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.


90: As you approach Giles Bend Cutoff Light (mile 367.7 AHP), what type of daymark would you see on the light structure?


142: As you approach West Memphis Lt. (mile 727.4 AHP) you notice on the map a dashed line crossing the river. This line indicates a __________.


190: On 2 January you observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 35°50.4'. The index error is 0.8' on the arc. The height of eye is 24 feet (7.3 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?


255: From your 0130 position, you change course to adjust for set and drift, and you later obtain the following lbearings:

Mattituck Inlet Light bearing 104.5°true
Falkner Island Light bearing 001°true

What is the latitude and longitude of the fix?

    N a. LAT 41°00.8'N, LONG 72°40.8'W
    N b. LAT 41°01.2'N, LONG 72°40.4'W
    Y c. LAT 41°02.0'N, LONG 72°39.5'W
    N d. LAT 41°02.6'N, LONG 72°39.0'W

274: At what approximate distance would you expect Bartlett Reef Light to break the horizon, if the visibility is 27 nautical miles?

    Y a. 12.8 nm
    N b. 12.0 nm
    N c. 6.9 nm
    N d. 5.9 nm

278: The National Weather Service provides 24 hour weather broadcasts to vessels transiting the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel area on which frequency?

    Y a. 162.55 MHz
    N b. 162.85 MHz
    N c. 181.15 MHz
    N d. 202.35 MHz

362: At 0530, the Coast Guard announces that Chesapeake Channel is closed indefinitely due to a collision occurring in the channel between Trestle "B" and "C" of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel. You exit York Spit Channel, leaving buoy "20" abeam to port at 0.1 mile, and alter course to leave Horseshoe Crossing Lighted Bell Buoy abeam to port at 0.2 mile. What is the course per gyrocompass?

    Y a. 193°pgc
    N b. 190°pgc
    N c. 187°pgc
    N d. 185°pgc

416: A vessel at LAT 18°54'N, LONG 73°00'E, heads for a destination at LAT 13°12'N, LONG 54°00'E. Determine the true course and distance by Mercator sailing.

    N a. 247°T, 1161 miles
    N b. 250°T, 1172 miles
    Y c. 253°T, 1154 miles
    N d. 256°T, 1136 miles

603: At 0915 zone time, on 7 November , you depart Seattle, LAT 47°36.0'N, LONG 122°22.0'W (ZD +8). You are bound for Kobe, LAT 34°40.0'N, LONG 135°12.0'E, and you estimate your speed of advance at 18.5 knots. The distance is 4,527 miles. What is your estimated zone time of arrival at Kobe?

    N a. 1257, 17 November
    Y b. 0657, 18 November
    N c. 1857, 18 November
    N d. 0657, 19 November

812: On 28 July , your 0800 zone time (ZT) fix gives you a position of LAT 25°16.0'N, LONG 71°19.0'W. Your vessel is on course 026°T, and your speed is 17.5 knots. Local apparent noon (LAN) occurs at 1150 ZT, at which time a meridian altitude of the Sun's lower limb is observed. The observed altitude (Ho) for this sight is 82°28.7'. What is the latitude at 1200 ZT?

    N a. 26°25.0'N
    Y b. 26°27.6'N
    N c. 26°29.8'N
    N d. 26°32.0'N

1148: You complete changing out your tow and get underway enroute Ark City Tank Storage (mile 554.0 AHP) to deliver the tank barges. What is the distance you must travel from Cairo Point Light?

    N a. 202.1 miles
    Y b. 400.7 miles
    N c. 554.2 miles
    N d. 605.8 miles

1216: It is 8 March and you are keeping zone time -3. You are on course 104°T, speed 21 knots. Your 0830 DR position is LAT 25°35.0'S, LONG 66°34.0'E. What is the time of the second estimate of LAN by ship's clocks?

    Y a. 10h 41m 26s
    N b. 11h 15m 34s
    N c. 11h 17m 32s
    N d. 11h 36m 54s

1251: On 16 August , your 1600 ZT DR position is LAT 26°17.0'N, LONG 165°17.0'E. You are on course 301°T at a speed of 15 knots. What will be the zone time of sunset at your vessel?

    N a. 1827
    N b. 1832
    Y c. 1838
    N d. 1845

1407: At 2350 hours on 23 June, you are at mile 610.5 AHP when you see about a mile ahead white lights on the water near the left bank. What might you see when you come abreast of these lights?

    N a. Privately maintained buoys at a yacht club
    N b. Government buoys marking the Hurricane Point dikes
    Y c. Barges moored at the Dennis Landing Terminal
    N d. A pipeline discharging dredge spoil

1465: On 22 April , your 0344 zone time DR position is LAT 21°16.0'N, LONG 107°32.0'W. At that time, you observe Spica bearing 236°psc. The chronometer reads 10h 45m 16s,
and the chronometer error is 00m 25s fast. The variation is 7.5°E. What is the deviation of the standard compass?

    N a. 1.1°W
    Y b. 5.2°E
    N c. 5.2°W
    N d. 6.1°W

1473: On 26 January , your 1615 ZT DR position is LAT 27°14.0'S, LONG 57°22.0'W. At that time, you observe the Sun bearing 266°psc. The chronometer reads 08h 13m 19s, and the chronometer error is 01m 46s slow. The variation is 4°E. What is the deviation of the standard magnetic compass?

    N a. 4.8°E
    N b. 4.9°W
    Y c. 5.9°W
    N d. 7.8°E

1547: At 0509, on 26 December, you pass under the Helena Highway Bridge (mile 661.7 AHP). What has been the average speed of the current since departing Memphis Harbor, McKellar Lake, if you have been making turns for 7.5 mph?

    N a. 5.6 mph
    Y b. 4.4 mph
    N c. 2.1 mph
    N d. 1.8 mph

1807: As you approach Hole in the Wall Light (mile 373.4 AHP),
what type of daymark would you see on the light structure?

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

2090: At your current speed of 17 knots you only have enough fuel remaining to travel 316 miles. You must travel 622 miles to reach your destination. What should you reduce your speed (knots) to in order to reach your destination?

    Y a. 12.1
    N b. 13.3
    N c. 14.5
    N d. 15.7

2165: On 25 February , at 0622 ZT, you observe the upper limb of the Moon with a sextant altitude of 59°58.6'. Your DR position is LAT 30°28.3'S, LONG 102°39.3 E. The chronometer reading at the time of the sight is 11h 21m 18s and the chronometer is 48s slow. The height of eye is 59 feet and the index error is 2.5' on the arc. What are the azimuth (Zn) and intercept (a) of this sight using the assumed position?

    Y a. Zn 305.4°, a 4.2°T
    N b. Zn 234.6°, a 4.2° A
    N c. Zn 305.4°, a 1.5°T
    N d. Zn 305.4°, a 9.2°T

2187: At which of the following times would you be able to listen to lower Mississippi River conditions on VHF Channel 22?

    N a. 0900 hours
    N b. 1100 hours
    Y c. 1300 hours
    N d. 1600 hours

2205: What are the dimensions of Old River Lock, on the Lower Mississippi River?

    N a. 1202 feet x 84 feet
    Y b. 1190 feet x 75 feet
    N c. 760 feet x 75 feet
    N d. 425 feet x 75 feet

2335: You are underway and intend to make good a course of 088°T. You experience a current with a set and drift of 300°T at 2.4 knots, and a southerly wind produces a leeway of 3°. You adjust your course to compensate for the current and leeway, while maintaining an engine speed of 16 knots. What will be your speed made good over your intended course of 088°T?

    N a. 13.4 knots
    Y b. 13.9 knots
    N c. 14.4 knots
    N d. 14.9 knots

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

2851: Your vessel is on a course of 297°T at 11 knots. At 0019 a light bears 274.5°T, and at 0048 the light bears 252°T.
At what time and at what distance off will your vessel be when abeam of the light?

    N a. 0102, 2.6 miles
    Y b. 0108, 3.7 miles
    N c. 0057, 4.6 miles
    N d. 0117, 5.0 miles

2899: You are steaming on a course of 208°T at 21 knots. At 2019 you observe a lighthouse bearing 129°T. At 2030 the lighthouse bears 103°T. What is your distance off at the second bearing?

    N a. 8.2 miles
    Y b. 8.6 miles
    N c. 8.9 miles
    N d. 9.3 miles

3097: If the pitch of the propeller is 19.4 feet, and the revolutions per day are 96,713, calculate the day's run allowing 6% positive slip.

    N a. 266.4 miles
    Y b. 290.1 miles
    N c. 308.6 miles
    N d. 327.1 miles

3104: You are turning 84 RPM, with a propeller pitch of 22 feet, and an estimated slip of 0%. What is the speed of advance?

    N a. 16.8 knots
    N b. 17.7 knots
    N c. 18.0 knots
    Y d. 18.2 knots

10300: Determine the course per standard magnetic compass from the entrance to Quonochontaug Pond (LAT 41°19.8'N, LONG 71°43.2'W) to the entrance to Great Salt Pond on Block Island.

    N a. 129.5°psc
    N b. 134.0°psc
    N c. 156.0°psc
    Y d. 159.0°psc

10502: At 1239 your GPS indicates a position of LAT 36°55.2'N, LONG 75°33.1'W. You are on course 281° per standard magnetic compass at a speed of 9.2 knots. At 1318 your GPS indicates your position as LAT 36°54.8'N, LONG 75°39.8'W. What were the set and drift?

    Y a. 130°T at 1.2 knots
    N b. 156°T at 0.6 knot
    N c. 352°T at 1.3 knots
    N d. 335°T at 1.0 knot

11707: Your position is LAT 37°00.0'N, LONG 75°30.0'W. What is the course to steer per standard magnetic compass to arrive at LAT 36°59.0'N, LONG 75°48.5'W, if you are turning for 7.8 knots, the current is 139°T at 1.3 knots, and a northwesterly wind is causing 3° of leeway?

    N a. 290.0°psc
    Y b. 286.0°psc
    N c. 283.5°psc
    N d. 280.5°psc

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

13305: What are the bottom characteristics of Nautilus Shoal (LAT 37°03'N, LONG 75°56'W)?

    N a. Sand and shells
    N b. Hard sand
    Y c. Fine gray sand
    N d. Mud and sand

13502: The four soundings in the vicinity of LAT 41°12.2'N, LONG 71°33.0'W, that are underlined with a bracket indicate __________.

    N a. that no bottom was found at the sounding depth indicated
    N b. a submerged rock not dangerous to surface navigation
    N c. the height a rock uncovers at low water springs
    Y d. a submerged danger that is cleared to the indicated depth by a wire drag

13808: The chart symbol depicted at LAT 41°13.5'N, LONG 72°29.7'W indicates __________.

    N a. the exact position of a dangerous wreck
    Y b. the approximate position of a wreck dangerous to surface navigation
    N c. a wreck cleared by wire drag to a depth of 39 feet
    N d. a wreck not dangerous to surface navigation

13905: The Ruins (LAT 41°08.5'N, L0NG 72°08.8'W) is __________.

    N a. a classic example of 18th century military fortifications
    N b. in an area of unpredictable, treacherous currents
    N c. restricted to surface navigation due to fishery conservation projects nearby
    Y d. prohibited to the public

15015: At 2100, Cape Charles Light bears 321°pgc, and Cape Henry Light bears 247°pgc. Your latitude is __________.

    N a. 37°00.0'N
    N b. 36°59.7'N
    Y c. 36°59.4'N
    N d. 36°59.1'N

15029: What type of daymark will you see as you approach Gold Dust Bar Light (mile 793.3 AHP) ?

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

15419: The mean high water level at Old Point Comfort is __________.

    Y a. 2.6 feet (0.8 meters)
    N b. 1.2 feet (0.4 meters)
    N c. 0.0 feet
    N d. -3.5 feet (-1.1 meters)

15543: At 2236 Falkner Island Light bears 024° true at a range of 8.6 nm

What was the speed made good along the track line since your 2200 fix?

    N a. 12.7 knots
    Y b. 13.5 knots
    N c. 13.9 knots
    N d. 14.2 knots

15713: What do the dotted lines around Goose Island and Kimberly Reef represent?

    N a. Limiting danger
    N b. Breakers
    Y c. Depth contours
    N d. Tide rips

15715: Little Gull Island Light is __________.

    N a. lighted only during daytime when the sound signal is in operation
    N b. maintained only from May 1 to Oct 1
    Y c. lighted throughout 24 hours
    N d. obscured by trees from 253° to 352°

15809: At 0045, you obtain the following bearings:

Rocky Point lookout tower 072°T
Horton Point lighthouse 213°T

What were the set and drift between 0005 and 0045?

    N a. 272°true, 0.9 knot
    N b. 272°true, 1.4 knots
    N c. 092°true, 0.9 knot
    Y d. 092°True, 1.4 knots

15816: At 0209, your position is LAT 41°01.8'N, LONG 72°40.8'W.
What course should you steer per standard magnetic compass to make good 278° magnetic? (assume no set and drift)

    N a. 262.0°psc
    N b. 265.0°psc
    Y c. 275.5°psc
    N d. 280.5°psc

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

15945: At 2107 Southeast Point Light bears 062°T, and at 2112 this light bears 038°T. What is your distance off Southeast Point Light at 2112? (assume no set and drift)

    N a. 2.1 miles
    Y b. 2.5 miles
    N c. 2.9 miles
    N d. 3.3 miles

15957: At 1752, your position is LAT 37°04.3'N, LONG 76°06.4'W. On an ebb current you should expect to be set to the __________.

    N a. north northeast
    Y b. south southeast
    N c. south southwest
    N d. north northwest

15957: At 1752, your position is LAT 37°04.3'N, LONG 76°06.4'W. On an ebb current you should expect to be set to the __________.

    N a. north northeast
    Y b. south southeast
    N c. south southwest
    N d. north northwest

15962: Based on dead reckoning, at approximately 1817 you would expect to __________.

    N a. enter a traffic separation zone
    N b. depart a restricted area
    N c. cross a submerged pipeline
    Y d. depart a regulated area

16046: The visibility is excellent. When Race Rock Light Tower breaks the horizon, how far will you be from the Tower?

    N a. 8.5 miles
    N b. 9.6 miles
    N c. 14.0 miles
    Y d. 17.9 miles

16056: At 1730, your position is LAT 37°13.9'N, LONG 76°26.4'W. What is your distance off Tue Marshes Light?

    N a. 2.2 miles
    Y b. 2.6 miles
    N c. 3.0 miles
    N d. 3.4 miles

16367: Weather broadcasts for the Norfolk area are broadcast on what frequency?

    N a. 162.25 MHz
    N b. 162.30 MHz
    Y c. 162.55 MHz
    N d. 162.65 MHz

16415: You can follow what loran reading between your two positions?

    N a. There is no loran reading to follow.
    N b. 9960-Y-43958
    N c. 9960-W-14655
    Y d. 9960-X-25982

16439: While you are at anchor, what will serve as a positive warning that you are drifting towards the wrecks located to the NW and SW of your 2215 position?

    N a. A constant bearing on New Point Comfort Light.
    Y b. The bearing of Wolf Trap Light changing to the right
    N c. Increasing soundings
    N d. The bearing of Wolf Trap Light changing to the left

16611: At 0109 you get underway, and at 0112 you take the following set of bearings:

Branford Reef Light bearing 051°true
Stratford Point Light bearing 258°true

What is your 0112 position?

    N a. LAT 41°11.2'N, LONG 72°51.7'W
    N b. LAT 41°11.4'N, LONG 72°50.5'W
    Y c. LAT 41°11.4'N, LONG 72°51.3'W
    N d. LAT 41°11.8'N, LONG 72°51.5'W

16645: At 0630 you increase speed to 12.0 knots. At 0645 Race Rock Light bears 294°pgc. At 0700 Race Rock Light bears 293°pgc. Based on this, you should __________.

    Y a. alter course to port
    N b. maintain course and speed
    N c. alter course to starboard
    N d. maintain course and reduce speed