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.


126: 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?


176: What is your 2118 position?


182: What course should you steer using the standard magnetic compass (psc) to make good the course of 192°pgc?


186: Assume set and drift have no effect on your vessel. If you change course to 187°pgc from your 1950 position, how close will you pass Cape Charles Lighted Bell Buoy "14"?

    N a. 0.1 mile
    N b. 0.5 mile
    N c. 0.8 mile
    Y d. 1.1 miles

381: At 1540, your position is LAT 37°18.4'N, LONG 76°10.5'W. Which course should you steer per gyrocompass to head for the entrance to Cape Charles City?

    Y a. 129°pgc
    N b. 123°pgc
    N c. 117°pgc
    N d. 109°pgc

471: The great circle distance from LAT 35°57.2'N, LONG 05°45.7'W to LAT 24°25.3'N, LONG 83°02.6'W is 3966.5 miles and the initial course is 283.7°T. The latitude of the vertex is 38°09.4'N. What is the longitude of the vertex?

    N a. 28°02.6'W
    Y b. 28°18.2'W
    N c. 28°46.3'W
    N d. 28°54.7'W

519: At 0520 you are on course 243°pgc at 12 knots. What is the course per standard magnetic compass?

    N a. 227°psc
    N b. 233°psc
    N c. 258°psc
    Y d. 262°psc

540: Determine the distance from LAT 34°18'S, LONG 172°40'E to LAT 34°18'S, LONG 152°38'E, by parallel sailing.

    Y a. 993.0 miles
    N b. 995.2 miles
    N c. 996.4 miles
    N d. 998.6 miles

987: On 17 January , your 0730 zone time fix gives you a position of LAT 22°26.0'S, LONG 152°17.0'E. Your vessel is steaming on a course of 116°T at a speed of 17 knots. An observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 1015 zone time. The chronometer reads 00h 13m 23s, and the chronometer error is 01m 49s slow. The observed altitude (Ho) is 66°02.1'. LAN occurs at 1152 zone time and a meridian altitude of the Sun's lower limb is made. The observed altitude (Ho) is 87°54.2'. Determine the vessel's 1200 zone time position.

    Y a. LAT 22°53.8'S, LONG 153°25.6'E
    N b. LAT 22°53.8'S, LONG 153°28.8'E
    N c. LAT 22°56.3'S, LONG 153°25.6'E
    N d. LAT 22°56.3'S, LONG 153°28.8'E

1091: On 10 August , your 0430 ZT position is LAT 29°56.7'S, LONG 139°11.0'E. Your course is 321°T, speed 18.2 knots. You observed 3 celestial bodies. Determine the latitude and longitude of your 0500 running fix. NP-0021

    N a. LAT 29°46.0'S, LONG 138°54.0'E
    Y b. LAT 29°49.2'S, LONG 138°57.0'E
    N c. LAT 29°56.0'S, LONG 139°03.8'E
    N d. LAT 30°07.5'S, LONG 138°55.2'E

1099: On 6 April , your 0300 DR position is LAT 27°42'S, LONG 128°58'W. You are on course 097°T at a speed of 18 knots. You observed 3 celestial bodies. Determine the latitude and longitude of your 0600 running fix. NP-0029

    N a. LAT 27°15.5'S, LONG 128°12.4'W
    Y b. LAT 27°44.7'S, LONG 127°47.5'W
    N c. LAT 27°52.4'S, LONG 127°49.4'W
    N d. LAT 28°15.2'S, LONG 128°11.6'W

1220: Anchorage regulations for this area may be obtained from __________.

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

1227: At 0119, on 10 September, you pass Springfield Bend Lt. (mile 244.8 AHP) and estimate the current will average 2.5 mph for the remainder of your trip. What is your ETA at the mouth of the Ohio River if you are making turns for 8.5 mph?

    N a. 1746, 12 September
    N b. 1244, 13 September
    Y c. 2329, 14 September
    N d. 0210, 15 September

1228: 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

2164: On 6 March , at 0550 zone time, morning stars were observed, and the vessel's position was determined to be LAT 23°56.0'N, LONG 27°19.0'W. Your vessel is steaming at 25.0 knots on a course of 149.0°T. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 0830 zone time. The chronometer reads 10h 32m 05s, and the sextant altitude is 31°31.5'. The index error is 2.5' on the arc, and the chronometer error is 01m 45s fast. Your height of eye on the bridge is 76.0 feet. What is the azimuth (Zn) of this sight using the assumed position?

    N a. 109.8°T
    N b. 111.2°T
    Y c. 112.8°T
    N d. 114.3°T

2241: At 1318 ZT, on 10 September , in DR position LAT 24° 05.8' N, LONG 058° 08.3' E, you observe an amplitude of the Moon. The upper limb of the Moon is on the visible horizon and bears 254° psc. Variation is 2° W. What is the deviation?

    N a. 8.0°W
    N b. 8.0°E
    Y c. 4.0°W
    N d. 4.0°E

2278: You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 31°31.5' on 6 March . The index error is 2.5' on the arc. The height of eye is 76 feet. What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

    Y a. 31°35.3'
    N b. 31°36.7'
    N c. 31°38.2'
    N d. 31°39.5'

2533: In high water conditions, which publication would you consult for the latest information on buoys between Baton Rouge and Cairo?

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

2861: Your vessel is on a course of 196°T at 17 knots. At 0417 a light bears 218.5°T, and at 0442 the light bears 241°T. At what time and at what distance off will your vessel be when abeam of the light?

    Y a. 0500, 5.0 miles
    N b. 0504, 6.2 miles
    N c. 0500, 6.2 miles
    N d. 0504, 5.0 miles

3065: The propeller on your vessel has a pitch of 18'09". If the observed distance for a day's run was 399.4 miles and the average RPM was 86, which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The slip is a positive 5%.
    N b. The day's run by engine RPM was 404.5 miles.
    Y c. The slip is a negative 5%.
    N d. The day's run by engine RPM was 390.6 miles.

3074: If the speed necessary for reaching port at a designated time is 19.2 knots and the pitch of the propeller is 22.7 feet, how many revolutions per minute will the shaft have to turn, assuming a 4% positive slip?

    N a. 82
    Y b. 89
    N c. 96
    N d. 103

3269: Your vessel arrives in port with sufficient fuel to steam 812 miles at 15 knots. If you are unable to take on bunkers, at what speed must you proceed to reach your next port, 928 miles distant?

    N a. 13.6 knots
    Y b. 14.0 knots
    N c. 15.3 knots
    N d. 15.7 knots

3461: You wish to make good a course of 053°T while turning for an engine speed of 16 knots. The set is 345°T, and the drift is 2.4 knots. What speed will you make good along the track line?

    N a. 14.1 knots
    N b. 15.2 knots
    N c. 16.1 knots
    Y d. 16.8 knots

3609: Enroute from Rio to Montevideo, the true course is 215°; the gyro error is 2° west. A north wind causes 3° leeway. What course would you steer per gyrocompass to make good the true course?

    Y a. 220°pgc
    N b. 214°pgc
    N c. 216°pgc
    N d. 210°pgc

3626: Your vessel is steering course 284°psc, variation for the area is 6°W, and deviation is 3°E. The wind is from the north-northeast, producing a 3° leeway. What true course are you making good?

    N a. 275°T
    Y b. 278°T
    N c. 284°T
    N d. 290°T

3644: While enroute from Cape Town to Rio a vessel's course is 281°pgc. The variation for the locality is 24°W. The deviation is 4°E. The gyro error is 2°W. What is the true course made good?

    Y a. 279°T
    N b. 261°T
    N c. 301°T
    N d. 283°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

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

11906: Your position is 3 miles due east of Montauk Point Light. What is the course to steer to arrive at LAT 41°00.0'N, LONG 71°30.0'W, if you are turning for 8.7 knots, the current is 130° at 1.2 knots, and a northerly wind causes 3° of leeway?

    N a. 112°T
    N b. 108°T
    N c. 105°T
    Y d. 102°T

12203: Your vessel is steady on a heading of 310° per standard magnetic compass when you sight Stratford Point Light and Igor I. Sikorsky Airport Aero Beacon in line dead ahead. This information indicates that the __________.

    N a. existing deviation table is correct for this heading
    N b. deviation is 1°E
    N c. variation is 18°W for this area
    Y d. compass error is 10°W

12709: You are on course 157° per standard magnetic compass when you take the following bearings: Little Gull Island Light 276°psc Race Rock Light 301°psc Latimer Reef Light 028°psc What is your position?

    N a. LAT 41°13.5'N, LONG 71°57.9'W
    Y b. LAT 41°13.5'N, LONG 71°57.4'W
    N c. LAT 41°13.6'N, LONG 71°57.0'W
    N d. LAT 41°13.6'N, LONG 71°57.8'W

13805: What is the danger associated with anchoring your vessel within a 300 yard radius of Gardiners Point?

    N a. An unusually strong current exists in this area.
    N b. The bottom is not suitable for holding the anchor.
    N c. Submerged pilings may exist in this area.
    Y d. Your anchor could become fouled on undetonated explosives.

15022: You are upbound approaching Springfield Bend Lt. (mile 244.8 AHP) downriver from Profit Island. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

    N a. Profit Island Chute is open to navigation and is a shortcut for single-barge tows.
    N b. Tow length must not exceed 600 feet to use Profit Island Chute.
    Y c. Profit Island Chute is closed to navigation.
    N d. Tows must navigate towards right descending bank when passing Profit Island Chute.

15320: Inbound, the color of Cape Henry Light will __________.

    Y a. change before you reach Chesapeake Channel Lighted Bell Buoy "2C"
    N b. change after you reach Chesapeake Channel Lighted Bell Buoy "2C"
    N c. remain the same
    N d. alternate regardless of your position

15442: At 2216 CBJ Buoy is close abeam to port. Your lookout reports several sound signals with their relative bearings.
Which would you judge to be coming from a vessel?

    N a. A bell, broad on the port bow
    Y b. A whistle, broad on the starboard beam
    N c. A bell, dead ahead
    N d. A gong, two points on the starboard quarter

15625: The river will be temporarily closed to navigation at mile 531.3 AHP due to repairs to the bridge. This will occur at 1300, 5 January, and last for six hours. What minimum speed over the ground must you make from Red River Landing Gage in order not to be delayed?

    N a. 6.0 mph
    Y b. 6.4 mph
    N c. 6.8 mph
    N d. 7.3 mph

15765: The wind is northerly, and you estimate 3° leeway. Allowing for leeway what is the course to steer per gyro compass from your 0745 position to pass 1 mile south of Watch Hill Buoy "WH"?

    Y a. 077°pgc
    N b. 082°pgc
    N c. 085°pgc
    N d. 087°pgc

15818: At 0300, your position is LAT 41°01.7'N, LONG 72°55.1'W. From this position you steer a course of 289° per standard magnetic compass at an engine speed of 10.0 knots. At what time can you first expect to see Stratford Shoal Middle Ground Light if the luminous range is 8.0 miles?

    Y a. 0303
    N b. 0309
    N c. 0312
    N d. 0318

15825: 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. 15.9 feet
    N b. 33.2 feet
    Y c. 39.9 feet
    N d. 45.4 feet

15826: In high water conditions, which publication would you consult for the latest information on buoys between Baton Rouge and Cairo?

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

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

15865: From your 0200 position, you change course to 272°pgc. How far north of Stratford Shoal Middle Ground Light does this track pass?

    Y a. 2.1 miles
    N b. 1.6 miles
    N c. 1.3 miles
    N d. 1.0 miles

16057: What is the maximum allowable speed of vessels underway up river from Tue Marshes Light?

    N a. 8 knots
    N b. 10 knots
    Y c. 12 knots
    N d. 14 knots

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

16518: At 0845, 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?

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

16708: At 0520 you are on course 243°pgc at 12 knots. What is the course per standard magnetic compass?

    Y a. 263°psc
    N b. 258°psc
    N c. 233°psc
    N d. 227°psc