MMC Navigation & Charting 2

Question 1

On a nautical chart, what does a blue tint in shallow water areas indicate?

Accepted Answer

Water depth less than the chart datum sounding

Answer

Blue tinting on nautical charts indicates shallow water areas where depths are less than the charted datum, warning mariners of potential hazards.

Question 2

What is the magnetic variation on a nautical chart?

Accepted Answer

The difference between true north and magnetic north due to Earth's magnetic field

Answer

Magnetic variation is the angular difference between true north (geographic) and magnetic north caused by the Earth's magnetic field, shown on a chart's compass rose.

Question 3

When plotting a running fix, what is the minimum number of LOPs required?

Accepted Answer

One LOP advanced to a second bearing

Answer

A running fix uses one LOP advanced along the course line to intersect a second LOP taken later, accounting for the vessel's movement between observations.

Question 4

A light characterized as 'Fl (3) 15s' means the light:

Accepted Answer

Shows 3 flashes in a group, with the full cycle lasting 15 seconds

Answer

Fl (3) 15s indicates a flashing light that shows a group of 3 flashes, with the complete cycle (flashes plus eclipse) totaling 15 seconds.

Question 5

What does the abbreviation 'PA' on a nautical chart signify?

Accepted Answer

Position approximate

Answer

PA (Position Approximate) on a chart indicates that the plotted position of an object or feature is not precisely determined and should be treated with caution.

(MMC) Merchant Mariner Credential Practice Test

(MMC) Merchant Mariner Credential Practice Test

MMC Navigation & Charting 2