RYA Day Skipper Passage Planning

Question 1

According to best practice, what are the four stages of passage planning?

Accepted Answer

Appraisal, planning, execution, and monitoring

Answer

Start, sail, arrive, dock

Answer

Fuelling, crewing, navigating, berthing

Answer

Loading, departing, sailing, arriving

Question 2

When planning a coastal passage, why is it important to identify 'bolt holes' along the route?

Accepted Answer

To identify alternative ports of refuge in case weather deteriorates or an emergency occurs

Answer

To plan fishing stops

Answer

To find fuel stations

Answer

To locate restaurants for lunch stops

Question 3

What information should be checked in the nautical almanac when planning a passage?

Accepted Answer

Tidal data, port information, light characteristics, radio frequencies, and weather forecast schedules

Answer

Local hotel prices

Answer

Historical weather averages only

Answer

Fishing quotas and regulations

Question 4

Why is it important to calculate tidal heights and streams when planning a passage?

Accepted Answer

To ensure adequate depth of water at all stages, determine optimal departure times, and account for tidal stream effects on course and speed

Answer

To determine when fish are most active

Answer

To plan swimming stops

Answer

Tides are only relevant for large ships

Question 5

What is a 'waypoint' in passage planning?

Accepted Answer

A specific geographical position along the planned route, often at turning points or hazard clearances

Answer

A point where you stop for fuel

Answer

A weather observation point

Answer

A VHF radio check-in point

Question 6

When planning a passage, what is the purpose of identifying 'clearing bearings'?

Accepted Answer

To define a bearing of a charted feature that, if maintained or not exceeded, ensures the vessel stays clear of a specific hazard

Answer

To clear the deck of obstructions

Answer

To communicate with other vessels

Answer

To determine wind direction