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.


199: You are underway in the vicinity of Block Island and obtain the following lines of position:

Montauk Point Light 263°pgc
Block Island Southeast Light 026°pgc
Radar Bearing to Block Island Southwest Point 348°pgc

What is your position at the time of these sightings?


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


310: A vessel at LAT 28°20'N, LONG 16°00'W is to proceed to LAT 21°00'N, LONG 18°00'W. What is the course and distance by mid-latitude sailing?


356: At 0410, you take the following bearings:

New Point Comfort Light "2" 242°T
Wolf Trap Light 313°T
Horn Harbor Entrance Light "HH" 262°T

What is your 0410 position?

    N a. LAT 37°20.9'N, LONG 76°07.7'W
    Y b. LAT 37°21.0'N, LONG 76°08.1'W
    N c. LAT 37°21.1'N, LONG 76°07.9'W
    N d. LAT 37°21.2'N, LONG 76°08.2'W

357: If the visibility is 5 miles and you are in the red sector, at what distance off should you sight Cape Henry Light?

    Y a. 09 miles
    N b. 11 miles
    N c. 13 miles
    N d. 15 miles

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

    N a. Low, rocky cliffs
    N b. Heavily wooded hills
    Y c. Sandy beaches broken by rocky points
    N d. Barren hills with prominent buildings

626: You are on a voyage from St. John, Canada, to Galveston, TX. The distance is 2280 miles, and the speed of advance is 15.0 knots. You estimate 16.5 hours for bunkering enroute at Ft. Lauderdale, FL. If you sailed at 1642 hours (ZD +4), 27 February , what was your ETA (ZD +6) at Galveston?

    Y a. 1512, 6 March
    N b. 0812, 6 March
    N c. 0712, 6 March
    N d. 2312, 5 March

830: On 23 August , in DR position LAT 24°22.0'S, LONG 64°55.3'E, you take an ex-meridian observation of the Moon's upper limb at upper transit. The chronometer time of the sight is 02h 15m 04s, and the chronometer error is 01m 06s fast. The sextant altitude (hs) is 48°03.6'. The index error is 2.0' on the arc, and your height of eye is 60 feet (21.0 meters). What is the latitude at meridian transit?

    Y a. 24°20.5'S
    N b. 24°22.8'S
    N c. 24°24.8'S
    N d. 24°49.5'S

1001: On 26 July , your 1030 ZT DR position is LAT 18°25'N, LONG 51°15'W. You are on course 231°T, speed 15 knots. Determine your 1200 position using the following observations of the Sun.

ZONE TIME GHA DECLINATION Ho
1228 50°23.5' N 19°21.9' 88°14.3'
1236 52°23.5' N 19°21.8' 88°29.0'

    N a. LAT 18°00.9'N, LONG 51°31.9'W
    N b. LAT 18°03.5'N, LONG 51°36.2'W
    Y c. LAT 18°07.2'N, LONG 51°30.4'W
    N d. LAT 18°10.6'N, LONG 51°25.1'W

1136: 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

1236: Which facility is located on the right descending bank at mile 363.6 AHP?

    N a. River Cement Corps..
    N b. Bunge Corps..
    N c. T.L. James
    Y d. Vidalia Dock and Storage Co.

1263: On 18 October , your 1330 ZT DR position is LAT 27°32.0'N, LONG 154°47.0'W. You are on course 115°T at a speed of 20 knots. What will be the zone time of sunset at your vessel?

    N a. 1715
    N b. 1729
    Y c. 1742
    N d. 1751

1268: On 25 December , your 0330 ZT DR position is LAT 25°15.0'N, LONG 32°16.0'W. You are on course 145°T at a speed of 20 knots. What will be the zone time of sunrise at your vessel?

    N a. 0623
    N b. 0635
    N c. 0641
    Y d. 0647

1286: As you pass under the Vicksburg Bridges, you estimate the current as 3.0 mph. What is the speed over the ground, if your vessel is making turns for 10.5 mph?

    N a. 16.5 mph
    Y b. 13.5 mph
    N c. 10.5 mph
    N d. 7.5 mph

1468: On 17 April , your 1516 zone time DR position is LAT 27°24.0'N, LONG 115°24.0'E. At that time, you observe the Sun bearing 247°psc. The chronometer reads 07h 16m 26s, and the chronometer error is 00m 32s slow. The variation is 4.5°E. What is the deviation of the standard compass?

    N a. 4.5°W
    Y b. 5.4°E
    N c. 6.2°E
    N d. 6.2°W

1472: On 9 February , your 0739 zone time DR position is LAT 23°31.0'N, LONG 143°41.0'E. At that time, you observe the Sun bearing 104.5°psc. The chronometer reads 09h 37m 12s, and the chronometer error is 01m 52s slow. The variation is 3.5°W. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass?

    N a. 1.6°E
    N b. 2.3°W
    N c. 5.1°W
    Y d. 8.6°E

1477: On 27 June , your vessel's 0816 ZT DR position is LAT 22°14'S, LONG 53°52'W, when an azimuth of the Sun is observed. The chronometer time of the sight is 12h 15m 02s, and the Sun is bearing 047.5° per standard magnetic compass. The chronometer error is 00m 46s slow, and the variation in the area is 6.0°E. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass?

    N a. 1.5°E
    N b. 1.9°W
    Y c. 3.0°W
    N d. 3.0°E

1492: On 22 February , your 2045 ZT position is LAT 33°19'N,
LONG 52°06'W. You observe Polaris bearing 358.1°pgc. At the time of the observation the helmsman noted that he was heading 048°pgc and 065°psc. The variation is 19°W. What is the deviation for that heading?

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

1492: On 22 February , your 2045 ZT position is LAT 33°19'N,
LONG 52°06'W. You observe Polaris bearing 358.1°pgc. At the time of the observation the helmsman noted that he was heading 048°pgc and 065°psc. The variation is 19°W. What is the deviation for that heading?

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

1501: On 3 October , your 0330 zone time (ZD + 5) DR position is LAT 47°41'N, LONG 86°49'W. At that time, you observe Polaris bearing 357.5°pgc. The chronometer time of the observation is 08h 32m 04s, and the chronometer is 0m 27s slow. The variation is 5.5°W. What is the gyro error?

    N a. 7.5°E
    N b. 5.0°E
    N c. 3.5°E
    Y d. 2.0°E

1863: On 14 January , your 1922 ZT DR position is LAT 27°18.5'S, LONG 67°18.0'E. You observe an unidentified star bearing 029°T, at an observed altitude (Ho) of 29°35.0'. The chronometer reads 03h 25m 43s and is 03m 15s fast. What star did you observe?

    Y a. Elnath
    N b. Fomalhaut
    N c. Pollux
    N d. Markab

1891: On 22 July , your 1759 DR position is LAT 24°50.2'S, LONG 005°16.0'E. You observe an unidentified star bearing 203°T at an observed altitude (Ho) of 28°12.2'. The chronometer reads 06h 01m 31s, and is 02m 15s fast. What star did you observe?

    N a. Regulus
    N b. Antares
    Y c. Miaplacidus
    N d. Suhail

1904: On 22 March , your 0519 DR position is LAT 27°20.6'N, LONG 69°25.6'W. You observe an unidentified star bearing 115°T at an observed altitude (Ho) of 54°52.8'. The chronometer reads 10h 16m 47s, and is 02m 15s slow. What star did you observe?

    Y a. Altair
    N b. Enif
    N c. Menkar
    N d. Rigel

1921: On 17 March , your 1845 DR position is LAT 25°10.0'N, LONG 66°48.0'W. You observe an unidentified star bearing 340°T at an observed altitude (Ho) of 66°25.1'. The chronometer reads 10h 47m 49s, and is 1m 54s fast. What star did you observe?

    Y a. Capella
    N b. Mirfak
    N c. Pollux
    N d. Rigel

2054: The Natchez Gage reads 16.3 feet. The high point on your towboat is 38 feet above water. What is the vertical clearance when you pass under the Natchez Highway Bridge?

    N a. 79.0 feet
    Y b. 71.7 feet
    N c. 65.2 feet
    N d. 59.1 feet

2056: What are the color and shape of Togo Island daymark at mile 415.0 AHP?

    Y a. Green - Square
    N b. Green - Diamond
    N c. Red - Triangle
    N d. Red - Square

2060: The highest point on your towboat is 67 feet above the water, and the Helena Gage reads +22.3 feet. What is the vertical clearance when you pass under the A-span of the Helena Highway Bridge?

    Y a. 30.1 feet
    N b. 49.8 feet
    N c. 52.4 feet
    N d. 74.7 feet

2085: At your current speed of 20 knots you only have enough fuel remaining to travel 360 miles. You must travel 440 miles to reach your destination. What should you reduce your speed (knots) to in order to reach your destination?

    Y a. 18.1
    N b. 17.5
    N c. 16.9
    N d. 16.3

2115: The south coast of Long Island Sound between Mattituck Inlet and Port Jefferson is __________.

    N a. composed of high rocky bluffs
    N b. a high, flat plateau with sheer cliffs
    Y c. fringed by rocky shoals
    N d. low and marshy with isolated beaches

2125: From your 0410 fix, what is the course per standard magnetic compass to enter York Spit Channel with buoy "29"
close abeam to starboard?

    N a. 172°psc
    N b. 176°psc
    Y c. 198°psc
    N d. 202°psc

2209: The Helena Gage reads 9.4 feet. The high point on your towboat is 42 feet above water. What is the vertical clearance when you pass under the Helena Highway Bridge?

    N a. 53.0 feet
    N b. 62.6 feet
    N c. 64.2 feet
    Y d. 68.0 feet

2331: What is the coastwise distance from your 0731 fix to Wilmington, DE (LAT 39°43.2'N, LONG 75°31.5'W)?

    N a. 339 miles
    N b. 309 miles
    N c. 245 miles
    Y d. 221 miles

2456: You have steamed 520 miles at 22 knots and burning 319 barrels of fuel per day. You must decrease your consumption to 137 barrels per day with 410 miles left in your voyage. What must you reduce your speed (kts) to in order to burn this amount of fuel?

    N a. 12.8
    N b. 14.8
    Y c. 16.2
    N d. 18.2

2459: You have steamed 432 miles at 18 knots and burning 406 barrels of fuel per day. You must decrease your consumption to 221 barrels per day with 190 miles left in your voyage. What must you reduce your speed (kts) to in order to burn this amount of fuel?

    N a. 10.6
    N b. 12.8
    Y c. 16.5
    N d. 17.7

2690: While on a course of 066°pgc, a light bears 13° on the port bow at a distance of 12.3 miles. What course should you steer to pass 4 miles abeam of the light leaving it to port?

    N a. 067°pgc
    Y b. 072°pgc
    N c. 079°pgc
    N d. 085°pgc

2701: You are underway on course 204°T at a speed of 17.3 knots. You sight a light bearing 205°T at a radar range of 4.7 miles at 1222. If you change course at 1228, what is the course to steer to leave the light abeam to port at 1.5 miles?

    N a. 223°T
    N b. 229°T
    Y c. 236°T
    N d. 240°T

2851: Your vessel is on a course of 297°T at 11 knots. At 0019 a light bears 274.5°T, and at 0048 the light bears 252°T.
At what time and at what distance off will your vessel be when abeam of the light?

    N a. 0102, 2.6 miles
    Y b. 0108, 3.7 miles
    N c. 0057, 4.6 miles
    N d. 0117, 5.0 miles

3061: The propeller on a vessel has a diameter of 20.2 feet and a pitch of 19.0 feet. What would be the apparent slip if the vessel cruised 367 miles in a 24 hour day (observed distance) at an average RPM of 84?

    Y a. +2.9%
    N b. -2.9%
    N c. +5.2%
    N d. -5.2%

3112: While enroute from Montevideo to Walvis Bay a vessel's course is 116°psc. The variation for the locality is 25°W and the deviation is 6°W. What is the true course made good if a southerly wind produces 1° leeway?

    Y a. 084°T
    N b. 086°T
    N c. 148°T
    N d. 085°T

3251: You have steamed 916 miles at 13 knots, and consumed 166 tons of fuel. If you have 203 tons of usable fuel remaining, how far can you steam at 14 knots?

    N a. 757 miles
    N b. 841 miles
    Y c. 966 miles
    N d. 1108 miles

3304: You have steamed 265 miles and consumed 25.0 tons of fuel. If you maintain the same speed, how many tons of fuel will you consume while steaming 346 miles?

    Y a. 32.6 tons
    N b. 37.4 tons
    N c. 42.6 tons
    N d. 49.5 tons

3463: You are underway on course 215°T at 12 knots. The current is 000°T at 2.3 knots. What is the course made good?

    N a. 209°T
    N b. 217°T
    Y c. 222°T
    N d. 232°T

10703: At 1516 your position is LAT 41°11.3'N, LONG 71°48.6'W. You are on course 300° per standard magnetic compass at 9.4 knots. At 1600 your position is LAT 41°14.0'N, LONG 71°58.1'W. What were the set and drift?

    N a. 142°T at 1.9 knots
    N b. 153°T at 1.4 knots
    Y c. 332°T at 1.5 knots
    N d. 347°T at 1.1 knots

11300: At 1256 your GPS position is LAT 36°57.0'N, LONG 75°41.0'W. At 1336 your position is LAT 37°07.5'N, LONG 75°39.1'W. What was the speed made good between the fixes?

    N a. 14.6 knots
    N b. 15.2 knots
    Y c. 16.0 knots
    N d. 18.6 knots

11305: At 1919 your position is LAT 37°00.0'N, LONG 75°30.0'W. At 2000 your position is LAT 36°59.5'N, LONG 75°37.0'W. What was the speed made good?

    N a. 5.6 knots
    N b. 6.6 knots
    Y c. 8.2 knots
    N d. 9.1 knots

11306: At 1919 your position is LAT 37°00.0'N, LONG 75°30.0'W. At 1950 your position is LAT 36°59.5'N, LONG 75°37.0'W. What is the speed made good?

    N a. 5.6 knots
    N b. 8.2 knots
    N c. 9.1 knots
    Y d. 10.9 knots

11809: What course should you steer by your standard magnetic compass (psc) from a position 2 miles due south of Branford Reef Light to Horton Pt. Light, if the set and drift of the current are 065°T at 2 knots, and a northerly wind will cause 2° of leeway? Your engines are turning for 14 knots.

    N a. 113°psc
    N b. 118°psc
    Y c. 128°psc
    N d. 134°psc

13509: Sounding contours in unshaded water areas are at what interval?

    N a. 10 foot up to 100 ft depths then at 30 foot intervals
    Y b. 30 foot intervals
    N c. 10 fathom intervals
    N d. The interval will vary to ensure any major underwater hazard is highlighted.

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

15511: From your 1830 fix, you come left to a course of 290°T.
Which of the following statements concerning Watch Hill Light is FALSE?

    N a. The nominal range of its white light is 15 miles.
    N b. It displays both red and white lights.
    N c. Its horn blasts every 30 seconds in fog.
    Y d. Its geographic range is 18.5 miles at a 35 foot (10.7 meter) height of eye.

15560: In clear weather, you will lose sight of Point Judith Light at what distance? (use charted range of 20 miles as nominal range)

    Y a. 14.0 nm
    N b. 12.6 nm
    N c. 10.3 nm
    N d. 9.2 nm

15643: The light on Block Island Sound South Entrance Obstruction Buoy "BIS" is reported extinguished. Which of the following will serve as a positive warning that you are being set onto the obstruction?

    N a. Radar ranges to Southwest Point of less than 7.9 miles
    N b. Soundings of less than 50 feet
    N c. Shagwong Reef Lighted Bell Buoy "7SR" 3.1 miles off abeam
    Y d. Race Rock Light bearing 299°T and decreasing

15764: From your 0715 position, you set a course of 085°T. At 0745, you take the following bearings:

Race Rock Light 274°pgc
Watch Hill Point Light 045°pgc
Fisher's Island East Harbor Cupola 006°pgc

What was the current encountered between 0715 and 0745?

    N a. Set 030°T, drift 0.4 knot
    Y b. Set 070°T, drift 0.7 knot
    N c. Set 210°T, drift 0.8 knot
    N d. Set 238°T, drift 1.0 knot

16360: What is the course to steer per gyro compass from the anchorage to point "A" if westerly winds are causing 3° of leeway?

    N a. 178°pgc
    N b. 182°pgc
    N c. 184°pgc
    Y d. 187°pgc

16709: The coastline between Point Judith and Watch Hill is __________.

    N a. steep with rocky bluffs
    N b. low and marshy
    Y c. sandy and broken by rocky points
    N d. heavily forested