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.


92: A stretch where the channel changes from one side of the river to the other is called a __________.


164: 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?


223: At 1920, Cape Henry Light bears 225°pgc, and Chesapeake Channel Tunnel North Light bears 288°pgc. If your heading is 268°T, what is the relative bearing of Chesapeake Light?


247: What type of bottom is found at Long Sand Shoal?

    N a. Rocky
    N b. Muddy
    Y c. Hard
    N d. Sandy

267: At 0802, Branford Reef Light bears 348°T at 0.75 mile, and the north point of Falkner Island bears 088°T at 6.7 miles. What were the set and drift since 0740?

    N a. Set 040°T, drift .2 knot
    N b. Set 220°T, drift .2 knot
    Y c. Set 220°T, drift .6 knot
    N d. You are making good your intended course and speed.

280: Your 1752 position places you __________.

    N a. less than 0.5 mile eastward of York Spit Channel
    Y b. less than 0.5 mile westward of York Spit Channel
    N c. greater than 0.5 mile westward of York Spit Channel
    N d. greater than 0.5 mile eastward of York Spit Channel

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)

407: You depart LAT 34°22'S, LONG 18°23'E, and steam 3174 miles on course 282°T. What is the longitude of your arrival by Mercator sailing?

    Y a. LONG 40°33.5'W
    N b. LONG 40°19.5'W
    N c. LONG 40°18.2'W
    N d. LONG 40°17.3'W

453: Determine the great circle distance and initial course from LAT 08°36.0'N, LONG 126°17.0'E to LAT 02°12.0'S, LONG 81°53.0'W.

    N a. 9015 miles, 067°T
    N b. 9076 miles, 067°T
    N c. 9105 miles, 079°T
    Y d. 9076 miles, 079°T

456: At 0630, you pass Buoy "PI" close abeam on the starboard side. You are steering 078°T and are headed directly toward Race Rock Light. At 0654, Little Gull Island Light is bearing 207°T and Race Rock Light is bearing 072°T. What is your 0654 position?

    N a. LAT 41°13.6'N, LONG 72°03.3'W
    Y b. LAT 41°14.0'N, LONG 72°05.3'W
    N c. LAT 41°14.7'N, LONG 72°06.8'W
    N d. LAT 41°19.0'N, LONG 72°05.2'W

507: At 0112, you are on course 124°T and turning for 12.0 knots. What course will you make good if the current is 255°T at 1.2 knots?

    N a. 118°
    N b. 120°
    Y c. 129°
    N d. 132°

522: In clear weather, how far away will you sight Point Judith Light? (use charted range of 20 miles as nominal range)

    Y a. 14.0 nm
    N b. 12.3 nm
    N c. 10.6 nm
    N d. 9.2 nm

561: At 0615 you change course to 078°T. If there is no current, when will Falkner Island Light be abeam?

    Y a. 0730
    N b. 0735
    N c. 0743
    N d. 0750

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

669: You are planning a voyage from Cape May (LAT 38°45'N, LONG 74°45'W) to Lisbon (LAT 38°37'N, LONG 09°45'W). Which of the following is TRUE? (Use gnomonic chart WOXZC 5274)

    N a. Because the latitudes are almost the same, a great circle track approximates a parallel sailing.
    Y b. The northern hemisphere vertex is approximately at longitude 42°26'W.
    N c. The distance is measured by using the length of one degree of the meridian at the position of the vertex.
    N d. A composite sailing must be plotted to remain south of a limiting latitude of 44°N.

672: What is the total length of the trip?

    Y a. 922.3 miles
    N b. 985.3 miles
    N c. 1155.8 miles
    N d. 1187.3 miles

704: As you approach Giles Bend Cut-off Light (mile 367.7 AHP), what type of daymark would you see on the light structure?

    N a. Green square
    N b. Green diamond
    Y c. Red triangle
    N d. Red diamond

1147: You have orders to drop off the empties at the fleeting area at Cairo Point and add five loaded tank barges to your tow. If you are turning for 9 mph and estimate the current at 1.5 mph, what is your ETA at Cairo?

    N a. 2210, 22 June
    N b. 1741, 22 June
    Y c. 1423, 22 June
    N d. 1031, 22 June

1231: Which company does NOT have a marine facility along the river bank in Madison Parish (mile 457.0 AHP)?

    N a. Complex Chemical Co.
    N b. Delta Southern Railroads
    N c. Farm Chemical
    Y d. Baxter Wilson

1254: On 19 July , your 1500 ZT DR position is LAT 28°25.0'N, LONG 120°28.0'W. You are on course 233°T at a speed of 10 knots. What will be the zone time of sunset at your vessel?

    N a. 1842
    N b. 1853
    Y c. 1901
    N d. 1909

1283: On 5 May , your 1800 ZT DR position is LAT 26°11.5'N, LONG 65°35.0'W. You are on course 270°T at a speed of 12 knots. What will be the ZT of sunset at your vessel?

    N a. 1825
    N b. 1840
    Y c. 1857
    N d. 1901

1301: As you approach Casting Yard Dock Lt. (mile 265.4 AHP) you notice on the map a circle with 2 black sectors. This symbol indicates a __________.

    N a. lock
    N b. warning sign
    Y c. river gage
    N d. mooring buoy

1654: On 28 September , in DR position LAT 27°16.7'S, LONG 113°27.2'W, you observe an amplitude of the Sun. The Sun's center is on the celestial horizon and bears 273°psc. The chronometer reads 01h 17m 26s and is 01m 49s slow. Variation in the area is 6°W. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass?

    N a. 0.2°W
    Y b. 0.4°E
    N c. 0.6°W
    N d. 0.8°E

1663: On 7 April , in DR position LAT 27°42.0'N, LONG 114°03.0'W, you observe an amplitude of the Sun. The Sun's center is on the celestial horizon and bears 076°psc. The chronometer reads 02h 10m 17s and is 01m 52s slow. Variation in the area is 8°E. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass?

    Y a. 1.8°W
    N b. 2.3°E
    N c. 6.2°E
    N d. 7.8°W

1687: What are the light characteristics of Greenwood Light (mile 288.6 AHP).

    N a. Fixed red light
    N b. 1 red flash every 4 seconds
    Y c. 2 red flashes every 5 seconds
    N d. 2 white flashes every 4 seconds

1704: Which of the following statements regarding buoys on the Mississippi River is TRUE?

    N a. The positions of river buoys can be found in the latest edition of Light List-Vol. V.
    N b. The buoys are maintained on station year round.
    Y c. Buoy positions on the chart are approximate.
    N d. The buoys do not shift positions due to permanent moorings.

1958: Which daymark would you see as you approach Red Store Light (mile 269.5 AHP)?

    Y a. Green square
    N b. Green triangle
    N c. Green diamond
    N d. Red square

2049: What is the length of the trip?

    N a. 405.8 miles
    Y b. 904.0 miles
    N c. 1002.0 miles
    N d. 1136.8 miles

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

2179: On 22 June , at 0906 EDT (ZD +4), your position is LAT 24°36'N, LONG 69°30'W. You are on course 165°pgc at a speed of 14.8 knots. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made, and the sextant altitude (hs) is 42°44.0' with an index error of 0.8' off the arc. At this time the chronometer reads 01h 10m 12s, and is 2m 42s slow. If your height of eye is 70 feet, what is the azimuth (Zn) of the sight using the assumed position?

    Y a. Zn 080.4°
    N b. Zn 081.6°
    N c. Zn 129.0°
    N d. Zn 130.5°

2370: 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

2402: You will enter waters governed by the International Rules when __________.

    N a. you cross the territorial sea boundary line
    N b. enter the pilotage area
    N c. you cross the boundary of the contiguous zone
    Y d. Cape Henry Light bears 202°T

2405: You are underway and intend to make good a course of 350°T. You experience a current with a set and drift of 070°T at 1.5 knots, and a westerly wind produces a leeway of 4°. You adjust your course to compensate for the current and leeway, while maintaining an engine speed of 10 knots. What will be your speed made good over your intended course of 350°T?

    N a. 9.4 knots
    N b. 9.8 knots
    Y c. 10. 2knots
    N d. 10.6 knots

2712: What is the length of the trip?

    N a. 720.8 miles
    N b. 777.4 miles
    Y c. 897.2 miles
    N d. 906.3 miles

2899: You are steaming on a course of 208°T at 21 knots. At 2019 you observe a lighthouse bearing 129°T. At 2030 the lighthouse bears 103°T. What is your distance off at the second bearing?

    N a. 8.2 miles
    Y b. 8.6 miles
    N c. 8.9 miles
    N d. 9.3 miles

3051: The propeller on a vessel has a diameter of 20.6 feet and a pitch of 23.4 feet. What would be the apparent slip if the vessel cruised 538 miles in a 24 hour day (observed distance) at an average RPM of 87?

    Y a. -11.6%
    N b. +11.6%
    N c. -10.3%
    N d. +10.3%

3103: You are turning 93 RPM, with a propeller pitch of 25 feet, and an estimated slip of 0%. What is the speed of advance?

    N a. 20.2 knots
    N b. 21.9 knots
    N c. 22.4 knots
    Y d. 22.9 knots

3275: You have steamed 989 miles at 16.5 knots, and consumed 215 tons of fuel. If you have 345 tons of usable fuel remaining, how far can you steam at 13 knots?

    N a. 1025 miles
    N b. 1993 miles
    Y c. 2557 miles
    N d. 3245 miles

10300: Determine the course per standard magnetic compass from the entrance to Quonochontaug Pond (LAT 41°19.8'N, LONG 71°43.2'W) to the entrance to Great Salt Pond on Block Island.

    N a. 129.5°psc
    N b. 134.0°psc
    N c. 156.0°psc
    Y d. 159.0°psc

11104: What is the time of the first PM (Daylight Savings Time) maximum ebb current at Plum Gut on 10 August 1983?

    N a. 1231
    N b. 1249
    N c. 1340
    Y d. 1445

11104: What is the time of the first PM (Daylight Savings Time) maximum ebb current at Plum Gut on 10 August 1983?

    N a. 1231
    N b. 1249
    N c. 1340
    Y d. 1445

12900: Your 1302 position is LAT 37°14.7'N, LONG 76°22.7'W. You are turning for 9.6 knots. What is your ETA at Trestle C of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel if you follow York River Entrance Channel?

    N a. 1516
    Y b. 1505
    N c. 1500
    N d. 1451

14300: What is the height above the water of Government Island Upper Range, lower light?

    Y a. 20 feet
    N b. 24 feet
    N c. 38 feet
    N d. 42 feet

14403: You are underway and steaming in an easterly direction on the Columbia River. After bringing Fisher Quarry Channel Range in line over your bow, you move to the left outside quarter of the channel. What should your fathometer read at this position, if the staff gauge at Portland reads +12.5 feet?

    N a. 7.5 feet
    Y b. 32.5 feet
    N c. 41.5 feet
    N d. 51.5 feet

14515: At 2150, your position is LAT 36°57.2'N, LONG 76°01.3'W. In this position on the chart, you note a light magenta line running in a direction of 030°T. This line indicates the limits of __________.

    N a. a precautionary area
    Y b. a pilotage area
    N c. the Cape Henry Light red sector
    N d. chart 12222

15028: 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?

    N a. 1115
    N b. 1235
    Y c. 1300
    N d. 1815

15239: At 1000 buoy "PI" is abeam to starboard a distance of 0.5 mile. From this position, with a set of 295° and a drift of 1.6 knots, what course must you steer to arrive at a point with Buoy "TE" one mile abeam to starboard?

    Y a. 247°T
    N b. 249°T
    N c. 251°T
    N d. 253°T

15407: At 1430, your position is LAT 37°12.8'N, LONG 76°17.7'W. At this time, you come left and steer 045°T. This course will lead you through a channel bordered by yellow buoys. The dashed magenta lines between the buoys mark __________.

    N a. York River Entrance Channel
    N b. New Point Comfort shoal area
    N c. the piloting channel for Mobjack Bay
    Y d. the limits of fish trap areas

15456: On 25 February, your vessel is berthed near Lamberts Point in Norfolk. You are preparing to sail for Baltimore and wish to be transiting York Spit Channel while the morning flood current is at its maximum speed. At what time should you be between buoys "33" and "34"? And, what will be the speed of the flood at this time?

    N a. 0513, 0.8 k
    Y b. 0810, 1.2 k
    N c. 0810, 1.5 k
    N d. 1124, 1.2 k

16113: After you enter Thimble Shoal Channel, you will alter course to pass between Trestle "A" and "B". Which channel should you use?

    N a. Thimble Shoal Main Channel or the South Auxiliary Channel
    N b. Any of the channels but keep to the right hand side
    Y c. The South Auxiliary Channel
    N d. Thimble Shoal Main Channel

16212: What is the course per standard magnetic compass between points "A" and "B"?

    N a. 094.5°
    N b. 095.5°
    Y c. 098.5°
    N d. 099.5°

16214: From your 0715 position, you set a course of 085°T. At 0745 you take the following bearings:

Race Rock Light 278°pgc
Watch Hill Light 049°pgc
Fisher's Island East Harbor Cupola 010°pgc

What was the current encountered between 0715 and 0745?

    N a. Set 030°T, drift 0.4 knot
    N b. Set 216°T, drift 0.3 knot
    Y c. Set 070°T, drift 0.6 knot
    N d. Set 238°T, drift 1.0 knot

16246: From your 2259 fix, you alter course to 250°T. At 2300 Cape Henry Light bears 250°T. At 2326 Cape Henry Light bears 252°T. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. You are being set to the right.
    N b. The bearing change should be expected as you transit the inbound lane.
    Y c. You should alter course to starboard.
    N d. You should slow to reduce the effect of the current.

16411: You get underway at 1030. The wind is out of the SSE and you estimate 3° leeway. What course should you steer per gyrocompass to make good a desired course of 075°T?

    N a. 074°pgc
    N b. 076°pgc
    N c. 078°pgc
    Y d. 080°pgc

16457: The coast between Great Machipongo Inlet and Cape Charles is __________.

    N a. broken by the mouths of several major rivers
    Y b. low, with sandy beaches bordered by marsh and woodlands
    N c. marked by prominent, isolated, barren hills
    N d. composed of high, rocky bluffs and wooded uplands

16612: At 0112, what is the approximate depth under the keel?

    Y a. 38 feet (11.5 meters)
    N b. 47 feet (14.2 meters)
    N c. 51 feet (15.5 meters)
    N d. 57 feet (17.3 meters)