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.


68: 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?


280: Your 1752 position places you __________.


321: At 2200, you are in position LAT 36°57.5'N, LONG 76°02.5'W. You intend to travel up the Thimble Shoals auxiliary Channel to Hampton Roads. According to the Coast Pilot, what is the depth of the auxiliary channel on either side of the main channel?


356: 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?

    N a. LAT 37°20.9'N, LONG 76°07.7'W
    Y b. LAT 37°21.0'N, LONG 76°08.1'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

384: What is the course per standard magnetic compass between points "A" and "B"?

    N a. 099.5°
    Y b. 098.5°
    N c. 095.5°
    N d. 094.5°

492: At 0748, you change course to 160°T. What loran reading can you follow to remain on this course?

    N a. 9960-W-14660.0
    Y b. 9960-W-14651.0
    N c. 9960-Y-43943.8
    N d. 9960-Y-43852.0

597: Which daymark will you see as you approach Natchez Beam Lt. (mile 364.8 AHP)?

    N a. Red diamond
    N b. White square
    N c. Green square
    Y d. Red triangle

729: On 24 September , your 1841 zone time DR position is LONG 129°34.5'E. At that time you observe Polaris with a sextant altitude (hs) of 25°20.8'. The chronometer time of the sight is 09h 38m 12s, and the chronometer error is 03m 12s slow. The index error is 4.3' off the arc, and the height of eye is 52 feet (15.9 meters). What is your latitude by Polaris?

    N a. 24°28.1'N
    N b. 25°16.0'N
    Y c. 25°37.6'N
    N d. 25°42.3'N

734: On 11 March , your 1846 zone time DR position is LAT 25°05.7'N, LONG 124°29.0'W. At that time you observe Polaris with a sextant altitude (hs) of 25°59.1'. The chronometer time of the sight is 02h 44m 01s, and the chronometer error is 02m 15s slow. The index error is 3.9' on the arc, and the height of eye is 42.7 feet (13.0 meters). What is your latitude by Polaris?

    N a. 25°14.2'N
    Y b. 25°17.9'N
    N c. 25°28.1'N
    N d. 26°15.2'N

739: On 29 April , your 1913 zone time DR position is LAT 22°09.0'N, LONG 56°16.0'W. At that time you observe Polaris with a sextant altitude (hs) of 22°25.8'. The chronometer time of the sight is 11h 11m 14s, and the chronometer error is 02m 18s slow. The index error is 1.5' off the arc, and the height of eye is 61.5 feet. What is your latitude by Polaris?

    N a. 21°39.9'N
    N b. 21°55.7'N
    Y c. 22°39.9'N
    N d. 22°48.8'N

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

1090: At 0450 zone time, on 25 June , your DR position is LAT 21°26.0'N, LONG 160°24.5'W. You are steering course 100°T at a speed of 10 knots. You observed 3 celestial bodies. Determine the latitude and longitude of your 0514 running fix. NP-0020

    N a. LAT 21°27.0'N, LONG 160°17.0'W
    Y b. LAT 21°25.0'N, LONG 160°18.0'W
    N c. LAT 21°22.0'N, LONG 160°17.0'W
    N d. LAT 21°20.0'N, LONG 160°15.5'W

1149: As you approach Dean Island Light (mile 754.8 AHP), which type of daymark will be observed at the light?

    N a. Green triangle
    Y b. Green diamond
    N c. Green square
    N d. Red-and-green banded square

1259: On 10 April , your 1630 ZT DR position is LAT 21°03.0'N, LONG 63°11.0'W. You are on course 324°T at a speed of 22 knots. What will be the zone time of sunset at your vessel?

    N a. 1805
    N b. 1814
    N c. 1818
    Y d. 1833

1410: What is the distance from the Amoco Docks at Baton Rouge, LA, to Pittsburgh, PA?

    Y a. 1681 miles
    N b. 1575 miles
    N c. 981 miles
    N d. 727 miles

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

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

1803: As you approach Shreves cut-off you see Red River Landing Gage (mile 302.4 AHP) which reads 4.2 feet. The Low Water Reference Plane (LWRP) is 10.6 feet. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

    N a. This reading is 6.4 feet above the Low Water Reference Plane.
    N b. A vessel drawing 8 ft would be able to pass over the sill at Old River Lock
    Y c. This reading is 6.4 feet below the Low Water Reference Plane.
    N d. A vessel drawing 7 ft. would be able to pass through the locks at Lower Old River.

1899: On 22 May , your 0437 DR position is LAT 25°18.5'N, LONG 51°18.0'W. You observe an unidentified star bearing 116°T at an observed altitude (Ho) of 11°27.8'. The chronometer reads 07h 40m 40s, and is 03m 24s fast. What star did you observe?

    N a. Markab
    Y b. Diphda
    N c. Sabik
    N d. Hamal

1955: At 1814, on 11 September, 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?

    Y a. 8.7 mph
    N b. 7.7 mph
    N c. 6.3 mph
    N d. 5.6 mph

2007: On 4 September , your 1813 zone time DR position is LAT 24°18.0'S, LONG 95°16.0'E. Considering their magnitude, azimuth, and altitude, which group includes the three stars best suited for a fix at star time?

    N a. Enif, Miaplacidus, Alkaid
    N b. Betelgeuse, Acrux, Hamal
    Y c. Rasalhague, Fomalhaut, Spica
    N d. Deneb, Altair, Vega

2022: On 24 August , your vessel is enroute from Perth, Australia, to Bombay, India. Evening twilight will occur at 1807 zone time, and your vessel's DR position for this time will be LAT 27°17.0'S, LONG 83°17.0'E. Considering their magnitude and location, what are the three stars best suited to observe for a fix at star time?

    N a. Arcturus, Antares, Atria
    Y b. Spica, Altair, Acrux
    N c. Pollux, Canopus, Hamal
    N d. Rasalhague, Spica, Kochab

2162: On 5 April , at 0509 zone time, morning stars were observed and the vessel's position was LAT 28°32'N, LONG 177°13.0'W. Your vessel is steaming at 19.0 knots on a course of 258°T. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 1021 zone time. The chronometer reads 10h 20m 09s, and the sextant altitude (hs) is 58°06.6'. The index error is 1.0' off the arc, and the chronometer error is 00m 54s slow. Your height of eye on the bridge is 55.0 feet. What is the azimuth (Zn) of this sight using the assumed position?

    N a. 125.8°T
    N b. 128.8°T
    Y c. 129.2°T
    N d. 130.2°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

2593: At 2315, you are notified that the Port Jefferson pilot will be delayed. Old Field Point Light bears 257°T, Stratford Shoal Middle Ground Light bears 355°T and Port Jefferson East Breakwater Light bears 171°T. What is the depth under the keel at this time on December 4, 1983?

    N a. 41 feet
    Y b. 47 feet
    N c. 51 feet
    N d. 57 feet

2703: You are underway on course 254°T at a speed of 16.5 knots. You sight a rock bearing 255°T at a radar range of 6.1 miles at 0916. If you change course at 0922, what is the course to steer to leave the rock abeam to starboard at 1.5 miles?

    N a. 268°T
    N b. 239°T
    Y c. 236°T
    N d. 233°T

2781: Your engine speed is 9.8 mph and you estimate the current at 1.6 mph. What is your speed over the ground?

    N a. 11.0 mph
    N b. 9.8 mph
    N c. 8.6 mph
    Y d. 8.2 mph

2788: The solid lines extending into the channel at mile 948 AHP are __________.

    Y a. dikes
    N b. revetments
    N c. spoil areas
    N d. Meadwestvaco pipeline

3061: The propeller on a vessel has a diameter of 20.2 feet and a pitch of 19.0 feet. What would be the apparent slip if the vessel cruised 367 miles in a 24 hour day (observed distance) at an average RPM of 84?

    Y a. +2.9%
    N b. -2.9%
    N c. +5.2%
    N d. -5.2%

3109: You are turning 90 RPM, with a propeller pitch of 24 feet, and an estimated slip of -3%. What is the speed of advance?

    N a. 18.8 knots
    N b. 19.2 knots
    N c. 20.6 knots
    Y d. 21.9 knots

3305: You have steamed 201 miles and consumed 18.0 tons of fuel. If you maintain the same speed, how many tons of fuel will you consume while steaming 482 miles?

    N a. 25.2 tons
    Y b. 43.2 tons
    N c. 52.6 tons
    N d. 103.5 tons

11309: At 1919 your position is LAT 37°00.5'N, LONG 75°43.8'W. At 2019 your position is LAT 37°00.0'N, LONG 75°30.0'W. What is the course made good?

    N a. 090°T
    Y b. 093°T
    N c. 096°T
    N d. 099°T

11503: At 1016 your GPS position is LAT 41°07.6'N, LONG 71°37.9'W. At 1104 your position is LAT 41°00.2'N, LONG 71°29.4'W. What was the true course made good between the two positions?

    N a. 134°T
    Y b. 139°T
    N c. 143°T
    N d. 145°T

11803: What is the true course to steer between Falkner Island Light and Horton Point Light, if the set and drift of the current are 041° at 2.4 knots, and a northeasterly wind will cause 4° of leeway? Your engines are making turns for 15 knots.

    N a. 116°T
    N b. 124°T
    Y c. 134°T
    N d. 142°T

12301: You are on course 055° per standard magnetic compass when you sight Block Island Southeast Point Light in line with the Block Island Aero Beacon bearing 319° per standard magnetic compass. Based on this you __________.

    N a. should use 4°W deviation on true courses of 040°
    N b. know the compass error is 19°W
    Y c. know the deviation table is correct for that heading
    N d. should apply 4°W deviation to all bearings

13804: What is the significance of the broken magenta lines which roughly parallel the shore between Roanoke Point and Orient Point on Long Island?

    N a. They mark the limits of breakers in that area.
    N b. These lines warn the mariner of submerged rocks.
    Y c. They mark the boundary lines of fish trap areas.
    N d. These lines warn the mariner of submerged pipelines.

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

15209: At 1800, Tue Marshes Light bears 264.5°pgc, York Spit Swash Channel Light "3" bears 007°pgc. Your position is __________.

    N a. LAT 37°15.5'N, LONG 76°19.8'W
    N b. LAT 37°15.2'N, LONG 76°20.3'W
    N c. LAT 37°15.0'N, LONG 76°20.0'W
    Y d. LAT 37°14.5'N, LONG 76°20.1'W

15241: At 1155 your vessel's position is LAT 41°09.0'N, LONG 72°34.4'W. If you make good a course of 282°T and a speed of 10.0 knots, when will you arrive at New Haven Harbor Lighted Whistle Buoy "NH"?

    N a. 1315
    N b. 1320
    Y c. 1325
    N d. 1330

15409: 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?

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

15420: You are entering Norfolk Harbor and have just passed Craney Island. Which chart should you use for your final approach into Norfolk Harbor?

    N a. 12223
    N b. 12238
    N c. 12248
    Y d. 12253

15541: You alter course to make good 076°T from your 2200 fix,
and estimate you will make 13.6 knots over the ground. If the visibility is 5.5 miles, what is the earliest time you will sight Falkner Island Light? (nominal range 13 miles)

    N a. The light is visible at 2200
    N b. 2221
    Y c. 2236
    N d. You will not sight the light

15616: At 2037, you change course to make good a course of 016°T.
There is no current, but a westerly wind is causing 3°
leeway. What course per standard magnetic compass (psc)
should you steer to make good the course 016°T?

    N a. 031°psc
    N b. 028°psc
    N c. 025°psc
    Y d. 022°psc

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

15716: At 1210, you are in position LAT 41°14.3'N, LONG 72°16.5'W. What is the depth of water below your keel?

    Y a. 97 feet (29.4 meters)
    N b. 108 feet (32.7 meters)
    N c. 119 feet (36.1 meters)
    N d. 125 feet (37.9 meters)

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

15920: What chart should you use after you enter New London Harbor?

    N a. 13211
    Y b. 13213
    N c. 13214
    N d. 13272

16265: At 0600, you are on course 241°psc at 6.5 knots. Chesapeake Light bears 153° per standard magnetic compass,
and Cape Henry Light bears 261° per standard magnetic compass. What is the position of your 0600 fix?

    N a. LAT 36°59.0'N, LONG 75°47.4'W
    Y b. LAT 36°59.3'N, LONG 75°47.7'W
    N c. LAT 36°59.5'N, LONG 75°47.8'
    N d. LAT 36°59.3'N, LONG 75°48.0'

16270: The wind is northerly and will cause 2° leeway. The current is 018° at 0.5 knot. If your engines are turning for 8.0 knots. What should you steer to remain in York River Entrance Channel?

    N a. 304°T
    N b. 306°T
    Y c. 309°T
    N d. 314°T

16462: Which statement about your 0400 position is TRUE?

    Y a. You are within the territorial sea and contiguous zone.
    N b. You are governed by the Inland Rules of the Road.
    N c. The ocean floor is composed of shale.
    N d. Anchoring, trawling and fishing are prohibited.

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

16706: At 0520, you take the following observations:

Point Judith Light 032°pgc
Point Judith Harbor of Refuge
Main Breakwater Center Light 308°pgc

What is the position of your 0520 fix?

    N a. LAT 41°20.8'N, Long 71°30.3'W
    Y b. LAT 41°20.8'N, Long 71°29.7'W
    N c. LAT 41°20.6'N, Long 71°30.0'W
    N d. LAT 41°20.5'N, Long 71°29.8'W

16720: In order to check your compasses, you sight North Dumpling Island Light in line with Latimer Reef Light bearing 074°
pgc. The helmsman was steering 303°pgc and 315° per standard magnetic compass at the time. Which of the following is TRUE?

    Y a. The gyro error is still 2°E.
    N b. The deviation based on the observation is 15°W.
    N c. The magnetic compass error is 12°W.
    N d. The true line of the range is 072°.