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.

162: At 1923, you decrease speed to make good 9.2 mph. What is the first Gage you will pass after your speed change?
217: Your 1600 position is LAT 37°22.5'N, LONG 75°32.3'W. The depth of water under the keel is about __________.
282: From your 1752 position, you steer 307°pgc at 9 knots. At 1805, you obtain the visual bearings. What are the latitude and longitude of your 1805 position? Old Pt. Comfort Light 232°pgc. Chesapeake Bay Tunnel North Light 130°pgc.
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
483: The great circle distance from LAT 25°50'N, LONG 77°00'W to LAT 35°56'N, LONG 06°15'W is 3616 miles, and the initial course is 061.7°T. The position of the vertex is LAT 37°34.9'N, LONG 25°59.0'W. The difference of longitude from the vertex to a point (X) on the great circle track is 10°W. Determine the latitude which intersects the great circle at point (X). 

    N a. 37°02.5'N
    Y b. 37°09.5'N
    N c. 37°15.6'N
    N d. 37°21.2'N
488: At 0705, with your gyro again functioning properly, you change course to 096°T. At this time Race Rock Light is bearing 000°T at 0.35 mile. You are now governed by which Navigation Rules? 

    Y a. International Rules
    N b. Local Pilot Rules
    N c. Inland Rules
    N d. Coastal Fishery Rules
488: At 0705, with your gyro again functioning properly, you change course to 096°T. At this time Race Rock Light is bearing 000°T at 0.35 mile. You are now governed by which Navigation Rules? 

    Y a. International Rules
    N b. Local Pilot Rules
    N c. Inland Rules
    N d. Coastal Fishery Rules
1104: On 19 November , your 0200 zone time DR position is LAT 20°29.0'N, LONG 150°21.3'E. You are on course 136°T at a speed of 18 knots. You observed 3 celestial bodies. Determine the latitude and longitude of your 0600 running fix. NP-0033

    N a. LAT 19°30.1'N, LONG 151°06.0'E
    N b. LAT 19°31.7'N, LONG 151°04.9'E
    Y c. LAT 19°33.0'N, LONG 151°10.0'E
    N d. LAT 19°35.8'N, LONG 151°13.6'E
1120: At 0850, 4 January, you pass the Gage at Natchez, MS which reads 26.8 feet. The low water reference plane (LWRP) for Natchez is 6.1 feet. What is the water level in relation to the low water reference plane? 

    Y a. 20.7 ft above
    N b. 20.7 ft below
    N c. 32.9 ft above
    N d. 32.9 ft below
1176: On 24 January , your 0700 zone time DR position is LAT 22°25.0'N, LONG 46°10.0'W. Your vessel is on course 110°T at a speed of 12.0 knots. What is the zone time of local apparent noon (LAN)? 

    N a. 1203
    N b. 1208
    Y c. 1212
    N d. 1215
1181: On 4 January , your 0800 zone time DR position is LAT 25°25.0 S, LONG 16°09.0'W. Your vessel is on course 290°T at a speed of 13.5 knots. What is the zone time of local apparent noon (LAN)? 

    N a. 1157
    N b. 1205
    N c. 1209
    Y d. 1213
1183: On 25 June , your 0900 zone time DR position is LAT 24°10.0'S, LONG 148°30.0'W. Your vessel is on a course of 230°T at a speed of 18.0 knots. What is the zone time of local apparent noon (LAN)? 

    N a. 1154
    N b. 1156
    Y c. 1200
    N d. 1204
1251: On 16 August , your 1600 ZT DR position is LAT 26°17.0'N, LONG 165°17.0'E. You are on course 301°T at a speed of 15 knots. What will be the zone time of sunset at your vessel? 

    N a. 1827
    N b. 1832
    Y c. 1838
    N d. 1845
1269: At 1400 zone time, on 11 April , your DR position is LAT 25°40'N, LONG 91°00'W. You are steering 180°T at a speed of 10.0 knots. What is your zone time of sunset? 

    N a. 1812
    N b. 1816
    N c. 1820
    Y d. 1825
1339: At 1300, 5 January, the river will be temporarily closed to navigation for six hours at mile 531.3 AHP due to repairs to a bridge. What minimum speed over the ground must you make from Natchez Gage in order not to be delayed? 

    N a. 5.7 mph
    Y b. 6.0 mph
    N c. 6.8 mph
    N d. 7.3 mph
1420: What company does NOT have a marine facility along the river bank in Helena (mile 661 to 665 AHP)? 

    N a. Helena Port Terminal, Inc.
    Y b. Riceland Food Corps..
    N c. Quincy Soybean Co.
    N d. Texas Eastern Pipeline Co.
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
1776: At 2231 ZT, on 14 July , in DR position LAT 34°06'S, LONG 149°47'W you observe an amplitude of Jupiter. The planet is about one Sun's diameter above the visible horizon and bears 257.1°psc. The variation is 15°E. What is the deviation? 

    N a. 0.5°E
    N b. 0.5°W
    N c. 1.5°W
    Y d. 2.5°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
1868: On 12 June , your 1945 DR position is LAT 21°47.0'N, LONG 46°52.0'W when you observe a faint unidentifiable star through a break in the clouds. The star bears 130°T at a sextant altitude (hs) of 45°21.2'. The index error is 0.5' on the arc, and the height of eye is 45 feet. The chronometer reads 10h 43m 27s, and the chronometer error is 1m 46s slow. What star did you observe? 

    N a. Theta Carinae
    N b. Epsilon Leonis
    Y c. Beta Librae
    N d. Zeta Puppis
1878: On 13 September , your 1830 ZT DR position was LAT 23°03'S, LONG 105°16'E when you observe a faint unidentifiable star through a hole in the clouds. The star bore 132.3°T at a sextant altitude (hs) of 29°34.6'. The chronometer read 11h 24m 39s and is 5m 08s slow. The index error is 1.0' off the arc, and the height of eye is 52 feet. What star did you observe? 

    Y a. Beta Gruis
    N b. Sigma Capricorni
    N c. Scheat
    N d. Alpha Indi
1894: On 22 July , your 0442 DR position is LAT 26°35.6'N, LONG 22°16.7'W. You observe an unidentified star bearing 149°T at an observed altitude (Ho) of 12°55.0'. The chronometer reads 05h 39m 03s, and is 03m 14s slow. What star did you observe? 

    N a. Hamal
    N b. Rigel
    N c. Menkar
    Y d. Acamar
2003: On 20 June , your 1742 zone time DR position is LAT 24°55.0'S, LONG 8°19.6'E. Considering their magnitude, azimuth, and altitude, which three stars are best suited for a fix at star time? 

    Y a. Regulus, Canopus, Antares
    N b. Spica, Arcturus, Alioth
    N c. Arcturus, Achernar, Pollux
    N d. Avior, Sabik, Fomalhaut
2062: You are downbound, passing by Spanish Moss Lt. (mile 534.2 AHP), when you observe on your Mississippi River map several black broken lines extending into the river from the bank. These indicate __________. 

    N a. fleeting areas
    N b. revetments
    N c. dikes
    Y d. weirs
2105: You are southeast of Saybrook Breakwater Light passing Saybrook Bar Lighted Bell Buoy "8". This buoy marks __________. 

    Y a. shoal water
    N b. a tide rips area
    N c. the junction with the Connecticut River
    N d. a sunken wreck
2151: On 16 June , 0612 zone time, morning stars were observed. The vessel's position was LAT 27°23.0'S, LONG 56°22.0'W. The vessel is steaming at 16.0 knots on a course of 212°T. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 0850 zone time. The chronometer reads 00h 53m 19s, and the sextant altitude is 22°58.6'. The index error is 2.0' off the arc, and the chronometer error is 02m 43s fast. Your height of eye is 61.0 feet. What is the azimuth (Zn) of this sight using the assumed position? 

    Y a. 044.3°
    N b. 052.6°
    N c. 136.1°
    N d. 148.4°
2162: On 5 April , at 0509 zone time, morning stars were observed and the vessel's position was LAT 28°32'N, LONG 177°13.0'W. Your vessel is steaming at 19.0 knots on a course of 258°T. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 1021 zone time. The chronometer reads 10h 20m 09s, and the sextant altitude (hs) is 58°06.6'. The index error is 1.0' off the arc, and the chronometer error is 00m 54s slow. Your height of eye on the bridge is 55.0 feet. What is the azimuth (Zn) of this sight using the assumed position? 

    N a. 125.8°T
    N b. 128.8°T
    Y c. 129.2°T
    N d. 130.2°T
2330: At 0731, what is the approximate depth of water? 

    N a. 31 feet (9.4 meters)
    Y b. 41 feet (12.5 meters)
    N c. 52 feet (15.7 meters)
    N d. 58 feet (17.6 meters)
2582: From your 1750 GPS position at LAT 41°15.6'N, LONG 072°11.5'W, you plot a course of 255°T at 8.5 kts. At what time would you see Falkner Island Light, if visibility is 10 miles? 

    N a. 1819
    Y b. 1850
    N c. 1910
    N d. 1917
2584: At 1930 you obtain two radar ranges: Hammonasset Point at 4.1 miles and the East side of Falkner Island at 7.6 miles. What is your position? 

    N a. LAT 41°11.2'N,  LONG 072°30.6'W
    Y b. LAT 41°11.7'N,  LONG 072°29.2'W
    N c. LAT 41°11.8'N,  LONG 072°29.6'W
    N d. LAT 41°11.9'N,  LONG 072°29.2'W
2901: You are steaming on a course of 198°T at 18.5 knots. At 0316 you observe a lighthouse bearing 235°T. At 0348 the lighthouse bears 259°T. What is your distance off at the second bearing? 

    Y a. 14.8 miles
    N b. 15.3 miles
    N c. 15.8 miles
    N d. 16.3 miles
3624: Your vessel is steering course 073°psc, variation for the area is 15°E, and deviation is 4°E. The wind is from the southeast, producing a 4° leeway. Which true course are you making good? 

    N a. 050°T
    N b. 058°T
    Y c. 088°T
    N d. 096°T
3640: You desire to make good a true course of 223°. The variation is 2°E, magnetic compass deviation is 2°E, and gyrocompass error is 1°W. An east-southeast wind produces 3° leeway. What is the course to steer per standard magnetic compass to make the true course good? 

    N a. 213°psc
    Y b. 216°psc
    N c. 220°psc
    N d. 223°psc
10100: 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 south of Cape Charles Buoy "14" (which is positioned at LAT 37°07.4'N, LONG 75°41.0'W)? 

    Y a. 045°psc
    N b. 049°psc
    N c. 053°psc
    N d. 057°psc
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
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
12706: You are on course 053° per standard magnetic compass when you take the following bearings: Little Gull Island Light 275°psc Race Rock Light 296°psc Latimer Reef Light 011°psc What is your position? 

    N a. LAT 41°12.9'N, LONG 71°56.3'W
    Y b. LAT 41°13.2'N, LONG 71°56.0'W
    N c. LAT 41°13.4'N, LONG 71°55.5'W
    N d. LAT 41°13.8'N, LONG 71°56.1'W
13400: You are going to anchor at Gardiners Bay in LAT 41°04.5'N, LONG 72°13.0'W. What type of bottom should you expect? 

    N a. Streaked mud
    N b. Sand
    N c. Hard rocks
    Y d. Soft mud
13801: You are operating in the area approximately 2 miles southeast of Kelsey Point when you realize that your vessel's intended track will carry you over the wreck charted at LAT 41°13.5'N, LONG 72°29.6'W. Which statement is TRUE? 

    N a. The chart indicates the exact position of the wreck.
    N b. The wreck has been cleared by wire drag to a depth of 39 ft.
    Y c. The wreck represents a danger to surface navigation.
    N d. The wreck is visible above the sounding datum.
13903: Your position is LAT 41°12.4'N, LONG 71°53.2'W. You are on course 163°T enroute to sea. You can ensure that you will clear Montauk Point if your loran reading is always __________. 

    N a. more than 9960-X-25990
    Y b. less than 9960-W-14665
    N c. more than 9960-Y-43870
    N d. All of the above
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
14500: Your vessel is at mile 170 on the Columbia River. You are proceeding in a westerly direction and are approaching the lift bridge at Hood River. The pool level of the Bonneville reservoir stands at 92 feet above MSL. If the highest point on your vessel is 52 feet above the water, which of the following statements is TRUE? 

    N a. You may pass under the lift bridge, in the "down" position  with a vertical clearance of 15 feet.
    N b. You may pass under the lift bridge in the "up" position with a clearance of 96 feet.
    N c. You may pass under the lift bridge, in the "down" position  with a vertical clearance of 25 feet.
    Y d. You may pass under the lift bridge, in the "up" position with a vertical clearance of 76 feet.
15367: At 0700, Falkner Island Light bears 023°pgc, and the range to the south tip of Falkner Island is 7.1 miles. What was the course made good since 0615? 

    N a. 078°T
    Y b. 081°T
    N c. 084°T
    N d. 087°T
15869: After you raise Stratford Shoal Middle Ground Light, how will the bearings change if you pass to the north of the light? 

    Y a. The bearings will change to the left.
    N b. The bearings will remain steady.
    N c. The bearings will change to the right.
    N d. Magnetic compass bearings will change to the left and gyro compass bearings will change to the right.
16019: The south shore of Long Island Sound from Horton Point to Orient Point is __________. 

    N a. low and marshy
    Y b. bluff and rocky
    N c. marked by sandy beaches and wooded uplands
    N d. bound by gradual shoaling
16046: The visibility is excellent. When Race Rock Light Tower breaks the horizon, how far will you be from the Tower? 

    N a. 8.5 miles
    N b. 9.6 miles
    N c. 14.0 miles
    Y d. 17.9 miles
16067: At 2118, you obtain the following information:
Cape Henry Light 151°pgc;
Cape Charles Light 033°pgc;
Thimble Shoal Light 291°pgc

What is your 2118 position? 

    Y a. LAT 36°57.4'N,  LONG 76°01.9'W
    N b. LAT 36°57.5'N,  LONG 76°01.4'W
    N c. LAT 36°57.6'N,  LONG 76°01.8'W
    N d. LAT 36°57.6'N,  LONG 76°02.2'W
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
16615: At 0112, the radar range to Branford Reef Light is 2.9 miles. At 0125, the range is 3.6 miles. What is the position of your 0125 running fix if you are steering 124°T at 12 knots? 

    Y a. LAT 41°09.7'N, LONG 72°48.1'W
    N b. LAT 41°09.7'N, LONG 72°48.7'W
    N c. LAT 41°09.8'N, LONG 72°47.2'W
    N d. LAT 41°10.2'N, LONG 72°47.7'W
16711: At what time will you cross the 60 foot curve if you make good 12 knots? 

    Y a. 0528
    N b. 0534
    N c. 0541
    N d. 0544
16720: In order to check your compasses, you sight North Dumpling Island Light in line with Latimer Reef Light bearing 074°
pgc. The helmsman was steering 303°pgc and 315° per standard magnetic compass at the time. Which of the following is TRUE? 

    Y a. The gyro error is still 2°E.
    N b. The deviation based on the observation is 15°W.
    N c. The magnetic compass error is 12°W.
    N d. The true line of the range is 072°.
16720: In order to check your compasses, you sight North Dumpling Island Light in line with Latimer Reef Light bearing 074°
pgc. The helmsman was steering 303°pgc and 315° per standard magnetic compass at the time. Which of the following is TRUE? 

    Y a. The gyro error is still 2°E.
    N b. The deviation based on the observation is 15°W.
    N c. The magnetic compass error is 12°W.
    N d. The true line of the range is 072°.