RYA Day Skipper Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What type of cloud is most associated with an approaching cold front?

Cirrus
Fair-weather cumulus
Stratus
Cumulonimbus with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cumulonimbus with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms

Cold fronts are characterised by a narrow band of cumulonimbus clouds producing heavy rain, possible thunderstorms, and squally winds, followed by clearer conditions with cumulus clouds.

Question 2: In a man overboard situation under sail, what is the recommended initial action?

Call the coastguard before doing anything else
Shout 'MAN OVERBOARD', throw a lifebuoy, assign a spotter, press MOB on GPS, and begin the recovery manoeuvre (Correct answer)
Drop all sails immediately
Continue sailing until you can turn around

Correct answer: Shout 'MAN OVERBOARD', throw a lifebuoy, assign a spotter, press MOB on GPS, and begin the recovery manoeuvre

Immediate actions are: shout the alarm, deploy a lifebuoy or danbuoy, assign someone to point at the casualty continuously, press MOB on GPS, and begin the appropriate recovery manoeuvre.

Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'grab bag' on a yacht?

A bag for collecting sail cloth
A portable bag kept ready at the companionway containing essential emergency items to take into the liferaft (Correct answer)
A harness storage bag
A waterproof bag for storing charts

Correct answer: A portable bag kept ready at the companionway containing essential emergency items to take into the liferaft

A grab bag contains items not stored in the liferaft that are critical for survival: flares, water, rations, EPIRB/PLB, knife, torch, first aid kit, ship's papers, and communication devices.

Question 4: A vessel takes on water faster than her bilge pump can remove it. The crew should:

Increase engine speed to raise the bow
Identify and plug the source of ingress first, use all available pumps, issue a Mayday if flooding cannot be controlled (Correct answer)
Transfer all crew to one side to tilt the hull
Abandon ship immediately

Correct answer: Identify and plug the source of ingress first, use all available pumps, issue a Mayday if flooding cannot be controlled

Source-finding and plugging is the first priority. Additional pumps (manual, electric, engine-driven) should be used simultaneously. Mayday should be issued early if there is doubt about controlling the flooding.

Question 5: Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), what lights must a power-driven vessel underway display at night?

A masthead light (white, forward), sidelights (green starboard, red port), and a stern light (white) (Correct answer)
Flashing blue lights
A red light only
Two red lights in a vertical line

Correct answer: A masthead light (white, forward), sidelights (green starboard, red port), and a stern light (white)

A power-driven vessel underway must show a white masthead light forward, green starboard and red port sidelights, and a white stern light. Vessels over 50m must show a second, higher masthead light.

Question 6: At what point in the tidal cycle does the tidal stream typically turn?

At mid-tide only
Exactly at high and low water
Approximately at high and low water, though the exact time varies by location (Correct answer)
Tidal streams are constant

Correct answer: Approximately at high and low water, though the exact time varies by location

Tidal streams typically change direction (turn or 'slack') approximately at high and low water, but the exact timing varies by location. In some areas, the stream may turn well before or after HW/LW.

Question 7: Why is it important to calculate tidal heights and streams when planning a passage?

To determine when fish are most active
Tides are only relevant for large ships
To plan swimming stops
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)

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 8: What is the approximate interval between successive high waters at a given location?

24 hours
8 hours
12 hours 25 minutes (Correct answer)
6 hours

Correct answer: 12 hours 25 minutes

In a semidiurnal tidal pattern (as in most UK waters), high water occurs approximately every 12 hours and 25 minutes, reflecting the lunar day of about 24 hours 50 minutes.

Question 9: What does 'EPIRB' stand for and what does it do?

Emergency Primary Inshore Radio Beacon — for coastal use only
Extended Personal Identification Radio Beacon — for individual crew members
Electronic Position Indicating Radio Buoy — marks a man overboard position
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon — transmits a distress signal on 406 MHz to Cospas-Sarsat satellites, providing vessel identity and position to rescue services (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon — transmits a distress signal on 406 MHz to Cospas-Sarsat satellites, providing vessel identity and position to rescue services

An EPIRB transmits on 406 MHz to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, alerting rescue services with the vessel's MMSI and GPS position (if GPS-enabled). A registered EPIRB is far more effective than an unregistered one.

Question 10: When using tidal diamonds on a chart, what do the columns for spring and neap rates tell you?

The height of tide
Wind speeds at different times
The wave period
The speed of the tidal stream in knots at mean springs and mean neaps for each hour relative to HW at the reference port (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The speed of the tidal stream in knots at mean springs and mean neaps for each hour relative to HW at the reference port

Tidal diamond tables give the direction and rate of the tidal stream for each hour relative to HW at the standard port, with separate rate columns for mean spring and mean neap conditions.

Question 11: What weather conditions are typically associated with an approaching warm front?

Clear skies and light winds
Sudden thunderstorms
Gradually lowering cloud, increasing rain, backing and increasing winds, and falling barometric pressure (Correct answer)
Fog and calm conditions

Correct answer: Gradually lowering cloud, increasing rain, backing and increasing winds, and falling barometric pressure

An approaching warm front typically brings gradually lowering and thickening cloud (cirrus, then altostratus, then nimbostratus), steady rain, falling pressure, and backing winds.

Question 12: What does a DSC Urgency call transmit automatically?

MMSI of the transmitting vessel, position (if GPS-linked), and the nature of urgency (Correct answer)
The weather at time of call
Only the vessel's name
A recorded voice message

Correct answer: MMSI of the transmitting vessel, position (if GPS-linked), and the nature of urgency

Like a DSC Distress call, a DSC Urgency call transmits the vessel's MMSI automatically, and if a GPS is connected, the position. This data reaches rescue centres even before any voice message.

Question 13: What does 'drying height' on a chart indicate?

The height of the seabed above chart datum — these areas are exposed (dry) at low water (Correct answer)
The maximum wave height
The height of the dock wall
The height of a lighthouse above sea level

Correct answer: The height of the seabed above chart datum — these areas are exposed (dry) at low water

A drying height (shown underlined on charts) indicates how far the seabed rises above chart datum. These areas are covered at high water but exposed at low water.

Question 14: When a rescue helicopter is co-ordinating a search, mariners in the area should:

Switch to Channel 6 and operate independently
Maintain a listening watch on Channel 16 and follow instructions from the on-scene commander (Correct answer)
Proceed at maximum speed to assist
Ignore communications unless directly called

Correct answer: Maintain a listening watch on Channel 16 and follow instructions from the on-scene commander

During co-ordinated search and rescue operations, all vessels in the area must monitor Ch 16 and comply with instructions from the on-scene co-ordinator. Uncoordinated assistance can hamper the rescue.

Question 15: What arc of visibility does each sidelight cover?

135°
360°
112.5° (Correct answer)
225°

Correct answer: 112.5°

Each sidelight covers 112.5°, from dead ahead to 22.5° abaft the beam on its respective side of the vessel.

Question 16: What does 'neap tides' refer to?

Tides caused by storms
Tides that only occur in estuaries
Tides with the smallest range, occurring when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other (first and last quarter moon) (Correct answer)
The largest tidal range

Correct answer: Tides with the smallest range, occurring when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other (first and last quarter moon)

Neap tides have the smallest tidal range and occur at first and last quarter moon when the sun and moon are at 90 degrees to each other, partially cancelling their gravitational effects.

Question 17: In the UK Shipping Forecast, what visibility range does 'poor' indicate?

1,000 metres to 2 nautical miles (Correct answer)
Greater than 5 nautical miles
Less than 1,000 metres
2 to 5 nautical miles

Correct answer: 1,000 metres to 2 nautical miles

In the Shipping Forecast, 'poor' visibility means between 1,000 metres and 2 nautical miles. 'Fog' is less than 1,000m, 'moderate' is 2-5nm, and 'good' is greater than 5nm.

Question 18: What is the 'range' of a tide?

The vertical difference between high water and low water (Correct answer)
The speed of the tidal stream
The time between high and low water
The distance the tide travels horizontally

Correct answer: The vertical difference between high water and low water

Tidal range is the vertical difference in height between consecutive high water and low water. Spring tides have a larger range than neap tides.

Question 19: Pyrotechnic flares used on UK vessels expire after:

1 year
5 years
3 years from date of manufacture (Correct answer)
10 years

Correct answer: 3 years from date of manufacture

UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidance states pyrotechnic flares must be replaced 3 years after date of manufacture (or at the expiry date printed on the flare).

Question 20: What is the difference between 'height of tide' and 'depth of water'?

They are the same
Depth of water is measured from the surface down
Height of tide is always greater
Height of tide is the vertical distance from chart datum to the water surface; depth of water is chart depth plus height of tide (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Height of tide is the vertical distance from chart datum to the water surface; depth of water is chart depth plus height of tide

Height of tide is measured from chart datum upwards to the water surface. Actual depth of water at any point = charted depth + height of tide (both measured from chart datum).

Question 21: What weather feature is characterised by closely spaced isobars on a weather chart?

High pressure
Calm conditions
Strong winds due to a steep pressure gradient (Correct answer)
Fog

Correct answer: Strong winds due to a steep pressure gradient

Closely spaced isobars indicate a steep pressure gradient, which produces strong winds. The closer the isobars, the greater the pressure difference over a short distance, and the stronger the wind.

Question 22: In a pilotage plan, the term 'mark abeam' refers to:

A mark to be avoided
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 GPS waypoint
A mark ahead in the channel

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 23: In the UK Shipping Forecast, what does 'veering' mean when describing wind direction?

Wind decreasing in strength
Wind gusting
Wind direction changing clockwise (e.g., from south to west) (Correct answer)
Wind direction changing anticlockwise

Correct answer: Wind direction changing clockwise (e.g., from south to west)

Veering describes a clockwise change in wind direction (e.g., from south to southwest to west). The opposite, a change anticlockwise, is called 'backing'.

Question 24: What is the primary cause of sea fog around UK coasts?

Cold air over warm sea
Heavy rainfall
Warm, moist air moving over cooler sea surface, causing the air to cool below its dew point (Correct answer)
Volcanic activity

Correct answer: Warm, moist air moving over cooler sea surface, causing the air to cool below its dew point

Sea fog (advection fog) forms when warm, moist air moves over a cooler sea surface. The air cools below its dew point, causing water vapour to condense into fog. It is common in spring and early summer.

Question 25: What is a 'tidal stream atlas' used for?

Identifying fishing grounds
Plotting weather systems
Predicting tidal heights
Showing the direction and rate of tidal streams at hourly intervals relative to high water at a standard port (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Showing the direction and rate of tidal streams at hourly intervals relative to high water at a standard port

A tidal stream atlas shows arrows indicating the direction and rate (in knots, for springs and neaps) of tidal streams at hourly intervals, referenced to HW at a standard port.

Question 26: On the Beaufort Scale, what wind speed range does Force 6 ('strong breeze') correspond to?

17-21 knots
28-33 knots
22-27 knots (Correct answer)
34-40 knots

Correct answer: 22-27 knots

Force 6 on the Beaufort Scale corresponds to 22-27 knots (strong breeze). At this force, large waves form, white foam crests are extensive, and sailing becomes uncomfortable.

Question 27: What does a 'leading line' or 'transit' provide for a navigator?

An indication of wind direction
A line of position confirmed by aligning two charted objects, providing a reliable bearing (Correct answer)
A VHF frequency
A weather forecast

Correct answer: A line of position confirmed by aligning two charted objects, providing a reliable bearing

A transit (or leading line) is formed when two charted objects are in line. This provides a very accurate line of position and is often used for entering harbours safely.

Question 28: What is a 'grab bag' and what should it contain?

A tool bag for engine repairs
A bag for personal belongings
A bag for collecting rubbish
A pre-packed waterproof bag containing essential survival items to be grabbed when abandoning to a liferaft (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A pre-packed waterproof bag containing essential survival items to be grabbed when abandoning to a liferaft

A grab bag is a pre-packed waterproof bag kept ready to take into a liferaft. It typically contains water, flares, a knife, a torch, a handheld VHF radio, first aid kit, EPIRB, and emergency rations.

Question 29: The Beaufort Scale Force 6 is described as a:

Near gale — 28–33 knots
Strong breeze — 22–27 knots, large waves beginning to form (Correct answer)
Gale — 34–40 knots
Fresh breeze — 17–21 knots

Correct answer: Strong breeze — 22–27 knots, large waves beginning to form

Force 6 = Strong breeze, 22–27 knots. Sea state shows large waves with extensive white foam crests. Day skippers should be cautious in Force 6, especially offshore.

Question 30: What is the correct procedure for sending a 'Mayday' distress call on VHF radio?

Send a text message to the RNLI
Say 'MAYDAY' three times, followed by 'THIS IS' and your vessel name three times, then give position, nature of distress, and number of persons on board (Correct answer)
Call the coastguard on channel 16 and ask for help
Say 'Mayday' once and give your name

Correct answer: Say 'MAYDAY' three times, followed by 'THIS IS' and your vessel name three times, then give position, nature of distress, and number of persons on board

The correct Mayday procedure is: 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, THIS IS [vessel name x3], MAYDAY [vessel name], MY POSITION IS [position], [nature of distress], [assistance required], [number of POB], [any other useful information], OVER.'

Question 31: What is the first action to take if you discover a fire below decks on a yacht?

Open hatches to ventilate
Alert the crew, close hatches and ventilation to starve the fire of oxygen, and use the appropriate extinguisher (Correct answer)
Pour water on the fire
Abandon ship immediately

Correct answer: Alert the crew, close hatches and ventilation to starve the fire of oxygen, and use the appropriate extinguisher

The first actions are to alert the crew, close hatches and ventilation to reduce oxygen supply, and then fight the fire with the appropriate extinguisher. Opening hatches would feed the fire with air.

Question 32: What lights must a power-driven vessel of 50m or more show when underway at night?

One masthead light, sidelights and sternlight
Three masthead lights, sidelights and sternlight
Two masthead lights, sidelights and sternlight (Correct answer)
Two masthead lights and anchor lights

Correct answer: Two masthead lights, sidelights and sternlight

A power-driven vessel of 50m or more must display two masthead lights (the forward one placed higher), together with sidelights and a sternlight.

Question 33: What does 'Buys Ballot's Law' help a sailor determine?

The height of waves
The tidal range
The visibility forecast
The approximate direction to the centre of a low-pressure system from the wind direction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The approximate direction to the centre of a low-pressure system from the wind direction

Buys Ballot's Law states that if you stand with your back to the wind in the Northern Hemisphere, low pressure is to your left. This helps locate the centre of approaching depressions.

Question 34: How would you find the height of tide at a secondary port?

Estimate based on the weather forecast
Apply the time and height differences listed in the tide tables to the standard port predictions (Correct answer)
Use the same data as the standard port
Use a depth sounder only

Correct answer: Apply the time and height differences listed in the tide tables to the standard port predictions

Secondary port predictions are calculated by applying published time differences and height differences (or ratios) to the predictions for the associated standard port, as listed in nautical almanacs.

Question 35: When a tow exceeds 200m, what day shape is displayed by the vessels involved?

A diamond shape, displayed by both the towing vessel and the vessel being towed (Correct answer)
A ball on the towing vessel and a diamond on the towed vessel
A cone on the towed vessel only
A cylinder on the towing vessel only

Correct answer: A diamond shape, displayed by both the towing vessel and the vessel being towed

When the length of the tow exceeds 200m, both the towing vessel and the vessel being towed display a diamond shape where it can best be seen.

Question 36: How should a fire extinguisher be used on a small boat engine compartment fire?

Use a bucket of water
Do not open the engine compartment — inject extinguishant through a fixed system or small access hole to avoid a backdraft oxygen rush (Correct answer)
Turn the engine on to smother the flames
Open the lid fully for maximum access

Correct answer: Do not open the engine compartment — inject extinguishant through a fixed system or small access hole to avoid a backdraft oxygen rush

Opening the engine compartment in a fire allows a rush of oxygen that can cause a fireball. Fixed fire suppression systems inject agent without opening the compartment. Manual extinguishers should be used through a small opening.

Question 37: A skipper plots a course of 135°T. Variation is 3°W and deviation is 2°E. What is the compass course to steer?

130°C
140°C
134°C (Correct answer)
136°C

Correct answer: 134°C

True to Compass: apply variation (W = add) → 135 + 3 = 138°M; apply deviation (E = subtract from magnetic) → 138 − 2 = 136°C. Wait — error correction: T+3W = 138M, 138M−2E dev = 136°C. Correct answer: 136°C.

Question 38: What is the Beaufort Scale used to measure?

Wind force, ranging from Force 0 (calm) to Force 12 (hurricane) (Correct answer)
Sea temperature
Atmospheric pressure
Visibility

Correct answer: Wind force, ranging from Force 0 (calm) to Force 12 (hurricane)

The Beaufort Scale classifies wind speed into forces from 0 (calm, less than 1 knot) to 12 (hurricane force, 64+ knots), with descriptions of sea state at each level.

Question 39: What is the correct sequence for deploying a liferaft?

Secure the painter to the vessel, throw the raft overboard, allow painter to deploy, pull sharply to inflate (Correct answer)
Throw the raft in and jump in after it
Deploy the raft from downwind to ensure it drifts toward crew
Inflate the raft on deck, then slide it over the side

Correct answer: Secure the painter to the vessel, throw the raft overboard, allow painter to deploy, pull sharply to inflate

The painter must be secured to the vessel first, then the raft is thrown over. The painter pulls the CO2 inflation mechanism. Inflate on deck only if there is no other option as it is harder to deploy.

Question 40: Which vessels display two all-round red lights in a vertical line at night?

Vessel constrained by draught
Pilot vessel
Vessel at anchor
Vessel not under command (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Vessel not under command

A vessel not under command shows two all-round red lights vertically, indicating it cannot manoeuvre due to exceptional circumstances and cannot keep out of the way.

Question 41: In which direction does wind flow around a low-pressure system in the Northern Hemisphere?

Directly away from the centre
Clockwise
Anticlockwise (Correct answer)
Directly towards the centre

Correct answer: Anticlockwise

In the Northern Hemisphere, wind circulates anticlockwise around a low-pressure system (cyclonic). This is due to the Coriolis effect acting on the pressure gradient force.

Question 42: Under COLREGs Rule 18, in which order of priority must vessels keep out of the way of other vessels?

All vessels have equal priority
Anchored vessels must give way to underway vessels
Power-driven vessels give way to sailing vessels, fishing vessels, and vessels constrained by draught, in that order (Correct answer)
Sailing vessels always have right of way over all vessels

Correct answer: Power-driven vessels give way to sailing vessels, fishing vessels, and vessels constrained by draught, in that order

Rule 18 establishes a hierarchy: power-driven vessels yield to sailing vessels, vessels fishing (gear out), vessels not under command (NUC), and vessels restricted in ability to manoeuvre (RAM) and constrained by draught (CBD). Smaller sailing vessels also give way to large ships restricted in channels.

Question 43: Under COLREGs Rule 13, an overtaking vessel must:

Give a sound signal only
Keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken until finally past and clear (Correct answer)
Alter course to starboard only
Proceed at no more than 5 knots

Correct answer: Keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken until finally past and clear

Rule 13 states that any vessel overtaking another (bearing more than 22.5° abaft the beam of the vessel ahead) must keep clear until completely past and clear. This rule overrides Rules 11–18 for crossing and head-on situations.

Question 44: At what minimum range must the sidelights of a vessel between 12m and 50m be visible?

5 miles
2 miles (Correct answer)
1 mile
3 miles

Correct answer: 2 miles

COLREGS Rule 22 requires sidelights on a vessel between 12m and 50m to be visible at a minimum range of 2 nautical miles.

Question 45: What does a rapidly falling barometer indicate to a sailor?

Settled weather ahead
Deteriorating weather conditions with strong winds likely (Correct answer)
Fog is likely
Rising temperatures

Correct answer: Deteriorating weather conditions with strong winds likely

A rapidly falling barometer indicates that a deep low-pressure system is approaching, bringing strong winds, rain, and potentially dangerous conditions. A fall of more than 10 mb in 3 hours is significant.

Question 46: On an Admiralty chart, what does a magenta diamond symbol indicate?

A restricted area
A dangerous wreck
A lighthouse
A reference to additional information in the chart notes or tidal diamond data (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A reference to additional information in the chart notes or tidal diamond data

Magenta diamonds on Admiralty charts refer to tidal stream information. Each diamond has a letter that corresponds to a tidal stream table on the chart, showing direction and rate.

Question 47: On a VHF DSC radio, what is Channel 70 used for?

General ship-to-ship working channel
Port authority communications
Yacht club calling channel
Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress and safety calling only — voice communications must not be made on this channel (Correct answer)

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 48: A vessel aground at night shows what additional lights beyond her anchor lights?

One all-round red light
Red and white all-round lights in a vertical line
Three all-round red lights in a vertical line
Two all-round red lights in a vertical line (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Two all-round red lights in a vertical line

A vessel aground shows her normal anchor lights plus two additional all-round red lights displayed in a vertical line.

Question 49: A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) differs from an EPIRB in that:

It is worn by an individual crew member and activates to locate that person, rather than the vessel (Correct answer)
It only works in harbour
It is larger and more powerful
It requires a separate satellite subscription

Correct answer: It is worn by an individual crew member and activates to locate that person, rather than the vessel

A PLB is a personal device worn by individuals — useful especially if separated from the vessel (e.g., knocked overboard). An EPIRB is a vessel-mounted device registered to the boat.

Question 50: What information must be included in a Mayday voice message?

MAYDAY × 3, vessel name × 3, position, nature of distress, number of persons on board, any other relevant information (Correct answer)
Vessel name and destination
Only position and vessel name
MAYDAY × 3 and position only

Correct answer: MAYDAY × 3, vessel name × 3, position, nature of distress, number of persons on board, any other relevant information

The full Mayday voice message format: MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, THIS IS [vessel name × 3], MMSI [number], MY POSITION IS [lat/long or bearing/distance], [nature of distress], [persons on board], [any other information e.g. abandoning to liferaft].

Question 51: What is 'chart datum' in relation to tides?

The reference level on a chart below which depths are shown and above which tidal heights are measured (Correct answer)
The depth at which anchoring is safe
The highest tide level
The average sea level

Correct answer: The reference level on a chart below which depths are shown and above which tidal heights are measured

Chart datum is the reference level used on charts, typically LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide) in UK waters. Depths shown on the chart are measured below this level, and tidal heights are measured above it.

Question 52: What is the correct format for a Pan Pan urgency call?

PAN PAN × 3, ALL STATIONS × 3, vessel name, MMSI, position, nature of urgency, assistance required (Correct answer)
PAN PAN once, then vessel name and position
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY followed by position
PAN PAN × 3, Coastguard name, then vessel details

Correct answer: PAN PAN × 3, ALL STATIONS × 3, vessel name, MMSI, position, nature of urgency, assistance required

Pan Pan (urgency) format mirrors Mayday (distress) but uses 'PAN PAN' instead of 'MAYDAY'. All elements: repetition × 3, all stations or specific coast station, vessel name/MMSI, position, urgency, persons on board.

Question 53: What is a 'sea breeze' and when does it typically occur?

A wind caused by tidal streams
A strong offshore wind at night
A constant offshore wind
A daytime onshore wind caused by differential heating between land and sea (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A daytime onshore wind caused by differential heating between land and sea

A sea breeze develops during the day when the land heats faster than the sea. Warm air rises over the land, and cooler air from the sea flows in to replace it, creating an onshore breeze.

Question 54: What causes spring tides?

The spring season
The Earth's rotation speeding up
The gravitational pull of the sun and moon acting in alignment (at new and full moon) (Correct answer)
Strong winds from the west

Correct answer: The gravitational pull of the sun and moon acting in alignment (at new and full moon)

Spring tides occur when the sun and moon are in alignment (syzygy), at new moon and full moon. Their combined gravitational pull produces the highest high tides and lowest low tides.

Question 55: What does the acronym 'EPIRB' stand for?

Electronic Personnel Information Reporting Beacon
Emergency Patrol Identification Radar Buoy
Essential Port Information Radio Broadcast
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon

EPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. When activated, it transmits a distress signal via satellite that alerts search and rescue authorities to the vessel's position.

Question 56: What is the 'Rule of Twelfths' used for?

Measuring wind speed
Calculating boat speed
Estimating the rise or fall of tide during each hour of a roughly six-hour tidal cycle (Correct answer)
Calculating fuel consumption

Correct answer: Estimating the rise or fall of tide during each hour of a roughly six-hour tidal cycle

The Rule of Twelfths estimates tidal rise/fall each hour: 1/12, 2/12, 3/12, 3/12, 2/12, 1/12. It assumes a sinusoidal curve over approximately six hours between high and low water.

Question 57: A pilot book states a waypoint should be kept to port. What does this mean for a vessel proceeding on passage?

Steer to port of the charted compass rose
The waypoint should be entered from the port side
Anchor to port of the waypoint
The waypoint (hazard or mark) should be on the vessel's port (left) side as she passes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The waypoint (hazard or mark) should be on the vessel's port (left) side as she passes

'Keep to port' means the mark or hazard should be on the left side of the vessel when passing. This is standard pilotage language.

Question 58: What is a 'secondary port' in tidal calculations?

A port whose tidal times and heights are calculated by applying differences to a standard port (Correct answer)
A minor harbour with no tidal data
A port only used in emergencies
A port where tides are unpredictable

Correct answer: A port whose tidal times and heights are calculated by applying differences to a standard port

Secondary ports are listed in tide tables with 'seasonal differences' relative to a named standard port. You correct the standard port's predictions using these differences to find the secondary port's tides.

Question 59: What is the minimum lighting requirement for a vessel under 7m making no more than 7 knots?

An all-round white light, with sidelights if practicable (Correct answer)
No lights are required
A masthead light only
Full sidelights and sternlight only

Correct answer: An all-round white light, with sidelights if practicable

Under COLREGS Rule 23, a vessel under 7m making no more than 7 knots need only show an all-round white light, though sidelights should also be shown if practicable.

Question 60: In a head-on situation between two power-driven vessels (Rule 14), what action should each vessel take?

The vessel on the right has priority
Both vessels should alter course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other (Correct answer)
Both vessels should stop
The larger vessel has right of way

Correct answer: Both vessels should alter course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other

In a head-on situation, both power-driven vessels must alter course to starboard (right) so that they pass port-to-port. This is similar to road traffic passing on opposite sides.

RYA Day Skipper Test

The RYA Day Skipper written test assesses competency in coastal navigation, chartwork, tidal calculations, weather interpretation, and safety procedures for skippers operating in familiar waters by day.

Questions

75 min

Time Limit

80%

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Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds