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 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:

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 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:

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

RYA Day Skipper Practice Test

RYA Day Skipper Practice Test

RYA Day Skipper Pilotage & VHF DSC Basics