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.


223: At 1920, Cape Henry Light bears 225°pgc, and Chesapeake Channel Tunnel North Light bears 288°pgc. If your heading is 268°T, what is the relative bearing of Chesapeake Light?


383: From point "A", you lay out an intended track line to a point where Block Island North Light bears 180°T at 2.9 miles (Point "B"). What is the length of this leg of the voyage?


389: Which statement describes the shore between Watch Hill Point and Point Judith?


428: At 0730, visibility is 5.5 miles. At what time will you lose sight of Horton Point Light?

    N a. It is not visible at 0730
    N b. 0733
    Y c. 0751
    N d. 0812

435: Which course should you change to per standard magnetic compass as you pass SW Ledge Light to remain in the channel?

    N a. 026°psc
    Y b. 022°psc
    N c. 014°psc
    N d. 007°psc

500: Your position is LAT 40°59.0'N, LONG 73°06.2'W. What is the course per standard magnetic compass to New Haven Harbor Lighted Whistle Buoy "NH"?

    Y a. 052°
    N b. 049°
    N c. 046°
    N d. 035°

501: You depart from the position in the previous question at 2114 and make good 12 knots on a course of 040°T. At what time will you sight New Haven Light if the visibility is 11 miles?

    N a. The light is visible at 2114.
    N b. 2152
    Y c. 2159
    N d. 2206

559: At 0615, Stratford Point Light bears 292°pgc, Falkner Island Light bears 052°pgc, and Branford Reef Light bears 018°pgc. What was the current since 0530?

    N a. 083° at 0.9 knots
    Y b. 083° at 1.2 knots
    N c. 263° at 1.2 knots
    N d. 263° at 0.9 knots

1110: On 19 November , your 0300 zone time DR position is LAT 19°23'N, LONG 151°37'E. You are on course 293°T at a speed of 17 knots. You observed 3 celestial bodies. Determine the latitude and longitude of your 0600 running fix. NP-0039

    N a. LAT 19°38.5'N, LONG 150°41.6'E
    Y b. LAT 19°34.8'N, LONG 150°48.0'E
    N c. LAT 19°32.9'N, LONG 150°52.3'E
    N d. LAT 19°30.5'N, LONG 150°48.5'E

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

1138: After you get underway, what is the first river gage you will pass?

    Y a. Donaldsonville
    N b. Head of Passes
    N c. Baton Rouge
    N d. Red River Landing

1298: 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.?

    Y a. 1242, April 19th
    N b. 1645, April 19th
    N c. 2242, April 19th
    N d. 2333, April 19th

1363: 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 02h 00m 15s. When compared to the chronometer, the comparing watch reads 02h 01m 29s, and the chronometer reads 01h 59m 50s. What is the chronometer error?

    N a. 0m 15s fast
    N b. 1m 14s fast
    Y c. 1m 24s slow
    N d. 1m 54s slow

1413: You complete changing out your tow and get underway enroute Ark City Tank Storage (mile 554.0 AHP) to deliver the tank barges. What is the distance you must travel from Cairo Point Light?

    N a. 202.1 miles
    Y b. 400.7 miles
    N c. 554.2 miles
    N d. 605.8 miles

1548: 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

1663: On 7 April , in DR position LAT 27°42.0'N, LONG 114°03.0'W, you observe an amplitude of the Sun. The Sun's center is on the celestial horizon and bears 076°psc. The chronometer reads 02h 10m 17s and is 01m 52s slow. Variation in the area is 8°E. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass?

    Y a. 1.8°W
    N b. 2.3°E
    N c. 6.2°E
    N d. 7.8°W

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

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

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

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

1781: At 1524 ZT, on 14 June , in DR position LAT 30°51'N, LONG 30° 02'W, you observe an amplitude of the Moon. The center of the Moon is on the visible horizon and bears 103.9°pgc. The variation is 10°W. What is the gyro error?

    N a. 1.8°W
    N b. 2.4°E
    N c. 2.2°E
    Y d. 2.0°E

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

1864: At 0520 zone time, on 17 March , while taking stars for a morning fix, you observe an unidentified star bearing 050°T, at an observed altitude (Ho) of 45°00.0'. Your DR position at the time of the sight is LAT 27°23.0'N, LONG 39°42.0° W. The chronometer time of the sight is 08h 22m 15s, and the chronometer error is 01m 45s fast. Your vessel is steaming on a course of 300°T at a speed of 18 knots. What star did you observe?

    N a. Altair
    N b. Alkaid
    N c. Arcturus
    Y d. Deneb

2119: At 1622 ZT, on 15 June , in DR position LAT 10° 15.2' N, LONG 135° 10' W, you observe an amplitude of the Moon. The center of the Moon is on the visible horizon, bearing 101.2°psc. The variation is 5° E. What is the deviation?

    Y a. 1.5°E
    N b. 1.5°W
    N c. 0.5°E
    N d. 0.5°W

2124: If the visibility is 10 miles and you are in the red sector, at what distance off should you sight Cape Henry Light?

    Y a. 15 miles
    N b. 12 miles
    N c. 10 miles
    N d. 08 miles

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

2333: You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 37°47.2' on 11 October . The index error is 3.0' off the arc. The height of eye is 63 feet (19.2 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

    N a. 37°25.2'
    N b. 37°42.5'
    N c. 37°51.5'
    Y d. 37°57.5'

2788: The solid lines extending into the channel at mile 948 AHP are __________.

    Y a. dikes
    N b. revetments
    N c. spoil areas
    N d. Meadwestvaco pipeline

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

3064: The propeller of a vessel has a pitch of 19.0 feet. If the vessel traveled 183.5 miles (observed distance) in 24 hours at an average of 44 RPM, what was the slip?

    Y a. +7.4%
    N b. -7.4%
    N c. +11.6%
    N d. -11.6%

3287: While steaming at 16.5 knots, your vessel consumes 349 barrels of fuel oil per day. In order to reduce consumption to 189 barrels of fuel oil per day, what is the maximum speed the vessel can turn for?

    N a. 12.1 knots
    Y b. 13.5 knots
    N c. 14.6 knots
    N d. 15.4 knots

3629: You desire to make good a true course of 129°. The variation is 7°E, magnetic compass deviation is 4°E, and gyrocompass error is 2°W. An easterly wind produces a 4° leeway. What is the course to steer per standard magnetic compass to make the true course good?

    Y a. 114°psc
    N b. 116°psc
    N c. 122°psc
    N d. 126°psc

4003: You swung ship and compared the magnetic compass against the gyro compass to find deviation. Gyro error is 2°W. The variation is 8°W. Find the deviation on a gyro heading of 058°.
HEADING HEADING HEADING
PSC PGC PSC PGC PSC PGC
358.5° - 354° 122.5° - 114° 239.5° - 234°
030.5° - 024° 152.0° - 144° 269.0° - 264°
061.5° - 054° 181.0° - 174° 298.0° - 294°
092.0° - 084° 210.0° - 204° 327.5° - 324°

    Y a. 1.5°W
    N b. 1.0°W
    N c. 1.0°E
    N d. 0.5°W

10105: What is the course psc from Chesapeake Light to North Chesapeake Entrance Buoy NCA?

    N a. 313°psc
    N b. 317°psc
    Y c. 321°psc
    N d. 325°psc

10301: Determine the course per standard magnetic compass from Cerberus Shoal Buoy 9 (LAT 41°10.4'N, LONG 71°57.1'W) to the entrance to Quonochontaug Pond (LAT 41°19.8'N, LONG 71°43.2'W).

    N a. 030°psc
    N b. 036°psc
    Y c. 059°psc
    N d. 067°psc

11802: What course should you steer by your standard magnetic compass (psc), between New Haven Light and Stratford Pt. Light, if the set and drift of the current are 345°T at 3.0 knots, and a northerly wind will cause 1° of leeway? Your engines are making turns for 18.0 knots.

    N a. 245.0°psc
    Y b. 247.0°psc
    N c. 264.0°psc
    N d. 266.5°psc

13502: The four soundings in the vicinity of LAT 41°12.2'N, LONG 71°33.0'W, that are underlined with a bracket indicate __________.

    N a. that no bottom was found at the sounding depth indicated
    N b. a submerged rock not dangerous to surface navigation
    N c. the height a rock uncovers at low water springs
    Y d. a submerged danger that is cleared to the indicated depth by a wire drag

13804: What is the significance of the broken magenta lines which roughly parallel the shore between Roanoke Point and Orient Point on Long Island?

    N a. They mark the limits of breakers in that area.
    N b. These lines warn the mariner of submerged rocks.
    Y c. They mark the boundary lines of fish trap areas.
    N d. These lines warn the mariner of submerged pipelines.

14304: What is a characteristic of light No. "41" on the Columbia River above Bonneville Lock?

    N a. The light shows an isophase characteristic.
    N b. The light is 3 meters above the water.
    Y c. The light is equipped with a radar reflector.
    N d. The light is red in color.

15138: At 2045 you obtained the following Loran readings:
9960-W-14844.0
9960-X-26128.0
9960-Y-43712.5
What is your vessel's position?

    N a. 40°41.1'N, 72°10.5'W
    N b. 40°41.4'N, 72°10.7'W
    Y c. 40°41.8'N, 72°10.8'W
    N d. 40°42.3'N, 72°11.3'W

15416: At 2200, you are in position LAT 36°57.5'N, LONG 76°02.5'W. You intend to travel up the Thimble Shoals auxiliary Channel to Hampton Roads. According to the Coast Pilot,
what is the depth of the auxiliary channel on either side of the main channel?

    N a. 28 feet (8.5 meters)
    Y b. 32 feet (9.8 meters)
    N c. 36 feet (11.0 meters)
    N d. 45 feet (13.7 meters)

15545: At 2342 the gyro alarm sounds and you commence steering by standard magnetic compass. If you allow 3° leeway for southerly winds and do not correct for any existing current, what is the course to steer by standard magnetic compass to make good 068°T?

    N a. 054.0°
    N b. 079.5°
    N c. 081.0°
    Y d. 084.5°

15630: 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 __________.

    N a. transit
    N b. chute
    Y c. crossing
    N d. slough

15729: If the Rosedale Gage reads -0.5 feet, what is the water level if the low water reference plane for Rosedale is 3.0 feet?

    N a. 0.5 foot below the plane
    N b. 0.5 foot above the plane
    N c. 2.5 feet above the plane
    Y d. 3.5 feet below the plane

16069: From your 2118 position, you steer a course of 288°T at an engine speed of 7.0 knots. Visibility is 2 miles. Height of eye is 12 feet (3.7 meters). At what time can you expect to see Old Point Comfort Light?

    N a. The light is visible at 2118
    N b. 2139
    N c. 2201
    Y d. 2232

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

16266: The abandoned lighthouse at Cape Henry is a(n) __________.

    N a. octagonal, black and white tower
    N b. radio beacon station
    N c. emergency back up to Cape Henry Light
    Y d. gray, pyramidal tower

16457: The coast between Great Machipongo Inlet and Cape Charles is __________.

    N a. broken by the mouths of several major rivers
    Y b. low, with sandy beaches bordered by marsh and woodlands
    N c. marked by prominent, isolated, barren hills
    N d. composed of high, rocky bluffs and wooded uplands

16461: At 0400, you obtain the following information:

Sand Shoal Inlet South Light bearing 303° true @ 7.1nm

What is your 0400 position?

    N a. LAT 37°14.2'N, LONG 75°40.7'W
    N b. LAT 37°14.1'N, LONG 75°41.3'W
    N c. LAT 37°14.1'N, LONG 75°40.5'W
    Y d. LAT 37°14.0'N, LONG 75°40.7'W

16544: At 2347 you are advised that your assistance is no longer needed. At 2350 you change course to make good 268°T. At 0015 you take the following round of bearings:
Kelsey Point Breakwater light 024°pgc
Horton Point Light 100°pgc
Falkner Island Light 333°pgc

At 0030 Falkner Island Lt. bears 000°T at 5.9 miles.

What is the course and speed made good between 0015 and 0030?

    N a. CMG 262°T, SMG 10.4 knots
    N b. CMG 268°T, SMG 10.8 knots
    N c. CMG 268°T, SMG 10.4 knots
    Y d. CMG 272°T, SMG 10.8 knots

16746: In order to check your compasses, you sight Race Rock Light in line with New London Harbor Light bearing 336° per gyrocompass. The helmsman reports the vessel was heading 275.0°pgc and 290.5° per standard magnetic compass at the time of the observation. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The gyro error is now 2°E.
    Y b. The deviation table is correct for that heading.
    N c. The vessel should be swung to check the deviation table.
    N d. The compass error is 0.5°W.