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.


78: At 1723 you increase speed to make good 9.2 mph. At 1937 you have a daymark on your port beam. What daymark is this?


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


243: From your 1210 position, you are making good a course of 083°T. Your engines are turning RPMs for 10 knots. The set and drift of the current are 310° at 1.7 knots. At what time should you expect to enter the red sector of New London Harbor Light?


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

360: If you are making 8.3 knots over the ground, what is your ETA at the first turning point in York Spit Channel between buoys "29" and "30"?

    Y a. 0522
    N b. 0508
    N c. 0456
    N d. 0448

523: At what time will you cross the 60 foot curve if you make good 12 knots?

    N a. 0544
    N b. 0541
    N c. 0534
    Y d. 0528

533: You depart LAT 38°14'N, LONG 12°42'W, for LAT 38°14'N, LONG 46°09'W. What are the course and distance by parallel sailing?

    N a. 090°T, 1576.5 miles
    N b. 090°T, 2879.0 miles
    Y c. 270°T, 1576.5 miles
    N d. 270°T, 2868.5 miles

539: Determine the distance from LAT 59°12'N, LONG 14°00'W to LAT 59°12'N, LONG 03°20'W by parallel sailing.

    N a. 324.2 miles
    N b. 325.4 miles
    Y c. 327.7 miles
    N d. 328.9 miles

638: What is the mile point of the Fulton Gage?

    Y a. 778 AHP
    N b. 687 AHP
    N c. 632 AHP
    N d. 598 AHP

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

1246: Which of the following statements are TRUE?

    N a. Oil well structures are listed in the Light List.
    N b. All aids to navigation with lights have lateral significance.
    Y c. On the Western Rivers, crossing marks may exhibit white lights.
    N d. None of the above.

1278: On 17 April , your vessel is enroute from the Panama Canal to Kobe, Japan. Your 0400 zone time DR position is LAT 26°12.0'N, LONG 126°12.0'W. Your vessel is on course 285°T at a speed of 18 knots. What will be the zone time of sunrise at your vessel?

    N a. 0535
    N b. 0541
    N c. 0552
    Y d. 0602

1455: On 4 October , your 1907 zone time DR position is LAT 25°15.0'S, LONG 105°44.0'E. At that time, you observe Deneb bearing 011.5°psc. The chronometer reads 00h 07m 42s, and the chronometer error is 00m 36s fast. The variation is 7.5°W. What is the deviation of the standard compass?

    Y a. 3.2°E
    N b. 4.3°W
    N c. 2.1°E
    N d. 2.1°W

1564: As you approach Dean Island Light (mile 754.8 AHP), which type of daymark will be observed at the light?

    N a. Green triangle
    N b. Red and green banded square
    N c. Green square daymark
    Y d. Diamond-shaped green daymark

1669: On 19 June , your vessel's 0523 ZT DR position is LAT 25°12.0'N, LONG 123°14.0'W, when an amplitude of the Sun is observed. The Sun's center is on the visible horizon and bears 052.0° per standard compass. Variation in the area is 15°E. The chronometer reads 01h 21m 58s and is 01m 18s slow. What is the deviation of the standard compass?

    N a. 1.4°E
    N b. 1.4°W
    N c. 1.7°W
    Y d. 3.3°W

1726: The highest point on your towboat is 57 feet above water. The Natchez Gage (mile 363.3 AHP) reads 16.7 feet. What is the vertical clearance when you pass under the Natchez - Vidalia (westbound) Hwy. Bridge?

    Y a. 52.3 feet
    N b. 59.9 feet
    N c. 61.0 feet
    N d. 68.6 feet

1745: What is the distance in river miles, from the mouth of the Yazoo Diversion Canal to the RR and Hwy bridge at Baton Rouge, LA?

    N a. 365 miles
    N b. 310 miles
    N c. 265 miles
    Y d. 203 miles

1806: In high water conditions, which publication would you consult for the latest information on buoys between Baton Rouge and Cairo?

    N a. U.S.C.G. Light List
    Y b. U.S.C.G. Local Notice to Mariners
    N c. Army Corps. of Engineers Navigation Chart
    N d. List of Buoys and Daymarks

1808: You are on map #4. What is the mile point of the facility known as Gulf Coast Grain Co.?

    N a. mile 920 AHP
    N b. mile 921 AHP
    N c. mile 922 AHP
    Y d. mile 923 AHP

2087: At your current speed of 21 knots you only have enough fuel remaining to travel 404 miles. You must travel 731 miles to reach your destination. What should you reduce your speed (knots) to in order to reach your destination?

    N a. 18.9
    N b. 17.8
    N c. 16.7
    Y d. 15.6

2181: On 4 June , at 0630 ZT, morning stars were observed, and the vessel's position was determined to be LAT 26°15'S, LONG 121°20'W. Your vessel is steaming at 13.0 knots on a course of 246°T. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 0915 ZT. The chronometer reads 05h 14m 27s, and the sextant altitude is 25°57.8'. The index error is 2.1' off the arc, and the chronometer error is 0m 53s slow. Your height of eye is 39.0 feet. What is the intercept (a) and azimuth (Zn) of this sight using the assumed position method?

    N a. Zn 044.6°, a 1.7' A
    Y b. Zn 044.6°, a 2.5' T
    N c. Zn 135.1°, a 1.7' A
    N d. Zn 135.1°, a 2.5' T

2245: You are entering the channel at buoy 29 and turning for 9 knots. An easterly wind is causing 3°
of leeway and the current is 320°T at 1.2 knots. What true course should you steer to remain in the middle leg of York Spit Channel?

    N a. 162°T
    Y b. 165°T
    N c. 168°T
    N d. 171°T

2292: In addition to those found in the Coast Pilot, information concerning anchorage regulations for this area may be obtained from __________.

    N a. Chesapeake Bay Port Authority, Hampton VA
    N b. Virginia - Maryland Pilots Association
    N c. Commanding General, Corps of Engineers, Washington, D.C.
    Y d. Office of the Commander 5th Coast Guard District

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

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

2907: You are running coastwise in hazy weather; the visibility improves just before you pass a lighthouse abeam. Your speed is 15 knots, and the lighthouse was abeam at 1015. At 1037 the lighthouse is 4 points abaft the beam. What is your distance off at the second bearing?

    N a. 3.9 miles
    N b. 5.5 miles
    N c. 6.6 miles
    Y d. 7.8 miles

3306: You have steamed 264 miles and consumed 22.0 tons of fuel. If you maintain the same speed, how many tons of fuel will you consume while steaming 521 miles?

    N a. 31.7 tons
    N b. 38.6 tons
    Y c. 43.4 tons
    N d. 85.7 tons

3309: You have steamed 142 miles and consumed 15.0 tons of fuel. If you maintain the same speed, how many tons of fuel will you consume while steaming 472 miles?

    N a. 36.5 tons
    Y b. 49.9 tons
    N c. 53.8 tons
    N d. 61.4 tons

3605: The true course from point A to point B is 317°. A SSW wind causes a 4° leeway, variation is 6°W and deviation is 1°E. What is the magnetic compass course to steer to make good the true course?

    N a. 326°psc
    Y b. 318°psc
    N c. 313°psc
    N d. 308°psc

10906: What correction should be applied to the charted depths of the Poquoson River at York Point at the PM low water on 18 December 1983?

    N a. +1.9 feet
    N b. -0.1 feet
    Y c. -0.4 feet
    N d. No correction is necessary

11805: What is the true course to steer between Stratford Shoal (Middle Ground Light) and New Haven Light, if the set and drift of the current are 048°T at 2 knots, and a southeasterly wind will cause 2° of leeway? Your engines are making turns for 10 knots.

    N a. 032°T
    Y b. 037°T
    N c. 039°T
    N d. 041°T

12201: Your vessel is steady on a heading of 203° per standard magnetic compass when you sight New Haven Light and New Haven Outer Channel Range Front Light in line over the stern. This information indicates that the __________.

    N a. existing deviation table is correct for this heading
    N b. compass error is 17°W
    Y c. deviation table is in error for this heading
    N d. deviation is 1°E

12209: You sight South West Ledge Light in line with New Haven Outer Channel Range Rear Light bearing 338.5° per standard magnetic compass. What is the deviation?

    Y a. 3°E
    N b. 4°W
    N c. 6°E
    N d. 9°W

14002: At 1630 your vessel exits Bonneville Lock steaming in a westerly direction. What speed must you average to arrive at the Interstate 5 highway bridge with an ETA of 2120?

    N a. 6 mph
    N b. 7 mph
    Y c. 8 mph
    N d. 9 mph

15014: If you make good 12 knots, what is the ETA at North Chesapeake Channel Entrance Buoy "NCA" (LL #375)?

    N a. 2116
    Y b. 2111
    N c. 2106
    N d. 2101

15242: From your 1155 position, you steer a course of 282°T at a speed of 9.5 knots. You obtain the following bearings:

1205: Falkner Island Light bears 318°T
1225: Falkner Island Light bears 355°T

Your 1225 running fix is __________.

    N a. north of your intended track
    N b. 3.1 miles SSW of Falkner Island Light
    N c. ahead of the DR position
    Y d. south of your intended track

15268: Your vessel is proceeding up New London Harbor Channel, and you are in line with the range. What would be your course per standard magnetic compass?

    N a. 352°
    N b. 354°
    N c. 002°
    Y d. 007°

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

15519: As an option to heading into Long Island Sound, you consider anchoring in the vicinity of the Gardiners Point Ruins approximately one mile off the north end of Gardiners Island. What is the minimum recommended distance from the ruins for fishing,
trawling, or anchoring?

    Y a. 300 yards (91 meters)
    N b. 1.0 mile
    N c. 0.5 mile
    N d. No distance is prescribed since any such activities in the area are prohibited.

15564: What was the current between 0520 and 0600?

    N a. 178° at 0.8 knot
    N b. 178° at 1.2 knot
    N c. 358° at 0.8 knot
    Y d. 358° at 1.2 knots

15567: Point Judith Harbor of Refuge __________.

    N a. is used mostly by towing vessels
    N b. has a maximum depth of 14 feet (4.3 meters) at MHW
    N c. West Gap has a controlling depth of 24 feet
    Y d. is entered through the East Gap or the West Gap

15609: From your 1715 fix, you steer 214°T at 12 knots. At 1800,
you take the following bearings:

Cape Charles Light bearing 296° true
Cape Henry light bearing 242° true

Your 1800 position is __________.

    Y a. LAT 37°02.9'N, LONG 75°43.1'W
    N b. LAT 37°02.9'N, LONG 75°43.9'W
    N c. LAT 37°03.0'N, LONG 75°43.3'W
    N d. LAT 37°03.1'N, LONG 75°42.8'W

15615: At 2000, your position is LAT 37°04.1'N, LONG 76°05.6'W. You change course for the Eastern Shore. At 2037, Old Plantation Flats Light bears 033°pgc, and York Spit Light bears 282°pgc. The course made good from your 2000 position is __________.

    Y a. 359°T
    N b. 006°T
    N c. 014°T
    N d. 020°T

15640: At which point in the voyage is your vessel bound by the International Rules of the Roads (COLREGS)?

    N a. At the mouth of New London Harbor
    Y b. Upon entering Block Island Sound
    N c. After crossing the line of the Territorial Sea
    N d. After passing between Montauk Point and Lewis Point on Block Island

15661: At 0727, the cupola on Fishers Island is in line with Latimer Reef Light bearing 024°pgc. Based on this, the gyro error is __________.

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

15857: You are southeast of Saybrook Breakwater Light passing a horizontally-banded buoy. This buoy marks __________.

    N a. a sunken wreck
    N b. a tide rips area
    N c. the junction with the Connecticut River
    Y d. shoal water

16307: Which statement regarding the wreck 0.2 mile south of buoys "1" and "2" at the entrance to New London Harbor is TRUE?

    N a. The wreck presents a danger to all vessels with drafts in excess of 30 feet (9.1 meters).
    N b. The wreck is visible above the sounding datum between the months of March and June.
    Y c. The wreck is shown on the chart, but its actual existence is doubtful.
    N d. The wreck was cleared by wire drag in 1982 and will not appear on future charts.

16442: The area bounded by the buoys "C51" to "C47A" to "M6" to "M14", west of your anchorage, is __________.

    N a. a training area for naval small craft
    N b. restricted to oil and mineral exploration
    N c. an anchorage for ammunition barges
    Y d. a fish trap area

16746: In order to check your compasses, you sight Race Rock Light in line with New London Harbor Light bearing 336° per gyrocompass. The helmsman reports the vessel was heading 275.0°pgc and 290.5° per standard magnetic compass at the time of the observation. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The gyro error is now 2°E.
    Y b. The deviation table is correct for that heading.
    N c. The vessel should be swung to check the deviation table.
    N d. The compass error is 0.5°W.