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.


221: At 1815, your position is LAT 37°01.0'N, LONG 75°42.7'W. If there is no current, what is the course per standard magnetic compass to arrive at a point 0.3 mile due north of North Chesapeake Entrance Lighted Whistle Buoy "NCA" (LL#375)?


276: At 1200, your position is 2.0 miles southwest of Bartlett Reef Light. Your heading is 075°T. Visibility is less than 0.2 mile in fog and rain. Which of the following signals is most likely to be from another vessel?


333: From your noon position, if there is no set and drift, what is your course per standard magnetic compass to the "NCA" (LL #375) buoy?


406: You depart LAT 49°45.0'N, LONG 06°35.0'W, and steam 3599 miles on course 246.5°T. What is the longitude of your arrival by Mercator sailing?

    N a. LONG 76°36.2'W
    Y b. LONG 77°02.8'W
    N c. LONG 78°14.0'W
    N d. LONG 78°22.6'W

492: At 0748, you change course to 160°T. What loran reading can you follow to remain on this course?

    N a. 9960-W-14660.0
    Y b. 9960-W-14651.0
    N c. 9960-Y-43943.8
    N d. 9960-Y-43852.0

518: Point Judith Harbor of Refuge __________.

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

1127: You are turning for 6.8 mph and estimate the current at 1.0 mph. What is your speed over the ground?

    N a. 6.8 mph
    Y b. 7.8 mph
    N c. 8.8 mph
    N d. 9.4 mph

1281: On 2 January , you are on a course of 094°T at a speed of 20 knots. At 0430 ZT, your DR position is LAT 24°12'N, LONG 71°24'W. Determine the zone time of sunrise.

    Y a. 0627
    N b. 0636
    N c. 0644
    N d. 0701

1414: What is the mile point of the Fulton Gage?

    N a. 598 AHP
    N b. 632 AHP
    N c. 687 AHP
    Y d. 778 AHP

1460: On 27 June , your 1905 ZT DR position is LAT 24°35.0'N, LONG 50°15.0'W. At that time, you observe Saturn bearing 211°pgc. The chronometer reads 10h 04m 26s and the chronometer error is 01m 20s slow. The variation is 4.5°E. What is the gyro error?

    Y a. 1.1°W
    N b. 3.4°E
    N c. 3.4°W
    N d. 5.6°W

1485: On 6 October , your 0416 zone time DR position is LAT 25°16.0'N, LONG 130°25.0'E. At that time, you observe Mars bearing 083°psc. The chronometer reads 07h 16m 22s, and the chronometer error is 00m 10s fast. The variation is 1.5°E. What is the deviation of the standard compass?

    N a. 0.4°E
    Y b. 1.2°W
    N c. 3.5°E
    N d. 19.0°E

1494: On 5 August , your 0310 ZT position is LAT 09°02'N, LONG 21°08'W. You observe Polaris bearing 002°pgc. At the time of the observation the helmsman noted that he was heading 316°pgc and 329°psc. The variation is 15°W. What is the deviation for that heading?

    N a. 0.0°
    N b. 1.5°W
    N c. 3.0°W
    Y d. 0.5°E

1494: On 5 August , your 0310 ZT position is LAT 09°02'N, LONG 21°08'W. You observe Polaris bearing 002°pgc. At the time of the observation the helmsman noted that he was heading 316°pgc and 329°psc. The variation is 15°W. What is the deviation for that heading?

    N a. 0.0°
    N b. 1.5°W
    N c. 3.0°W
    Y d. 0.5°E

1725: As you pass Fort Adams (311.4 AHP) you observe a flashing amber light on the right descending bank ahead. This indicates that you should __________.

    N a. proceed with caution as there is construction work being done on the revetment
    N b. keep as close to the right descending bank as safety permits
    Y c. keep as close to the left descending bank as safety permits
    N d. proceed with caution as the river is congested around the bend

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

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

1842: What town is located at mile 389.8 AHP?

    N a. Whitehall
    N b. Belmont
    N c. St. James
    Y d. Rodney

1872: 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 031°T at a sextant altitude (hs) of 70°10.3'. 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. Sheratan
    N b. Ruchbah
    N c. Mimosa
    Y d. Cor Caroli

1909: On 22 March , your 1834 DR position is LAT 26°13.5'S, LONG 108°36.5'W. You observe an unidentified star bearing 294°T at an observed altitude (Ho) of 33°02.7'. The chronometer reads 01h 32m 37s, and is 01m 50s slow. What star did you observe?

    N a. Regulus
    Y b. Menkar
    N c. Rigel
    N d. Alphard

2025: On 10 October , your 1500 zone time DR position is LAT 27°35.6'S, LONG 44°49.0'W. You are on course 342°T at a speed of 24 knots. Considering their magnitude, azimuth, and altitude, which group includes the three bodies best suited for a fix at star time?

    N a. Venus, Moon, Fomalhaut
    N b. Venus, Arcturus, Hamal
    Y c. Moon, Al Na'ir, Rigil Kentaurus
    N d. Deneb, Spica, Markab

2100: From your 2118 position, you are steering 288°T at an engine speed of 7.0 knots. If visibility is suddenly reduced to 2 miles, at what time can you expect Old Point Comfort Light to become visible again?

    N a. The light is visible at 2118.
    N b. 2155
    N c. 2220
    Y d. 2232

2689: You are steering 107°T, and a light is picked up dead ahead at a distance of 11 miles at 0847. You change course to leave the light 3 miles off to starboard. If you are making 15.5 knots, what is your ETA at the position 3 miles off the light?

    Y a. 0928
    N b. 0931
    N c. 0934
    N d. 0937

2870: Your vessel is on a course of 126°T at 17 knots. At 0251 a light bears 099.5°T, and at 0313 the light bears 081°T. At what time and at what distance off will your vessel be when abeam of the light?

    N a. 0327, 4.4 miles
    Y b. 0335, 6.2 miles
    N c. 0345, 6.8 miles
    N d. 0351, 7.4 miles

3092: If the pitch of the propeller is 24.8 feet, and the revolutions per day are 93,373, calculate the day's run allowing 11% positive slip.

    N a. 307.3 miles
    Y b. 339.0 miles
    N c. 380.9 miles
    N d. 422.8 miles

3280: While steaming at 14.5 knots, your vessel consumes 319 barrels of fuel oil per day. In order to reduce consumption to 217 barrels of fuel oil per day, what is the maximum speed the vessel can turn for?

    N a. 9.8 knots
    N b. 11.9 knots
    Y c. 12.8 knots
    N d. 13.5 knots

3708: At what time would you listen to VHF Channel 22 (157.1 MHz) for information concerning the stage of the river between Memphis and Cairo?

    Y a. 1300
    N b. 1435
    N c. 1620
    N d. 1815

3708: At what time would you listen to VHF Channel 22 (157.1 MHz) for information concerning the stage of the river between Memphis and Cairo?

    Y a. 1300
    N b. 1435
    N c. 1620
    N d. 1815

3770: You wish to check the deviation of your standard magnetic compass. You find a natural range that you steer for and note that the gyrocompass heading is 034°, and the heading by standard magnetic compass is 026°. The gyro error is 1°W. Variation is 9°E. What is the deviation for that heading?

    Y a. 2°W
    N b. 0°
    N c. 2°E
    N d. 9°E

4009: 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 true heading of 187°.
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°

    N a. 1.5°W
    Y b. 0.5°W
    N c. 0.0°
    N d. 1.0°E

10101: Your GPS position is LAT 36°59.0'N, LONG 75°48.6'W. What is the course per standard magnetic compass to a position one mile east of Cape Charles Buoy "14" (LAT 37°07.4'N, LONG 75°41.0'W)?

    N a. 040°psc
    Y b. 045°psc
    N c. 049°psc
    N d. 053°psc

10905: You wish to anchor and fish in the regulated navigation area in the vicinity of LAT 37°02'N, LONG 76°01'W. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

    N a. Anchoring is prohibited in this area due to the danger of unexploded mines on the bottom.
    N b. You may anchor in this area only in the event of an emergency such as loss of main propulsion.
    Y c. You may anchor in this area if your vessel is less than 65 feet in length or if you have the Captain of the Port's permission.
    N d. Any vessel can anchor without restriction as the regulations only apply to vessels underway.

11109: What is the velocity of the maximum ebb current approximately 1.1 miles ENE of Little Gull Island in the afternoon of 25 April 1983?

    Y a. 5.5 knots
    N b. 4.7 knots
    N c. 4.2 knots
    N d. 1.3 knots

12612: You are on course 242° per standard magnetic compass (psc) when you take the following bearings: Stratford Point Light 325°psc Old Field Point Light 239°psc Middle Ground Light 270°psc What is your position?

    N a. LAT 41°04.4'N, LONG 72°59.5'W
    Y b. LAT 41°05.1'N, LONG 72°59.3'W
    N c. LAT 41°05.4'N, LONG 73°00.1'W
    N d. LAT 41°04.8'N, LONG 73°59.3'W

12907: At 0914 you are in Chesapeake Channel between Trestle B and Trestle C of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel. What is your ETA at North Chesapeake Entrance Buoy NCA if you are making good 10.9 knots (Use the buoyed channel and appropriate sea lane)?

    Y a. 1038
    N b. 1044
    N c. 1049
    N d. 1055

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.

13806: The chart symbol surrounding Saybrook Breakwater Light warns mariners that the navigational light structure is __________.

    N a. no longer maintained
    Y b. protected by riprap
    N c. privately maintained
    N d. awash at high tide

14101: What signal is given by air horn to indicate that Bonneville Lock is ready for entrance?

    N a. two long blasts
    N b. two short blasts
    N c. one short blast
    Y d. one long blast

14201: The draw of the Burlington Northern railroad bridge across the Columbia River at mile 328.0 shall be opened on signal, without prior notice, from __________.

    N a. 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
    N b. 6:00 pm to 6:00 am
    N c. 8:00 pm to 4:00 am
    Y d. 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

15038: At 0705 you obtained the following Loran readings:

9960-X-27091.2
9960-Y-41612.8
9960-Z-58744.2

What is your vessel's position?

    N a. 37°20.4'N 75°30.2'W
    Y b. 37°20.8'N 75°29.9'W
    N c. 37°21.3'N 75°29.5'W
    N d. 37°21.2'N 75°30.4'W

15520: NOAA VHF-FM weather broadcasts from New London, CT are on __________.

    N a. 162.25 MHz
    N b. 162.30 MHz
    N c. 162.40 MHz
    Y d. 162.55 MHz

15857: You are southeast of Saybrook Breakwater Light passing a horizontally-banded buoy. This buoy marks __________.

    N a. a sunken wreck
    N b. a tide rips area
    N c. the junction with the Connecticut River
    Y d. shoal water

16063: At 2013, you sight Thimble Shoal Light in line with Old Point Comfort Light bearing 258°pgc. At the time of the bearing, the vessel was headed 142°pgc and 151°psc. Based on this, you __________.

    N a. know the gyro error is 2°E
    N b. should adjust the magnetic compass
    N c. verified that the variation is 10°W
    Y d. have checked the deviation table for a magnetic heading of 150°

16070: When exiting Thimble Shoal Channel bound for Norfolk, the track line based on the lights of the Norfolk Entrance Reach Range is __________.

    N a. 220°T
    N b. 222°T
    Y c. 224°T
    N d. 228°T

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

16465: At 0600, you are entering the inbound leg of the traffic separation scheme at position LAT 36°59.2'N, LONG 75°47.6'
W. Course is 250°T. At 0605, Cape Henry Light bears 249°
T. At 0610, it bears 248°T. At 0625, it bears 247°T. Based on this, you know you are __________.

    N a. meeting a current from dead ahead
    N b. running with a current from dead ahead
    Y c. being set to the north
    N d. being set to the south

16567: From your 1915 position, you come left and set a course for Gardiners Point. At 1930, your position is LAT 41°12.7'N,
LONG 71°56.8'W. What type of bottom is charted at this position?

    N a. Blue mud, gritty shells
    N b. Buried mussels, gritty shells
    Y c. Blue mud, gray sand
    N d. Bumpy mud with gravel surface