Rules of the road scenario game
A mixed skipper-decision drill. Some questions are right of way, some are lights, some are sound signals, and some test whether you should slow down, hold course, communicate, or keep clear.
Collision-risk watch simulator
Read the traffic picture before it gets close. Pick the action that preserves lookout, safe speed, CPA margin, and a clear stand-on/give-way signal.
Bearing drift lab
Rule 7 says collision risk is presumed when an approaching vessel's compass bearing does not appreciably change. Read the bearing/range samples, then pick the risk call and Rule 8 action that is positive, early, substantial, and checked until finally past and clear.
Safe speed lab
Rule 6 is not just "go slower in fog." Choose the speed plan that leaves enough time to see, hear, decide, signal, turn, or stop before traffic density, visibility, wind/current, background light, or tight water remove your options.
Saved rules mastery
Saved locally in asa101.rulesGame.v1. Export it from Progress backup with the rest of your trainer data.
Rule habits this game is trying to build
Lookout first
Do not treat rules as a quiz you answer after the danger develops. Spot the situation early, communicate with crew, and keep a safe speed.
Bearings beat guesses
If the bearing is steady and range is closing, assume collision risk. Make one early, obvious change and keep checking until the other vessel is finally past and clear.
Slow while options exist
Safe speed means you can still take effective action and stop within the distance the conditions allow. If visibility, traffic density, current, or background lights shrink the picture, reduce speed before the close call.
Stand-on is not stubborn
Holding course and speed helps the give-way vessel, but every vessel must act to avoid collision when the other boat is not responding.
Exceptions matter
Sail generally has priority over power, but overtaking, narrow channels, constrained traffic, fishing, restricted maneuverability, and not-under-command status can change the answer.
Signals are language
Lights, sounds, VHF, and vessel aspect help you understand what another skipper is doing before you are close enough to shout.
Sources
- USCG NAVCEN Navigation Rules Amalgamated - primary rule source.
- 33 CFR 83.07 Risk of Collision (Rule 7) - steady bearing and close-range caution.
- 33 CFR 83.08 Action to Avoid Collision (Rule 8) - early, positive, substantial action and checking effectiveness.
- 33 CFR 83.06 Safe Speed (Rule 6) - visibility, traffic density, maneuverability, background light, sea, wind, current, and stopping distance factors.
- 33 CFR Part 83 - current U.S. inland navigation rules.
- BoatUS Foundation Navigation Lights - beginner light recognition.
- BoatUS Foundation Navigation Sounds - beginner sound signal explanations.