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.


39: At 1227, on 19 October, you pass under the Greenville Highway Bridge (mile 531.3 AHP). What speed must you average to arrive at Jimmy Hawken Light (mile 663.5 AHP) at 0930 the following day?


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


54: What is the length of the trip?


72: In order to determine what buoys, if any, are in place at Concordia Bar crossing (mile 596.0 AHP), what should you check?

    Y a. Local Notice to Mariners
    N b. Waterways Journal
    N c. Bulletin Board at the Rosedale Gage
    N d. Light List

88: What is the vertical clearance between the highest point of your towboat, if it is 58 feet above the water, and if the Natchez Gage reads 28.13 feet when passing under the Natchez Upper Highway Bridge?

    N a. 45.4 feet
    Y b. 39.3 feet
    N c. 33.2 feet
    N d. 15.9 feet

225: From your 1920 position, you change course to enter Chesapeake Channel between buoys 9 and 10. What is the course per standard magnetic compass (psc) ?

    N a. 274°psc
    N b. 280°psc
    Y c. 283°psc
    N d. 286°psc

287: If the visibility is 11 miles, what is the luminous range of New Point Comfort Spit Light "4"?

    N a. 6.5 mile
    Y b. 5.0 miles
    N c. 3.3 miles
    N d. 2.0 miles

297: What course should you steer per standard magnetic compass in order to navigate down the center of York River Entrance Channel (ignore set and drift)?

    N a. 149°psc
    N b. 145°psc
    Y c. 141°psc
    N d. 139°psc

398: You depart LAT 32°16.6'N, LONG 68°28.0'W. What is the course and distance as calculated by Mercator sailing to a position at LAT 43°12.2'N, LONG 55°39.0'W?

    Y a. 042.8°T, 896.2 miles
    N b. 049.1°T, 955.1 miles
    N c. 132.8°T, 896.2 miles
    N d. 136.6°T, 955.1 miles

543: What was the current between 0520 and 0600?

    N a. 201° at 1.0 knot
    N b. 201° at 1.5 knot
    Y c. 021° at 1.5 knot
    N d. 021° at 1.0 knots

653: On which voyage would a great circle track be significantly shorter than a rhumb line track? (Use gnomonic tracking chart WOXZC 5274)

    Y a. Savannah, GA, to Lisbon, Portugal
    N b. Dublin, Ireland (Irish Sea), to La Coruna, Spain (LAT 43°22'N, LONG 8°24'W)
    N c. Reykjavik, Iceland, to Lisbon, Portugal
    N d. Boston to Sable Island

749: On 15 February at 0610 ZT, in DR position LAT 56°53.0'N, LONG 157°02.9'E, you observe Polaris at a sextant altitude (hs) of 56°10.4'. The index error is 2.5' on the arc, and the height of eye is 18 meters. What is the latitude?

    Y a. 56°41.8'N
    N b. 56°47.9'N
    N c. 56°48.1'N
    N d. 57°10.6'N

1079: On 12 Dec. , your 1830 ZT DR position is LAT 24°16.0'S, LONG 41°18.0'W. You are on course 235°T at a speed of 16.0 knots. You observed 3 celestial bodies. Determine the latitude and longitude of your 1930 running fix. NP-0009

    N a. LAT 24°12.5'S, LONG 41°10.9'W
    Y b. LAT 24°16.9'S, LONG 41°18.2'W
    N c. LAT 24°25.2'S, LONG 41°39.9'W
    N d. LAT 27°46.9'S, LONG 41°31.2'W

1460: On 27 June , your 1905 ZT DR position is LAT 24°35.0'N, LONG 50°15.0'W. At that time, you observe Saturn bearing 211°pgc. The chronometer reads 10h 04m 26s and the chronometer error is 01m 20s slow. The variation is 4.5°E. What is the gyro error?

    Y a. 1.1°W
    N b. 3.4°E
    N c. 3.4°W
    N d. 5.6°W

1652: On 16 April , in DR position LAT 28°07.0'N, LONG 81°47.0'W, you observe an amplitude of the Sun. The Sun's center is on the visible horizon and bears 073.5°psc. The chronometer reads 10h 53m 41s and is 02m 23s slow. Variation in the area is 11°E. What is the deviation of the magnetic compass?

    N a. 4.5°E
    N b. 4.9°W
    N c. 6.1°E
    Y d. 6.5°W

1755: The U. S. Coast Guard facility at mile 361 AHP is represented by which numbered white square on your map?

    Y a. 8
    N b. 11
    N c. 12
    N d. 13

1810: You are turning for 9 mph, approaching Fort Adams Lt. (mile 311.4 AHP) and it is reported that the current at Knox Landing is estimated at 4.5 MPH. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

    Y a. Tows and other vessels should navigate as close to the left descending bank as safety will permit.
    N b. The inflow channel is a navigable channel for any vessel.
    N c. You are making 13.5 mph over the ground.
    N d. Old River Control Structure Light and Fort Adams Light may be used as range lights when entering the outflow channel.

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

2182: On 18 August , at 0600 ZT, morning stars were observed, and the vessel's position was determined to be LAT 19°48'N, LONG 108° 34'W. Your vessel is steaming on course 166°T at a speed of 16 knots. An observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 1036 ZT. The chronometer reads 05h 34m 48s and is slow 01m 24s. What is the computed altitude (Hc) and azimuth (Zn) for this 1036 ZT observation using the assumed position method?

    N a. Hc 65°18.5', Zn 102.1°
    Y b. Hc 65°14.8', Zn 100.4°
    N c. Hc 65°11.3', Zn 099.4°
    N d. Hc 65°07.2', Zn 101.2°

2585: At 2000 you plot your position as: LAT 41°11'N, LONG 072°35'W. The set and drift is 095°T at 0.8 knot. What course must you steer, and what engine speed must you turn, in order to make good 255°T at 8.5 knots?

    Y a. 257°T, 9.3 knots
    N b. 253°T, 9.3 knots
    N c. 257°T, 7.7 knots
    N d. 253°T, 7.7 knots

2656: You are steering 257°T, and a light is picked up dead ahead at a distance of 13.3 miles at 2016. You change course to pass the light 4 miles off abeam to starboard. If you are making 18.5 knots, what is your ETA at the position 4 miles off the light?

    Y a. 2057
    N b. 2100
    N c. 2103
    N d. 2113

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

2716: The charts show two dashed lines crossing the river just south of St. Catherine Bar Light. What does this indicate?

    N a. Overhead power lines
    N b. Louisiana-Mississippi ferry crossings
    N c. Two railroad trestles
    Y d. Two submerged oil pipelines

2862: Your are on course 317°T at 13 knots. A light is bearing 22.5° relative at 0640. At 0659 the same light is bearing 45° relative. At what time should the light be abeam?

    N a. 0709
    Y b. 0712
    N c. 0718
    N d. 0721

2912: Your vessel is on a course of 079°T at 11 knots. At 0152 a light bears 105.5°T, and at 0209 the light bears 124°T.
At what time and at what distance off will your vessel be when abeam of the light?

    N a. 0219, 2.3 miles
    Y b. 0226, 3.1 miles
    N c. 0233, 3.9 miles
    N d. 0242, 4.7 miles

3099: The propellers on your twin screw vessel have a pitch of 16'04". What is the distance in a day's run if the average RPM is 94, and you estimate 7% positive slip?

    Y a. 338.3 miles
    N b. 389.3 miles
    N c. 676.6 miles
    N d. 778.6 miles

3455: You wish to make good a course of 230°T while turning for an engine speed of 12.5 knots. The set is 180°T, and the drift is 1.7 knots. What course should you steer?

    N a. 244°T
    Y b. 236°T
    N c. 231°T
    N d. 222°T

3771: Two beacons form a range in the direction of 221.5°T. The range is seen in line from your vessel bearing 223° per gyro compass. The variation in the area is 4°E. What is the error of your gyro compass?

    Y a. 1.5°W
    N b. 2.5°W
    N c. 5.5°W
    N d. 2.5°E

6144: What are the dimensions of the Old River Lock on the Lower Old River (mile 304 AHP)?

    Y a. 1190 X 75 feet
    N b. 1185 X 84 feet
    N c. 1190 X 84 feet
    N d. 1185 X 75 feet

10701: At 0947 your position is LAT 41°15.9'N, LONG 71°41.7'W. You are on course 182° per magnetic compass at 11.3 knots. At 1020 your position is LAT 41°09.2'N, LONG 71°40.6'W. What were the set and drift?

    N a. 211°T at 1.0 knot
    Y b. 229°T at 2.0 knots
    N c. 058°T at 1.8 knots
    N d. 043°T at 1.1 knots

11903: What is the true course to steer between the entrance to Winnapaug Pond (LAT 41°19.6'N, LONG 71°45.8'W) and the entrance to Lake Montauk (LAT 41°04.8'N, LONG 71°56.3'W), if you are turning for 8.5 knots, allowing for a current of 095°T at 0.9 knot, and an easterly wind is causing 3° of leeway?

    N a. 200°T
    N b. 208°T
    Y c. 211°T
    N d. 214°T

12206: You sight Bartlett Reef Light (LAT 41°16.5'N, LONG 72°08.2'W) in line with New London Harbor Light (LAT 41°19.0'N, LONG 72°05.4'W) and bearing 059° per standard magnetic compass. What is the compass deviation?

    N a. 4°E
    Y b. 4°W
    N c. 10°E
    N d. 10°W

12302: You are on course 203° per standard magnetic compass when you sight Block Island North Light in line with the Block Island Aero Beacon bearing 194° per standard magnetic compass. Based on this you __________.

    N a. know the correct deviation is 3°W
    Y b. should swing your vessel to check the deviation table
    N c. should apply 15°W compass error to all compass readings
    N d. know you are steering a true course of 185°

12508: You are on course 319° per standard magnetic compass when you take the following bearings: New Point Comfort Light "2" 244°psc Horn Harbor Entrance Light "HH" 267°psc Wolf Trap Light 335°°psc What is the position of the fix?

    N a. LAT 37°20.9'N, LONG 76°09.7'W
    N b. LAT 37°21.0'N, LONG 76°09.2'W
    N c. LAT 37°21.0'N, LONG 76°09.9'W
    Y d. LAT 37°21.1'N, LONG 76°09.5'W

15070: As you enter New London Harbor, you are steering on the entrance range. The lights are in line over the bow as you are heading 352°pgc. What is the gyro error?

    Y a. 2°E
    N b. 0°
    N c. 1°W
    N d. 3°W

15113: At 1845, you obtain the following bearings:

Old Plantation Flats Light bearing 251° true
New Point Comfort Light bearing 334° true

Your latitude is __________.

    N a. 37°10.7'N
    N b. 37°10.9'N
    N c. 37°11.0'N
    Y d. 37°11.2'N

15214: If you steer 143°pgc from your 2015 position at an engine speed of 8.0 knots, at what time would you reach a point midway between buoys "11" and "12" (ignore set and drift)?

    N a. 2023
    Y b. 2029
    N c. 2032
    N d. 2037

15365: Which loran line can you follow to remain clear of all danger until south of New London?

    N a. 9960-W-15000
    N b. 9960-W-14900
    N c. 9960-X-26450
    Y d. 9960-Y-43960

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

15606: Your 1600 position is LAT 37°22.5'N, LONG 75°32.3'W. The depth of water under the keel is about __________.

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

15664: At 0815, Montauk Pt. Light House is bearing 172°T,
Shagwong Pt. has a radar range of 4.5 miles. If the engine was making turns for 10 knots, what was the current since 0748?

    N a. Set 040°T, drift 0.7 knots
    N b. Set 040°T, drift 1.6 knots
    Y c. Set 220°T, drift 1.6 knots
    N d. Set 220°T, drift 0.7 knots

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

16039: From your 0820 position you change course to your rendezvous position, one mile due south of buoy "NH", speed 14.5 knots. You estimate the current to be 260°T at 0.5 knot. The wind is northwesterly at 20 knots and you estimate 2° leeway. What is your course per gyrocompass (pgc) to the rendezvous position, if you correct your heading for current and leeway?

    N a. 039°
    N b. 041°
    N c. 043°
    Y d. 045°

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

16408: You estimate that you are making 9.3 knots over the ground.
At what time will you enter waters governed by the COLREGS?

    N a. 0247
    Y b. 0251
    N c. 0255
    N d. 0258

16438: Chesapeake Channel is temporarily closed to traffic.
At 2215 you anchor on the following bearings:

Wolf Trap Light 358°pgc
Light "HH" 301°pgc
New Point Comfort Light "2" 263°pgc

What is your 2215 position?

    Y a. LAT 37°18.3'N, LONG 76°10.9'W
    N b. LAT 37°18.2'N, LONG 76°11.2'W
    N c. LAT 37°18.1'N, LONG 76°10.8'W
    N d. LAT 37°18.0'N, LONG 76°11.2'W

16539: If you estimate 3° leeway due to northerly winds, which course will you steer per standard magnetic compass (psc)
to make good 255°T?

    N a. 267°psc
    Y b. 270°psc
    N c. 272°psc
    N d. 274°psc

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

16738: At 2212 your position is LAT 40° 51'N, LONG 71° 53.5'W.

What is the course to steer, per gyrocompass from your 2212 position, to leave Montauk Point Buoy "MP" abeam to port at 1 mile if easterly winds are causing 3° of leeway?

    N a. 027° pgc
    N b. 030° pgc
    N c. 032° pgc
    Y d. 035° pgc