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.

42: What is the distance from Greenville, MS, to St. Louis, MO, on the Mississippi River System?
54: What is the length of the trip?
154: You see a buoy with red and green bands. This buoy marks __________.
171: At 2015, your vessel is at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel midway between buoys "13" and "14". If the height of tide is -1 foot (-0.3 meters), what is the approximate depth of water? 

    N a. 35 feet (10.6 meters)
    N b. 43 feet (13.1 meters)
    N c. 46 feet (13.9 meters)
    Y d. 53 feet (15.5 meters)
302: A vessel steams 720 miles on course 058°T from LAT 30°06.0'S, LONG 31°42.0'E. What are the latitude and longitude of the point of arrival by mid-latitude sailing? 

    N a. LAT 23°48'S, LONG 43°11'E
    Y b. LAT 23°44'S, LONG 43°07'E
    N c. LAT 23°38'S, LONG 43°03'E
    N d. LAT 23°34'S, LONG 43°00'E
366: At 0731, approximately how much water is under your keel? 

    N a. 26 feet (7.9 meters)
    Y b. 31 feet (9.4 meters)
    N c. 48 feet (14.5 meters)
    N d. 54 feet (16.4 meters)
411: A vessel steams 3312 miles on course 282°T from LAT 34°24'S, LONG 18°18'E. What is the latitude and longitude of the point of arrival by Mercator sailing? 

    N a. LAT 22°39'S, LONG 43°17'W
    N b. LAT 22°42'S, LONG 43°14'W
    N c. LAT 22°47'S, LONG 43°10'W
    Y d. LAT 22°55'S, LONG 43°05'W
455: Determine the great circle distance and initial course from LAT 24°52.0'N, LONG 78°27.0'W to LAT 47°19.0'N, LONG 06°42.0'W. 

    Y a. 3593 miles, 048.1°T
    N b. 3457 miles, 053.3°T
    N c. 3389 miles, 042.4°T
    N d. 3367 miles, 045.0°T
533: You depart LAT 38°14'N, LONG 12°42'W, for LAT 38°14'N, LONG 46°09'W. What are the course and distance by parallel sailing? 

    N a. 090°T, 1576.5 miles
    N b. 090°T, 2879.0 miles
    Y c. 270°T, 1576.5 miles
    N d. 270°T, 2868.5 miles
676: You are planning a voyage from Jacksonville, FL, to the Strait of Gibraltar. Using chart WOXZC 5274, determine which statement is TRUE. 

    N a. All of the courses lie in the northeast quadrant of the compass.
    N b. You will be east of the Northern Hemisphere vertex during the entire voyage.
    N c. The great circle track approximates a rhumb line track because there is little difference in the latitudes.
    Y d. None of the above are true.
686: The Vaucluse Trench fill revetment on the LMR extends from mile __________. 

    Y a. 535.6 - 532.9 RDB
    N b. 535.9 - 534.3 RDB
    N c. 535.9 - 534.3 LDB
    N d. 534.3 - 532.6 LDB
687: What is the distance from Cairo,IL, to Parkersburg, WV? 

    Y a. 795 miles
    N b. 733 miles
    N c. 597 miles
    N d. 537 miles
733: On 12 March , your 1846 zone time DR position is LONG 129°16.5'W. At that time you observe Polaris with a sextant altitude (hs) of 28°01.5'. The chronometer time of the sight is 03h 44m 10s, and the chronometer error is 01m 55s slow. The index error is 2.2' off the arc, and the height of eye is 59.8 feet (18.2 m). What is your latitude by Polaris? 

    Y a. 27°33.7'N
    N b. 27°40.9'N
    N c. 27°54.4'N
    N d. 28°06.9'N
846: On 22 February , your 0612 zone time fix gives you a position of LAT 27°16.2'S, LONG 37°41.6'W. Your vessel is on course 298°T, and your speed is 14.2 knots. Local apparent noon (LAN) occurs at 1147 zone time, at which time a meridian altitude of the Sun's lower limb is observed. The observed altitude (Ho) for this sight is 73°33.3'. What is the calculated latitude at LAN? 

    Y a. 26°31.4'S
    N b. 26°29.5'S
    N c. 26°27.1'S
    N d. 26°24.8'S
1192: On 3 October , your 0830 ZT position is LAT 26°15.0'S, LONG 73°16.0'E. Your vessel is on course 280°T at a speed of 19.0 knots. What is the ZT of local apparent noon (LAN)? 

    N a. 1151
    N b. 1154
    N c. 1158
    Y d. 1201
1277: On 22 June , your 0400 zone time DR position is LAT 23°00'N, LONG 81°45'W. You are steaming on course 110°T at a speed of 8.6 knots. What will be the zone time of sunrise at your vessel? 

    N a. 0537
    Y b. 0541
    N c. 0545
    N d. 0547
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
1473: On 26 January , your 1615 ZT DR position is LAT 27°14.0'S, LONG 57°22.0'W. At that time, you observe the Sun bearing 266°psc. The chronometer reads 08h 13m 19s, and the chronometer error is 01m 46s slow. The variation is 4°E. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass? 

    N a. 4.8°E
    N b. 4.9°W
    Y c. 5.9°W
    N d. 7.8°E
1473: On 26 January , your 1615 ZT DR position is LAT 27°14.0'S, LONG 57°22.0'W. At that time, you observe the Sun bearing 266°psc. The chronometer reads 08h 13m 19s, and the chronometer error is 01m 46s slow. The variation is 4°E. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass? 

    N a. 4.8°E
    N b. 4.9°W
    Y c. 5.9°W
    N d. 7.8°E
1484: On 7 December , your vessel's 0835 zone time DR position is LAT 28°30.0'N, LONG 125°39.3'W, when an azimuth of the Sun is observed. The chronometer time of the sight is 04h 34m 48s, and the Sun is bearing 113° per standard magnetic compass. The chronometer error is 01m 24s slow, and the variation in the area is 13.0°E. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass? 

    N a. 0.7°E
    N b. 1.0°W
    Y c. 2.3°E
    N d. 3.0°W
1500: On September 9 , your 2130 zone time (ZD +5) DR position is LAT 45°08'N, LONG 82°38'W. At that time, you observe Polaris bearing 000.5°pgc. The chronometer time of the observation is 02h 26m 09s, and the chronometer is 1m 43s slow. The variation is 8.7°W. What is the gyro error? 

    Y a. 0.7°E
    N b. 1.2°E
    N c. 0.8°W
    N d. 9.4°W
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
1706: The highest point on your towboat is 53 feet above the water, and the Helena Gage (mile 663 AHP) reads 3.9 feet. What is the vertical clearance when you pass under the B-span of the Helena Highway Bridge in Helena? 

    N a. 59.9 feet
    Y b. 62.5 feet
    N c. 64.1 feet
    N d. 65.5 feet
1871: 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 270°T at a sextant altitude (hs) of 65°41.7'. 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. Epsilon Leonis
    N b. Scheat
    N c. Merak
    Y d. Algeiba
1906: On 22 March , your 0519 DR position is LAT 27°20.6'N, LONG 69°25.6'W. You observe an unidentified star bearing 051°T at an observed altitude (Ho) of 50°03.7'. The chronometer reads 10h 16m 47s, and is 02m 15s slow. What star did you observe? 

    N a. Acamar
    N b. Enif
    N c. Menkar
    Y d. Deneb
2030: Which of the following statements regarding buoys on the Mississippi River is TRUE? 

    Y a. Buoys should be given as wide a berth as possible in passing.
    N b. Buoy positions on the chart are exact.
    N c. The buoys are maintained on station year round.
    N d. The buoys do not shift positions due to permanent moorings.
2107: 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
2204: The Clinch River empties into which river? 

    N a. Arkansas
    N b. Mississippi
    N c. Ohio
    Y d. Tennessee
2286: You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 50°26.9' on 9 November . The index error is 1.5' on the arc. The height of eye is 56 feet (17 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)? 

    N a. 50°04.2'
    N b. 50°18.1'
    Y c. 50°33.5'
    N d. 50°41.4'
2578: On 12 November, you are taking a time tick using the 1600 GMT BBC Broadcast. You hear five pulses followed by a longer pulse. At the start of the longer pulse you start a stopwatch. You stop the stopwatch at the same time reading the chronometer with the following results: stopwatch 03m 19s, chronometer 15h 59m 46s. What is the chronometer error? 

    N a. 01m 14s slow
    N b. 03m 19s fast
    Y c. 03m 33s slow
    N d. 06m 54s slow
2693: While on a course of 279°T, a light bears 12° on the starboard bow at a distance of 9.3 miles. What course should you steer to pass 4 miles abeam of the light leaving it to starboard? 

    N a. 253°T
    Y b. 265°T
    N c. 291°T
    N d. 305°T
2889: While underway you sight a light 11° on your port bow at a distance of 12 miles. Assuming you make good your course, what will be your distance off the light when abeam? 

    Y a. 2.3 miles
    N b. 3.1 miles
    N c. 3.9 miles
    N d. 4.5 miles
3057: The propeller on a vessel has a diameter of 25.3 feet and a pitch of 23.2 feet. What would be the apparent slip if the vessel cruised 515 miles in a 23 hour day (observed distance) at an average RPM of 93? 

    N a. -3.6%
    N b. +3.6%
    Y c. -5.2%
    N d. +5.2%
3314: You have steamed 150 miles and consumed 17 tons of fuel. If you maintain the same speed, how many tons of fuel will you consume while steaming 350 miles? 

    N a. 12.82 tons
    N b. 29.41 tons
    N c. 34.00 tons
    Y d. 39.66 tons
3609: Enroute from Rio to Montevideo, the true course is 215°; the gyro error is 2° west. A north wind causes 3° leeway. What course would you steer per gyrocompass to make good the true course? 

    Y a. 220°pgc
    N b. 214°pgc
    N c. 216°pgc
    N d. 210°pgc
3751: While proceeding up a channel on course 010° per gyro compass, you notice a pair of range lights in alignment with the masts of your vessel when viewed forward. A check of the chart shows the range to be 009°T and the variation to be 15°W. If the ship's course is 026°psc, what is the deviation for the present heading? 

    Y a. 2°W
    N b. 2°E
    N c. 1°W
    N d. 1°E
3755: Your vessel is proceeding up a channel, and you see a pair of range lights that are in line ahead. The chart indicates that the direction of this pair of lights is 186°T, and the variation is 11°W. If the heading of your vessel at the time of the sighting is 193° per standard magnetic compass, what is the correct deviation? 

    Y a. 4°E
    N b. 4°W
    N c. 7°E
    N d. 7°W
10501: At 0939 your GPS position is LAT 36°57.0'N, LONG 75°41.0'W. You are on course 119° per standard magnetic compass at a speed of 12.8 knots. At 1017 your GPS indicates your position as LAT 36°54.2'N, LONG 75°33.1'W. What were the set and drift? 

    N a. 280°T at 1.0 knot
    Y b. 275°T at 1.8 knots
    N c. 091°T at 1.6 knots
    N d. 103°T at 1.1 knots
11101: Great Salt Pond on Block Island is __________. 

    Y a. entered through a dredged cut
    N b. not accessible in easterly gales
    N c. available for vessels up to a maximum draft of 8 feet (2.4m)
    N d. not affected by the tide
12209: You sight South West Ledge Light in line with New Haven Outer Channel Range Rear Light bearing 338.5° per standard magnetic compass. What is the deviation? 

    Y a. 3°E
    N b. 4°W
    N c. 6°E
    N d. 9°W
13003: At 2102 your position is LAT 41°02.9'N, LONG 72°57.4'W. You are making turns for 16 knots. What is your ETA at a position 5 miles due south of Falkner Island Light? 

    N a. 2149
    Y b. 2155
    N c. 2159
    N d. 2204
13003: At 2102 your position is LAT 41°02.9'N, LONG 72°57.4'W. You are making turns for 16 knots. What is your ETA at a position 5 miles due south of Falkner Island Light? 

    N a. 2149
    Y b. 2155
    N c. 2159
    N d. 2204
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
13803: NOAA Weather Broadcasts for the New London area may be received by turning your radio to __________. 

    Y a. 162.550 MHz
    N b. 162.475 MHz
    N c. 162.400 MHz
    N d. 162.350 MHz
13904: On the south and the east coasts of Block Island are circles with a dot in the center and labeled CUP. This is a __________. 

    N a. conspicuous object
    N b. steep depression in the surrounding hills that resembles a cup
    Y c. domed structure useful for navigation
    N d. calling-up-point used for traffic control
15418: At 2205, you are in Thimble Shoal North Auxiliary Channel abeam of lighted gong buoy "4". At this time the visibility decreases to 5 miles. You continue to turn RPMs for 6 knots and experience no set and drift. What time would you expect Old Point Comfort Light (white sector) to become visible? 

    N a. 2230
    Y b. 2240
    N c. 2246
    N d. 2258
15741: At 2050 Montauk Point Light is bearing 337° true at a range of 8 nm, From this position, you change course in order to pass 1 mile due east of Montauk Point Lighted Whistle Buoy "MP". If there are no set and drift, what course must you steer? 

    Y a. 024°T
    N b. 028°T
    N c. 032°T
    N d. 036°T
15940: At 1934 Little Gull Island Light bears 277°T and Race Rock Light bears 000°T. Which were the set and drift between 1910 and 1934? 

    N a. 321°T, 2.2 knots
    N b. 321°T, 0.9 knots
    Y c. 331°T, 2.2 knots
    N d. 331°T, 0.9 knots
16109: You are turning for 9 knots, a westerly wind is causing 3° of leeway, and the current is 320°T at 1.2 knots. What true course should you steer to remain in the northern leg of York Spit Channel? 

    N a. 191°T
    Y b. 194°T
    N c. 197°T
    N d. 203°T
16413: At 1104, Watch Hill Point Light is in line with Stonington Outer Breakwater Light, the range to the south tip of Watch Hill Point is 2.6 miles and the range to the beach is 1.9 miles. You are steering to make good 075°T, speed 10.0 knots. At 1110, you change course to head for a position of LAT 41°05.0'N, LONG 71°50.0'W. What is the true course? 

    N a. 185°
    N b. 187°
    Y c. 190°
    N d. 193°
16444: At 1042 you take the following round of bearings:

Cape Henry Light 259°T
Chesapeake Light 101°T
Cape Charles Light 006°T
From this position, you set course 070°T at a speed of 9.5 knots.

What is the course per standard magnetic compass? 

    N a. 069.5°psc
    N b. 060.5°psc
    Y c. 079.5°psc
    N d. 080.5°psc