PCOC Navigation and Route Planning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using a compass to navigate, what is 'variation'?
- The difference between true north and magnetic north (Correct answer)
- The difference between compass north and magnetic north
- The error caused by nearby metal objects
- The rate at which the compass bearing changes
Correct answer: The difference between true north and magnetic north
Variation is the angular difference between true geographic north and magnetic north at a given location.
Question 2: What does a square red daymark (day beacon) indicate?
- The starboard side of the channel returning from sea (Correct answer)
- The port side of the channel returning from sea
- A danger zone requiring caution
- An anchorage boundary
Correct answer: The starboard side of the channel returning from sea
Square red daymarks mark the starboard (right) side of the channel when returning from sea under IALA-B.
Question 3: What does the term 'set' describe in current navigation?
- The direction toward which the current is flowing (Correct answer)
- The speed of the current in knots
- The drag force from a sea anchor
- The amount of heel caused by wind
Correct answer: The direction toward which the current is flowing
Set is the direction a current is flowing toward, which affects the vessel's actual course over ground.
Question 4: A vessel is approaching a narrow channel. According to navigation rules, what should the operator do?
- Keep to the starboard (right) side of the channel (Correct answer)
- Keep to the port (left) side of the channel
- Navigate in the center to maximize visibility
- Anchor and wait for other traffic to clear
Correct answer: Keep to the starboard (right) side of the channel
Rule 9 of the Navigation Rules requires vessels in narrow channels to keep to the starboard side when safe and practicable.
Question 5: What is a 'fix' in navigation terms?
- A confirmed position determined by two or more reference points (Correct answer)
- A repair made to navigation equipment
- A pre-planned route adjustment
- A GPS satellite lock
Correct answer: A confirmed position determined by two or more reference points
A fix is a navigator's confirmed position determined by taking bearings from two or more known references.
Question 6: You are traveling in unfamiliar coastal waters at night. What is the best primary navigation tool to confirm your position?
- GPS cross-referenced with a current nautical chart (Correct answer)
- A magnetic compass alone
- Estimated time and speed calculations only
- Depth sounder readings alone
Correct answer: GPS cross-referenced with a current nautical chart
GPS cross-referenced with a current nautical chart provides the most reliable position confirmation in unfamiliar waters at night.
Question 7: What does 'ETA' stand for in passage planning?
- Estimated Time of Arrival (Correct answer)
- Emergency Towing Anchor
- Engine Temperature Alert
- Extended Travel Authorization
Correct answer: Estimated Time of Arrival
ETA means Estimated Time of Arrival, a key element of any float plan or passage plan.
PCOC Navigation and Route Planning 3
When using a compass to navigate, what is 'variation'?