Coast Guard Navigation and Seamanship Flashcards

What does 'red-right-returning' remind a boater to do when entering a harbor from the open sea?

Answer: Keep red buoys on the starboard side

Returning from sea, red buoys are kept to starboard (the right side of the vessel).

A vessel engaged in fishing with gear that restricts maneuverability should display which day shape?

Answer: Two cones with points together

A vessel engaged in fishing shows two cones with apexes together to signal restricted maneuverability.

The horizontal movement of water caused by tidal action is known as what?

Answer: Current

Tidal current is the horizontal flow of water, distinct from the vertical rise and fall of the tide.

In restricted visibility, a power-driven vessel making way must sound what fog signal?

Answer: One prolonged blast every two minutes

A power-driven vessel making way sounds one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes.

What is the proper term for the right-hand side of a vessel when facing forward?

Answer: Starboard

Starboard is the right side of a vessel when looking toward the bow.

Which line of position technique fixes a vessel's location using two or more visual bearings to known landmarks?

Answer: Cross bearings

Crossing two or more bearings to charted objects fixes the vessel's position where the lines intersect.

The distance a vessel travels through the water during a turn is best reduced by doing what?

Answer: Reducing speed before turning

Slowing down before a turn reduces advance and transfer, tightening the vessel's turning circle.