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.


34: You estimate the current at 3.0 mph. What is the speed over the ground?


73: The area between Island 67 Upper Light (mile 623.1 AHP) and Sunflower Cut-off Foot Light (mile 624.8 AHP) is known as a __________.


238: At 0910, your DR position is LAT 41°11.9'N, LONG 72°47.8'W. Your vessel is on course 097°T at 9.5 knots, and the weather is foggy. At 0915, Branford Reef Light is sighted through a break in the fog bearing 318°T. At 0945, Falkner Island Light is sighted bearing 042°T. What is your 0945 running fix position?


322: From your 2200 fix, you steer course 288°T to travel up the Thimble Shoal North Auxiliary Channel. If you are making good 6.0 knots, at what time would you expect to pass buoy "18" at the west end of the channel? (There are no set and drift.)

    N a. 2355
    Y b. 2344
    N c. 2335
    N d. 2324

372: If you change course at 0610, what is the course to steer to a point where Little Gull Island Light bears 180°T at 0.7 mile (Point "A")?

    N a. 084°pgc
    Y b. 080°pgc
    N c. 076°pgc
    N d. 072°pgc

407: You depart LAT 34°22'S, LONG 18°23'E, and steam 3174 miles on course 282°T. What is the longitude of your arrival by Mercator sailing?

    Y a. LONG 40°33.5'W
    N b. LONG 40°19.5'W
    N c. LONG 40°18.2'W
    N d. LONG 40°17.3'W

620: On 21 May , at 0630 PDT (ZD +7), your vessel takes departure at the San Francisco Sea Buoy, LAT 37°45.0'N, LONG 122°41.5'W, enroute to Kobe, LAT 33°52.0'N, LONG 135°00.0'E via great circle. The distance is 4,245 miles, and you estimate that you will average 14.0 knots. What will be your estimated zone time of arrival?

    N a. 0442, 2 June
    N b. 1342, 2 June
    N c. 0442, 3 June
    Y d. 1342, 3 June

671: You are on a voyage from Nome to Honolulu via Unimak Pass (LAT 54°30'N, LONG 164°30'W). The great circle track passes through a point at LAT 38°00'N, LONG 161°40'W. Using gnomonic chart WOXZC5270, determine which answer is TRUE. (The great circle distance, Unimak Pass to Honolulu, is 2013 miles.)

    N a. A great circle track results in a significant savings in distance when compared to a rhumb line.
    N b. The northern vertex of the great circle track would lie between Unimak Pass and Nome.
    N c. Distance of the great circle track is measured by using the length of degree of latitude at the mid-latitude of the track.
    Y d. A great circle course would offer no significant advantage because the rhumb line course is close to 180°.

992: At 0100 zone time, on 23 September , your DR position is LAT 24°25.0'N, LONG 83°00.0'W. You are steering course 315°T. The speed over the ground is 10.0 knots. You observed 3 morning sun lines. Determine the latitude and longitude of your 1100 running fix? NP-0002

    Y a. LAT 25°35.3'N, LONG 84°17.0'W
    N b. LAT 25°42.6'N, LONG 84°18.7'W
    N c. LAT 25°30.4'N, LONG 84°28.6'W
    N d. LAT 25°28.3'N, LONG 84°34.3'W

1086: On 15 July , your vessel is enroute from Portland, OR, to Singapore, Malaysia. You are steering course 243°T and making a speed of 16 knots. Your 1845 zone time DR is LAT 27°42.0'N, LONG 167°02.0'E. You observed 3 celestial bodies. Determine the latitude and longitude of your 1945 running fix. NP-0016

    Y a. LAT 27°31.1'N, LONG 166°43.0'E
    N b. LAT 27°38.5'N, LONG 166°45.1'E
    N c. LAT 27°45.3'N, LONG 166°32.2'E
    N d. LAT 28°18.1'N, LONG 166°39.8'E

1093: On 22 Nov. , your vessel is enroute from Accra, Ghana to Montevideo, Uruguay. You are on course 240°T and making a speed of 15.0 knots. Your 1129 DR position is LAT 28°25.0'S, LONG 42°40.0'W. You observed 3 celestial bodies. Determine the latitude and longitude of your 1137 running fix. NP-0023

    Y a. LAT 28°27.0'S, LONG 42°38.0'W
    N b. LAT 28°25.2'S, LONG 42°40.0'W
    N c. LAT 28°25.0'S, LONG 42°36.0'W
    N d. LAT 28°23.4'S, LONG 42°42.0'W

1250: What facility is not found near La Grange Towhead Light (538.2 AHP) on Greenville Harbour?

    N a. Mississippi Limestone
    N b. Ergon, Inc.
    N c. American Commercial Barge Lines
    Y d. Greenville Casino Wharf

1457: On 25 August , your 1926 zone time DR position is LAT 24°17.0'S, LONG 05°47.0'W. At that time, you observe Fomalhaut bearing 117°psc. The chronometer reads 07h 26m 52s, and the chronometer error is 00m 15s fast. The variation is 1.5°E. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass?

    N a. 0.2°W
    N b. 0.4°E
    N c. 1.3°W
    Y d. 2.8°W

1809: Which daymark would you see at Shields Bar Lt. (mile 882.2 AHP)?

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

1811: Where would you find out which buoys, if any, are in place at Concordia Bar crossing (mile 596.0 AHP)?

    Y a. Notice to Mariners
    N b. Bulletin board at the Rosedale Gage
    N c. Waterways Journal
    N d. None of the above

1867: On 12 June , your 1845 DR position is LAT 21°47'N, LONG 46°52'W when you observe a faint unidentifiable star through a break in the clouds. The star bears 162°T at a sextant altitude (hs) of 28°36.5'. The index error is 0.5'
on the arc, and the height of eye is 45 feet. The chronometer reads 09h 43m 27s, and the chronometer error is 1m 46s slow. What star did you observe?

    N a. Gamma Virginis
    Y b. Iota Centauri
    N c. Spica
    N d. Mimosa

1898: On 22 May , your 0437 DR position is LAT 25°18.5'N, LONG 51°18.0'W. You observe an unidentified star bearing 142°T at an observed altitude (Ho) of 23°10.2'. The chronometer reads 07h 40m 40s, and is 03m 24s fast. What star did you observe?

    N a. Markab
    N b. Diphda
    N c. Sabik
    Y d. Fomalhaut

2004: On 28 February , your 1850 zone time DR position is LAT 27°49.0'N, LONG 159°24.0'W. Considering their magnitude, azimuth, and altitude, which group includes the three stars best suited for a fix at star time?

    Y a. Rigel, Schedar, Regulus
    N b. Sirius, Mirfak, Elnath
    N c. Hamal, Alkaid, Canopus
    N d. Bellatrix, Vega, Regulus

2031: After passing Wilkinson Lt. (mile 310.0 AHP) you see a flashing amber light on the right descending bank ahead. The flashing light indicates that you should __________.

    N a. stay in the deepest water
    N b. slow down due to dredging operations
    N c. keep as close to the right descending bank as safety permits
    Y d. keep as close to the left descending bank as safety permits

2204: The Clinch River empties into which river?

    N a. Arkansas
    N b. Mississippi
    N c. Ohio
    Y d. Tennessee

2240: At 1542 ZT, on 23 October , in DR position LAT 37° 28.5'N, LONG 156° 17.3'E, you observe an amplitude of the Moon. The center of the Moon is on the visible horizon and bears 282.5°psc. The variation is 0.0°. What is the deviation?

    Y a. 2.2°E
    N b. 2.2°W
    N c. 1.2°E
    N d. 1.2°W

2279: You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 58°06.6' on 5 April . The index error is 1.0' off the arc. The height of eye is 55 feet (16.8 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

    N a. 58°14.2'
    Y b. 58°15.8'
    N c. 58°16.9'
    N d. 58°18.1'

2534: Your company wants to know at what time you will be arriving at the fleeting area at Sycamore Chute Light (mile 740.3 AHP) in Memphis, TN You are making turns for 9.0 mph and you estimate the average current at 2.2 mph. Figuring the distance and time from Hole in the Wall Lt. (mile 373.4 AHP), what is your ETA at Sycamore Chute Lt.?

    N a. 0557, April 19th
    N b. 1045, April 19th
    Y c. 1242, April 19th
    N d. 1733, April 19th

2667: Your vessel is on a course of 255°T, at 14 knots. At 2126 a lighthouse is sighted dead ahead at a distance of 11 miles. You change course at this time to pass the lighthouse 3 miles abeam to port. What will be your ETA at this position off the lighthouse?

    N a. 2149
    N b. 2201
    Y c. 2211
    N d. 2228

2780: Which type of daymark will you see as you approach Old Levee Light (mile 385.2 AHP)?

    N a. Green diamond
    N b. Red square
    Y c. Green square
    N d. Private aid - no daymark

3106: You are turning 85 RPM, with a propeller pitch of 19 feet, and an estimated slip of +3%. What is the speed of advance?

    N a. 14.7 knots
    Y b. 15.5 knots
    N c. 16.4 knots
    N d. 17.1 knots

3254: You have steamed 746 miles at 14.0 knots, and consumed 152 tons of fuel. If you have 201 tons of usable fuel remaining, how far can you steam at 10 knots?

    N a. 1381 miles
    Y b. 1934 miles
    N c. 2263 miles
    N d. 2707 miles

3268: Your vessel arrives in port with sufficient fuel to steam 595 miles at 14 knots. If you are unable to take on bunkers, at what speed must you proceed to reach your next port, 707 miles distant?

    N a. 12.2 knots
    N b. 12.5 knots
    Y c. 12.8 knots
    N d. 14.4 knots

3620: Your vessel is steering course 197°psc, variation for the area is 7°E, and deviation is 4°W. The wind is from the west, producing a 2° leeway. Which true course are you making good?

    N a. 192°T
    N b. 196°T
    Y c. 198°T
    N d. 202°T

3630: You desire to make good a true course of 203°. The variation is 19°E, magnetic compass deviation is 2°W, and gyrocompass error is 1°E. A westerly wind produces a 3° leeway. What is the course to steer per standard magnetic compass to make the true course good?

    N a. 183°psc
    Y b. 189°psc
    N c. 210°psc
    N d. 223°psc

3636: You desire to make good a true course of 279°. The variation is 8°W, magnetic compass deviation is 3°E, and gyrocompass error is 1°E. A north-northwesterly wind produces 3° leeway. What is the course to steer per standard magnetic compass (psc) to make the true course good?

    N a. 281°psc
    N b. 284°psc
    Y c. 287°psc
    N d. 290°psc

10612: You are taking a time tick using the 2000 signal from Kekaha-Kauai, Hawaii (WWVH). You hear a series of 1 second dashes followed by a 9 second silent period, then a long 1.3 second dash. At the beginning of the long dash, your comparing watch reads 08h 00m 08s. When compared to the chronometer, the comparing watch reads 08h 01m 15s, and the chronometer reads 07h 59m 55s. What is the chronometer error?

    N a. 0m 08s fast
    N b. 1m 07s fast
    Y c. 1m 12s slow
    N d. 1m 28s slow

11908: Your position is 3 miles due east of Montauk Point Light. What is the course to steer to arrive at LAT 41°00.0'N, LONG 71°30.0'W, if you are turning for 7.8 knots, the current is 330° at 1.2 knots, and a southerly wind causes 3° of leeway?

    Y a. 117°T
    N b. 112°T
    N c. 104°T
    N d. 102°T

13101: At 1523 your position is LAT 41°08.2'N, LONG 71°34.4'W. You are turning for 8.7 knots. What is your ETA at Shagwong Reef Buoy "7SR"?

    N a. 1653
    N b. 1700
    Y c. 1711
    N d. 1718

13504: A vessel anchoring in the middle of Cherry Harbor, 1 mile off Gardiner's Island, will find what type of bottom?

    N a. Rocky
    N b. Shells
    Y c. Mud
    N d. Silt

15018: What course per standard magnetic compass (psc) is the same as 247°pgc?

    N a. 240°psc
    N b. 246°psc
    Y c. 257°psc
    N d. 260°psc

15306: 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).
    Y b. You are less than a mile from a sunken wreck which could interfere with your tow.
    N c. The closest major aid to navigation is New Point Comfort Light.
    N d. You will pass through a disposal area on your present course.

15314: Your gyro and electronic gear are again operating. At 1710, Chesapeake Light bears 137°pgc at 6.6 miles. The current is setting 160°T at 2 knots. At your speed of 6 knots, what is your true course to steer to remain in the inbound traffic lane?

    Y a. 269°
    N b. 265°
    N c. 261°
    N d. 250°

15510: From your 1800 position you steer a course of 350°psc at a speed of 10.0 knots. At 1830, your position is LAT 41°11.7'N, LONG 71°45.8'W. What are the set and drift of the current?

    N a. 029°T, 0.7 knot
    Y b. 029°T, 1.4 knots
    N c. 209°T, 0.7 knot
    N d. 209°T, 1.4 knots

15707: At 0725, you are heading 054°T, and Stratford Point Light is abeam to port at 3.1 miles. The current is 135°T at 1.8 knots. If you make turns for an engine speed of 8 knots, which course must you steer to make good 048°T?

    Y a. 035°T
    N b. 042°T
    N c. 047°T
    N d. 055°T

15828: At 0305 on 18 April, you pass under the Greenville Bridge (mile 531.3 AHP). What was your average speed since departing Amoco Pipeline Co. Docks (mile 253.6 AHP)?

    N a. 6.2 mph
    N b. 6.5 mph
    Y c. 6.8 mph
    N d. 7.2 mph

15859: You are turning for 9 knots on course 230°T. At 0023,
Horton Point Light bears 208°pgc. At 0053, Horton Point Light bears 126°pgc. What is the position of your 0053 running fix?

    N a. LAT 41°05.7'N, LONG 72°27.6'W
    N b. LAT 41°05.8'N, LONG 72°28.1'W
    N c. LAT 41°05.9'N, LONG 72°27.4'W
    Y d. LAT 41°06.0'N, LONG 72°28.2'W

15865: From your 0200 position, you change course to 272°pgc. How far north of Stratford Shoal Middle Ground Light does this track pass?

    Y a. 2.1 miles
    N b. 1.6 miles
    N c. 1.3 miles
    N d. 1.0 miles

15939: From your 1910 position, you set a course of 162°T at a speed of 14 knots. What will serve as a definite warning that you are being set towards Race Rock Light?

    N a. Decreasing bearings to Race Rock Light
    Y b. Decreasing loran readings on loran rate 9960-W
    N c. Increasing soundings
    N d. Decreasing radar ranges to Race Point

15956: The National Weather Service provides 24-hour weather broadcasts to vessels transiting the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The broadcasts may be found on __________.

    N a. 202.35 MHz
    N b. 181.15 MHz
    Y c. 162.55 MHz
    N d. 147.45 MHz

16012: If you change course at 0420, what is the course to make good to leave Twenty Eight Foot Shoal Lighted Buoy abeam to port at 1 mile?

    N a. 079°T
    N b. 082°T
    Y c. 084°T
    N d. 086°T

16114: As you pass through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel,
you sight Trestle "A" in line bearing 198°pgc. What is the gyro error?

    N a. 2°E
    N b. 0°E
    Y c. 2°W
    N d. 4°W

16214: From your 0715 position, you set a course of 085°T. At 0745 you take the following bearings:

Race Rock Light 278°pgc
Watch Hill Light 049°pgc
Fisher's Island East Harbor Cupola 010°pgc

What was the current encountered between 0715 and 0745?

    N a. Set 030°T, drift 0.4 knot
    N b. Set 216°T, drift 0.3 knot
    Y c. Set 070°T, drift 0.6 knot
    N d. Set 238°T, drift 1.0 knot

16643: At 0520 your position is LAT 41°07.2'N, LONG 71°41.6'W. You set course to leave Race Rock Light abeam to starboard at 0.5 mile. What is the course to steer per standard magnetic compass? (Assume no current)

    N a. 301.5°
    N b. 305.0°
    Y c. 307.5°
    N d. 309.0°