RYA Yachtmaster Passage Planning Offshore 2

Question 1

How should tidal streams be factored into an offshore passage plan?

Accepted Answer

Calculate tidal streams for each leg using tidal stream atlases or diamonds, plotting the tidal vectors to determine the course to steer and estimated speed over ground

Answer

Ignore tides when offshore

Answer

Only consider tides near harbours

Answer

Wait for slack water before each leg

Question 2

What role does the 'pilot book' play in offshore passage planning?

Accepted Answer

It provides detailed descriptions of coastlines, harbours, approaches, dangers, anchorages, and local conditions that supplement chart information

Answer

It teaches you to fly

Answer

It lists aviation fuel stations

Answer

It contains crew contact details

Question 3

When planning a Channel crossing, why is it important to account for Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS)?

Accepted Answer

TSS in the Dover Strait and other areas carry legal obligations for crossing vessels, including crossing at right angles and not impeding vessels in the traffic lanes

Answer

They are optional and can be ignored

Answer

They only apply to commercial shipping

Answer

They are only advisory in nature

Question 4

What is the purpose of filing a 'passage plan' with a shore contact?

Accepted Answer

So that someone ashore knows your intended route, ETA, and can raise the alarm if you fail to arrive or make contact within the agreed timeframe

Answer

Legal requirement for insurance

Answer

To book marina berths in advance

Answer

For customs clearance

Question 5

How should crew briefing be conducted before an offshore passage?

Accepted Answer

All crew should be briefed on the passage plan, safety equipment locations, emergency procedures, watch system, seasickness management, and individual responsibilities

Answer

No briefing is needed for experienced crew

Answer

Only the skipper needs to know the plan

Answer

A written email is sufficient

Question 6

What is 'waypoint navigation' and what are its limitations offshore?

Accepted Answer

Navigating from one GPS waypoint to the next — limitations include over-reliance on electronics, waypoint errors, failure to account for hazards between waypoints, and loss of situational awareness

Answer

It has no limitations

Answer

A superior method to all others

Answer

Only used by commercial shipping