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.


65: What are the dimensions of the Old River Lock on the Lower Old River (mile 304 AHP)?


65: What are the dimensions of the Old River Lock on the Lower Old River (mile 304 AHP)?


145: As you approach Joseph Henry Light (mile 445.2 AHP) which daymark would you see?


165: Which company does NOT have a marine facility along the river bank in Helena (mile 661 to 665 AHP)?

    Y a. Helena Grain, Inc.
    N b. Helena Bridge Terminal, Inc.
    N c. Quincy Soybean Co.
    N d. Texas Eastern Pipeline Co.

185: At 1950, your position is LAT 37°12.3'N, LONG 75°38.6'W. The set and drift from 1930 to 1950 were __________.

    Y a. 150°T at 1.6 knot
    N b. 150°T at 0.6 knots
    N c. 330°T at 0.6 knot
    N d. 330°T at 1.6 knots

209: At 0705, you take the following bearings:

Watch Hill Light 034.5°pgc
Latimer Reef Light 338.0°pgc
Race Rock Light 268.0°pgc

What was the true course made good between 0645 and 0705?

    Y a. 253°T
    N b. 256°T
    N c. 263°T
    N d. 266°T

241: Little Gull Island Light is __________.

    N a. lighted only during daytime when the sound signal is in operation
    Y b. lighted throughout 24 hours
    N c. maintained only from May 1 to Oct 1
    N d. obscured by trees from 253° to 352°

288: According to your track line, how far off New Point Comfort Spit Light "4" will you be when abeam of this light?

    N a. 0.5 mile
    Y b. 0.9 miles
    N c. 1.5 miles
    N d. 1.8 miles

299: At 1930, your vessel is between York River Entrance Channel Lighted Buoys "1YR" and "2". From this position, you change course to 142°pgc at an engine speed of 8.0 knots. At 2001, you obtain the following information:

Chesapeake Channel Tunnel North Light - 131°pgc; Thimble Shoal Light - 248°pgc

What were the set and drift between 1930 and 2001?

    Y a. 127° at 0.5 knot
    N b. 127° at 1.1 knot
    N c. 307° at 1.1 knot
    N d. 307° at 0.5 knot

328: From your 0315 position, what time can you expect to reach York Spit Channel Buoys "37" and "38"?

    N a. 0423
    N b. 0417
    N c. 0412
    Y d. 0405

403: You receive a distress call from a vessel reporting her position as LAT 30°21'N, LONG 88°34'W. Your position is LAT 24°30'N, LONG 83°00'W. Determine the true course and distance to the distress scene by Mercator sailing.

    N a. 317°T, 470 miles
    Y b. 320°T, 460 miles
    N c. 322°T, 455 miles
    N d. 324°T, 460 miles

454: Determine the great circle distance and initial course from LAT 26°00.0'S, LONG 56°00.0'W to LAT 34°00.0'S, LONG 18°15.0'E.

    N a. 3705 miles, 153°T
    N b. 3841 miles, 068°T
    N c. 3849 miles, 248°T
    Y d. 3805 miles, 117°T

485: Determine the great circle distance and initial course from LAT 08°53.0'N, LONG 79°31.0'W to LAT 33°51.5'S, LONG 151°13.0'E.

    N a. 7809 miles, 247.0°T
    N b. 7763 miles, 247.0°T
    Y c. 7635 miles, 233.9°T
    N d. 7618 miles, 230.3°T

518: Point Judith Harbor of Refuge __________.

    N a. is used mostly by towing vessels
    N b. has a maximum depth of 14 feet at MHW
    Y c. is entered through the East Gap or the West Gap
    N d. is easily accessible in heavy southerly seas

737: On 29 July , your 1930 zone time DR position is LONG 164°26.0'E. At that time you observe Polaris with a sextant altitude (hs) of 23°46.8'. The chronometer time of the sight is 08h 32m 18s, and the chronometer error is 02m 26s fast. The index error is 2.7' on the arc, and the height of eye is 56.0 feet. What is your latitude by Polaris?

    N a. 24°01.9'N
    Y b. 24°19.5'N
    N c. 24°31.7'N
    N d. 25°19.6'N

1129: Which daymark should you see as you approach French Point Light (mile 915.4 AHP)?

    N a. Red diamond
    N b. Green square
    Y c. Red triangle
    N d. Green diamond

1303: On which map would you find Redman Point, Arkansas?

    Y a. 20
    N b. 38
    N c. 45
    N d. 60

1676: On 10 June , your vessel's 0519 zone time DR position is LAT 27°07.0'N, LONG 92°10.0'W, when an amplitude of the Sun is observed. The Sun's center is on the visible horizon and bears 063.6° per standard magnetic compass. The variation in the area is 4.8°E. The chronometer reads 11h 17m 32s and is 01m 18s slow. What is the deviation of the compass?

    N a. 5.6°E
    N b. 4.8°E
    N c. 4.2°W
    Y d. 4.8°W

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

2013: On 28 October , morning twilight will occur around 0524 ZT in LAT 25°25.0'N, LONG 32°33.3'W. Considering their magnitude and location, which group will be the three stars best suited to observe for a star fix at star time?

    N a. Sirius, Hamal, Denebola
    N b. Sirius, Denebola, Dubhe
    Y c. Sirius, Capella, Denebola
    N d. Sirius, Mirfak, Hamal

2018: On 11 November , your 0200 zone time DR position is LAT 26°32'S, LONG 154°16'E. You are on course 058°T at a speed of 21 knots. Considering their magnitude, azimuth, and altitude, which group includes the three bodies best suited for a fix at star time?

    N a. Polaris, Regulus, Rigel
    N b. Jupiter, Spica, Canopus
    N c. Saturn, Peacock, Rigel
    Y d. Mars, Betelgeuse, Miaplacidus

2179: On 22 June , at 0906 EDT (ZD +4), your position is LAT 24°36'N, LONG 69°30'W. You are on course 165°pgc at a speed of 14.8 knots. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made, and the sextant altitude (hs) is 42°44.0' with an index error of 0.8' off the arc. At this time the chronometer reads 01h 10m 12s, and is 2m 42s slow. If your height of eye is 70 feet, what is the azimuth (Zn) of the sight using the assumed position?

    Y a. Zn 080.4°
    N b. Zn 081.6°
    N c. Zn 129.0°
    N d. Zn 130.5°

2709: If the highest point of your towboat is 54 feet above the water and the Natchez Gage reads 24.8 feet, what will be your vertical clearance when passing under the Natchez-Vidalia westbound Highway Bridge?

    N a. 35.9 feet
    Y b. 47.2 feet
    N c. 49.6 feet
    N d. 57.5 feet

2881: Your vessel is steering 049°T at 15 knots. At 1914 a light bears 078°T, and at 1951 the same light bears 116°T. What will be your distance off abeam?

    Y a. 6.7 miles
    N b. 7.1 miles
    N c. 7.5 miles
    N d. 8.3 miles

3063: The observed distance for a day's run was 302.7 miles. The propeller had a pitch of 20'06", and the average RPM was 67. What was the slip?

    N a. +0.7%
    N b. -0.7%
    Y c. +7.0%
    N d. -7.0%

3078: If the speed necessary for reaching port at a designated time is 17.8 knots and the pitch of the propeller is 24.7 feet, how many revolutions per minute will the shaft have to turn, assuming a 7% positive slip?

    N a. 67
    N b. 71
    N c. 75
    Y d. 79

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

3272: Your vessel arrives in port with sufficient fuel to steam 775 miles at 17 knots. If you are unable to take on bunkers, at what speed must you proceed to reach your next port, 977 miles distant?

    Y a. 15.1 knots
    N b. 15.8 knots
    N c. 17.2 knots
    N d. 17.7 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

3754: Your vessel is proceeding up a channel, and you see a pair of range lights that are in line ahead. The chart indicates that the direction of this pair of lights is 014°T, and the variation is 11°E. If the heading of your vessel at the time of the sighting is 009° per standard magnetic compass, what is the correct deviation?

    N a. 5°E
    N b. 5°W
    N c. 6°E
    Y d. 6°W

10505: At 0919 your position is LAT 37°00.0'N, LONG 75°30.0'W. You are on course 270°T at 8.7 knots. At 1000 your position is LAT 36°59.5'N, LONG 75°37.0'W. What was the current?

    N a. 137° at 0.6 knot
    Y b. 150° at 1.0 knot
    N c. 331° at 0.7 knot
    N d. 347° at 0.7 knot

11104: What is the time of the first PM (Daylight Savings Time) maximum ebb current at Plum Gut on 10 August 1983?

    N a. 1231
    N b. 1249
    N c. 1340
    Y d. 1445

11105: What is the height of the tide at Great Salt Pond on Block Island at the afternoon high water (daylight savings time) on 1 July 1983?

    N a. 3.9 feet
    N b. 3.0 feet
    N c. 2.4 feet
    Y d. 2.1 feet

11108: The passage between Great Gull Island and Plum Island __________.

    N a. is subject to weak and variable tidal currents
    N b. uncovers at extreme low water
    Y c. should be avoided
    N d. shows a whirlpool at maximum ebb current when accompanied by NW gales

11500: At 2016 your GPS position is LAT 41°07.6'N, LONG 71°37.8'W. At 2128 your GPS position is LAT 41°00.4'N, LONG 71°29.4'W. What was the speed made good between the two positions?

    N a. 11.9 knots
    N b. 10.2 knots
    Y c. 8.0 knots
    N d. 7.4 knots

11501: At 2016 your GPS position is LAT 41°07.6'N, LONG 71°33.8'W. At 2128 your position is LAT 41°00.4'N, LONG 71°29.4'W. What was the speed made good between the two positions?

    N a. 11.9 knots
    N b. 10.2 knots
    N c. 8.9 knots
    Y d. 6.7 knots

12505: You are on course 056°psc, when you take the following bearings:
New Point Comfort Spit Light "2" 260°psc Horn Harbor Entrance Light "HH" 285°psc Wolf Trap Light 336°psc What is the position of the fix?

    Y a. LAT 37°19.3'N, LONG 76°08.5'W
    N b. LAT 37°19.3'N, LONG 76°08.8'W
    N c. LAT 37°19.2'N, LONG 76°08.2'W
    N d. LAT 37°19.2'N, LONG 76°08.7'W

12707: You are on course 246° per standard magnetic compass when you take the following bearings: Little Gull Island Light 286° Race Rock Light 308° Latimer Reef Light 018°What is your position?

    N a. LAT 41°12.6'N, LONG 71°55.7'W
    N b. LAT 41°12.6'N, LONG 71°56.6'W
    Y c. LAT 41°12.7'N, LONG 71°56.0'W
    N d. LAT 41°13.1'N, LONG 71°56.1'W

12902: Your 1312 position is LAT 37°10.9'N, LONG 75°29.6'W. You are turning for 8.3 knots. What is your ETA at LAT 37°21.9'N, LONG 75°42.6'W?

    N a. 1449
    N b. 1456
    Y c. 1502
    N d. 1511

14703: At 0800 your vessel is at mile 110 proceeding in an easterly direction on the Columbia River. At 1030 Reed Island is abeam to port as you pass the 125 mile mark. What has been your average speed in knots?

    N a. 4.3 knots
    Y b. 5.2 knots
    N c. 8.7 knots
    N d. 10.0 knots

15007: What course should you steer using the standard magnetic compass (psc) to make good the course of 192°pgc?

    N a. 188°psc
    N b. 195°psc
    Y c. 203°psc
    N d. 205°psc

15207: What is the maximum allowable speed of vessels underway up river from Tue Marshes Light?

    N a. 6 knots
    N b. 8 knots
    N c. 10 knots
    Y d. 12 knots

15256: At 0700, Stratford Shoal Middle Ground Light bears 143°pgc at 1.8 miles. What is your 0700 position?

    N a. LAT 41°04.8'N, LONG 73°06.7'W
    Y b. LAT 41°05.0'N, LONG 73°07.6'W
    N c. LAT 41°05.1'N, LONG 73°06.8'W
    N d. LAT 41°05.3'N, LONG 73°07.9'W

15360: Your 0507 position is about 7 miles from Bridgeport, CT. What is the distance from this position to Newport, RI?

    Y a. 88 miles
    N b. 95 miles
    N c. 101 miles
    N d. 114 miles

15627: What is the vertical clearance of the Natchez Highway Bridge (westbound) when the river level is the same as the Low Water Reference Plane (6.1 ft)?

    N a. 102.2 ft
    N b. 108.3 ft
    Y c. 119.4 ft
    N d. 125.6 ft

15661: At 0727, the cupola on Fishers Island is in line with Latimer Reef Light bearing 024°pgc. Based on this, the gyro error is __________.

    N a. 2°E
    N b. 1°E
    N c. 0°
    Y d. 3°W

15910: At 0802, Branford Reef Light bears 348°T at 0.75 mile,
and the north point of Falkner Island bears 088°T at 6.7 miles. What were the set and drift since 0740?

    N a. Set 040°T, drift .3 knot
    Y b. Set 220°T, drift .9 knot
    N c. Set 220°T, drift .3 knot
    N d. You are making good your intended course and speed.

16262: What was the speed made good from 0240 to 0400?

    N a. 5.2 knots
    N b. 5.6 knots
    Y c. 6.0 knots
    N d. 6.4 knots

16306: At 0345, you set a course to depart New London Harbor. Assuming no set and drift, which standard magnetic compass course must you steer to stay in the middle of the channel?

    N a. 175°psc
    Y b. 187°psc
    N c. 190°psc
    N d. 192°psc

16408: You estimate that you are making 9.3 knots over the ground.
At what time will you enter waters governed by the COLREGS?

    N a. 0247
    Y b. 0251
    N c. 0255
    N d. 0258