FREE OUPV Chart Plotting and Piloting Questions and Answers

Question 1

You plot a course of 120° True from your last known position. The variation is 12° West and your compass has a deviation of 4° East. What is the correct compass course (PSC) to steer?

Accepted Answer

128°

Answer

112°

Answer

136°

Answer

124°

Question 2

While underway, you determine your Dead Reckoning (DR) position at 1400 is at LAT 34°10.5'N, LON 076°40.2'W. At the same time, you obtain a GPS fix that places you at LAT 34°11.5'N, LON 076°38.2'W. Which of the following correctly describes the set and drift you have experienced?

Accepted Answer

Set is approximately 063° True, Drift is 2.2 knots.

Answer

Set is approximately 243° True, Drift is 2.2 knots.

Answer

Set is approximately 063° True, Drift is 1.5 knots.

Answer

Set is approximately 243° True, Drift is 1.5 knots.

Question 3

On a nautical chart for U.S. waters (IALA-B), you are returning from sea and see a green and red horizontally banded buoy with the top band being green. The shape is conical (a nun buoy). What does this buoy indicate?

Accepted Answer

The preferred channel is to starboard, with the secondary channel to port.

Answer

A safe water mark, proceed with caution.

Answer

An isolated danger, pass well clear on any side.

Answer

The preferred channel is to port, with the secondary channel to starboard.

Question 4

What is the key difference between a Dead Reckoning (DR) position and an Estimated Position (EP)?

Accepted Answer

An EP is a DR position that has been corrected for the effects of current and leeway.

Answer

A DR is based on celestial observation, while an EP is based on GPS.

Answer

A DR position is always more accurate than an EP.

Answer

An EP is only plotted at night, while a DR can be plotted at any time.

Question 5

You are plotting a course on a nautical chart with a scale of 1:80,000. On the latitude scale at the side of the chart, one minute of latitude is equal to:

Accepted Answer

One nautical mile.

Answer

One statute mile.

Answer

One kilometer.

Answer

A distance that varies depending on the longitude.

Question 6

Which of the following chart symbols represents a safe water mark?

Accepted Answer

A red and white vertically striped sphere or buoy.

Answer

A black and red horizontally banded pillar.

Answer

A yellow can or nun buoy.

Answer

A green can with an odd number.