RYA Day Skipper Pilotage & VHF DSC Basics — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'clearing bearing' in pilotage?
- A compass bearing that, when maintained, keeps the vessel clear of a specified hazard (Correct answer)
- A bearing to a waypoint for course setting
- A transit marking the harbour entrance
- A bearing used to check deviation
Correct answer: A compass bearing that, when maintained, keeps the vessel clear of a specified hazard
A clearing bearing (also called a danger bearing) is a pre-planned compass bearing that defines the outer boundary of a danger. Keeping the bearing greater or lesser than this value keeps the vessel safe.
Question 2: In a pilotage plan, the term 'mark abeam' refers to:
- The moment a charted feature is directly to the side of the vessel (90° to heading), used as a timing or turn trigger (Correct answer)
- A mark ahead in the channel
- A mark to be avoided
- A GPS waypoint
Correct answer: The moment a charted feature is directly to the side of the vessel (90° to heading), used as a timing or turn trigger
A mark abeam is used in pilotage to trigger a course alteration or confirm position — when the mark is directly to port or starboard, it confirms you have reached a precise position line.
Question 3: A marina's approach chart shows a leading line of 270°T. Approaching from seaward on an easterly course, the skipper should:
- Line up the two leading marks and steer 270°T — the reciprocal leads into the marina (Correct answer)
- Steer 090°T to follow the leading line inbound
- Keep the leading line to port
- Follow the leading line only at high water
Correct answer: Line up the two leading marks and steer 270°T — the reciprocal leads into the marina
Leading lines show the safe inbound track. If the leading line direction is 270°T, approaching from seaward means coming FROM the east and steering 270°T (westward) into the marina.
Question 4: On a VHF DSC radio, what is Channel 70 used for?
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress and safety calling only — voice communications must not be made on this channel (Correct answer)
- General ship-to-ship working channel
- Port authority communications
- Yacht club calling channel
Correct answer: Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress and safety calling only — voice communications must not be made on this channel
Channel 70 is reserved exclusively for DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress, urgency, and safety alerts. No voice communication is permitted. All GMDSS-equipped vessels must keep a DSC watch on Ch 70.
Question 5: A skipper enters a port for the first time in poor visibility. Which is the safest pilotage approach?
- Use pre-planned waypoints, transits, and clearing bearings; proceed at reduced speed; sound fog signals (Correct answer)
- Proceed at maximum speed to minimise time in poor visibility
- Navigate by echo alone
- Wait outside until visibility improves to at least 5 nm
Correct answer: Use pre-planned waypoints, transits, and clearing bearings; proceed at reduced speed; sound fog signals
Best practice in restricted visibility is to use all pre-planned pilotage features (transits, clearing bearings), reduce speed, post a good lookout, and make regular sound signals (fog signals) per COLREGs Rule 35.
Question 6: What is the MMSI number on a DSC radio?
- A unique 9-digit identifier for the vessel used in DSC transmissions — similar to a telephone number for the radio (Correct answer)
- A frequency for distress calls
- The vessel's registration number
- The skipper's RYA membership number
Correct answer: A unique 9-digit identifier for the vessel used in DSC transmissions — similar to a telephone number for the radio
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) is a unique 9-digit number programmed into a DSC VHF radio. When a distress call is sent, this number identifies the vessel automatically to rescue services.
RYA Day Skipper Pilotage & VHF DSC Basics
What is the purpose of a 'clearing bearing' in pilotage?