USCG Navigation Problems: Master's License

This is an interactive test. Read each question and select the proper answer by clicking on the appropriate answer. If a "Y" appears, your choice is correct. If a "N" appears, more study may be in order.

48: The Clinch River empties into which river?
224: Which statement concerning your 1920 position is TRUE?
298: You have just passed York River Entrance Channel Lighted Buoys "13" and "14". The chart shows a light approximately 1.0 mile off your port beam with a light characteristic "Fl 6 sec". What is the name of this light?
307: A vessel at LAT 28°00'N, LONG 116°00'W is to proceed to LAT 34°00'N, LONG 123°40'W. What is the course and distance by mid-latitude sailing? 

    N a. 323°T, 428 miles
    N b. 324°T, 453 miles
    Y c. 312°T, 533 miles
    N d. 302°T, 539 miles
358: From your 0410 fix, what is the course per standard magnetic compass to the entrance to York Spit Channel between buoys "37" and "38"? 

    N a. 152°
    N b. 156°
    Y c. 176°
    N d. 178°
388: From your 0745 fix, you change course to pass 1.0 mile south of buoy "WH" and estimate your speed at 7 knots. If the visibility clears, what is the earliest time you can expect to see Block Island North Light tower? 

    N a. 0845
    N b. 0838
    Y c. 0807
    N d. 0750
429: At 0820, you take the following bearings:

Falkner Island Light bearing 052°true
Branford Reef Light bearing 307°true

What are the set and drift since 0730? 

    N a. Set 052°T, drift 1.1 knots
    N b. Set 052°T, drift 1.3 knots
    Y c. Set 232°T, drift 1.3 knot
    N d. Set 232°T, drift 1.1 knots
491: At 0748, you take the following bearings:

Watch Hill Point Light bearing 020.5° pgc
Race Point Light bearing 267.5° pgc

What is the approximate depth of water at this position? 

    N a. 104 feet
    Y b. 130 feet
    N c. 175 feet
    N d. 325 feet
547: At 0705, you change course to head for The Race. You wish to leave Race Rock Light bearing due north at 0.4 mile. If the current is 100°T, at 2.8 knots, and you are turning for 12.0 knots, what course (pgc) should you steer? 

    N a. 267°pgc
    Y b. 263°pgc
    N c. 255°pgc
    N d. 250°pgc
550: You observe the star Antares at a sextant altitude (hs) of 38°18.7' on 28 February . The index error is 2.4' on the arc. The height of eye is 40 feet (12.2 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)? 

    N a. 38°07.5'
    Y b. 38°09.0'
    N c. 38°10.5'
    N d. 38°12.5'
706: The solid lines extending into the channel at mile 948 AHP are __________. 

    N a. revetments
    Y b. dikes
    N c. spoil areas
    N d. Westvaco Service Facilities
755: You are taking a time tick using the 1400 signal from Buenos Aires, Argentina. You hear a 0.4 second dash followed by a series of dots, noting that the 29th and the 56th to 59th dots are omitted. At the start of the following 0.4 second dash (which is followed by an 8 second pulse), the comparing watch reads 01h 59m 57s. When compared to the chronometer, the comparing watch reads 02h 00m 38s, and the chronometer reads 02h 01m 33s. What is the chronometer error? 

    N a. 0m 03s slow
    N b. 0m 4ls slow
    Y c. 0m 52s fast
    N d. 1m 36s fast
1100: Charles Island (LAT 41°11.5'N, LONG 73°03.4'W) is __________. 

    N a. a high, rocky pinnacle with steep cliffs
    N b. a low, sandy island barren of all vegetation
    N c. identified by a tall prominent flagpole
    Y d. low and partly covered by trees
1125: Where would you find out which buoys, if any, are in place at Concordia Bar crossing (mile 596.0 AHP)? 

    Y a. Local Notice to Mariners
    N b. Bulletin board at the Rosedale Gage
    N c. Waterways Journal
    N d. None of the above
1244: If your vessel is making turns for 7.5 mph with an estimated average current of 1.5 mph, what is your ETA at the dock in Angelina, LA? 

    Y a. 1621, 28 Dec
    N b. 2203, 28 Dec
    N c. 0516, 29 Dec
    N d. 1621, 29 Dec
1681: On 8 December , in DR position LAT 21°56.1'S, LONG 17°21.6'E you observe an amplitude of the Sun. The Sun's center is on the celestial horizon and bears 240.5°psc. The chronometer reads 05h 27m 21s and is 00m 47s fast. Variation in the area is 3.3°E. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass? 

    N a. 1.5°W
    N b. 0.3°W
    N c. 0.6°E
    Y d. 1.5°E
1724: What is the mile point of the Natchez, MS Gage? 

    N a. 228.4 AHP
    N b. 265.4 AHP
    N c. 302.4 AHP
    Y d. 363.3 AHP
1757: What town is located at mile 395 AHP? 

    Y a. St. Joseph
    N b. Belmont
    N c. St. James
    N d. Rodney
1853: On 8 April , while taking observations for an evening fix, you observe an unidentified star bearing 250.7°T at an observed altitude of 51°44.8'. Your DR position at the time of the sight was LAT 22°16.0'N, LONG 157°58.3'W. The chronometer reads 05h 09m 57s and is 01m 23s slow. What star did you observe? 

    N a. Betelgeuse
    N b. Aldebaran
    N c. Alnilam
    Y d. Bellatrix
1882: On 2 October , your 1845 DR position was LAT 28°09.2'S, LONG 167°48.1'E. You observe a faint star through a hole in the clouds at a sextant altitude (hs) of 20°45.6' T, bearing 201.5°T. The index error is 1.3' off the arc, and the height of eye is 42 feet. The chronometer reads 07h 46m 19s and is 00m 51s fast. What star did you observe? 

    N a. Cor Caroli
    N b. Muhlifain
    Y c. Alpha Muscae
    N d. Beta Corvi
2008: On 24 July , your 1912 zone time DR position is LAT 24°28.0'N, LONG 73°46.5'W. Considering their magnitude, azimuth, and altitude, which group includes the three stars best suited for a fix at star time? 

    N a. Fomalhaut, Rigel, Pollux
    N b. Arcturus, Acrux, Hadar
    Y c. Spica, Altair, Alioth
    N d. Vega, Deneb, Regulus
2100: From your 2118 position, you are steering 288°T at an engine speed of 7.0 knots. If visibility is suddenly reduced to 2 miles, at what time can you expect Old Point Comfort Light to become visible again? 

    N a. The light is visible at 2118.
    N b. 2155
    N c. 2220
    Y d. 2232
2172: On 11 October , at 0516 ZT, morning stars were observed, and the vessel's position was determined to be LAT 23°21.0'N, LONG 139°27.0'W. Your vessel is steaming at 14.0 knots on a course of 293°T. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 0927 ZT. The chronometer reads 06h 30m 21s, and the sextant altitude (hs) is 39°48.7'. The index error is 2.0' on the arc, and the chronometer error is 02m 56s fast. Your height of eye on the bridge is 63.0 feet. What is the azimuth (Zn) of this sight using the assumed position? 

    N a. 116.2°T
    Y b. 123.4°T
    N c. 126.2°T
    N d. 128.4°T
2172: On 11 October , at 0516 ZT, morning stars were observed, and the vessel's position was determined to be LAT 23°21.0'N, LONG 139°27.0'W. Your vessel is steaming at 14.0 knots on a course of 293°T. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 0927 ZT. The chronometer reads 06h 30m 21s, and the sextant altitude (hs) is 39°48.7'. The index error is 2.0' on the arc, and the chronometer error is 02m 56s fast. Your height of eye on the bridge is 63.0 feet. What is the azimuth (Zn) of this sight using the assumed position? 

    N a. 116.2°T
    Y b. 123.4°T
    N c. 126.2°T
    N d. 128.4°T
2241: At 1318 ZT, on 10 September , in DR position LAT 24° 05.8' N, LONG 058° 08.3' E, you observe an amplitude of the Moon. The upper limb of the Moon is on the visible horizon and bears 254° psc. Variation is 2° W. What is the deviation? 

    N a. 8.0°W
    N b. 8.0°E
    Y c. 4.0°W
    N d. 4.0°E
2331: What is the coastwise distance from your 0731 fix to Wilmington, DE (LAT 39°43.2'N, LONG 75°31.5'W)? 

    N a. 339 miles
    N b. 309 miles
    N c. 245 miles
    Y d. 221 miles
2718: What organization has an installation at the uppermost end of Carthage Revetment? 

    N a. City of Natchez (waterfront)
    Y b. River Cement Co.
    N c. J.M. Jones Lumber
    N d. International Paper Co.
3082: The speed of advance necessary to arrive in port at a designated time is 15.8 knots. The pitch of the propeller is 20.75 feet. You estimate 5% positive slip. How many RPM must you turn to make the necessary speed? 

    N a. 73.5
    N b. 76.2
    N c. 79.9
    Y d. 81.2
3095: If the pitch of the propeller is 21.3 feet, and the revolutions per day are 126,214, calculate the day's run allowing 4% positive slip. 

    Y a. 424.5 miles
    N b. 442.1 miles
    N c. 459.9 miles
    N d. 477.3 miles
3103: You are turning 93 RPM, with a propeller pitch of 25 feet, and an estimated slip of 0%. What is the speed of advance? 

    N a. 20.2 knots
    N b. 21.9 knots
    N c. 22.4 knots
    Y d. 22.9 knots
3621: Your vessel is steering course 216° per standard magnetic compass, variation for the area is 9°W, and deviation is 2°E. The wind is from the east, producing a 5° leeway. What true course are you making good? 

    N a. 204°T
    Y b. 214°T
    N c. 223°T
    N d. 227°T
3624: Your vessel is steering course 073°psc, variation for the area is 15°E, and deviation is 4°E. The wind is from the southeast, producing a 4° leeway. Which true course are you making good? 

    N a. 050°T
    N b. 058°T
    Y c. 088°T
    N d. 096°T
3651: The true course between two points is 337°. Your gyrocompass has an error of 3°E and you make an allowance of 5° leeway for a west wind. Which gyro course should be steered to make the true course good? 

    Y a. 329°pgc
    N b. 335°pgc
    N c. 339°pgc
    N d. 345°pgc
6844: At 1010 your vessel passes close abeam to Buoy "NCB" in the inbound traffic lane. At this time the Chesapeake Bay Pilot informs you that he will not board your vessel until 1100. The pilot boat is located 1.5 miles northeast of Cape Henry Light. What should you reduce your speed to in order to arrive at the pilot boat at this time? 

    N a. 5.9 knots
    N b. 7.5 knots
    Y c. 8.2 knots
    N d. 9.8 knots
11012: Which statement is FALSE with regard to Plum Island Harbor West Dolphin Light? 

    N a. The light is maintained from sundown to 0130 daily.
    Y b. The light is white.
    N c. The light is maintained by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
    N d. The light is located on a dolphin.
12109: You sight Tue Marshes Light (LAT 37°14.1'N, LONG 76°23.2'W) in line with Goodwin Thorofare Light "16" (LAT 37°13.7'N, LONG 76°25.0'W) dead ahead bearing 264° per standard magnetic compass. Which statement is TRUE? 

    Y a. The compass error is 11°W.
    N b. The deviation table must be corrected for the change in date.
    N c. The deviation is 1°W for a bearing of 264° only.
    N d. The variation is 9°W for a bearing of 264° only.
12704: You are on course 137° per standard magnetic compass when you take the following bearings: Watch Hill Point Light - 051°psc Montauk Point Light - 184°psc Race Rock Light - 279°psc What is your position? 

    Y a. LAT 41°15.2'N, LONG 71°54.4'W
    N b. LAT 41°15.1'N, LONG 71°53.8'W
    N c. LAT 41°15.1'N, LONG 71°54.9'W
    N d. LAT 41°15.0'N, LONG 71°53.7'W
13801: You are operating in the area approximately 2 miles southeast of Kelsey Point when you realize that your vessel's intended track will carry you over the wreck charted at LAT 41°13.5'N, LONG 72°29.6'W. Which statement is TRUE? 

    N a. The chart indicates the exact position of the wreck.
    N b. The wreck has been cleared by wire drag to a depth of 39 ft.
    Y c. The wreck represents a danger to surface navigation.
    N d. The wreck is visible above the sounding datum.
13802: Which chart would you use for more detailed information on the Connecticut River? 

    N a. 12354
    N b. 12370
    N c. 12371
    Y d. 12375
15009: At 1930, your position is LAT 37°16.7'N, LONG 75°37.7'W. The depth of water is approximately __________. 

    N a. 30 feet ( 9.1 meters)
    N b. 40 feet (12.1 meters)
    Y c. 50 feet (15.1 meters)
    N d. 60 feet (18.1 meters)
15013: At 2020, what is the course to steer to enter the inbound lane of North Chesapeake Entrance traffic separation scheme if a northwesterly wind causes 3° of leeway? 

    N a. 227°pgc
    N b. 224°pgc
    Y c. 221°pgc
    N d. 215°pgc
15143: From your 2146 position, with a new engine speed of 12 knots, you wish to change course in order to pass southeast of Buoy "MP" at a distance of 2 miles. With a reported set of 320° true and a drift of 2 knots, which course should you steer to make good your desired course? 

    N a. 055°true
    Y b. 061°true
    N c. 066° true
    N d. 071°true
15569: The coastline between Point Judith and Watch Hill is __________. 

    N a. marked by waterfalls from the highland ponds
    N b. low and marshy
    Y c. sandy and broken by rocky points
    N d. heavily forested
15607: If there is no current, what is the course per gyro compass from your 1600 position to point A located 0.5 mile due east of Hog Island Lighted Bell Buoy "12"? 

    N a. 190°pgc
    Y b. 193°pgc
    N c. 196°pgc
    N d. 199°pgc
15745: Your 2239 position is LAT 41°08.5'N, LONG 71°53.3'W. You change course to 315°T, and you maintain RPM's for 9 knots. At 2329 Little Gull Island Light bears 253°T, Race Rock Light bears 309°T, and Watch Hill Point Light bears 058°T. What were the set and drift of the current you experienced from your 2239 position? 

    N a. 076°T at 0.75 knot
    N b. 076°T at 0.90 knot
    N c. 256°T at 0.75 knot
    Y d. 256°T at 0.90 knot
15825: What is the vertical clearance between the highest point of your towboat, if it is 58 feet above the water, and if the Natchez Gage reads 28.13 feet when passing under the Natchez Upper Highway Bridge? 

    N a. 15.9 feet
    N b. 33.2 feet
    Y c. 39.9 feet
    N d. 45.4 feet
15916: If you correct for the current in the preceding question (215°T at 0.5 knot) and maintain an engine speed of 7.5 knots, what is your ETA 0.5 mile south of buoy "W"? 

    N a. 1016
    N b. 1021
    Y c. 1026
    N d. 1030
16111: Which publication contains the specific information about navigating in York Spit Channel? 

    N a. Light List
    Y b. Coast Pilot
    N c. Chesapeake Bay Harbor- master's Regulations Manual
    N d. Navigator's Manual - Chesapeake Bay
16264: Which statement about your 0400 position is true? 

    N a. You are governed by the Inland Rules of the Road.
    N b. Anchoring, trawling and fishing are prohibited.
    N c. The ocean floor is composed of shingle.
    Y d. You are within the Territorial Sea and the contiguous zone.
16441: When you get underway, you will take the most direct route to buoy "CBJ", while remaining west of York Spit Channel. You will be turning for 9.7 knots and estimate an average ebb of 0.3 knot during the transit. How long will it take to steam from the anchor position to buoy "CBJ"? 

    N a. 2h 16m
    Y b. 2h 33m
    N c. 2h 42m
    N d. 2h 51m
16706: At 0520, you take the following observations:

Point Judith Light 032°pgc
Point Judith Harbor of Refuge
Main Breakwater Center Light 308°pgc

What is the position of your 0520 fix? 

    N a. LAT 41°20.8'N, Long 71°30.3'W
    Y b. LAT 41°20.8'N, Long 71°29.7'W
    N c. LAT 41°20.6'N, Long 71°30.0'W
    N d. LAT 41°20.5'N, Long 71°29.8'W
16745: At 0100 Race Rock Light bears 001° relative, and at 0110 it bears 000° relative. Based on this you know you __________. 

    Y a. are being set to the right of the track
    N b. are making good more than 9.2 knots
    N c. are making good less than 9.2 knots
    N d. have an unknown gyro error