Maritime and Marine Vessel Operations and Seamanship

Question 1

What does the term 'draft' refer to on a vessel?

Accepted Answer

The vertical distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the keel

Answer

Draft is the vertical distance between the waterline and the keel's lowest point, determining minimum water depth needed for navigation.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the anchor's scope, and what is the recommended scope in normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

The length of anchor rode deployed; 5:1 to 7:1 ratio of rode to water depth

Answer

Scope is the ratio of anchor rode length to water depth; a 5:1 to 7:1 ratio provides proper holding power in normal conditions.

Question 3

What is 'apparent wind' on a sailing vessel?

Accepted Answer

The combination of true wind and the wind created by the vessel's own movement

Answer

Apparent wind is the wind felt aboard a moving vessel, which is the vector combination of true wind and the boat's own forward speed.

Question 4

What is 'leeway' as it applies to vessel navigation?

Accepted Answer

The sideways drift of a vessel caused by wind or current pushing her off course

Answer

Leeway is the lateral drift of a vessel downwind or downcurrent from her intended course, which must be corrected to maintain proper track.

Question 5

What does a vessel's 'trim' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The fore-and-aft balance of the vessel, comparing forward and aft drafts

Answer

Trim describes whether a vessel is deeper at the bow (trimmed by the head) or stern (trimmed by the stern) based on fore-and-aft draft difference.

Maritime and Marine Practice Test