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.


15: The Vicksburg Gage reads 31.9 feet. The high point on your towboat is 43 feet above the water. What is the vertical clearance as you pass under the Vicksburg Highway 80 Bridge?


45: You are in charge of a vessel that damages an aid to navigation established and maintained by the United States. Which statement is TRUE?


95: You complete changing out your tow and get underway enroute Memphis, Tennessee to deliver 2 tank barges. What is the distance you must travel from Cairo Point Light to the Lion Oil Refining Co. Docks in Memphis?


163: Which light will you be passing at 0059, on 22 September, if you make good 9.2 mph?

    N a. Kate Aubrey Lt.
    Y b. Obion Bar Lt.
    N c. Trotter Lt.
    N d. Quaker Oats Lt.

220: From your 1715 fix, you steer 214°T at 12 knots. At 1800,
you take the following bearings:

Chesapeake Light bearing 175°pgc
Cape Henry Light bearing 239°pgc
Cape Charles Light bearing 293°pgc

Your 1800 position is __________.

    N a. LAT 37°02.7'N, LONG 75°42.7'W
    Y b. LAT 37°02.9'N, LONG 75°43.1'W
    N c. LAT 37°03.0'N, LONG 75°43.3'W
    N d. LAT 37°03.1'N, LONG 75°42.8'W

277: What chart should you use after you enter New London Harbor?

    N a. 13211
    N b. 13214
    Y c. 13213
    N d. 13272

391: A vessel at LAT 40°42.0'N, LONG 74°01.0'W, heads for a destination at LAT 14°41.0'N, LONG 17°26.0'W. Determine the true course and distance by Mercator sailing.

    N a. 123°T, 3066.5 miles
    N b. 123°T, 3065.6 miles
    N c. 118°T, 3066.5 miles
    Y d. 118°T, 3365.0 miles

394: A vessel at LAT 38°03.0'S, LONG 49°38.0'W, heads for a destination at LAT 41°26.0'S, LONG 38°32.0'W. Determine the true course by Mercator sailing.

    Y a. 111.5°T
    N b. 113.5°T
    N c. 158.5°T
    N d. 160.5°T

603: At 0915 zone time, on 7 November , you depart Seattle, LAT 47°36.0'N, LONG 122°22.0'W (ZD +8). You are bound for Kobe, LAT 34°40.0'N, LONG 135°12.0'E, and you estimate your speed of advance at 18.5 knots. The distance is 4,527 miles. What is your estimated zone time of arrival at Kobe?

    N a. 1257, 17 November
    Y b. 0657, 18 November
    N c. 1857, 18 November
    N d. 0657, 19 November

609: At 0915 zone time, on 7 April , you depart San Francisco, LAT 37°48.5'N, LONG 122°24.0'W (ZD +8). You are bound for Kobe, LAT 34°40.0'N, LONG 135°12.0'E, and you estimate your speed of advance at 17 knots. The distance is 4,819 miles. What is your estimated zone time of arrival at Kobe?

    N a. 0343, 18 April
    N b. 1243, 19 April
    Y c. 2143, 19 April
    N d. 0443, 20 April

674: What are the dimensions of the Port Allen Lock at Baton Rouge, LA?

    N a. 75 feet x 1188 feet
    Y b. 84 feet x 1188 feet
    N c. 84 feet x 1180 feet
    N d. 75 feet x 1180 feet

987: On 17 January , your 0730 zone time fix gives you a position of LAT 22°26.0'S, LONG 152°17.0'E. Your vessel is steaming on a course of 116°T at a speed of 17 knots. An observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 1015 zone time. The chronometer reads 00h 13m 23s, and the chronometer error is 01m 49s slow. The observed altitude (Ho) is 66°02.1'. LAN occurs at 1152 zone time and a meridian altitude of the Sun's lower limb is made. The observed altitude (Ho) is 87°54.2'. Determine the vessel's 1200 zone time position.

    Y a. LAT 22°53.8'S, LONG 153°25.6'E
    N b. LAT 22°53.8'S, LONG 153°28.8'E
    N c. LAT 22°56.3'S, LONG 153°25.6'E
    N d. LAT 22°56.3'S, LONG 153°28.8'E

1119: At 2142, on January 3, you pass Sebastapol Light (mile 283.3 AHP). At 0137, January 4, you pass Fort Adams Light(311.4 AHP). You have been turning for 9.0 mph. What was the current?

    N a. 4.2 mph
    N b. 3.3 mph
    N c. 2.7 mph
    Y d. 1.8 mph

1131: At 1923, you increase speed to make good 9.2 mph. What is the first Gage you will pass after your speed change?

    N a. Cottonwood Point
    Y b. Caruthersville
    N c. Fulton
    N d. New Madrid

1143: Which town is located at mile 663.5 AHP?

    N a. Friers Point
    Y b. Helena
    N c. St. Francis
    N d. Rodney

1176: On 24 January , your 0700 zone time DR position is LAT 22°25.0'N, LONG 46°10.0'W. Your vessel is on course 110°T at a speed of 12.0 knots. What is the zone time of local apparent noon (LAN)?

    N a. 1203
    N b. 1208
    Y c. 1212
    N d. 1215

1340: At 1300, 5 January, the river will be temporarily closed to navigation for six hours at mile 531.3 AHP due to repairs to a bridge. What minimum speed over the ground must you make from Natchez Gage in order not to be delayed?

    N a. 5.7 mph
    Y b. 6.0 mph
    N c. 6.8 mph
    N d. 7.3 mph

1470: On 1 March , your 2135 zone time DR position is LAT 23°54.0'N, LONG 63°22.0'W. At that time, you observe Schedar bearing 328°psc. The chronometer reads 01h 35m 16s, and the chronometer error is 00m 07s slow. The variation is 3.5°E. What is the deviation of the standard compass?

    N a. 2.3°E
    N b. 2.5°W
    Y c. 3.2°W
    N d. 4.2°E

1653: On 28 Sept. , in DR position LAT 24°12.0'S, LONG 85°25.0'E, you observe an amplitude of the Sun. The Sun's center is on the visible horizon and bears 094°psc. The chronometer reads 11h 29m 42s and is 03m 30s slow. Variation in the area is 4°W. What is the deviation of the magnetic compass?

    N a. 1.5°W
    N b. 2.1°W
    N c. 1.8°E
    Y d. 2.4°E

1709: A stretch where the channel changes from one side of the river to the other is called a __________.

    N a. bifurcation
    N b. transit
    Y c. crossing
    N d. changeover

1723: You will pass the first gage at __________.

    N a. Profit Island
    N b. Bayou Sara
    N c. Baton Rouge
    Y d. Red River Landing

1770: What are the light characteriditcs of the Bunge Corporation Terminal Lights (2) at mile 570.6 AHP?

    N a. a group flashing white light every five seconds
    N b. a flashing green light every 4 seconds
    Y c. a flashing green light every 6 seconds
    N d. a flashing red light every 4 seconds

1780: At 1523 ZT, on 14 June , in DR position LAT 31°58'S, LONG 48°42'W you observe an amplitude of the Moon. The center of the Moon is on the visible horizon and bears 118.0°psc. The variation is 10°W. What is the deviation?

    N a. 2.5°W
    Y b. 2.1°W
    N c. 1.7°W
    N d. 1.7°E

2017: On 2 February , your 0400 zone time DR position is LAT 24°14.0'N, LONG 163°28.0'W. You are on course 322°T at a speed of 22 knots. Considering their magnitude, azimuth, and altitude, which group includes the three bodies best suited for a fix at star time?

    Y a. Saturn, Antares, Rasalhague
    N b. Jupiter, Saturn, Polaris
    N c. Saturn, Polaris, Zubenelgenubi
    N d. Jupiter, Spica, Denebola

2101: On 2 January , your 1759 zone time DR position is LONG 45°17.6'W. At that time you observe Polaris with a sextant altitude (hs) of 24°16.5'. The chronometer time of the sight is 08h 57m 10s, and the chronometer error is 02m 16s slow. The index error is 3.5' on the arc, and the height of eye is 42.5 feet. What is your latitude by Polaris?

    N a. 22°50.2'N
    Y b. 23°18.8N
    N c. 23°30.2N
    N d. 24°07.3'N

2203: You have orders to drop off the empties at the fleeting area at Cairo Point and add five loaded tank barges to your tow. If you are turning for 9 mph and estimate the current at 1.5 mph, what is your ETA at Cairo?

    N a. 2210, 22 June
    N b. 1741, 22 June
    Y c. 1423, 22 June
    N d. 1031, 22 June

2239: At 1610 ZT, on 14 August , in DR position LAT 33° 24.6' S, LONG 028°15.4'W, you observe an amplitude of the Moon. The center of the Moon is on the visible horizon and bears 111.0° psc. The variation is 2° E. What is the deviation?

    N a. 1.1°E
    Y b. 1.1°W
    N c. 2.1°E
    N d. 2.1°W

2404: At 0812, you are on course 132°T. The standard magnetic compass reads 135°. What should you conclude?

    N a. The deviation table is correct for that heading.
    Y b. Your compass may be influenced by a local magnetic disturbance.
    N c. You should adjust the magnetic compass.
    N d. The deviation is increasing as you go south.

2582: From your 1750 GPS position at LAT 41°15.6'N, LONG 072°11.5'W, you plot a course of 255°T at 8.5 kts. At what time would you see Falkner Island Light, if visibility is 10 miles?

    N a. 1819
    Y b. 1850
    N c. 1910
    N d. 1917

2692: While on a course of 097°pgc, a light bears 8° on the port bow at a distance of 11.7 miles. What course should you steer to pass 3 miles abeam of the light leaving it to port?

    N a. 082°pgc
    N b. 091°pgc
    Y c. 104°pgc
    N d. 112°pgc

3471: You are underway on course 172°T at 18.5 knots. The current is 078°T at 2.8 knots. What is the speed being made good?

    Y a. 18.5 knots
    N b. 19.0 knots
    N c. 19.5 knots
    N d. 20.0 knots

3608: You are steering 125°pgc. The wind is southwest by south causing a 3° leeway. The variation is 6°E, the deviation is 2°W, and the gyro error is 1°W. What is the true course made good?

    Y a. 121°T
    N b. 123°T
    N c. 127°T
    N d. 129°T

3771: Two beacons form a range in the direction of 221.5°T. The range is seen in line from your vessel bearing 223° per gyro compass. The variation in the area is 4°E. What is the error of your gyro compass?

    Y a. 1.5°W
    N b. 2.5°W
    N c. 5.5°W
    N d. 2.5°E

10502: At 1239 your GPS indicates a position of LAT 36°55.2'N, LONG 75°33.1'W. You are on course 281° per standard magnetic compass at a speed of 9.2 knots. At 1318 your GPS indicates your position as LAT 36°54.8'N, LONG 75°39.8'W. What were the set and drift?

    Y a. 130°T at 1.2 knots
    N b. 156°T at 0.6 knot
    N c. 352°T at 1.3 knots
    N d. 335°T at 1.0 knot

10610: At 1645 your GPS position is LAT 41°04.9' N, LONG 72°42.1'W. You are on course 072° per standard magnetic compass at a speed of 14 knots. At 1727 another GPS fix places your vessel 1 mile due north of Twenty-Eight Foot Shoal Lighted Buoy TE. What were your set and drift?

    N a. 032°T at 1.2 knot
    Y b. 026°T at 1.1 knot
    N c. 207°T at 0.9 knot
    N d. 212°T at 1.2 knots

12700: You are on course 073° per standard magnetic compass when you take the following bearings: Watch Hill Point Light 037°psc Montauk Point Light 179°psc Race Rock Light 289°psc What is your position?

    N a. LAT 41°13.6'N, LONG 71°54.6'W
    N b. LAT 41°13.7'N, LONG 71°53.8'W
    N c. LAT 41°13.7'N, LONG 71°54.9'W
    Y d. LAT 41°13.8'N, LONG 71°54.3'W

12904: Your 0916 position is LAT 37°10.9'N, LONG 75°29.6'W. You are turning for 12.3 knots. What is your ETA at North Chesapeake Bay Entrance Buoy NCA?

    N a. 1035
    N b. 1043
    Y c. 1051
    N d. 1101

15029: What type of daymark will you see as you approach Gold Dust Bar Light (mile 793.3 AHP) ?

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

15116: According to your track line, how far off New Point Comfort Spit Light "4" will you be when abeam of this light?

    Y a. 0.9 mile
    N b. 1.2 miles
    N c. 1.5 miles
    N d. 1.8 miles

15164: From your 1920 position, you change course to enter Chesapeake Channel between buoys 9 and 10. What is the course per gyrocompass?

    N a. 271°pgc
    N b. 274°pgc
    Y c. 277°pgc
    N d. 280°pgc

15243: At 1245 the GPS shows your position to be LAT 41°10.3'N, LONG 72°44.2'W. You are steering a course of 284°T at an engine speed of 13.0 knots. At what time would you expect the New Haven Harbor Outer Range to be in line if you have a current setting 112°T at 1.2 knots?

    N a. 1318
    Y b. 1323
    N c. 1328
    N d. 1343

15268: Your vessel is proceeding up New London Harbor Channel, and you are in line with the range. What would be your course per standard magnetic compass?

    N a. 352°
    N b. 354°
    N c. 002°
    Y d. 007°

15308: From your 0315 position, what time can you expect to reach York Spit Channel Buoys "37" and "38"?

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

15312: You arrive at the rendezvous point, secure the tow, and head back southward. At 1200, you take the following bearings:

Cape Charles Light bearing 240.5° true
Sand Shoal Inlet South Light bearing 289° true

What is your 1200 position?

    N a. LAT 37°10.5'N, LONG 75°33.0'W
    N b. LAT 37°12.0'N, LONG 75°35.0'W
    Y c. LAT 37°15.0'N, LONG 75°37.5'W
    N d. LAT 37°19.0'N, LONG 75°40.5'W

15465: What is indicated by the dashed magenta line crossing York Spit Channel between buoys "20" and "22"?

    N a. You are crossing the demarcation line between the COLREGS and the Inland Rules.
    Y b. The line marks the limits of a regulated area.
    N c. The line indicates a submarine cable, and you should not anchor in the area.
    N d. It marks the range between Hampton Roads and Cherrystone Channel.

15814: At 0130, you obtain the following bearings:

Horton Point Lighthouse 078°T
Mattituck Breakwater Light tower 196°T

What were the course and speed made good between 0100 and 0130?

    Y a. 246°T at 9.8 knots
    N b. 253°T at 9.4 knots
    N c. 259°T at 9.8 knots
    N d. 267°T at 9.4 knots

16369: As you pass between Trestle B and Trestle C of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge - Tunnel, you sight along Trestle C when it is in line. The gyro bearing is 051°. What is the gyro error by observation?

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

16409: At 0337, fog closes in and you anchor under the following radar ranges and bearing.

South tip of Watch Hill Point 3.0 miles
East point of Fishers Island 1.4 miles
Latimer Reef Light 331°T

What is the approximate depth of water at your anchorage?

    N a. 83 feet (25.2 meters)
    Y b. 100 feet (30.3 meters)
    N c. 120 feet (36.4 meters)
    N d. 135 feet (40.9 meters)

16707: Point Judith Harbor of Refuge __________.

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

16710: In clear weather, how far away will you sight Point Judith Light? (use charted range of 20 miles as nominal range)

    N a. 9.2 nm
    N b. 10.6 nm
    N c. 12.3 nm
    Y d. 14.0 nm