USCG General Navigation: 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.


159: The apparent wind can be zero when the true wind is from __________.


263: Loran-C uses the multiple pulse system because __________.


268: The illustration shows the symbols used on radio facsimile weather charts. The symbol indicated at letter "L" represents a __________. (D042NG )


274: Which of the four adjustable errors in the sextant causes side error?

    Y a. Horizon glass not being perpendicular to the frame
    N b. Index mirror not being perpendicular to the frame
    N c. Telescope not being parallel to the frame
    N d. Elliptical centering error

451: Which light characteristic may be used on a special purpose mark?

    Y a. Fixed
    N b. Occulting
    N c. Equal interval
    N d. Quick flashing

582: Distance along a track line is measured on a Mercator chart by using the __________.

    Y a. latitude scale near the middle of the track line
    N b. longitude scale near the middle of the track line
    N c. latitude scale at the mid-latitude of the chart
    N d. latitude or longitude scale at the middle of the scale

584: The correction(s) which must be applied to an aneroid barometer reading include(s) __________.

    Y a. height error
    N b. gravity error
    N c. temperature error
    N d. All of the above

674: When using an ARPA, what should you consider in order to evaluate the information displayed?

    N a. The target vessel's generated course and speed are based solely on radar inputs.
    Y b. Navigational constraints may require a target vessel to change course.
    N c. The trial maneuver feature will automatically determine a course that will clear all targets.
    N d. You cannot determine if a small target has been lost due to sea return.

676: If you are caught in the left semicircle of a tropical storm, in the Southern Hemisphere, you should bring the wind __________.

    N a. on the starboard quarter, hold course and make as much way as possible
    N b. 2 points on the port quarter, and make as much way as possible
    Y c. on the port bow, and make as much way as possible
    N d. dead ahead and heave to

785: An amplitude of the Sun in high latitudes __________.

    N a. is most accurate before sunrise
    N b. is most accurate after sunset
    N c. should only be observed when the Sun's lower limb is above the horizon
    Y d. is most accurate when the Sun's center is observed on the visible horizon

843: The line which connects the points of zero magnetic dip is __________.

    N a. an agonic line
    Y b. the magnetic equator
    N c. a magnetic meridian
    N d. All of the above

863: The compass heading of a vessel differs from the true heading by __________.

    Y a. compass error
    N b. variation
    N c. magnetic dip
    N d. deviation

875: Sidereal hour angle is always __________.

    N a. measured westward from the hour circle containing the first point of Aries
    N b. measured from the point on the celestial sphere occupied by the Sun at the vernal equinox
    N c. subtracted from the LHA of the star to obtain the LHA of Aries
    Y d. All of the above

984: The bases of middle clouds are located at altitudes of between __________.

    N a. 3,000 to 6,500 feet (914 to 1981 meters)
    Y b. 6,500 to 20,000 feet (1981 to 6096 meters)
    N c. 10,000 to 35,000 feet (3048 to 10,668 meters)
    N d. 20,000 to 60,000 feet (6096 to 18,288 meters)

999: You are preparing a weather report form, WS Form B-80. Three-quarters of the sky is covered with clouds, and the anemometer indicates that the apparent wind is from 226° relative at 17.7 knots. You are on course 020°T at 8 knots. How should you encode group Nddff? (D041NG )

    N a. 80208
    N b. 72218
    N c. 72318
    Y d. 62324

1120: You are on course 042°T. To check the course of your vessel you should observe a celestial body on which bearing?

    N a. 090°
    Y b. 132°
    N c. 180°
    N d. 222°

1128: In 1981, when would Jupiter and Saturn be visible in temperate latitudes for both evening and morning stars?

    N a. 10 January
    Y b. 27 March
    N c. 22 June
    N d. 8 October

1206: Brief, violent showers frequently accompanied by thunder and lightning are usually associated with __________.

    N a. passage of a warm front
    Y b. passage of a cold front
    N c. winds shifting counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere
    N d. stationary high pressure systems

1271: Which word indicates color variation in the characteristics of a light?

    N a. Opposing
    N b. Changing
    N c. Reversing
    Y d. Alternating

1285: You are enroute to assist vessel A. Vessel A is underway at 5.5 knots on course 033°T, and bears 248°T at 64 miles from you. What is the time to intercept if you make 13 knots?

    N a. 4h 55m
    N b. 4h 36m
    N c. 3h 59m
    Y d. 3h 44m

1295: The best estimate of the wind direction at sea level can be obtained from observing the direction of the __________.

    N a. cloud movement
    N b. vessel heading
    Y c. waves
    N d. swells

1309: When recording the wind direction in the weather log, you would report the __________.

    N a. direction the wind is blowing toward
    Y b. direction the wind is blowing from
    N c. duration of the maximum gust of wind
    N d. wind chill factor

1313: Variation in a compass is caused by __________.

    N a. worn gears in the compass housing
    Y b. magnetism from the earth's magnetic field
    N c. magnetism within the vessel
    N d. lack of oil in the compass bearings

1359: The distance in longitude from the intersection of a great circle and the equator to the lower vertex is how many degrees of longitude?

    N a. 45°
    Y b. 90°
    N c. 135°
    N d. 180°

1394: A great circle crosses the equator at 17°W. It will also cross the equator at what other longitude?

    N a. 173°W
    N b. 117°W
    Y c. 163°E
    N d. 17°E

1411: The nominal range of a light may be accurately defined as the maximum distance at which a light may be seen __________.

    N a. under existing visibility conditions
    N b. under perfect visibility
    Y c. with ten miles visibility
    N d. with fifteen miles visibility

1419: The MOST important feature of the material used for making the binnacle of a standard magnetic compass is that it is __________.

    Y a. nonmagnetic
    N b. weatherproof
    N c. corrosion resistant
    N d. capable of being permanently affixed to the vessel

1487: At the approaches to Savannah, GA, with the wind coming out of the west, the wind-driven current will be flowing approximately __________.

    Y a. 080°
    N b. 100°
    N c. 260°
    N d. 280°

1542: To find a magnetic course from a true course you must apply __________.

    N a. magnetic anomalies (local disturbances)
    N b. deviation
    Y c. variation
    N d. deviation and variation

1578: The LMT of sunrise on the standard meridian is 0552. Your longitude is 99°15'E. What is your ZT of sunrise?

    N a. 0512
    N b. 0529
    N c. 0552
    Y d. 0615

1615: The Illustration shows the symbols used on radio facsimile weather charts. Which symbol indicates snow? (D042NG )

    N a. G
    N b. H
    Y c. M
    N d. N

1620: You are at anchor in the anchorage at the entrance to Delaware Bay. If you weigh anchor at 1445 DST (ZD +4) on 24 July 1983 and proceed northbound enroute to Philadelphia at a speed of 10 knots, you will have __________.

    N a. a flood current the entire trip
    N b. a flood current from Ship John Shoal Lt. to Philadelphia
    N c. an ebb current north of New Castle, DE
    Y d. a weak flood between Reedy Island and Edgemoor

1711: An instrument that indicates wind direction is known as a(n) __________.

    Y a. weather vane, wind vane or wind sock
    N b. hydrometer
    N c. hygrometer
    N d. sling psychrometer

1716: The hurricane season in the North Atlantic Ocean reaches its peak during the month of __________.

    N a. June
    Y b. September
    N c. November
    N d. July

1724: What is the first visible indication of the presence of a tropical cyclone or hurricane?

    N a. Stratocumulus clouds or strange birds
    N b. Rain and increasing winds
    Y c. An exceptionally long swell
    N d. Dark clouds and the "bar" of the storm

1804: Magnetic information on a chart may be __________.

    N a. found in the center(s) of the compass rose(s)
    N b. indicated by isogonic lines
    N c. found in a note on the chart
    Y d. All of the above

1976: The Moon is nearest to the Earth at __________.

    Y a. perigee
    N b. the vernal equinox
    N c. the new Moon
    N d. the full Moon

2006: What is the relative bearing of an object broad on the port beam?

    N a. 315°
    N b. 300°
    Y c. 270°
    N d. 235°

2056: This illustration represents a fixed C of E lock and dam. What navigational light(s) is(are) exhibited at the position indicated by the letter C? (D038NG )

    N a. One red light
    Y b. Two green lights
    N c. Three green lights
    N d. No lights

2084: You are approaching Gallipolis Lock and Dam. The traffic signal light is flashing red. You should __________.

    Y a. hold your position and not attempt to enter the lock
    N b. approach the lock slowly under full control
    N c. proceed at normal speed to enter the lock
    N d. None of the above

2090: You are underway in an area where the charted depth is 8 fathoms. You compute the height of tide to be -4.0 feet. The draft of your vessel is 5.0 feet (1.52 meters). You determine the depth of the water beneath your keel to be __________.

    Y a. 39 feet (11.9 meters)
    N b. 43 feet (13.1 meters)
    N c. 47 feet (14.3 meters)
    N d. 57 feet (17.4 meters)

2170: The temperature at which the air is saturated with water vapor and below which condensation of water vapor will occur is referred to as the __________.

    N a. precipitation point
    N b. vapor point
    Y c. dew point
    N d. absolute humidity

2180: Relative humidity is defined as __________.

    N a. the maximum vapor content the air is capable of holding
    N b. the minimum vapor content the air is capable of holding
    Y c. the ratio of the actual vapor content at the current temperature to the air's vapor holding capability
    N d. the relation of the moisture content of the air to barometric pressure

2246: The speed of an ocean current is dependent on __________.

    Y a. the density of the water
    N b. the air temperature
    N c. the presence of a high pressure area near it
    N d. underwater soil conditions

2284: Bellatrix is found in what constellation?

    N a. Canis Minor
    N b. Gemini
    N c. Taurus
    Y d. Orion

2298: The period of rotation of the Moon on its axis is __________.

    N a. about 19 years
    N b. 365 days
    Y c. about 27.3 days
    N d. 24 hours

2298: The period of rotation of the Moon on its axis is __________.

    N a. about 19 years
    N b. 365 days
    Y c. about 27.3 days
    N d. 24 hours

2369: Which magnetic compass corrector(s) CANNOT be set on a heading of magnetic east or magnetic west?

    Y a. Heeling magnet
    N b. Flinders bar
    N c. Fore-and-aft magnets
    N d. All of the above can be set on magnetic east or magnetic west headings.

2466: On the Western Rivers, a vessel crossing a river must __________.

    N a. only keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel descending the river
    N b. keep out of the way of any vessel descending the river
    Y c. keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river
    N d. keep out of the way of any vessel ascending or descending the river

2582: You must construct a Mercator plotting sheet on a piece of paper measuring 32" by 36". The area includes latitude 31°S to 37°S and longitude 005°W to 002°E. Allow a three-quarter inch neat line on all sides. What is the maximum distance between each degree of longitude that will permit the area of the plotting sheet to be drawn within the stated limitations?

    N a. 4.00 inches
    N b. 4.11 inches
    N c. 4.25 inches
    Y d. 4.36 inches

2587: Given are the courses and speeds of 4 vessels. The navigator of which vessel would be required to know the actual time of meridian transit in order to take an accurate observation at LAN?

    Y a. C 166°T, Sp 24 knots
    N b. C 013°T, Sp 7 knots
    N c. C 291°T, Sp 25 knots
    N d. C 112°T, Sp 4 knots

2716: Under the U.S. Aids to Navigation System on the Western Rivers, passing daymarks on the left descending bank are __________.

    N a. green squares
    N b. green diamonds
    N c. red diamonds
    Y d. red triangles

2839: Privately maintained aids to navigation included in the Light List __________.

    N a. are painted white and must use a white light if lighted
    N b. must be conspicuously marked by a signboard with the words "PRIVATE AID"
    Y c. must conform to the standards of the U.S. Aids to Navigation System
    N d. are not permitted in or along first-class waterways and may be authorized for second- and third-class waterways

2886: On mid-ocean waters, the height of a wind-generated wave is not affected by the __________.

    Y a. water depth exceeding 100 feet
    N b. fetch
    N c. wind's velocity
    N d. duration of the wind

2913: The Daily Memorandum contains information on __________.

    N a. active weather disturbances such as hurricanes or tropical storms
    Y b. the latest navigational warnings
    N c. scheduled vessel arrivals and departures for a 24-hour period
    N d. water levels at river ports where run-off affects tidal heights

3025: You determine your vessel's position by taking a range and bearing to a buoy. Your position will be plotted as a(n) __________.

    Y a. estimated position
    N b. dead-reckoning position
    N c. fix
    N d. running fix

3035: A major advantage of the NAVTEX system when compared to other systems is that __________.

    N a. the information can be received on an ordinary FM radio
    Y b. warnings are printed out for reading when convenient
    N c. broadcasts are at scheduled times
    N d. a low frequency band is used for long distance transmission

3115: With respect to automatic identification systems (AIS), which information is required to be broadcast every 1 to 10 seconds?

    Y a. Time stamp
    N b. Destination
    N c. Location of antenna
    N d. None of the above

3124: Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding automatic identification systems (AIS)?

    Y a. AIS is a short-range VHF-FM system that automatically broadcasts a vessel's position, course, speed and other safety related information to all those with similar equipment in the area.
    N b. AIS is a one-way centrally managed system that requires the local VTS to send commands to instruct each vessel to broadcast position, course, speed and other safety related information to all those with similar equipment in the area.
    N c. AIS is a global tracking system that relies upon INMARSAT C service to communicate vessel position, course, speed and other safety related information to all those with similar equipment in the area.
    N d. AIS is a short-range 3 cm X-band radar system that automatically sends a vessel's position, course, speed and other safety related information to all those with similar equipment within the area.

3125: Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding automatic identification systems (AIS)?

    N a. AIS is designed to replace ARPA, maneuvering boards, and visual bearings as a means to ascertain the risk of collision.
    Y b. AIS provides near real-time information regarding another vessel's speed over ground and heading regardless of visibility.
    N c. AIS will not provide information on another vessel if that vessel is indistinguishable in radar sea clutter.
    N d. AIS can be relied upon as the sole means to determine course changes due to other AIS equipped traffic.