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.


36: You pass Springfield Bend Lt. (mile 244.8 AHP) at 1242, on 17 October, and estimate the current will average 2.5 mph for the remainder of your trip. What is your ETA at the mouth of the Ohio River if you are making turns for 10.5 mph?


43: You have received orders to proceed to the Amoco Pipeline Co. (mile 253.6 AHP) above Baton Rouge. If your vessel is making turns for 9 mph with an estimated average current of 1.5 mph, what is your ETA at the Amoco docks?


48: The Clinch River empties into which river?


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

    N a. 1202 x 84 feet
    N b. 1200 x 75 feet
    N c. 1195 x 75 feet
    Y d. 1190 x 75 feet

201: What course should you steer by your standard magnetic compass to make good a course of 280°T?

    Y a. 294°psc
    N b. 290°psc
    N c. 272°psc
    N d. 266°psc

217: Your 1600 position is LAT 37°22.5'N, LONG 75°32.3'W. The depth of water under the keel is about __________.

    N a. 59 feet (17.3 meters)
    N b. 52 feet (15.8 meters)
    N c. 45 feet (13.6 meters)
    Y d. 38 feet (11.5 meters)

265: At 0740, you take the following Radar Ranges:

Branford Reef Light @ 2.5 nm
New Haven Light @ 3.9 nm

What is your position?

    Y a. LAT 41°12.4'N, LONG 72°51.5'W
    N b. LAT 41°12.6'N, LONG 72°51.8'W
    N c. LAT 41°12.7'N, LONG 72°51.9'W
    N d. LAT 41°12.2'N, LONG 72°52.0'W

311: A vessel at LAT 20°10'N, LONG 122°00'E is to proceed to LAT 26°18'N, LONG 128°20'E. What are the course and distance by mid-latitude sailing?

    N a. 041.2°T, 501.0 miles
    N b. 041.9°T, 503.6 miles
    Y c. 043.5°T, 507.3 miles
    N d. 044.7°T, 509.7 miles

326: Your 0200 position is LAT 37°23.5'N, LONG 76°09.2'W. Your speed is 8 knots, and your course is 095°T. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The depth of the water in your vicinity is about 38 to 40 fathoms (69.1 meters to 72.7 meters).
    N b. The closest major aid to navigation is New Point Comfort.
    Y c. You are less than a mile from a sunken wreck which could interfere with your tow.
    N d. You will pass through a disposal area on your present course.

510: You observe the star Deneb at a sextant altitude (hs) of 48°34.8' on 16 December . The index error is 4.0' off the arc. The height of eye is 58 feet. What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

    N a. 48°02.9'
    Y b. 48°30.5'
    N c. 48°31.4'
    N d. 48°46.5'

526: Your vessel receives a distress call from a vessel reporting her position as LAT 35°01.0'S, LONG 18°51.0'W. Your position is LAT 35°01.0'S, LONG 21°42.0'W. Determine the true course and distance from your vessel to the vessel in distress by parallel sailing.

    Y a. 090°T, 140.0 miles
    N b. 090°T, 189.2 miles
    N c. 270°T, 140.0 miles
    N d. 270°T, 189.2 miles

1305: As you approach Ashland Light (mile 378.1 AHP) which daymark would you see?

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

1660: On 23 June , in DR position LAT 21°39.0'S, LONG 106°28.0'W, you observe an amplitude of the Sun. The Sun's center is on the celestial horizon and bears 078°psc. The chronometer reads 02h 14m 39s and is 01m 43s slow. Variation in the area is 9°W. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass?

    N a. 2.8°E
    N b. 3.9°W
    Y c. 4.3°W
    N d. 4.6°E

1670: On 10 August , your vessel's 0426 zone time DR position is LAT 52°07'N, LONG 142°16'E, when an amplitude of the Sun is observed. The Sun's lower limb is about 20 minutes of arc above the visible horizon and bears 074.5° per standard compass. Variation in the area is 12°W. The chronometer reads 07h 24m 19s and is 02m 34s fast. Which of the following is the deviation of the standard compass?

    N a. 0.0°
    N b. 1.3°W
    Y c. 1.3°E
    N d. 2.3°W

1837: The Arkansas City Yellow Bend revetment on the LMR extends from mile _________.

    Y a. 555.0-549.7 RDB
    N b. 549.0-548.5 RDB
    N c. 556.9-554.9 LDB
    N d. 548.5-546.5 LDB

2201: At 1000, on May 11th, you are passing George Prince Lt. (mile 364.1 AHP) in Natchez, Mississippi and must send an ETA to the Monsanto Terminal in St. Louis (mile 178.0 UMR). Your engines are still turning for 8.5 mph and you estimate the current at 2.5 mph. What will be your arrival time in St. Louis?

    N a. 1919 on 15 May
    N b. 2344 on 15 May
    N c. 1113 on 16 May
    Y d. 1757 on 16 May

2245: You are entering the channel at buoy 29 and turning for 9 knots. An easterly wind is causing 3°
of leeway and the current is 320°T at 1.2 knots. What true course should you steer to remain in the middle leg of York Spit Channel?

    N a. 162°T
    Y b. 165°T
    N c. 168°T
    N d. 171°T

2272: As you approach Buckridge Light (mile 412.5 AHP), which type of daymark would you see on the light structure?

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

2584: At 1930 you obtain two radar ranges: Hammonasset Point at 4.1 miles and the East side of Falkner Island at 7.6 miles. What is your position?

    N a. LAT 41°11.2'N, LONG 072°30.6'W
    Y b. LAT 41°11.7'N, LONG 072°29.2'W
    N c. LAT 41°11.8'N, LONG 072°29.6'W
    N d. LAT 41°11.9'N, LONG 072°29.2'W

2669: You are steering 143°T, and a light is picked up dead ahead at a distance of 18.2 miles at 2006. You change course to pass the light 5.5 miles off abeam to port. If you are making 14.5 knots, what is your ETA at a position 5.5 miles off the light?

    N a. 2115
    Y b. 2118
    N c. 2121
    N d. 2124

2677: You sight a light 9° on your starboard bow at a distance of 21 miles. Assuming you make good your course, what will be your distance off the light when abeam?

    Y a. 3.3 miles
    N b. 3.7 miles
    N c. 4.0 miles
    N d. 4.3 miles

2710: What does the circle with black and white quadrants across from Morgan Point Landing (769.0 miles AHP) represent?

    Y a. Gage reading
    N b. Day Beacon
    N c. Light Tower
    N d. Speed zone

2857: Your vessel is on a course of 253°T at 18 knots. At 2027 a light bears 275.5°T, and at 2055 the light bears 298°T.
At what time and at what distance off will your vessel be when abeam of the light?

    Y a. 2115, 5.9 miles
    N b. 2109, 6.4 miles
    N c. 2123, 7.3 miles
    N d. 2104, 7.7 miles

3074: If the speed necessary for reaching port at a designated time is 19.2 knots and the pitch of the propeller is 22.7 feet, how many revolutions per minute will the shaft have to turn, assuming a 4% positive slip?

    N a. 82
    Y b. 89
    N c. 96
    N d. 103

3293: Your vessel consumes 274 barrels of fuel per day at a speed of 17.5 knots. What will be the fuel consumption of your vessel at 13.5 knots?

    Y a. 126 bbls
    N b. 163 bbls
    N c. 211 bbls
    N d. 253 bbls

3609: Enroute from Rio to Montevideo, the true course is 215°; the gyro error is 2° west. A north wind causes 3° leeway. What course would you steer per gyrocompass to make good the true course?

    Y a. 220°pgc
    N b. 214°pgc
    N c. 216°pgc
    N d. 210°pgc

3622: Your vessel is steering a course of 337°psc. Variation for the area is 13°W, and deviation is 4°E. The wind is from the south, producing a 3° leeway. Which true course are you making good?

    N a. 325°T
    N b. 328°T
    Y c. 331°T
    N d. 349°T

11509: At 1014 you depart the entrance to Lake Montauk with light "1" close aboard. Your course is 066° per standard magnetic compass, and the speed is 8.6 knots. At 1232 your position is LAT 41°20.0'N, LONG 71°40.0'W. What is the course made good?

    N a. 036°T
    Y b. 040°T
    N c. 044°T
    N d. 047°T

13108: At 1103 you are in the entrance to Great Salt Pond on Block Island with buoy "5" close aboard. What is your ETA at light "1" at the mouth of the approaches to Lake Montauk if you make good 8.2 knots?

    N a. 1249
    N b. 1254
    N c. 1259
    Y d. 1310

13908: Montauk Point Light is 168 feet above what reference level?

    N a. Mean low water
    N b. Mean tide level
    N c. Ground level
    Y d. Mean high water

15028: At what time would you listen to VHF Channel 22 (157.1 MHz) for information concerning the stage of the river between Memphis and Cairo?

    N a. 1115
    N b. 1235
    Y c. 1300
    N d. 1815

15118: What was the speed made good from 1845 to 1930?

    N a. 6.2 knots
    N b. 7.5 knots
    Y c. 8.3 knots
    N d. 9.4 knots

15212: 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?

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

15310: Which chart could you use for greater detail of the area at the south end of York Spit Channel?

    Y a. 12222
    N b. 12224
    N c. 12226
    N d. 12254

15346: At 1942 Point Judith bears 030°T and has a range of 3.6 miles and Sandy Point has a range of 5.3 miles. What was your speed made good from your 1850 position?

    N a. 12.5 knots
    Y b. 13.0 knots
    N c. 13.5 knots
    N d. 14.0 knots

15561: At what time will you cross the 60 foot curve if you make good 12 knots?

    Y a. 0527
    N b. 0534
    N c. 0541
    N d. 0544

15641: You will pass through the Race at approximately the time of maximum ebb current. As you APPROACH the Race from New London, you will be set __________.

    Y a. to the left of the track line
    N b. to the right of the track line
    N c. forward along the track line
    N d. towards New London along the track line

15645: You round Montauk Point and steer to make good 206°T. Speed is increased to 13.0 knots. The current, if any, is unknown. The visibility has improved and is estimated to be 5 miles. At 2144 Montauk Point Light bears 273°T. At 2202 the same light bears 320°T. Which statement concerning your 2202 running fix is TRUE?

    N a. You are inside the lobster pot area.
    Y b. The fathometer reads about 12 fathoms.
    N c. You are inside of the 90 foot curve.
    N d. You are outside the boundary of the Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone.

15660: At 0728, Race Rock Light is bearing 282°T at 3.8 miles,
and the closest point on Fishers Island has a radar range of 2.1 miles. What speed have you been making since you changed course at 0705?

    N a. 11.2 knots
    N b. 10.8 knots
    Y c. 9.6 knots
    N d. 9.1 knots

15744: Montauk Point Light has a radar range of 3.9 miles and bears 170°T at 2232. What is the depth of water below your keel?

    Y a. 40 feet
    N b. 60 feet
    N c. 70 feet
    N d. 80 feet

15908: At 0740, you obtain the following radar information:

Branford Reef Light bearing 250° true @ 2.55 nm

What is your position?

    N a. LAT 41°12.6'N, LONG 72°51.3'W
    N b. LAT 41°12.6'N, LONG 72°51.8'W
    Y c. LAT 41°12.4'N, LONG 72°51.5'W
    N d. LAT 41°12.3'N, LONG 72°52.0'W

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

15957: At 1752, your position is LAT 37°04.3'N, LONG 76°06.4'W. On an ebb current you should expect to be set to the __________.

    N a. north northeast
    Y b. south southeast
    N c. south southwest
    N d. north northwest

15964: Your 1900 position is LAT 37°12.9'N, LONG 76°13.5'W. You change course to 323°pgc. What is the course per standard magnetic compass?

    N a. 309°psc
    N b. 311°psc
    Y c. 329°psc
    N d. 331°psc

15967: At 1925, you take a fix using the following radar ranges:
York Spit Light - 3.4 miles away;
New Point Comfort Spit Light "2" - 2.1 miles away;
York Spit Swash Channel Light "3" - 2.7 miles away. Your longitude is __________.

    Y a. 76°16.6'W
    N b. 76°16.8'W
    N c. 76°17.0'W
    N d. 76°17.2'W

16010: The characteristic of Branford Reef Light is __________.

    N a. flashing red every 4 seconds
    N b. flashing red every 3 seconds
    Y c. flashing white every 6 seconds
    N d. flashing yellow every 4 seconds

16315: At 0820, you change course to 301°psc and reduce speed to 7.5 knots. At 0900, you take the following visual bearings:
Branford Reef Light 023°psc
New Haven Light 293°psc
Tweed Airport Aerobeacon 332°psc

Your 0900 position is __________.

    N a. LAT 41°11.9'N, LONG 72°50.6'W
    N b. LAT 41°11.9'N, LONG 72°49.5'W
    Y c. LAT 41°12.1'N, LONG 72°48.6'W
    N d. LAT 41°12.5'N, LONG 72°44.3'W

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

16715: From your 0600 position, what is the course per gyrocompass to leave Watch Hill Light abeam to starboard at 2.0 miles if a southerly wind is producing 3° of leeway?

    Y a. 252°pgc
    N b. 256°pgc
    N c. 258°pgc
    N d. 262°pgc