Free USCG Captain's License Practice Test

1. 72 COLREGS apply to vessels upon which waters?

• A.All vessels on the high seas and connected navigable waters✓
• B.Only vessels on the high seas beyond 12 nautical miles
• C.Only vessels in international waters beyond 3 nautical miles
• D.All vessels on the high seas and in U.S. inland waters

Why: Rule 1(a) states the rules apply on the high seas and in all waters connected therewith navigable by seagoing vessels. This broad application covers coastal, port, and offshore waters unless a nation has established special inland rules for specific waters.

2. What is the characteristics of the 'special flashing light' under Inland Rule 24(i)?

• A.A yellow light flashing at 50 to 70 flashes per minute✓
• B.A white light flashing at 120 flashes per minute
• C.An amber light occulting once every 4 seconds
• D.A yellow light flashing at 2 flashes every 5 seconds

Why: The special flashing light prescribed under Inland Rule 24(i) is a yellow light flashing at 50 to 70 flashes per minute, fitted as far forward as practicable on the pushed vessel. It has no equivalent under 72 COLREGS.

3. A vessel departs a known position at 0800 on course 090°T at 12 knots. What is the DR position at 1100?

• A.36 nautical miles east of the departure point✓
• B.24 nautical miles east of the departure point
• C.48 nautical miles east of the departure point
• D.36 nautical miles west of the departure point

Why: Time elapsed = 1100 - 0800 = 3 hours. Distance = Speed × Time = 12 × 3 = 36 nm. Course 090°T is due east, so the DR position is 36 nm east of departure.

4. On a nautical chart with a scale of 1:80,000, a measured distance of 2 inches on the chart represents approximately how many nautical miles?

• A.2.19 nautical miles✓
• B.4.38 nautical miles
• C.1.09 nautical miles
• D.8.76 nautical miles

Why: At 1:80,000, one inch equals 80,000 inches on the earth. There are 72,913 inches in one nautical mile, so 2 inches equals 160,000 ÷ 72,913 ≈ 2.19 nautical miles.

5. A Class A fire involves which type of combustible material?

• A.Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth✓
• B.Flammable liquids such as gasoline and oil
• C.Energized electrical equipment
• D.Combustible metals such as magnesium and titanium

Why: Class A fires involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and rubber. These fires leave ash after burning, which is the basis for the letter 'A' designation.

6. Under 46 U.S.C. § 2303, a vessel operator involved in a collision with another vessel must:

• A.Proceed directly to the nearest port and file a report within 24 hours
• B.Render assistance to the other vessel and persons in danger without serious danger to own vessel✓
• C.Immediately anchor and await Coast Guard investigation
• D.Only render assistance if the other vessel displays a distress signal

Why: 46 U.S.C. § 2303 (Duties related to marine casualty assistance and information) legally requires a vessel operator involved in a collision to render assistance to other vessels and persons in danger, provided this does not seriously endanger the operator's own vessel, crew, or passengers.

7. Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately:

• A.1013 millibars (29.92 inches of mercury)✓
• B.850 millibars (25.10 inches of mercury)
• C.1100 millibars (33.00 inches of mercury)
• D.760 millibars (22.40 inches of mercury)

Why: Standard sea-level pressure is 1013.25 mb, equal to 29.92 inches of mercury or 14.7 psi. Readings are compared against this value; well below it indicates a low-pressure system.

8. Nimbostratus clouds are best characterized as:

• A.High-altitude thin clouds producing virga but rarely reaching the surface
• B.Dark, thick, low-level clouds producing continuous moderate-to-heavy precipitation✓
• C.Convective clouds with strong vertical development and gusty outflows
• D.Mid-level clouds that obscure the sun but produce no precipitation

Why: Nimbostratus is a dark, thick, low-to-middle level cloud layer that produces continuous, steady rain or snow; its base is often obscured by falling precipitation, and it is the primary precipitation cloud associated with warm frontal passages.

9. What does the OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) credential authorize?

• A.Operating an uninspected vessel carrying no more than six passengers, at least one of whom is carried for hire✓
• B.Operating any inspected small passenger vessel up to 100 gross tons
• C.Operating a vessel carrying up to twelve passengers on near-coastal routes
• D.Operating a towing vessel of unlimited horsepower

Why: The OUPV — commonly called the 'six-pack' — lets the holder carry up to six passengers (with at least one for hire) on an uninspected vessel. Carrying seven or more passengers, or operating an inspected vessel, requires a Master's license and a vessel with a Certificate of Inspection.

10. STCW Basic Safety Training certification must be renewed every how many years to remain valid?

• A.3 years
• B.5 years✓
• C.7 years
• D.10 years

Why: Under STCW 2010 Manila Amendments and 46 CFR 11.302, STCW proficiency certificates including Basic Safety Training must be revalidated every 5 years to ensure continued competence.