ASA ASA Coastal & Offshore Cruising 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'passage plan' before an offshore voyage?
- To outline the intended route, waypoints, weather windows, fuel/water needs, and contingency ports (Correct answer)
- To document the crew's certifications
- To calculate the sail area needed
- To record the boat's insurance information
Correct answer: To outline the intended route, waypoints, weather windows, fuel/water needs, and contingency ports
A passage plan pre-identifies the route, waypoints, hazards, alternate ports, weather considerations, and fuel/provisioning needs so the crew can navigate safely and efficiently.
Question 2: When anchoring overnight on a coastal cruise, what is 'scope' and what ratio is generally recommended?
- The ratio of anchor rode deployed to water depth; 7:1 is standard in normal conditions (Correct answer)
- The angle of the anchor chain to the seabed
- The total length of the anchor rode onboard
- The distance from the bow to the anchor
Correct answer: The ratio of anchor rode deployed to water depth; 7:1 is standard in normal conditions
Scope is the length of anchor rode paid out divided by the depth of water (plus freeboard); 7:1 is the standard recommendation in normal conditions for a reliable anchor set.
Question 3: What is a 'lee shore' and why is it dangerous?
- A shoreline downwind of the vessel, which the wind pushes the boat toward, risking grounding (Correct answer)
- A shore protected from the wind, ideal for anchoring
- A coast with a favorable current
- The starboard side of the boat
Correct answer: A shoreline downwind of the vessel, which the wind pushes the boat toward, risking grounding
A lee shore lies downwind of the vessel — wind and waves push the boat toward it, and if sails or engine fail, the vessel will be driven aground with little time to recover.
Question 4: What does 'heaving to' accomplish during a coastal or offshore passage?
- Creates a near-stationary position allowing the crew to rest, eat, or manage an emergency (Correct answer)
- Stops the boat from tacking in light air
- Deploys the sea anchor
- Reduces heel when motorsailing
Correct answer: Creates a near-stationary position allowing the crew to rest, eat, or manage an emergency
Heaving to by backing the headsail and lashing the helm to leeward creates a slow, stable fore-reaching condition, effectively pausing the boat's progress for rest or safety.
Question 5: On a coastal cruise, what is a 'Transit' (or range) used for in piloting?
- Two objects in line that confirm the vessel is on a specific line of position (Correct answer)
- A radio beacon for GPS correction
- A buoy marking a safe passage
- A tidal calculation tool
Correct answer: Two objects in line that confirm the vessel is on a specific line of position
A transit (or range) is formed when two charted objects are observed in line from the vessel, providing an accurate line of position without instruments — used for channel navigation and piloting.
Question 6: What does the term 'dragging anchor' mean, and how is it detected?
- The anchor failing to hold and the vessel moving from its anchored position, detected by bearing changes on fixed objects (Correct answer)
- The anchor chain chafing on the seabed
- The anchor rode tangling with the keel
- The anchor buoy drifting away from the vessel
Correct answer: The anchor failing to hold and the vessel moving from its anchored position, detected by bearing changes on fixed objects
A dragging anchor means the anchor has lost its grip and the boat is moving; it is detected by watching bearings to fixed shore objects or by GPS anchor alarm showing position drift.
ASA ASA Coastal & Offshore Cruising 2
What is the purpose of a 'passage plan' before an offshore voyage?