RYA Day Skipper Passage Planning — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to best practice, what are the four stages of passage planning?
- Start, sail, arrive, dock
- Appraisal, planning, execution, and monitoring (Correct answer)
- Fuelling, crewing, navigating, berthing
- Loading, departing, sailing, arriving
Correct answer: Appraisal, planning, execution, and monitoring
The four stages of passage planning are: Appraisal (gathering all relevant information), Planning (developing the plan), Execution (carrying out the plan), and Monitoring (checking progress against the plan).
Question 2: When planning a coastal passage, why is it important to identify 'bolt holes' along the route?
- To plan fishing stops
- To identify alternative ports of refuge in case weather deteriorates or an emergency occurs (Correct answer)
- To find fuel stations
- To locate restaurants for lunch stops
Correct answer: To identify alternative ports of refuge in case weather deteriorates or an emergency occurs
Bolt holes are alternative harbours or sheltered anchorages along the passage route where the vessel can seek refuge if weather conditions deteriorate, equipment fails, or crew become ill.
Question 3: What information should be checked in the nautical almanac when planning a passage?
- Local hotel prices
- Tidal data, port information, light characteristics, radio frequencies, and weather forecast schedules (Correct answer)
- Historical weather averages only
- Fishing quotas and regulations
Correct answer: Tidal data, port information, light characteristics, radio frequencies, and weather forecast schedules
A nautical almanac contains essential passage planning data including tidal predictions, port entry information, light characteristics, VHF channels, weather forecast schedules, and safety information.
Question 4: Why is it important to calculate tidal heights and streams when planning a passage?
- To determine when fish are most active
- To ensure adequate depth of water at all stages, determine optimal departure times, and account for tidal stream effects on course and speed (Correct answer)
- To plan swimming stops
- Tides are only relevant for large ships
Correct answer: To ensure adequate depth of water at all stages, determine optimal departure times, and account for tidal stream effects on course and speed
Tidal calculations ensure there is sufficient water depth (especially at shallow bars or harbours), identify optimal times for departure and arrival, and account for tidal streams that affect ground track and speed.
Question 5: What is a 'waypoint' in passage planning?
- A point where you stop for fuel
- A specific geographical position along the planned route, often at turning points or hazard clearances (Correct answer)
- A weather observation point
- A VHF radio check-in point
Correct answer: A specific geographical position along the planned route, often at turning points or hazard clearances
Waypoints are specific positions (latitude and longitude) plotted along the passage route, typically at course alteration points, clearing bearings, or navigational marks, and entered into the GPS.
Question 6: When planning a passage, what is the purpose of identifying 'clearing bearings'?
- To clear the deck of obstructions
- To define a bearing of a charted feature that, if maintained or not exceeded, ensures the vessel stays clear of a specific hazard (Correct answer)
- To communicate with other vessels
- To determine wind direction
Correct answer: To define a bearing of a charted feature that, if maintained or not exceeded, ensures the vessel stays clear of a specific hazard
A clearing bearing uses a charted feature (lighthouse, headland) to define a safe boundary. As long as the vessel's bearing of that feature remains on the safe side, the vessel is clear of the identified hazard.
RYA Day Skipper Passage Planning
According to best practice, what are the four stages of passage planning?