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.


59: You pass Warnicott Bar Lt. at 1146, 24 May. What is your ETA off the Mhoon Landing Gage if you average 6.5 mph?


71: The Natchez Gage reads 20.6 feet. The high point on your towboat is 47 feet above the water. What is the vertical clearance as you pass under the Natchez Highway Bridge?


89: In high water conditions, which publication would you consult for the latest information on buoys between Baton Rouge and Cairo?


197: At 2215, Cape Henry Light bears 242°pgc, Cape Charles Light bears 010.5°pgc, and Chesapeake Channel Tunnel North Light bears 319°pgc. You are heading 271°pgc. What is the relative bearing of Thimble Shoal Light?

    Y a. 014°
    N b. 017°
    N c. 280°
    N d. 332°

199: You are underway in the vicinity of Block Island and obtain the following lines of position:

Montauk Point Light 263°pgc
Block Island Southeast Light 026°pgc
Radar Bearing to Block Island Southwest Point 348°pgc

What is your position at the time of these sightings?

    N a. LAT 41°05.0'N, LONG 71°36.2'W
    Y b. LAT 41°05.3'N, LONG 71°35.8'W
    N c. LAT 41°05.3'N, LONG 71°35.1'W
    N d. LAT 41°05.4'N, LONG 71°35.0'W

209: At 0705, you take the following bearings:

Watch Hill Light 034.5°pgc
Latimer Reef Light 338.0°pgc
Race Rock Light 268.0°pgc

What was the true course made good between 0645 and 0705?

    Y a. 253°T
    N b. 256°T
    N c. 263°T
    N d. 266°T

238: At 0910, your DR position is LAT 41°11.9'N, LONG 72°47.8'W. Your vessel is on course 097°T at 9.5 knots, and the weather is foggy. At 0915, Branford Reef Light is sighted through a break in the fog bearing 318°T. At 0945, Falkner Island Light is sighted bearing 042°T. What is your 0945 running fix position?

    N a. LAT 41°11.1'N, LONG 72°41.2'W
    N b. LAT 41°11.3'N, LONG 72°41.3'W
    Y c. LAT 41°11.5'N, LONG 72°40.7'W
    N d. LAT 41°11.8'N, LONG 72°40.2'W

513: What is the distance from your 0200 position to the point where Twenty-Eight Foot Shoal lighted buoy is abeam to starboard?

    N a. 7.3 miles
    N b. 7.1 miles
    Y c. 6.9 miles
    N d. 6.6 miles

515: You depart LAT 50°06.0'N, LONG 153°06.0'E and steam 879 miles on course 090°. What is the LONG of arrival?

    Y a. 175°56.0'E
    N b. 177°24.0'E
    N c. 178°36.0'W
    N d. 175°04.0'W

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

536: Determine the distance from LAT 63°54.0'N, LONG 04°52.0'E to LAT 63°54.0'N, LONG 18°24.0'W by parallel sailing.

    N a. 608.6 miles
    N b. 610.9 miles
    N c. 612.3 miles
    Y d. 614.2 miles

651: You are planning a voyage by great circle from Reykjavik (LAT 63°30'N, LONG 24°00'W) to the Azores (LAT 39°30'N, LONG 29°00'W). Which statement is TRUE? (Use gnomonic tracking chart WOXZC 5274)

    N a. The distance is measured in sixty-mile segments based on the length of a degree of latitude at the mid-latitude and mid-longitude position.
    N b. The Northern Hemisphere vertex lies south of Reykjavik.
    Y c. The great circle track is not appreciably shorter than a rhumb line track.
    N d. When plotted on a Mercator chart, the great circle track will be convex to the British Isles.

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

1166: At 1032 on 24 June, you pass Carolina Landing Light(mile 508.8 AHP). What has been the average current since 2350, 23 June, if you have been making turns for 9.0 mph?

    N a. 8.5 mph
    N b. 5.7 mph
    N c. 1.5 mph
    Y d. 0.5 mph

1187: On 17 March , your 0800 zone time DR position is LAT 21°27.0'N, LONG 65°25.0'W. Your vessel is on course 105°T at a speed of 17.5 knots. What is the zone time of local apparent noon (LAN)?

    N a. 1210
    N b. 1218
    Y c. 1225
    N d. 1231

1193: On 26 September , your 0830 zone time DR position is LAT 23°04.0'N, LONG 129°16.0'E. Your vessel is on course 119°T at a speed of 20.0 knots. What is the zone time of local apparent noon (LAN)?

    N a. 1158
    N b. 1205
    Y c. 1210
    N d. 1214

1215: It is 9 February and you are keeping zone time -6. You are on course 258°T, speed 19 knots. Your 0840 DR position is LAT 26°21.0'S, LONG 78°39.0'E. What is the time of the second estimate of LAN by ship's clocks?

    N a. 12h 05m 21s
    N b. 12h 37m 12s
    N c. 13h 13m 40s
    Y d. 13h 05m 44s

1470: On 1 March , your 2135 zone time DR position is LAT 23°54.0'N, LONG 63°22.0'W. At that time, you observe Schedar bearing 328°psc. The chronometer reads 01h 35m 16s, and the chronometer error is 00m 07s slow. The variation is 3.5°E. What is the deviation of the standard compass?

    N a. 2.3°E
    N b. 2.5°W
    Y c. 3.2°W
    N d. 4.2°E

1742: The highest point on your towboat is 32 feet above the
water, and the Helena Gage reads +6.6 feet. What is the vertical clearance when you pass under the A-span of the Helena Highway Bridge?

    Y a. 80.8 feet
    N b. 73.1 feet
    N c. 68.0 feet
    N d. 56.1 feet

1749: Which light characteristics does Black Hawk Light (mile 318.3 AHP) have?

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

1770: What are the light characteriditcs of the Bunge Corporation Terminal Lights (2) at mile 570.6 AHP?

    N a. a group flashing white light every five seconds
    N b. a flashing green light every 4 seconds
    Y c. a flashing green light every 6 seconds
    N d. a flashing red light every 4 seconds

1861: On 22 February , your 1857 ZT DR position is LAT 23°46.0'S, LONG 93°16.5'E. You observe an unidentified star bearing 159°T, at an observed altitude (Ho) of 34°30.0'. The chronometer reads 01h 00m 35s and is 03m 25s fast. What star did you observe?

    N a. Adhara
    Y b. Miaplacidus
    N c. Avior
    N d. Suhail

1897: On 22 June , your 0424 DR position is LAT 26°18.5'N, LONG 124°18.2'W. You observe an unidentified star bearing 249°T at an observed altitude (Ho) of 52°50.7'. The chronometer reads 00h 23m 24s, and is 01m 32s slow. What star did you observe?

    N a. Peacock
    N b. Schedar
    N c. Ankaa
    Y d. Altair

1901: On 22 April , your 1852 DR position is LAT 23°54.5'N, LONG 117°36.8'W. You observe an unidentified star bearing 248°T at an observed altitude (Ho) of 25°00.9'. The chronometer reads 02h 54m 53s, and is 02m 51s fast. What star did you observe?

    Y a. Rigel
    N b. Betelgeuse
    N c. Gienah
    N d. Arcturus

2085: At your current speed of 20 knots you only have enough fuel remaining to travel 360 miles. You must travel 440 miles to reach your destination. What should you reduce your speed (knots) to in order to reach your destination?

    Y a. 18.1
    N b. 17.5
    N c. 16.9
    N d. 16.3

2325: Which publication contains specific information on the characteristics of Chesapeake Bay entrance?

    N a. Sailing Directions
    Y b. Coast Pilot
    N c. Chesapeake Bay Harbor-master's Manual
    N d. Navigator's Manual - Chesapeake Bay

2590: You have maneuvered for traffic and at 2215 you obtain the following radar information:

Middle Ground Light bearing 287° pgc @ 6.65 nm


What course must you steer to arrive at buoy "PJ", passing 0.5 nm off "Mt Misery Shoal"?

    N a. 237° psc
    N b. 257° psc
    Y c. 261° psc
    N d. 265° psc

2592: What chart would you need to enter Port Jefferson Harbor?

    Y a. 12362
    N b. 12364
    N c. 12369
    N d. 12370

2852: Your vessel is on a course of 129°T at 13 knots. At 1937 a light bears 151.5°T. At 2003 the light bears 174°T. At which time and distance off will your vessel be when abeam of this light?

    N a. 2016, 2.8 miles
    N b. 2016, 3.9 miles
    Y c. 2021, 3.9 miles
    N d. 2021, 2.8 miles

2856: Your vessel is on a course of 034°T at 17 knots. At 0551 a light bears 056.5°T, and at 0623 the light bears 079°T. At what time and at what distance off will your vessel be when abeam of the light?

    N a. 0636, 5.9 miles
    N b. 0646, 5.9 miles
    N c. 0636, 6.4 miles
    Y d. 0646, 6.4 miles

2903: You are steaming on a course of 025°T at 15.5 knots. At 0645 you observe a lighthouse bearing 059°T. At 0655 the same lighthouse bears 075°T. What is your distance off at the second bearing?

    N a. 1.5 miles
    N b. 2.6 miles
    N c. 4.0 miles
    Y d. 5.3 miles

3056: The propeller on a vessel has a diameter of 18.8 feet and a pitch of 21.4 feet. What would be the slip if the vessel cruised 378 miles in a 24 hour day (observed distance) at an average RPM of 76?

    Y a. +1.9%
    N b. -1.9%
    N c. +4.7%
    N d. -4.7%

3101: You are turning 100 RPM, with a propeller pitch of 25 feet, and an estimated slip of -5%. What is the speed of advance?

    N a. 24.7 knots
    N b. 23.5 knots
    Y c. 25.9 knots
    N d. 22.3 knots

3295: Your vessel consumes 178 barrels of fuel per day at a speed of 13.5 knots. What will be the fuel consumption of your vessel at 15.0 knots?

    N a. 172 bbls
    N b. 198 bbls
    N c. 219 bbls
    Y d. 244 bbls

3638: You desire to make good a true course of 007°. The variation is 5°E, magnetic compass deviation is 3°W, and gyrocompass error is 2°E. A southwest by west wind produces a 2° leeway. What is the course to steer per standard magnetic compass to make the true course good?

    Y a. 003°psc
    N b. 005°psc
    N c. 007°psc
    N d. 009°psc

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

4007: 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 gyro heading of 166°.
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. 1.0°W
    N b. 1.0°E
    N c. 0.5°W
    N d. 0.5°E

10301: Determine the course per standard magnetic compass from Cerberus Shoal Buoy 9 (LAT 41°10.4'N, LONG 71°57.1'W) to the entrance to Quonochontaug Pond (LAT 41°19.8'N, LONG 71°43.2'W).

    N a. 030°psc
    N b. 036°psc
    Y c. 059°psc
    N d. 067°psc

13101: At 1523 your position is LAT 41°08.2'N, LONG 71°34.4'W. You are turning for 8.7 knots. What is your ETA at Shagwong Reef Buoy "7SR"?

    N a. 1653
    N b. 1700
    Y c. 1711
    N d. 1718

13505: What soundings are indicated by a blue tint on this chart?

    N a. 30 fathoms or more
    Y b. 30 feet or less
    N c. 30 feet or more
    N d. 30 fathoms or less

15024: 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.
    Y b. Buoy positions on the chart are approximate.
    N c. The buoys are maintained on station year round.
    N d. The buoys do not shift positions due to permanent moorings.

15042: From your 0741 position, you wish to change course in order to pass 2.2 miles easterly of Cape Charles Lighted Bell Buoy "14". Your engine speed is now 14.0 knots. You estimate the current to be 240° true at 1.8 knots. What is the true course to steer to make good the desired course?

    N a. 179°true
    N b. 185°true
    Y c. 190° true
    N d. 197°true

15114: Your 1900 position is LAT 37°12.9'N, LONG 76°13.5'W. You change course to 317°pgc and slow to 8.0 knots. What is the course per standard magnetic compass?

    N a. 331°psc
    Y b. 329°psc
    N c. 311°psc
    N d. 309°psc

15156: Your 1600 position is LAT 37°22.5'N, LONG 75°32.3'W. The depth of water is about __________.

    N a. 38 feet (11.5 meters)
    N b. 45 feet (13.6 meters)
    Y c. 52 feet (15.8 meters)
    N d. 59 feet (17.3 meters)

15364: At 0615, Stratford Point Light bears 292°pgc, Falkner Island Light bears 052°pgc, and Branford Reef Light bears 018°pgc. What was the current since 0530?

    Y a. 083° at 1.2 knots
    N b. 083° at 0.9 knots
    N c. 263° at 1.2 knots
    N d. 263° at 0.9 knots

15465: What is indicated by the dashed magenta line crossing York Spit Channel between buoys "20" and "22"?

    N a. You are crossing the demarcation line between the COLREGS and the Inland Rules.
    Y b. The line marks the limits of a regulated area.
    N c. The line indicates a submarine cable, and you should not anchor in the area.
    N d. It marks the range between Hampton Roads and Cherrystone Channel.

15646: At 2229 the gyro fails. What is the course to steer per standard magnetic compass to make good 206°T, if you allow 3° leeway for southeasterly winds?

    N a. 187°
    N b. 191°
    Y c. 217°
    N d. 220°

15660: At 0728, Race Rock Light is bearing 282°T at 3.8 miles,
and the closest point on Fishers Island has a radar range of 2.1 miles. What speed have you been making since you changed course at 0705?

    N a. 11.2 knots
    N b. 10.8 knots
    Y c. 9.6 knots
    N d. 9.1 knots

15759: You calculate that the current will be flooding at the Race at 0700. You should expect to be set in which general direction at the Race?

    Y a. West
    N b. East
    N c. Northeast
    N d. Southwest

15811: At 0100, you obtain the following bearings:

Rocky Point Lookout Tower 062°T
Horton Point Lighthouse 189°T

What was the speed made good between 0045 and 0100?

    Y a. 7.4 knots
    N b. 8.0 knots
    N c. 8.7 knots
    N d. 9.2 knots

16313: At 0730, visibility is 5.5 miles. At what time will you lose sight of Horton Point Light?

    N a. It is not visible at 0730
    Y b. 0751
    N c. 0812
    N d. 0825

16357: The coast between Great Machipongo Inlet and Cape Charles is __________.

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