RYA Day Skipper Pilotage & VHF DSC Basics

Question 1

What is the purpose of a 'clearing bearing' in pilotage?

Accepted Answer

A compass bearing that, when maintained, keeps the vessel clear of a specified hazard

Answer

A bearing to a waypoint for course setting

Answer

A transit marking the harbour entrance

Answer

A bearing used to check deviation

Question 2

In a pilotage plan, the term 'mark abeam' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The moment a charted feature is directly to the side of the vessel (90° to heading), used as a timing or turn trigger

Answer

A mark ahead in the channel

Answer

A mark to be avoided

Answer

A GPS waypoint

Question 3

A marina's approach chart shows a leading line of 270°T. Approaching from seaward on an easterly course, the skipper should:

Accepted Answer

Line up the two leading marks and steer 270°T — the reciprocal leads into the marina

Answer

Steer 090°T to follow the leading line inbound

Answer

Keep the leading line to port

Answer

Follow the leading line only at high water

Question 4

On a VHF DSC radio, what is Channel 70 used for?

Accepted Answer

Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress and safety calling only — voice communications must not be made on this channel

Answer

General ship-to-ship working channel

Answer

Port authority communications

Answer

Yacht club calling channel

Question 5

A skipper enters a port for the first time in poor visibility. Which is the safest pilotage approach?

Accepted Answer

Use pre-planned waypoints, transits, and clearing bearings; proceed at reduced speed; sound fog signals

Answer

Proceed at maximum speed to minimise time in poor visibility

Answer

Navigate by echo alone

Answer

Wait outside until visibility improves to at least 5 nm

Question 6

What is the MMSI number on a DSC radio?

Accepted Answer

A unique 9-digit identifier for the vessel used in DSC transmissions — similar to a telephone number for the radio

Answer

A frequency for distress calls

Answer

The vessel's registration number

Answer

The skipper's RYA membership number