PCOC Navigation and Route Planning 2

Question 1

When reading a nautical chart, what does a number printed in blue or white water areas indicate?

Accepted Answer

Water depth in feet or fathoms

Answer

Numbers on nautical charts indicate water depth, shown in feet, fathoms, or meters depending on the chart.

Question 2

What does a flashing green buoy mark when navigating a U.S. waterway?

Accepted Answer

The left (port) side of the channel when returning from sea

Answer

Green buoys mark the port (left) side of the channel when returning from sea under the IALA-B system used in the U.S.

Question 3

What is a 'waypoint' in GPS navigation?

Accepted Answer

A pre-programmed geographic coordinate used as a navigation reference

Answer

A waypoint is a specific geographic coordinate entered into a GPS unit to mark a destination or route point.

Question 4

When planning a coastal route, what does 'leeway' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The sideways drift of a vessel caused by wind

Answer

Leeway is the lateral drift of a boat downwind from its intended course due to wind pressure.

Question 5

You are approaching a drawbridge that has two short horn blasts. What does this signal mean?

Accepted Answer

The bridge will not open

Answer

Two short blasts from a drawbridge tender means the bridge cannot open at that time.

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