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.


51: As you approach Anconia Pt. Light (mile 528.6 AHP), which type of dayboard would you see on the light structure?


214: From your 1930 position, you plot a course to pass 0.5 mile due south of Race Rock Light. If your vessel's speed is 10.0 knots, the current's set and drift are 040°T at 1.8 knots, and a north wind produces a 3° leeway, what true course should you steer to make good your desired course?


233: At 0725, you are heading 054°T, and Stratford Point Light is abeam to port at 3.1 miles. The current is 135°T at 1.8 knots. If you make turns for an engine speed of 8 knots, which course must you steer to make good 048°T?


301: You depart LAT 28°55.0'N, LONG 89°10.0'W, enroute to LAT 24°25.0'N, LONG 83°00.0'W. Determine the true course and distance by mid-latitude sailing?

    N a. 418 miles, 122°T
    Y b. 427 miles, 129°T
    N c. 436 miles, 133°T
    N d. 442 miles, 122°T

334: Your gyro and electronic gear are again operating. At 1710, Chesapeake Light bears 137°pgc at 6.6 miles. The current is setting 160°T at 2 knots. At your speed of 6 knots, what is your true course to steer to remain in the inbound traffic lane?

    N a. 250°
    N b. 261°
    N c. 265°
    Y d. 269°

342: If the visibility is 11 miles, what is the earliest time you can expect to see New Haven Light?

    N a. The light is visible at 0352.
    Y b. 0443
    N c. 0414
    N d. You will not sight the light.

350: By 0430, the wind has increased, and the visibility cleared due to passage of a front. You estimate 3° leeway due to NW'ly winds. What is the course per gyrocompass to pass 1.2 miles due south of Twenty-eight Foot Shoal Lighted Buoy "TE"?

    N a. 090°
    N b. 086°
    N c. 083°
    Y d. 080°

365: You sighted Trestle "A" in line at 0707 and are steering 108°T. At 0731, Cape Henry Light bears 136°T; Cape Charles Light bears 032.5°T; and Thimble Shoal Tunnel South Light bears 282°T. What was the speed made good between 0707 and 0731?

    N a. 9.4 knots
    N b. 9.2 knots
    Y c. 8.8 knots
    N d. 8.3 knots

424: From your 0530 position, you set a course of 271°psc with an engine speed of 9 knots. At 0645, Cornfield Safe-Water Buoy is abeam to starboard. What speed have you averaged since 0530?

    N a. 9.5 knots
    N b. 9.0 knots
    Y c. 8.6 knots
    N d. 7.5 knots

446: At 1345, you depart from a position 1 mile due east of Montauk Point Light and set course for Block Island Southeast Light at 9 knots. At 1430, your position is:

Latitude 41° 06.3' North
Longitude 071° 41.9' West

What was the current encountered since 1345?

    N a. Set 015°, drift 0.5 knot
    N b. Set 195°, drift 0.7 knot
    N c. Set 015°, drift 0.7 knot
    Y d. Set 195°, drift 0.5 knot

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

1167: Where can scheduled broadcast times of river stages be found?

    N a. Sailing Directions
    N b. List of Lights
    Y c. Light List
    N d. Coast Pilot

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

1537: What is your clearance as you pass under the Vicksburg Highway 80 Bridge (mile 437.8 AHP). if the Vicksburg Gage reads 14.8 feet and the highest point on your tow boat is 44.5 feet?

    N a. 36 feet
    N b. 42 feet
    N c. 48 feet
    Y d. 57 feet

1543: As you pass under the Natchez-Vidalia Dual Bridge, the gage on the bridge reads -3.6 feet. If the highest point on your vessel is 62 ft. above the water, what is your vertical clearance?

    N a. 60.0 feet
    N b. 63.6 feet
    Y c. 67.6 feet
    N d. 122.0 feet

1711: What is the length of the trip?

    N a. 722.0 miles
    N b. 953.8 miles
    Y c. 1097.9 miles
    N d. 1332.1 miles

1889: On 22 July , your 1759 DR position is LAT 24°50.2'S, LONG 05°16.0'E. You observe an unidentified star bearing 293°T at an observed altitude (Ho) of 17°52.8'. The chronometer reads 06h 01m 31s, and is 02m 15s fast. What star did you observe?

    Y a. Regulus
    N b. Antares
    N c. Miaplacidus
    N d. Suhail

1961: The Delta-Friar Point revetment on the LMR extends from mile __________.

    Y a. 657.3 - 652.2 LDB
    N b. 652.8 - 649.6 RDB
    N c. 648.5 - 645.5 LDB
    N d. 645.6 - 641.4 RDB

1964: The Platte River empties into which river?

    N a. Mississippi
    Y b. Missouri
    N c. Ohio
    N d. Tennessee

2013: On 28 October , morning twilight will occur around 0524 ZT in LAT 25°25.0'N, LONG 32°33.3'W. Considering their magnitude and location, which group will be the three stars best suited to observe for a star fix at star time?

    N a. Sirius, Hamal, Denebola
    N b. Sirius, Denebola, Dubhe
    Y c. Sirius, Capella, Denebola
    N d. Sirius, Mirfak, Hamal

2125: From your 0410 fix, what is the course per standard magnetic compass to enter York Spit Channel with buoy "29"
close abeam to starboard?

    N a. 172°psc
    N b. 176°psc
    Y c. 198°psc
    N d. 202°psc

2207: As you pass under the Natchez-Vidalia Dual Bridge, the gage on the bridge reads 8.9 ft. If the highest point on your vessel is 54 ft. above the water, what is your vertical clearance?

    Y a. 63.1 feet
    N b. 65.3 feet
    N c. 67.2 feet
    N d. 122.0 feet

2587: What VHF frequency would you use to listen to a weather forecast for the eastern part of Long Island Sound?

    N a. 156.65 MHz
    N b. 156.85 MHz
    Y c. 162.475 MHz
    N d. 162.775 MHz

2913: You are turning for 7.5 mph and estimate the current at 3.0 mph. What is your ETA at the River Cement Co. in Natchez considering that you passed Cherokee Landing Lt. at 2100?

    Y a. 1605 on 15 January
    N b. 0355 on 16 January
    N c. 1244 on 16 January
    N d. 1922 on 16 January

3311: You have steamed 162 miles and consumed 14.0 tons of fuel. If you maintain the same speed, how many tons of fuel will you consume while steaming 285 miles?

    Y a. 24.6 tons
    N b. 34.7 tons
    N c. 43.3 tons
    N d. 54.8 tons

3647: The true course between two points is 220°. Your gyrocompass has an error of 1°E. You make an allowance of 1° leeway for a north-northwest wind. What gyro course should be steered to make the true course good?

    Y a. 220°pgc
    N b. 221°pgc
    N c. 222°pgc
    N d. 223°pgc

4013: You swung ship and compared the magnetic compass against the gyro compass to find deviation. Gyro error is 2°W. The variation is 8°W. Find the deviation on a gyro heading of 039°.
HEADING HEADING HEADING
PSC PGC PSC PGC PSC PGC
358.5° - 354° 122.5° - 114° 239.5° - 234°
030.5° - 024° 152.0° - 144° 269.0° - 264°
061.5° - 054° 181.0° - 174° 298.0° - 294°
092.0° - 084° 210.0° - 204° 327.5° - 324°

    N a. 0.8°E
    N b. 0.0°
    N c. 0.5°W
    Y d. 1.0°W

10503: At 0817 your GPS indicates a position of LAT 37°01.6'N, LONG 75°31.7'W. You are on course 182° per standard magnetic compass at a speed of 9.2 knots. At 0913 your GPS indicates your position at LAT 36°52.3'N, LONG 75°30.8'W. What were the set and drift?

    N a. 121°T at 0.8 knot
    N b. 139°T at 1.1 knots
    Y c. 219°T at 1.1 knots
    N d. 298°T at 0.7 knot

10504: At 1354 your GPS indicates a position of LAT 37°00.0'N, LONG 75°45.8'W. You are on course 088° per standard magnetic compass at a speed of 9.5 knots. At 1500 your GPS indicates your position as LAT 37°01.6'N, LONG 75°31.7'W. What were the set and drift?

    N a. 273°T at 0.8 knot
    N b. 241°T at 1.1 knots
    N c. 061°T at 1.3 knots
    Y d. 092°T at 0.9 knot

11507: At 1014 you depart the entrance to Lake Montauk with light "1" close aboard. Your course is 066° per standard magnetic compass, and the speed is 8.6 knots. At 1222 your position is LAT 41°20.0'N, LONG 71°40.0'W. What is the speed made good?

    N a. 8.4 knots
    N b. 8.6 knots
    Y c. 9.2 knots
    N d. 9.6 knots

12309: You sight North Dumpling Island Light in line with Latimer Reef Light (LAT 41°18.2'N, LONG 71°56.0'W) bearing 089° per standard magnetic compass. If your vessel was heading 297° per standard magnetic compass at the time, which of the following is TRUE?

    N a. The deviation table is correct for that heading.
    N b. The deviation equals the variation.
    Y c. You should swing your vessel to check the deviation table.
    N d. The compass error is 13°W for all bearings of 089°psc.

12705: You are on course 087° per standard magnetic compass when you take the following bearings: Little Gull Island Light 277°psc Race Rock Light 303°psc Latimer Reef Light 025°psc What is your position?

    Y a. LAT 41°13.1'N, LONG 71°57.5'W
    N b. LAT 41°13.1'N, LONG 71°56.9'W
    N c. LAT 41°13.0'N, LONG 71°58.0'W
    N d. LAT 41°12.9'N, LONG 71°57.2'W

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

13301: The approach channel to the town of Cape Charles (LAT 37°16'N, LONG 76°01'W) has what controlling depth?

    N a. 9 feet
    Y b. 17 feet
    N c. 20 feet
    N d. 40 feet

13303: You are considering anchoring approximately three miles northeast of Chesapeake Light. After examining the chart you decide not to because of the __________.

    N a. large number of wrecks
    N b. coral being designated as a special protected area
    Y c. danger of unexploded mines
    N d. area being designated as a National Marine Sanctuary

13810: Which chart would you use if you planned to continue westward beyond the coverage of this chart?

    Y a. 12363
    N b. 12373
    N c. 13205
    N d. 13218

15006: You are on course 192°pgc at 12 knots.
At 1900 your position is:
Latitude 37° 22.6' North
Longitude 075° 35.7' West

Which of the following is true?

    N a. if you maintain course and speed you will pass Hog Island Bell Buoy "2" to stbd
    N b. you are inside the 3 nm territorial sea
    Y c. your fathometer reads 30'
    N d. None of the above

15061: Falkner Island Light is shown __________.

    N a. 46 feet (13.9 meters) above sea level
    N b. only from 1 June to 10 October
    Y c. from a white octagonal tower
    N d. with a six-second period

15160: 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"?

    N a. 249.0°psc
    N b. 251.5°psc
    N c. 255.0°psc
    Y d. 257.0°psc

15342: At 1756 you determined your vessel's position to be 41°10.4'N, 71°59.2'W. From this position, you wish to change course to head for a point 5 miles west of Block Island North Light. With a reported set of 050°T, a drift of 2.0 knots and turning RPM's for 14 knots, which course should you steer to make good your desired course?

    N a. 070°T
    N b. 075°T
    Y c. 080°T
    N d. 085°T

15443: As you enter Chesapeake Bay, visibility improves. At 2235 you are between Chesapeake Channel Buoys "5" and "6" in the 41 foot dredged section of Chesapeake Channel. At that time, you change course to pass between buoys "9" and "10". If buoys "11" and "12" are extinguished, your best leading light to keep you in deep water in the Chesapeake Channel, as you approach the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel, would be __________.

    N a. fixed red light on trestle "C"
    Y b. fixed green light on trestle "B"
    N c. fixed red light on trestle "B"
    N d. Thimble Shoal Light

15622: What are the dimensions of the Old River Lock on the Lower Old River (304 AHP)?

    Y a. 1190 x 75 feet
    N b. 1195 x 75 feet
    N c. 1195 x 84 feet
    N d. 1202 x 84 feet

15668: At 0839, Montauk Pt. Light is bearing 205°T at a radar distance of 6.6 miles. What is your speed made good from your 0815 position?

    N a. 8.2 knots
    Y b. 9.2 knots
    N c. 10.0 knots
    N d. 10.5 knots

15718: Your vessel is entering New London Harbor Channel. If there is no current, what should you steer per gyro compass to stay on the range?

    Y a. 351°
    N b. 354°
    N c. 357°
    N d. 006°

15740: At 2000 Montauk Point Light bears 010°T. At 2030 Montauk Point Light bears 348°T. Assuming that you are making good your course of 046°T and a speed of 9 knots, what is your 2030 running fix position?

    N a. LAT 40°53.9'N, LONG 71°51.3'W
    Y b. LAT 40°54.2'N, LONG 71°50.2'W
    N c. LAT 40°55.9'N, LONG 71°49.0'W
    N d. LAT 40°56.7'N, LONG 71°48.1'W

15763: At 0715, you take the following bearings:

Race Rock Light 324°pgc
Little Gull Island Light 245°pgc
Mt. Prospect Antenna 034°pgc

Based on your 0715 fix, which statement is TRUE?

    N a. You are to the right of your track line.
    Y b. The charted depth is about 265 feet (80.3 meters).
    N c. You are in a cable area.
    N d. You are governed by the Inland Rules.

15810: You alter course from your 0045 position to head for a point 0.5 mile north of Mattituck Breakwater Light "MI". If the visibility is 10 miles and you make good 9 knots, at approximately what time will you lose sight of Saybrook Breakwater Light?

    N a. You have already lost sight at 0045
    Y b. 0055
    N c. 0120
    N d. The light is visible all the way to Mattituck Inlet

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

16106: At 0410, you take the following bearings:
New Point Comfort Light "2" 242°T
Wolf Trap Light 313°T
Horn Harbor Entrance Light "HH" 262°T

What is your 0410 position?

    Y a. LAT 37°21.0'N, LONG 76°08.1'W
    N b. LAT 37°21.0'N, LONG 76°08.8'W
    N c. LAT 37°21.1'N, LONG 76°07.9'W
    N d. LAT 37°21.2'N, LONG 76°08.2'W

16262: What was the speed made good from 0240 to 0400?

    N a. 5.2 knots
    N b. 5.6 knots
    Y c. 6.0 knots
    N d. 6.4 knots

16407: At 0227, you are on course 087°T at 10 knots. What course per standard magnetic compass should you steer to make good your true course?

    N a. 099°psc
    N b. 102°psc
    Y c. 105°psc
    N d. 109°psc

16559: At 1800, your position is LAT 41°06.5'N, LONG 71°43.5'W. How should the buoy which bears 030°T from your position at a range of approximately 0.5 mile be painted?

    N a. Horizontally banded, red over green, with a red buoyancy chamber
    Y b. Horizontally banded, green over red, with a green buoyancy chamber
    N c. Vertically striped, red and green
    N d. Solid red with green letters "BIS"