Coast Guard Test Coast Guard Navigation and Seamanship 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the Navigation Rules, which vessel is the 'give-way' vessel in a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels?
- The vessel that has the other on its starboard side (Correct answer)
- The vessel that has the other on its port side
- The faster vessel
- The vessel to windward
Correct answer: The vessel that has the other on its starboard side
The vessel with the other on its starboard (right) side must give way and keep clear.
Question 2: What does the term 'draft' refer to on a vessel?
- The depth of water needed to float the hull (Correct answer)
- The height of the mast
- The width of the beam
- The distance to the horizon
Correct answer: The depth of water needed to float the hull
Draft is the vertical distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the hull.
Question 3: A red-and-white vertically striped buoy generally indicates what?
- Safe water or mid-channel (Correct answer)
- A wreck to port
- A prohibited zone
- The starboard channel edge
Correct answer: Safe water or mid-channel
Red-and-white vertically striped buoys are safe-water marks indicating mid-channel or a landfall.
Question 4: Five or more short, rapid blasts of the whistle signal what to another vessel?
- Danger or doubt about intentions (Correct answer)
- A course change to starboard
- Getting underway
- Man overboard
Correct answer: Danger or doubt about intentions
Five or more short rapid blasts is the danger signal, used when a vessel doubts another's actions.
Question 5: What is the error in a magnetic compass caused by the boat's own metal and electrical equipment called?
- Deviation (Correct answer)
- Variation
- Leeway
- Refraction
Correct answer: Deviation
Deviation is compass error produced by magnetic influences aboard the vessel itself.
Question 6: When anchoring, what is the recommended minimum scope (ratio of anchor line to water depth) for good holding in calm conditions?
- 7 to 1 (Correct answer)
- 1 to 1
- 2 to 1
- 20 to 1
Correct answer: 7 to 1
A scope of about 7:1 provides reliable holding under normal conditions.
Question 7: Which document must a mariner consult for predicted times of high and low water?
- Tide tables (Correct answer)
- The Light List
- Notice to Mariners
- The ship's log
Correct answer: Tide tables
Tide tables give predicted heights and times of high and low water for reference stations.
Coast Guard Test Coast Guard Navigation and Seamanship 3
In the Navigation Rules, which vessel is the 'give-way' vessel in a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels?