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.

91: 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)?
222: From your 1815 position, you want to make good a course of 263°T. Your engines are turning RPM's for 12 knots. The current is 050°T at 1.9 knots. Adjusting your course for set and drift, at what time should you expect to enter the red sector of Cape Henry Light?
228: Your height of eye is 25 feet (7.6 meters). If the visibility is 5.5 nautical miles, what is the luminous range of Wolf Trap Light?
255: From your 0130 position, you change course to adjust for set and drift, and you later obtain the following lbearings:

Mattituck Inlet Light bearing 104.5°true
Falkner Island Light bearing 001°true

What is the latitude and longitude of the fix? 

    N a. LAT 41°00.8'N,  LONG 72°40.8'W
    N b. LAT 41°01.2'N,  LONG 72°40.4'W
    Y c. LAT 41°02.0'N,  LONG 72°39.5'W
    N d. LAT 41°02.6'N,  LONG 72°39.0'W
477: The great circle distance from LAT 08°50.0'N, LONG 80°21.0'W to LAT 12°36.0'N, LONG 128°16.0'E is 8664 miles, and the initial course is 306.6°T. Determine the latitude of the vertex. 

    Y a. 37°30.2'N
    N b. 37°39.6'N
    N c. 37°48.2'N
    N d. 37°53.6'N
512: At 0200, you take the following bearings:

Falkner Island Light 004.5°T
Kelsey Pt. Breakwater Lt. 054.0°T
Horton Point Light 115.0°T

What were the set and drift from 0130? 

    Y a. 260° at 1.0 knot
    N b. 080° at 0.5 knot
    N c. 260° at 0.5 knot
    N d. There is no current.
516: You sight Bartlett Reef Light in line with New London Harbor Light bearing 043°pgc. You are heading 088°pgc and 098.5° per standard magnetic compass at the time of the observation. Which statement is TRUE? 

    N a. The true heading at the observation was 090°.
    N b. The gyro error is 2°E.
    N c. The magnetic compass error is 9.5°W.
    Y d. The deviation is 1.5°E by observation.
523: At what time will you cross the 60 foot curve if you make good 12 knots? 

    N a. 0544
    N b. 0541
    N c. 0534
    Y d. 0528
635: 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. 606.8 miles
    N b. 554.0 miles
    Y c. 399.8 miles
    N d. 202.1 miles
741: On 16 February , your 1845 ZT DR position is LAT 25°50.5'N, LONG 46°24.0'W. At that time you observe Polaris with a sextant altitude (hs) of 26°25.5'. The chronometer time of the sight is 09h 47m 30s and the chronometer error is 02m 16s fast. The index error is 2.5' off the arc, and the height of eye is 55.0 feet. What is your latitude by Polaris? 

    Y a. 25°38.0'N
    N b. 25°44.2'N
    N c. 26°00.1'N
    N d. 26°37.5'N
810: On 13 October , your 0515 zone time (ZT) fix gives you a position of LAT 26°53.0'N, LONG 90°05.0'W. Your vessel is on course 068°T, and your speed is 7.8 knots. Local apparent noon (LAN) occurs at 1145 zone time, at which time a meridian altitude of the Sun's lower limb is observed. The observed altitude (Ho) for this sight is 54°51.5'. What is the calculated latitude at LAN? 

    Y a. 27°12.6'N
    N b. 27°14.1'N
    N c. 27°15.7'N
    N d. 27°16.2'N
811: On 1 July , your 0515 ZT fix gives you a position of LAT 24°36.0'S, LONG 151°42.0'W. Your vessel is on course 300°T, and your speed is 10.0 knots. Local apparent noon (LAN) occurs at 1215 ZT, at which time a meridian altitude of the Sun's lower limb is observed. The observed altitude (Ho) for this sight is 42°55.0'. What is the calculated latitude at LAN? 

    N a. 24°03.6'S
    N b. 24°02.5'S
    Y c. 24°01.0'S
    N d. 24°00.0'S
1252: On 13 August , your 0345 ZT DR position is LAT 21°35.0'
N, LONG 135°26.0'W. You are on course 052°T at a speed of 14 knots. What will be the zone time of sunrise at your vessel? 

    N a. 0443
    N b. 0449
    Y c. 0536
    N d. 0540
1261: On 16 February , your 0300 ZT DR position is LAT 28°32.0'S, LONG 176°49.0'E. You are on course 082°T at a speed of 21 knots. What will be the zone time of sunrise at your vessel? 

    N a. 0534
    Y b. 0552
    N c. 0631
    N d. 0645
1418: How far is it to the Hernando Desoto Bridge in Memphis, TN? 

    N a. 980.8 miles
    N b. 736.6 miles
    N c. 312.3 miles
    Y d. 218.1 miles
1431: As you pass under the Greenville Highway Bridge, you estimate the current as 4.5 mph. What is the speed over the ground, if your vessel is making turns for 9 mph? 

    N a. 9.5 mph
    Y b. 13.5 mph
    N c. 14.5 mph
    N d. 16.5 mph
1453: On 15 October , your 0325 zone time DR position is LAT 26°51.0'N, LONG 138°17.0'W. At that time, you observe Canopus bearing 167°pgc. The chronometer reads 00h 25m 36s, and the chronometer error is 00m 20s slow. The variation is 2°E. What is the gyro error? 

    Y a. 1.3°W
    N b. 3.2°W
    N c. 3.2°E
    N d. 4.1°W
1644: From your 2207 position you adjust your course to arrive 0.3 mile north of Lighted Whistle Buoy "NCA". If you make good 14 knots, at what time will Cape Charles Light be abeam? 

    Y a. 2242
    N b. 2245
    N c. 2247
    N d. 2250
1743: You are in charge of a vessel that damages an aid to navigation established and maintained by the United States.
Which statement is TRUE? 

    N a. You must take the aid in tow and deliver it to the nearest Coast Guard, Marine Safety Office.
    N b. You must report the allision to the nearest Corps.. of Engineers Office.
    Y c. You must report the accident to the nearest Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
    N d. You may wait until you reach your destination before reporting the allision to the U.S. Coast Guard.
1751: At 1118, on 24 May, you pass Natchez Gage and estimate the current will average 3.0 mph for the remainder of the time on the Mississippi River. What is your ETA at Cairo, IL if you continue to turn for 10 mph? 

    N a. 0840, 26 May
    N b. 2218, 26 May
    Y c. 2339, 27 May
    N d. 0339, 28 May
1810: You are turning for 9 mph, approaching Fort Adams Lt. (mile 311.4 AHP) and it is reported that the current at Knox Landing is estimated at 4.5 MPH. Which of the following statements is TRUE? 

    Y a. Tows and other vessels should navigate as close to the left descending bank as safety will permit.
    N b. The inflow channel is a navigable channel for any vessel.
    N c. You are making 13.5 mph over the ground.
    N d. Old River Control Structure Light and Fort Adams Light may be used as range lights when entering the outflow channel.
2120: At 1502 ZT, on 4 August , in DR position LAT 11° 21.6' S, LONG 088° 14.3' E, you observe an amplitude of the Moon. The upper limb of the Moon is on the visible horizon and bears 289° psc. The variation is 15° W. What is the deviation? 

    N a. 1.1°E
    Y b. 1.1°W
    N c. 1.9°E
    N d. 1.9°W
2172: On 11 October , at 0516 ZT, morning stars were observed, and the vessel's position was determined to be LAT 23°21.0'N, LONG 139°27.0'W. Your vessel is steaming at 14.0 knots on a course of 293°T. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 0927 ZT. The chronometer reads 06h 30m 21s, and the sextant altitude (hs) is 39°48.7'. The index error is 2.0' on the arc, and the chronometer error is 02m 56s fast. Your height of eye on the bridge is 63.0 feet. What is the azimuth (Zn) of this sight using the assumed position? 

    N a. 116.2°T
    Y b. 123.4°T
    N c. 126.2°T
    N d. 128.4°T
2281: You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 62°22.2' on 6 June . The index error is 1.2' on the arc. The height of eye is 28 feet (8.5 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)? 

    N a. 62°24.8'
    N b. 62°26.9'
    Y c. 62°31.4'
    N d. 62°36.7'
2297: The Platte River empties into which river? 

    N a. Mississippi
    N b. Ohio
    Y c. Missouri
    N d. Tennessee
2533: In high water conditions, which publication would you consult for the latest information on buoys between Baton Rouge and Cairo? 

    N a. List of Buoys and Daymarks
    N b. Coast Pilot
    N c. Army Corps. of Engineers Navigation Chart
    Y d. U.S.C.G. Local Notice to Mariners
2708: While on a course of 349°T, a light bears 13° on your starboard bow at a distance of 10.8 miles. What course should you steer to pass 2.5 miles abeam of the light, leaving it to starboard? 

    N a. 323°
    N b. 336°
    Y c. 349°
    N d. 002°
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
2881: Your vessel is steering 049°T at 15 knots. At 1914 a light bears 078°T, and at 1951 the same light bears 116°T. What will be your distance off abeam? 

    Y a. 6.7 miles
    N b. 7.1 miles
    N c. 7.5 miles
    N d. 8.3 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%
3098: If the pitch of the propeller is 21.2 feet, and the revolutions per day are 93,660, calculate the day's run allowing 5% positive slip. 

    N a. 163.3 miles
    N b. 217.8 miles
    Y c. 310.3 miles
    N d. 342.9 miles
3102: You are turning 88 RPM, with a propeller pitch of 19 feet, and an estimated slip of 0%. What is the speed of advance? 

    Y a. 16.5 knots
    N b. 16.9 knots
    N c. 17.3 knots
    N d. 18.1 knots
4001: You swung ship and compared the magnetic compass against the gyro compass to find deviation. Gyro error is 2°E. The variation is 8°W. Find the deviation on a magnetic compass heading of 143°.
HEADING HEADING HEADING
PSC PGC PSC PGC PSC PGC
358.5° - 350° 122.5° - 110° 239.5° - 230°
030.5° - 020° 152.0° - 140° 269.0° - 260°
061.5° - 050° 181.0° - 170° 298.0° - 290°
092.0° - 080° 210.0° - 200° 327.5° - 320° 

    Y a. 2.0°W
    N b. 1.5°W
    N c. 0.5°W
    N d. 0.0°
10109: What is the base course (psc) in the inbound northeasterly traffic lane of the Chesapeake Bay entrance traffic separation scheme? 

    Y a. 261°psc
    N b. 258°psc
    N c. 250°psc
    N d. 244°psc
10509: At 0919 your position is LAT 37°00.0'N, LONG 75°30.0'W. You are on course 270°T at 7.8 knots. At 1035 your position is LAT 37°00.5'N, LONG 75°43.8'W. What was the set and driftt? 

    N a. 281° at 0.7 knot
    Y b. 292° at 1.0 knot
    N c. 305° at 1.3 knots
    N d. 113° at 1.2 knots
11805: What is the true course to steer between Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground Light) and New Haven Light, if the set and drift of the current are 048°T at 2 knots, and a southeasterly wind will cause 2° of leeway? Your engines are making turns for 10 knots. 

    N a. 032°T
    Y b. 037°T
    N c. 039°T
    N d. 041°T
12104: You sight Wolf Trap Light in line with New Point Comfort Spit Light "2" bearing 234° per standard magnetic compass. You are on course 329°psc. Based on this, you __________. 

    N a. know the compass error is 8°W
    Y b. should swing the vessel to check the deviation table
    N c. know the deviation is 1°W
    N d. know the deviation table is accurate for that bearing
12204: You sight Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground) Light and Old Field Pt. Light in line and bearing 200° per standard magnetic compass. What is the deviation of the compass? 

    N a. 7°E
    N b. 7°W
    Y c. 3°E
    N d. 3°W
15023: At 1042, on 16 March, you are passing the Vicksburg Gage (mile 437.0 AHP). What has been the average current since 0630, 15 March, if you have been making turns for 8.0 mph? 

    N a. 0.2 mph
    N b. 0.5 mph
    Y c. 0.8 mph
    N d. 1.2 mph
15043: At 0811 your vessel's position is 37°04.9'N, 75°39.7'W. You are steering a course of 220° true at a speed of 14.0 knots. At what time would you expect the buoys in the northeasterly traffic scheme to line up, if you do not correct for a southwesterly current of 1.8 knots? 

    N a. 0826
    N b. 0831
    Y c. 0837
    N d. 0846
15066: If you correct for the current in the preceding question (035°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
    Y b. 1021
    N c. 1026
    N d. 1030
15210: What course should you steer per standard magnetic compass in order to navigate down the center of York River Entrance Channel (ignore set and drift)? 

    N a. 139°psc
    Y b. 141°psc
    N c. 147°psc
    N d. 149°psc
15466: At 1015, you estimate you have 139 miles to complete the voyage. If you average 9.5 knots, you will complete the voyage in __________. 

    N a. 14 hours 22 minutes
    N b. 14 hours 30 minutes
    Y c. 14 hours 38 minutes
    N d. 14 hours 44 minutes
15540: At 2200 Middle Ground Light is bearing 270° true at 9 nm

Which statement is TRUE? 

    N a. The current is flooding.
    Y b. You are being set to the left of the track.
    N c. The set is towards the southwest.
    N d. The drift is 0.6 knot.
15541: You alter course to make good 076°T from your 2200 fix,
and estimate you will make 13.6 knots over the ground. If the visibility is 5.5 miles, what is the earliest time you will sight Falkner Island Light? (nominal range 13 miles) 

    N a. The light is visible at 2200
    N b. 2221
    Y c. 2236
    N d. You will not sight the light
15622: What are the dimensions of the Old River Lock on the Lower Old River (304 AHP)? 

    Y a. 1190 x 75 feet
    N b. 1195 x 75 feet
    N c. 1195 x 84 feet
    N d. 1202 x 84 feet
15665: Which action should you take to compensate for the above current? 

    N a. Continue on the same course and speed.
    Y b. Alter your course to the left.
    N c. Slow to 8.5 knots.
    N d. Alter your course to the right.
15724: You pass Morrison Towhead Light (mile 890.5 AHP) at 1723. What was your average speed since leaving Cairo? 

    N a. 7.5 mph
    N b. 7.8 mph
    Y c. 8.5 mph
    N d. 8.8 mph
15809: At 0045, you obtain the following bearings:

Rocky Point lookout tower 072°T
Horton Point lighthouse 213°T

What were the set and drift between 0005 and 0045? 

    N a. 272°true, 0.9 knot
    N b. 272°true, 1.4 knots
    N c. 092°true, 0.9 knot
    Y d. 092°True, 1.4 knots
15824: You pass Red River Gage at 2015 on 16 April and estimate the current will average 3.5 mph for the remainder of the time on the Mississippi River. What is your ETA at the mouth of the Ohio River if you continue to turn for 10 mph? 

    N a. 1445, 20 April
    N b. 1830, 20 April
    Y c. 0028, 21 April
    N d. 0821, 21 April
15842: From your 2030 fix you change course to 195°T, and leave the engine speed at 14 knots.
At 2045, Your position is L 37° 13.50'N Long 075° 38.05' W


Which statement is TRUE? 

    Y a. Cape Charles Light bears 050° relative.
    N b. Chesapeake Light bears 190° relative.
    N c. Your fathometer reading is approximately 40 fathoms.
    N d. Your vessel is located in a restricted area.
15938: At 1910 you obtain the following bearings:

Bartlett Reef Light 268°T
Race Rock Light 147°T
Little Gull Island Light 198°T

Which of the following is your position at 1910? 

    N a. LAT 41°17.4'N, LONG 72°05.6'W
    N b. LAT 41°17.0'N, LONG 72°07.1'W
    Y c. LAT 41°16.6'N, LONG 72°04.6'W
    N d. LAT 41°16.2'N, LONG 72°06.4'W
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
16018: At 0550, engineering repairs are complete and speed is increased to 9.6 knots. At 0630, Falkner Island Light bears 023°pgc and Horton Point Light bears 097°pgc. From your 0630 fix you steer to make good a course of 086°T while turning for 9.6 knots. At 0700, Falkner Island Light bears 336.0°pgc and Horton Point Light bears 105.5°pgc. The radar range to the south tip of Falkner Island is 5.7 miles. Which statement is TRUE? 

    N a. Your course made good from 0630 to 0700 was 082°T.
    N b. The speed made good from 0630 to 0700 was 10.1 knots.
    N c. The current from 0630 to 0700 was 279°T at 0.6 knot.
    Y d. You are making good your intended speed.
16106: 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? 

    Y a. LAT 37°21.0'N, LONG 76°08.1'W
    N b. LAT 37°21.0'N, LONG 76°08.8'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
16338: At 2209 your position is latitude 40 47.7'N, longitude 71 35.5'W. There is a strong WSW'ly wind causing an estimated 3° leeway. What course will you steer by standard magnetic compass from your 2209 position to make good 340°T? 

    N a. 322°
    N b. 348°
    Y c. 356°
    N d. 002°
16538: At 2216 your position is LAT 41°16.0'N, LONG 72°08.0'W. Which statement is TRUE? 

    Y a. You are in the red sector of New London Harbor Light.
    N b. Your fathometer reads approximately 40 feet.
    N c. You will cross the Colregs Demarcation Line if you continue on your present course.
    N d. Little Gull Island Light bears 339°T at 4.3 miles.