Browse all practice questions for the Maritime Law Practice Exam. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

Maritime Law Practice Exam 2026 - Free Maritime Law Practice Questions and Study Guide course image
All questions

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

  • The whistle signal for a vessel altering her course to starboard is? (International)
  • In a night scenario, if both vessels alter to starboard to pass, what is the passing arrangement?
  • Which additional day-shape must you show on the forward end of an inconspicuous partially submerged vessel or object being towed more than 200 meters in length?
  • The whistle signal for a vessel operating astern propulsion is?
  • Which lighting combination is required for a single vessel being towed alongside?
  • In maritime carriage disputes, which damages are typically pursued?
  • A 'prolonged blast' lasts how many seconds (approximately)?
  • Which day shape indicates fishing gear extending more than 150 meters?
  • How are general average costs allocated among cargo owners?
  • What remedies are available to cargo claimants under the Hague-Visby regime?
  • What are the typical prerequisites for obtaining an arrest of a ship?
  • What is a bareboat charter and what obligations does it impose on the charterer?
  • The steering and sailing rules for vessels in restricted visibility apply to which vessels?
  • Which term describes the vessel that should maintain course and speed unless collision risk requires action?
  • In international waters, a signal of intent must be sounded by which vessel?
  • In international waters, a signal of intent must be sounded by which vessel?
  • What is required of a vessel navigating near an area of restricted visibility?
  • True bearing is the angle between the direction the bow is pointed and the bearing of the object.
  • What is the minimum length of a power-driven vessel that must show forward and after masthead lights?
  • Which factor must be taken into account when determining safe speed?
  • What is the typical effect of arrest on a vessel in port while a dispute is unresolved?
  • (International Only) A 20-meter power-driven vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside will display____.
  • Vessels engaged in towing or pushing IN OR NEAR an area of restricted visibility, whether by DAY or NIGHT, will sound a signal consisting of one prolonged and two short blasts at intervals not more than 2 minutes.
  • Safe speed is defined as the speed where __________.
  • If a vessel of special construction cannot comply with the Rules for lights, what should it do?
  • Ship arrest is a provisional remedy used to secure a maritime claim. It is typically based on which grounds?
  • Under general average, what constitutes a general average sacrifice?
  • If two sailing vessels have wind on opposite sides of the beam, which must keep clear?
  • During off-hire periods, what happens to the charter hire?
  • What does a light signal of three flashes mean?
  • Which vessel must take action first to avoid a collision in a crossing situation?
  • What is typically required before a ship can be arrested in a maritime dispute?
  • In a voyage charter, what does laytime cover, and who bears the risk of delay during loading/unloading?
  • The Inland Rules do not apply to U.S. vessels on Canadian waters of the Great Lakes.
  • How do multi-modal transport arrangements influence liability for shipments?
  • What is the difference between a straight bill of lading and an order bill?
  • What is the role of Incoterms in maritime contracts and how do they interact with the bill of lading?
  • A towing light is shown in addition to which light?
  • When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on and there is a risk of collision, each shall __________.
  • How does a bill of lading function as a document of title, and how can it transfer ownership of goods?
  • Which of the following is NOT a common peril of the sea that relieves carriers of liability under international carriage regimes?
  • How do liability regimes differ when goods are carried by sea under a single carrier vs multi-carrier arrangements?
  • A flashing light defined in COLREGS flashes at regular intervals of how many times per minute?
  • You are on a vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling, and have gear extending more than 150 meters horizontally from the vessel. Which day-shape must you show in the direction of the outlying gear?
  • In which situation would risk of collision definitely exist?
  • What action may the stand-on vessel take when the give-way vessel is not acting?
  • The port side navigation light is which color?
  • To how many degrees abaft the beam on the vessel’s side must a sidelight show?
  • Which option is NOT one of the four shapes listed in Annex I for Lights and Shapes?
  • What does the bill of lading govern in terms of risk and title?
  • The term 'in extremis' refers to the moment when the stand-on vessel must take action.
  • Under the collision regulations, a power-driven vessel underway must keep out of the way of sailing vessels except when what occurs?
  • Which statement best describes the inherent vice defense?
  • Under the overtaking rule, which vessel is responsible for maintaining a safe distance in a narrow channel?
  • For identification purposes at night, U.S. Navy submarines on the surface may display an intermittent flashing light of which color?
  • A vessel must proceed at a safe speed __________.
  • Which statement best differentiates P&I insurance from hull and machinery insurance?
  • If the action to avoid collision is not positive or not made in ample time, it is
  • When a pushing vessel and the vessel being pushed ahead are rigidly connected in a composite unit, they shall be regarded as what type of vessel?
  • When does a maritime lien attach to the vessel?
  • You are approaching a bend in a channel. You cannot see around the bend because of the height of the bank. You should sound a whistle blast of one second duration.
  • A stand-on vessel does not have to take action until she 'finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the give-way vessel alone.' This point is known as 'in extremis'.
  • Under the Rules, any vessel may slacken her speed, stop, or reverse her engines to _______.
  • Which statement best describes the primary purpose of Incoterms in relation to a bill of lading?
  • In admiralty law, what does 'in rem' jurisdiction target, and what is ship arrest used to secure?
  • Which is true about the stand-on vessel's first opportunity to act?
  • How does risk transfer relate to the terms of a bill of lading?
  • Which day shape would a vessel engaged in fishing during daylight (not trawling) display?
  • What is the role of the Institute Cargo Clauses in marine cargo insurance?
  • What is the role of the stand-on vessel in collision avoidance in many situations?
  • Power-driven vessels must keep out of the way of sailing vessels except under what condition?
  • Which statement correctly distinguishes a bill of lading from a charterparty?
  • The COLREGS are designed to prevent collisions at sea.
  • Which events are commonly cited as force majeure in maritime contracts?
  • What is inherent vice, and how can it affect cargo claims?
  • A vessel is underway if it meets the following criteria: not aground; not at anchor; not made fast to a dock, the shore, or other stationary object.
  • Which duration corresponds to a short blast on the whistle?
  • The COLREGS include 38 rules divided into how many parts?
  • If two sailing vessels are running free with the wind on the same side, which vessel must keep clear?
  • Special local rules never take precedence over IMO rules.
  • At night, a power-driven vessel less than 12 meters in length may, instead of the normal navigation lights, show sidelights and All around white light.
  • How does a shipowner prove seaworthiness at the start of voyage under the general standard?
  • Which whistle signal indicates a vessel backing astern propulsion?
  • Which scenario would prompt the stand-on vessel to take action?
  • A single vessel being towed alongside shall show __________.
  • What defenses do carriers commonly rely on to limit liability under Hague-Visby and COGSA?
  • The International/Inland Rules of the Road contain 5 Annexes.
  • The stern light's arc of visibility is how many degrees?
  • Under Hague-Visby rules, what are the carrier's primary duties and the standard of liability for loss or damage to cargo?
  • Rule 14 describes the action to be taken by vessels meeting head-on. Which of the following conditions must exist in order for this rule to apply?
  • Which statement best describes the effect of the maneuverability factor on safe speed?
  • Which element commonly interacts with the bill of lading to clarify delivery terms?
  • What is the 'off-hire' clause in a time charter and how does it affect the charter hire?
  • In arrest proceedings, what is the purpose of posting security?
  • When in sight of another vessel and there is sufficient sea room, any action taken to avoid collision must __________.
  • A COLREGS defined flashing light has how many flashes per minute?
  • In a time charter, what are the off-hire days and why are they significant?
  • Which vessel must display forward and aft masthead lights?
  • Which day shape indicates a vessel not under command?
  • Under standard maritime practice, when does risk generally pass?
  • The Inland Rules apply to all vessels navigating the inland waters of the United States, as defined by 33 CFR Part 80.
  • Under Hague-Visby rules, which item is generally not a duty of the carrier?
  • What is containerization, and how has it affected liability for sea carriage of goods?
  • Are punitive damages typically available in maritime carriage disputes, and why or why not?
  • The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea are included in a book published in the United States by which organization?
  • In a bareboat charter, who has full control of the vessel and who is responsible for maintenance?
  • A vessel underway and fishing shall keep out of the way of a vessel not under command.
  • You see the lights shown. This is a __________.
  • While underway at night, you sight a vessel ahead displaying the lights shown. How should the vessels pass?
  • A vessel engaged in fishing during the day would show which day shape?
  • In a bareboat charter, who is responsible for voyage costs?
  • In the context of a voyage charter, which statements about laytime, demurrage, and dispatch are correct?
  • A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a vessel which of the following?
  • What is redelivery in a carriage contract, and how does it affect risk transfer?
  • What steps are typically involved in arrest proceedings against a ship?
  • Which relative motion scenario is inconsistent with a definite risk of collision?
  • The whistle signal for a vessel altering her course to port is one short blast.
  • Where are the Inland demarcation lines defined?
  • Name the main types of charterparties and identify a key term in each (voyage, time, bareboat).
  • When is the stand-on vessel FIRST allowed to take action to avoid collision?
  • Vessels or objects being towed as a group shall be lighted as one vessel.
  • Which color light is used by U.S. Navy submarines on the surface for identification at night?
  • What does a force majeure clause do in maritime contracts?
  • Which statement about a maritime lien is true?
  • Which of the following best defines seagoing vessels in the COLREGS context?
  • In the described scenario, which vessel is permitted to take action to avoid collision if the other vessel is not acting?
  • How does MARPOL address ship-source pollution, and what liabilities can shipowners face for pollutants?
  • If the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action, which vessel may take action to avoid collision?
  • General average contributions are calculated based on what and who shares the burden?
  • What are the three traditional roles of a bill of lading?
  • Which waters are governed by the Inland Rules?
  • Differentiate between ship mortgage and maritime lien; how do they affect enforcement?
  • Which color is the port side sidelight?
  • A proper look-out shall be maintained __________.
  • The steering and sailing rules in restricted visibility apply to vessels navigating in or near what?
  • Explain the York-Antwerp Rules and their influence on general average contributions.
  • How long does a 'short blast' on the whistle last?
  • While underway at night you are coming up on a vessel from astern. Which light(s) would you expect to see?
  • When must lights be exhibited?
  • Vessels I and II are power-driven vessels. You are on vessel I. You are the__________.
  • The statement 'Seagoing vessels literally mean all ships, regardless of size, that go to sea' is True or False?
  • Which of the following best describes the recommended avoidance maneuver when there is ample sea room?
  • What is a letter of indemnity and why is it used in place of an original bill of lading?
  • Which authority determines how a vessel with special construction should apply lighting when it cannot meet standard rules?
  • What is the purpose of limitation of liability regimes in maritime law, and what is typically required to invoke them?
  • Which statement is true regarding two sailing vessels with the wind forward of the beam on opposite sides?
  • Risk of collision may exist in which scenarios?
  • In the context of collision risk, what does bearing constant and decreasing range indicate?
  • Which statement best describes deviation in a voyage contract and its potential liability implications?
  • If two power-driven vessels are approaching head-on and there is risk of collision, what is the recommended passing configuration after altering to starboard?
  • Salvage involves the voluntary saving of life or property at sea. Which factors are used to determine a salvage award?
  • What do the Institute Cargo Clauses define in cargo insurance terms?
  • Under Rule 14, what is the required maneuver for head-on risk of collision?
  • Which statement reflects that risk of collision may exist under certain conditions?
  • You are aboard the give-way vessel in a crossing situation. What should you NOT do in obeying the Rules?
  • You are on a vessel engaged in fishing while underway and shall, so far as possible; keep out of the way of a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.
  • Under the NAVIGATION RULES: International-Inland, the International Rule is on the left and the Inland Rule on the right.
  • Which statement correctly differentiates general average from particular (special) average, with an example?
  • A proper look-out shall be maintained at what times?
  • What is the maximum interval between the prolonged and two short blasts when signaling towing in restricted visibility?
  • Which factor indicates a definite risk of collision?
  • What does seaworthiness mean, and how can unseaworthiness at the voyage's start affect cargo claims?
  • Who is entitled to a salvage award, and what does the award reflect?
  • An overtaking situation would be one in which one vessel is approaching another from more than how many degrees abaft the beam?
  • Which statement best describes latent defects in cargo or machinery in the context of carrier liability?
  • What is the role of port state control in maritime safety and environmental enforcement?
  • Under what circumstances can a carrier be relieved of liability for cargo loss due to inherent vice or perils of the sea?
  • When a pilot is on board, the Officer of the Watch (OOW) is no longer responsible for the ship.
  • At night, which lights would you see on a vessel engaged in fishing, other than trawling?
  • A charterparty is a contract between the shipowner and a charterer that governs which terms?
  • Relative bearing is the angle between geographic north and the bearing of the object.
  • A vessel engaged in trawling will show identification lights of which configuration?
  • Which statement best describes the give-way vessel's obligation?
  • The black ball day shape must have a minimum diameter of what?
  • When there is sufficient sea room to avoid collision, the required action should be which of the following?
  • What is a requirement for any action taken to avoid collision?
  • In a multi-carrier chain, liability is typically what?
  • What is demurrage in a voyage charter?
  • What is the purpose of pilotage and towage in maritime operations, and how do they impact liability?
  • A towing light is __________.
  • What is deviation, and how does it affect liability in carriage of goods by sea contracts?
  • At night, you sight navigation lights; which configuration would indicate a tug with a tow alongside?
  • An all-round flashing yellow light may be exhibited by a(n) __________.
  • The International Rules of the Road apply upon the high seas and connecting waters navigable by seagoing vessels.
  • What criteria determine the salvage award value?
  • In multi-modal transport, what typically governs liability for each leg?
  • How is the 'due diligence' standard evaluated in practice for seaworthiness and cargo care?
  • Which of the following best describes perils of the sea as a defense under liability regimes?
  • If a vessel hears a fog signal forward of her beam and has not determined whether a risk of collision exists, what speed should she reduce to?
  • In carriage contracts, what does redelivery refer to in practice?
  • Which statement correctly distinguishes inherent vice from latent defects?
  • Which of the following statements about masthead lights is true?
  • What is the minimum diameter for a black ball day shape?
  • The Inland Rules apply to U.S. vessels on Canadian waters of the Great Lakes.
  • What are COLREGS and how do they influence liability in maritime collisions?
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy