MST MST Marine Electronics & Navigation Systems 2

Question 1

When installing a chartplotter/MFD on a vessel, what is the most important consideration for placement?

Accepted Answer

Visibility from the helm with minimal sun glare and within arm's reach of the operator

Answer

The chartplotter must be readable in direct sunlight and operable without the helmsman leaning away from the wheel, per safe navigation practice.

Question 2

What does a depth sounder's transducer actually measure to calculate water depth?

Accepted Answer

The time for a sonar pulse to travel to the bottom and return, converted to depth using the speed of sound in water

Answer

The transducer emits a high-frequency sound pulse and measures the time for the echo to return; depth = (time × speed of sound) ÷ 2.

Question 3

What is the correct way to terminate an NMEA 2000 backbone cable to prevent signal reflections?

Accepted Answer

Install 120-ohm terminator caps at both ends of the backbone

Answer

NMEA 2000 CAN bus networks require 120-ohm terminators at each end of the backbone to match impedance and prevent data signal reflections.

Question 4

A marine GPS chartplotter shows a 'No GPS Signal' warning. After confirming the antenna is connected, what is the next diagnostic step?

Accepted Answer

Check the antenna cable connection at the chartplotter and test with a known-good antenna

Answer

The antenna cable connection at the chartplotter head is a common failure point; swapping to a known-good antenna isolates whether the issue is the antenna or the chartplotter.

Question 5

What USCG-required channel must all recreational vessels monitor when operating in US waters?

Accepted Answer

VHF Channel 16

Answer

VHF Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel; all recreational vessels are required to monitor it while underway.

(MST) Marine Service Technician Practice Test

(MST) Marine Service Technician Practice Test

MST MST Marine Electronics & Navigation Systems 2