COLREG and IALA buoyage, made simple
Free, plain-words study for your boat licence or deck exam: the rules of the road, buoys, lights, sound signals and radio. Then test yourself.
…and any other nautical topic, course or certificate you need.
Free with an account · 512 practice questions to help you prepare.
- 24 recreational licences
- 3 professional courses
- 4 professional certificates

Built on the official rules from
- IMO
- IALA
- ITU
- IHO
- WMO
- USCG
- DGMM
- RYA
Learners preparing for
- PER
- PNB
- Patrón de Yate
- RYA Day Skipper
- ICC
- USCG OUPV
- STCW II/1
Everything for your exam, in Academy.
Two power-driven vessels in sight meet on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses with risk of collision. Under Rule 14, each shall:
Rule 14(a): each shall alter course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other.
Continue in AcademyWhat Academy can do for you
Try 5 quick questions
Five real exam questions. Two minutes. No account needed.

Two power-driven vessels in sight meet on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses with risk of collision. Under Rule 14, each shall:
Tap an answer to check it
Turn the propeller.
Academy's 15 propulsion lessons come with real 3D models. Try one right here.

From learners
What learners say
In their own words, from people who studied here for their licence.

“The clear explanations and practice quizzes helped me understand the rules and feel more confident preparing for my exam.”
“Even after years at sea, it’s good to brush up on the rules. I do a few quizzes between trips—it keeps me sharp and sometimes catches things I’d forgotten.”
“I’m happiest out on the water, but I’d sometimes second-guess myself when another boat came into view. A bit of practice here has helped me feel more confident—and enjoy my sailing even more.”- 512 practice questions
- 14 languages
- 41 COLREG rules explained
- 27 official exams covered
- Built on IMO · IALA · ITU texts
- Free with an account
Explore free study tools
Tests, simulators and a guide to every exam, free and without an account.

Simulators
- Radio simulatorVHF, MF/HF, NAVTEX, EPIRB and SART with guided lessons
- Radar simulatorRelative motion, CPA and TCPA on a manoeuvring board
- Weather labClouds in 3D, front passages and weather charts
- Beaufort simulatorWind forces 0–12 and the sea in 3D
- Signal flag gameLearn the 26 International Code flags against the kraken
- Knot studioTie the bowline and more with a 3D rope, then check your knot
- Ship parts explorerFour vessels in 3D: hull, structure, rigging and lights, then a drag-and-drop test
- IMDG Dock CheckSign dangerous goods cargo before the crane comes
Built for the rules part of your exam
Study the International COLREG rules with source texts, explanations, vessel-light models and sound examples. Practise individual topics or use a timed practice exam.
Read more
Start wherever you like. Read a rule, take a short quiz on it, then sit a full mock exam when you feel ready. Learning is free; an optional Exam Pass adds unlimited practice for the final push. We're independent, so we don't sell courses or issue licences. We just want you to walk into your exam feeling prepared.



