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100+ Free USCG Master Rivers Unlimited Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: USCG Master Rivers Unlimited Exam

RVR01

NMC Exam Code

NMC Examinations

~210

Typical Original Path Questions

Q300+Q380–Q383 module sums

90%

Rules & Chart Plot Pass

USCG Deck Guide / module standards

$110

Exam Fee (Upper Level)

46 CFR 10.219

$255

Typical Original Total Fee

Evaluation + exam + issuance

5 yr

MMC Validity

USCG MMC rules

RVR01 Master Rivers Unlimited is a modular Coast Guard exam: Inland Rules (50 at 90%), Deck General and Deck Safety (50 each at 70%), Navigation General Rivers (50 at 70%), and Chart Plot (10 at 90%)—about 210 original-path questions. Upper-level original fees are about $100+$110+$45 under 46 CFR 10.219. Service follows 46 CFR 11.459 (same as Master inland unlimited; Great Lakes service not required). This free bank is an English MCQ study aid.

Sample USCG Master Rivers Unlimited Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your USCG Master Rivers Unlimited exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Rule 7 warns against making assumptions about risk of collision on the basis of:
A.Scanty information, especially scanty radar information
B.A steady compass bearing with decreasing range
C.A systematic radar plot of a detected target
D.Long-range scanning to get early warning of risk
Explanation: Rule 7(c) states that assumptions shall not be made on the basis of scanty information, especially scanty radar information. Rule 7(b) requires proper use of operational radar including long-range scanning and systematic observation or plotting, so the other options describe the practices the rule actually demands.
2Under the Inland Rules, when power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing with risk of collision, short-blast maneuvering signals generally express:
A.Intention and require agreement by the other vessel (reply)
B.Action already taken only, with no need for a reply
C.Restricted-visibility signals under Rule 35
D.Distress signals under Annex IV
Explanation: Under Inland Rule 34, short-blast maneuvering signals are signals of intention and the other vessel must answer; International Rule 34 treats short blasts as signals of action already being taken.
3Two power-driven vessels meet in a narrow channel on the Western Rivers, the downbound vessel having a following current. Under Inland Rule 9(a)(ii), the maneuvering signals are initiated by:
A.The downbound vessel, which has the right of way and proposes the manner of passage
B.The upbound vessel, which has the right of way against the current
C.Whichever vessel sights the other first, regardless of direction
D.Neither vessel, because whistle signals are not used on Western Rivers
Explanation: Inland Rule 9(a)(ii) gives a power-driven vessel proceeding downbound with a following current in a narrow channel or fairway on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary the right of way over an upbound vessel. She proposes the manner of passage and initiates the maneuvering signals; the upbound vessel holds as necessary for safe passing.
4Rule 9(g) advises that any vessel shall, if the circumstances of the case admit:
A.Avoid anchoring in a narrow channel
B.Anchor in the deepest part of a narrow channel to stay clear of the banks
C.Anchor only on the left descending bank of any river
D.Anchor wherever convenient, provided anchor lights are shown
Explanation: Rule 9(g) (33 CFR 83.09(g)) directs vessels to avoid anchoring in a narrow channel if circumstances admit. A vessel brought up in the fairway blocks the very water that channel-bound traffic must use and cannot get out of the way, which is why the rule discourages it even though anchor lights and shapes would be shown.
5Rule 6 lists additional safe-speed factors that apply to a vessel with operational radar. Those factors include:
A.The characteristics, efficiency, and limitations of the radar equipment and any constraint imposed by the range scale in use
B.The age of the vessel's certificate of inspection
C.The number of crew carried on the payroll
D.The price of fuel at the next terminal
Explanation: Rule 6 adds a set of radar-specific factors on top of the general ones: the characteristics, efficiency, and limitations of the equipment, constraints imposed by the range scale in use, the effect of sea state, weather, and interference on detection, the possibility that small craft, ice, and floating objects may not be detected at an adequate range, and the number, location, and movement of the contacts that are detected.
6On the Western Rivers under the Inland Rules, when two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on or nearly so with risk of collision, which vessel proposes the manner of passage?
A.The vessel proceeding downbound with a following current
B.The vessel proceeding upbound against the current
C.Whichever vessel is larger in gross tonnage
D.The vessel that first sounds one prolonged blast
Explanation: Inland Rule 14(d) provides that on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary, a power-driven vessel proceeding downbound with a following current has the right-of-way over an upbound vessel, proposes the manner of passage, and initiates the maneuvering signals.
7Under Inland Rule 15(b) on the Western Rivers, a power-driven vessel crossing a river shall:
A.Keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river
B.Have the right of way over all ascending or descending traffic
C.Sound five short blasts and continue without altering course
D.Ignore Rule 15 because only Rule 9 applies on rivers
Explanation: Inland Rule 15(b) provides that on the Great Lakes, Western Rivers, or waters specified by the Secretary, a power-driven vessel crossing a river shall keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river.
8Under Rule 12, when two sailing vessels are approaching one another with the wind on the same side, the vessel that keeps out of the way is:
A.The vessel to windward
B.The vessel to leeward
C.The vessel on the starboard tack, in every case
D.The larger of the two vessels
Explanation: Rule 12 gives two tests. When the vessels have the wind on different sides, the one with the wind on her port side keeps out of the way. When they have the wind on the same side, the vessel to windward keeps out of the way of the vessel to leeward, because the leeward vessel has less room to bear away.
9A power-driven vessel of 50 metres or more in length underway must exhibit a second masthead light. That after masthead light is placed:
A.Abaft of and higher than the forward masthead light
B.Forward of and lower than the forward masthead light
C.At the same height as the forward light, athwartships of it
D.At the stern, in place of the sternlight
Explanation: Rule 23 requires a power-driven vessel of 50 metres or more to carry a second masthead light abaft of and higher than the forward one. The vertical separation is what lets another vessel judge aspect and length at night: the two lights close together in line show a head-on or nearly head-on aspect, while a wide separation shows the vessel is well off your bow.
10A sailing vessel that is proceeding under sail while also being propelled by machinery shall exhibit forward, where it can best be seen:
A.A conical shape, apex downward
B.A single black ball
C.Two cones with their apexes together
D.A cylinder
Explanation: Rule 25 requires a vessel under sail that is also being propelled by machinery to show forward a conical shape with the apex downward. For the purposes of the steering and sailing rules she is a power-driven vessel, and the day shape is how other vessels are told so.

About the USCG Master Rivers Unlimited Exam

The USCG Master of Unlimited Tonnage — Rivers examination (NMC exam code RVR01) is the upper-level national deck knowledge path for unlimited tonnage master service on rivers under 46 CFR 11.459. Modules cover Inland Rules of the Road (including Western Rivers special provisions), deck general, deck safety, navigation general for rivers, and chart plot. Service requirements match Master inland unlimited; Great Lakes service is not required.

Assessment

RVR01: Q300 Rules of the Road Inland (50, 90%); Q380 Deck General (50, 70%); Q381 Deck Safety (50, 70%); Q382 Navigation General Rivers (50, 70%); Q383 Chart Plot (10, 90%). Q384 is Master of Unlimited Tonnage Renewal Open Book Exercise (renewal only).

Time Limit

Up to 3.5 hours per module; minimum two modules per day, all modules completed on consecutive days within the same business week

Passing Score

70% most modules; 90% Rules of the Road; 90% chart plot

Exam Fee

$110 examination fee; ~$255 typical original upper-level total ($100 evaluation + $110 exam + $45 issuance) (U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center (NMC) / Regional Exam Centers)

USCG Master Rivers Unlimited Exam Content Outline

~24%

Rules of the Road Inland

Inland Rules with Western Rivers special provisions for unlimited-tonnage river master decisions.

~24%

Deck General

Seamanship, tow and barge operations, watchkeeping, and shipboard management at master level.

~24%

Deck Safety

Stability, damage control, firefighting, lifesaving, and emergencies.

~24%

Navigation General Rivers

River navigation, aids, currents, locks, compass, and piloting.

~5%

Chart Plot

Plotting and calculation problems scored at 90%.

How to Pass the USCG Master Rivers Unlimited Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70% most modules; 90% Rules of the Road; 90% chart plot
  • Assessment: RVR01: Q300 Rules of the Road Inland (50, 90%); Q380 Deck General (50, 70%); Q381 Deck Safety (50, 70%); Q382 Navigation General Rivers (50, 70%); Q383 Chart Plot (10, 90%). Q384 is Master of Unlimited Tonnage Renewal Open Book Exercise (renewal only).
  • Time limit: Up to 3.5 hours per module; minimum two modules per day, all modules completed on consecutive days within the same business week
  • Exam fee: $110 examination fee; ~$255 typical original upper-level total ($100 evaluation + $110 exam + $45 issuance)

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

USCG Master Rivers Unlimited Study Tips from Top Performers

1Overprepare for Inland Rules of the Road because Q300 requires 90% to pass.
2Master Western Rivers/Inland special rules: downbound privilege, river-crossing duties, and Inland Rule 34 intention/agreement signals.
3Drill lights and shapes for power-driven vessels, towing vessels, and barges—core river traffic pictures.
4Practice lock procedures, current effects on tows, and bank/channel awareness for Navigation General Rivers.
5Drill chart-plot routines: speed-time-distance, set and drift, and compass error arithmetic until automatic.
6Take timed sets of 50 questions to match REC deck and navigation module length.
7Review stability, damage control, firefighting, and abandon-ship procedures for Deck Safety.
8Study barge and tow seamanship, line handling, and watchkeeping for unlimited-tonnage river operations.
9Confirm your application path is RVR01 (rivers) rather than GLI01 (Great Lakes and Inland) so you prepare the correct nav module.
10Know that Q384 is renewal open book only—do not confuse it with original-module prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the USCG RVR01 exam?

RVR01 is modular. Original modules are Rules of the Road Inland (50), Deck General (50), Deck Safety (50), Navigation General Rivers (50), and Chart Plot (10)—about 210 questions total. Q384 is a renewal open-book exercise, not part of the original knowledge path.

What passing score do I need?

Most modules require 70%. Rules of the Road Inland (Q300) requires 90%. Chart plot (Q383) requires 90%.

How much does the exam cost?

Under 46 CFR 10.219, a typical original upper-level officer path is about $100 evaluation, $110 examination, and $45 issuance. Medical, drug testing, and training costs are separate. Pay via Pay.gov.

Can I take the exam remotely?

No. These deck officer modules are administered in person at U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers (RECs). There is no approved remote-testing option for these endorsements.

How does Master Rivers unlimited service compare to inland unlimited?

Under 46 CFR 11.459(a), Master of river self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage must meet the same service requirements as Master of inland self-propelled vessels of unlimited tonnage. Great Lakes service is not required for rivers endorsements.

Are open-book renewal exercises the same as the original modules?

No. Q384 Master of Unlimited Tonnage Renewal Open Book Exercise is separate from original RVR01 knowledge modules (Q300, Q380–Q383). This bank focuses on original-module knowledge.

What calculator can I bring?

The NMC policy letter of December 2, 2024 superseded the earlier TI-30XIIS-only rule. At a Regional Exam Center you may use a programmable calculator with memory if all programs and memory are cleared before entry and you can demonstrate clearing with the manufacturer's instructions. If the examiner cannot confirm the device is cleared, a TI-30XIIS is provided instead. Only one calculator is allowed; other electronics including smart watches are not permitted.

Is this free practice bank an official Coast Guard exam?

No. This is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation for exam prep. Official modules are administered by the Coast Guard at RECs and may include chart-plot and calculation items that this bank approximates with knowledge and calculation MCQs.