fender line

30. If you are alongside with port side to the pier and a 20 knot wind on your starboard, and you wish to
get underway, you may use your spring line and turn your rudder to the ____ and drive forward. This
will turn your stern to the right away from the pier and allow you to then back into the wind.

a. right

b. left

c. midship

d. none

31. The main reason that mariners prefer diesel inboard engines is that diesel:

a. is less likely to explode

b. starts quicker

c. runs cleaner

d. is less costly to operate

32. Before starting your boat’s engine you should:

a. open fuel valves

b. check for fumes

c. open up the boat

d. a, b, and c

33. When starting an outboard engine:

a. be sure the safety chain is connected

b. make sure the fuel tank is full

c. connect the kill switch for engine to your body

d. a, b, and c

34. The lookout must:

a. have no other duties

b. be a tall male

c. be stationed well aft

d. always be stationed on the bow

35. The relative bearing that is located 112.5 degrees from the bow along the right side of the boat is:

a. starboard abeam

b. starboard quarter

c. 2 points abaft the starboard beam

d. broad on the starboard bow

36. Two sailboats under sail only are on different tacks and are at risk of collision. Which is stand on?

a. starboard tack

b. port tack

c. windward

d. leeward

37. Two sailboats under sail only are on the same tack and are at risk of collision. Which is stand on?

a. port tack

b. starboard tack

c. windward

d. none listed

38. A power boat has a sailboat that is under sail and power two points on the power boat’s port bow.
Which vessel is stand on?

a. power boat

b. sailboat

39. A sailboat at night under sail only observes a power boat with 360 degree red over white over red
lights on its mast. Which vessel is stand on?

a. sailboat

b. power boat

40. A sailboat operating in the fog will sound what fog signal:

a. one prolonged, two short

b. two prolonged, one short

c. two prolonged

d. none of above

41. A power boat at anchor in the fog will sound:

a. one prolonged, three short

b. two prolonged

c. three short

d. ring a bell

42. If you meet another vessel head on in a channel and wish to pass port to port, you should sound:

a. one short

b. two short

c. three short

d. four short

43. A vessel at night with a 360 degree red over 360 degree green light is:

a. a fishing boat

b. a sailboat

c. constrained by draft

d. not under command

44. An emergency signal is:

a. a green flare

b. a red flare

c. a white flare

d. signal flags Charley over November

45. When returning from the sea, the first channel marker number that you should see on your right side is:

a. 1

b. 2

c. 3

d. 5

46. A red and white vertically striped marker means:

a. right hand channel marker

b. left hand channel marker

c. preferred channel marker

d. mid channel marker

47. The system of buoys in the United States is called:

a. cardinal system

b. buoy system

c. light house system

d. none of above

48. The word “ PAN PAN” when used on a VHF radio means:

a. urgent message to follow

b. life threatening emergency

c. navigation information to follow

d. none of above

49. When operating a vessel you should keep your VHF radio tuned to which channel?

a. 12

b. 15

c. 17

d. none of above

50. Rudder commands are given in terms of:

a. right and left

b. port and starboard

c. forward and aft

Select the items required by law on a 27 foot sailing vessel equipped with an outboard engine operating day and night. This vessel is operating in both inland and international waters. Place the letters indicating your answers in the blanks provided for questions 51 through 57.

a. two B-2 fire extinguishers	b. two B-1 fire extinguishers	c. one A-2 fire extinguisher
d. local charts	e. noise maker	f. bell
g. proper anchor	h. flashlight	i. five day or night flares
j. 3 night flares only	k. 3 day or night flares	l. one type IV PFD for each person
m. one type I, II, or III PFD for each person	n. mooring lines	o. first aid kit
p. navigation lights	q. registration	r. one type IV flotation device
s. EPIRB	t. VHF radio	u. steering wheel or device
v. one quart of water per person per day	w. signal mirror or light	x. lantern or white electric torch ready for display

51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57.

58. The word “MAYDAY” used on the VHF radio means:

a. extreme emergency

b. urgent situation

c. navigation information to follow

d. none of above

59. The word “SECURITY” used on the VHF radio means:

a. extreme emergency

b. urgent situation

c. navigation information to follow

d. none of above

60. The word “PAN” used on the VHF radio means:

a. extreme emergency

b. navigation information to follow

c. weather information

d. none of above

61. A power driven vessel that is engaged in fishing with nets has the right of way over:

a. a vessel constrained by draft

b. a vessel restricted in ability to maneuver

c. a vessel not under command

d. none of above

62. A sailing vessel under sail only has the right of way over:

a. a vessel constrained by draft

b. a vessel restricted in ability to maneuver

c. a sea plane landing

d. none of above

63. A sailing vessel under sail only is engaged in overtaking a power driven vessel. The sailboat is stand-on.

True

False

64. A sailing vessel under sail only is on a port tack and in danger of collision with a sailing vessel also
under sail only on a starboard tack. Which vessel is stand on?

a. starboard tack

b. port tack

c. none

65. Two sailing vessels at night are under sail and power both and are on the same tack in a crossing
situation and in danger of collision. Which one is stand on?

a. windward vessel

b. leeward vessel

c. vessel that can see the other vessel’s green light

d. vessel that can see the other vessel’s red light

66. The stand on vessel must:

a. not change course

b. not change speed

c. not change course or speed

d. may change course at will

67. Two power driven vessels are in danger of collision. Vessel A has vessel B on vessel A’s port beam.
Which vessel is stand on?

a. vessel A

b. vessel B

68. Two power driven vessels are in danger of collision. Vessel A has vessel B on vessel A’s starboard
quarter, three points abaft the starboard beam. Which vessel is stand on?

a. vessel A

b. vessel B

69. Two power driven vessels are meeting bow to bow in a channel. Which vessel is stand on?

a. the windward

b. the leeward

c. the one on the right side of the channel

d. neither has the right of way

70. You are operating your power vessel in a channel. Another power vessel approaching you head on
sounds two short blasts. This vessel intends to pass you:

a. port side to port side

b. starboard side to starboard side

c. is giving a danger signal

d. none of above

71. You are operating your power vessel in a channel. A power vessel behind you sounds one short blast.
This vessel intends to pass you on your:

a. port side

b. starboard side

c. is giving a danger signal

d. none of above

72. Two power driven vessels are operating in a channel approaching each other bow to bow. One vessel
sounds six short blasts. This vessel is indicating his intent to:

a. pass on the other vessels port side

b. pass on the other vessels starboard side

c. is giving a danger signal

d. none of above

73. A power driven vessel is operating in the fog. The vessel will sound what signal while under way,
making way?

a. one prolonged blast

b. two prolonged blasts

c. one long blast

d. none of above

74. A power driven vessel is operating in the fog. The vessel will sound what signal while underway and
making no way?

a. one prolonged blast

b. two prolonged blasts

c. one long blast

d. none of above

75. Vessels operating in the fog will sound the correct fog signal every:

a. one minute

b. two minutes

c. three minutes

d. four minutes

76. A sailing vessel operating in the fog under sail only will sound:

a. two short and one prolonged blast

b. one prolonged, one short and one prolonged blast

c. two prolonged and one short blast

d. none of above

77. A vessel towing another vessel in the fog will sound:

a. two short and one prolonged blast

b. one prolonged, one short and one prolonged blast

c. one prolonged and two short blasts

d. none of above

78. An aid to navigation near a channel that flashes Morse Code “A” ( short-long) is most likely a:

a. mid channel marker

b. right hand channel marker

c. left hand channel marker

d. preferred channel marker

79. An aid to navigation that has the number 7 painted upon it and marks a channel is a:

a. mid channel marker

b. right hand channel marker

c. left hand channel marker

d. preferred channel marker.

80. An aid to navigation in a channel that is a day marker and is triangular in shape is a:

a. mid channel marker

b. right hand channel marker

c. left hand channel marker

d. preferred channel marker

81. An aid to navigation is floating in a channel “T” intersection and painted red over green. You should
consider:

a. turning right to preferred channel

b. turning left to preferred channel

c. a stop – danger

d. none of the above

82. A yellow diamond shaped marker near a channel is a:

a. mid channel marker

b. danger marker

c. preferred channel marker

d. none of above

83. An aid to navigation on a chart has writing located next to the marker that reads {Fl 3sec “G-5” 30ft
3M}. This notation means that this aid to navigation flashes every 3 seconds, has the notation G-5
painted upon it, is 30 feet tall and has a light 3 meters off the water.

True

False

84. A 27 foot sailing vessel underway at night must exhibit sidelights of red and green color or a red,
green, white tri color light. The green light is visible on which side of the vessel?

a. port

b. starboard

c. stern

d. none

Questions 85, 86, 87:

A 27 foot power vessel underway at night must display side lights that are red and green, a stern light that is white, and a white power boat running light that is visible forward. Indicate the degrees of light arc for each light by putting the correct letter in the blank for each light described below:

a. 90 degrees b. 112.5 degrees c. 135 degrees d. 225 degrees e. 120 degrees

85. Side lights, red and green:

86. White stern light:

87. Forward white running light:

88. A 27 foot sailing vessel is at anchor at night and not in a designated anchorage.
This vessel is required by law to display on its mast top:

a. a red light 360 degrees

b. a yellow flashing light 360 degrees

c. a white light 225 degrees

d. none of above are correct

89. A 27 foot sailing vessel is underway under sail and power at night. This vessel must display:

a. a green light on the port side

b. a red light on the starboard side

c. a white light visible for 225 degrees forward

d. all of the above

90. A 12 foot sailing vessel is underway under sail only at night. This vessel must by law display:

a. green lights on the starboard side

b. red lights on the port side

c. white lights to the rear

d. all of the above

e. only required to have a white torch or lantern light available for use

91. A vessel that is displaying a 360 degree red over green light in a vertical line is a:

a. power vessel engaged in fishing

b. a vessel restricted in ability to maneuver

c. a sailing vessel under sail only

d. a vessel not under command

92. The following are signals of distress:

a. orange flag with two black squares

b. signal flags of November over Charlie

c. white flare

d. green flare

93. The following are signals of distress:

a. orange cloth with two black squares

b. orange cloth with two black circles

c. orange cloth with one black square and black one circle

d. none of above

94. A radio signal in Morse Code of two shorts, three longs and two shorts, is the distress signal SOS.

True

False

95. The emergency channel and frequency for VHF marine radio is:

a. channel 16, 156.8 MHz

b. 2128 kHz

c. channel 6, 151.4 MHz

d. none of above

96. When you have a man overboard situation, you should do the following things immediately:

a. sound the alarm

b. have the lookout maintain continuous visual contact

c. turn the bow of the boat toward the victim

d. all of the above

e. a & b only

97. When your vessel is taking on water you should first:

a. abandon ship

b. call the Coast Guard and declare an emergency

c. locate the source

d. turn off the bilge pumps

98. When fighting a class A fire on your boat, you should use the following extinguisher:

a. CO₂

b. dry powder

c. sea water

d. none of above

99. A flammable liquid fire that is fueled by alcohol may be extinguished with:

a. type A extinguisher

b. type B extinguisher

c. sea water

d. all

100. On any vessel 12 meters or longer you are required by law to have a copy of the rules of the road.

True

False