USCG Small-Boat Coxswain Exam Questions with
100% Correct Answers | Verified | Latest Update
2026
From where is our authority to conduct SAR drawn? - ANSWER 14 U.S.C. 88:
The Coast Guard shall develop, establish, maintain and operate SAR facilities and may render aid
to distressed persons and protect and save property on and under the high seas and waters
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States
Under what situations are we permitted to fight fire? - ANSWER 1- Aboard our own vessels
2- In the early stages of a fire to prevent a situation from worsening
3- As needed to save lives
4- In support of a regular fire-fighting agency iff under the direction of a qualified fire officer
How do you respond to flare sightings? - ANSWER All flare sightings--regardless of color--
are treated as distress until proven otherwise. Unresolved searches require a first-light search.
Red/Orange = Distress
White = illumination
Green = training
From where does a coxswain get their authority? - ANSWER Coast Guard Regulations
Manual
COMINST 5000.3B
The coxswain is the direct representative of the commanding officer or officer in charge and, as
such has authority and responsibility which are independent of rank or seniority in relation to
other personnel embarked. The coxswain's authority and responsibility exist only when the boat
is engaged on a specific sortie or missions.
Who can relieve a coxswain? - ANSWER 1- CO/OiC
2- XO/XPO
3- A senior officer at the scene of distress, emergency or other abnormal situation who exercises
authority under the provisions of Article 5-1-4,
