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Pilotage & Harbour Entry Flashcards

7 cards from real RYA YACHTMASTER practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Pilotage & Harbour Entry flashcards as text

  1. What is a transit in the context of coastal pilotage?

    Answer: Two fixed objects kept in line to indicate the vessel is on a safe course

    A transit consists of two fixed objects that, when kept in line, confirm the vessel is on a specific track or safe approach course.

  2. What is the purpose of a clearing bearing when entering a harbour?

    Answer: To define a limit that keeps the vessel on the safe side of a hazard

    A clearing bearing is a bearing maintained as a minimum or maximum that keeps the vessel clear of a specific hazard.

  3. Which of the following is NOT typically included in a pilotage plan?

    Answer: Engine hour meter readings

    Engine hour meter readings are maintenance data with no navigational use in a pilotage plan, which focuses on safe navigation through confined waters.

  4. A vessel approaches a harbour entrance and the sector light shows red. What is the correct action?

    Answer: Alter course until the white sector of the light becomes visible

    A red sector on a harbour light indicates the vessel is off the safe line; the skipper must alter course until the white (safe) sector is visible.

  5. A skipper needs to maintain a straight track through a harbour entrance despite a beam tidal stream. This technique of angling into the tide is known as:

    Answer: Crabbing (ferry gliding)

    Crabbing (ferry gliding) involves steering into the tidal stream at an angle so the combined effect results in the desired track made good.

  6. Which publication provides detailed coastal and harbour pilotage information for UK waters?

    Answer: Admiralty Sailing Directions (Pilots)

    Admiralty Sailing Directions (Pilots), produced by the UK Hydrographic Office, provide comprehensive pilotage and harbour information for specific regions.

  7. Why might a skipper plan to enter a harbour with a bar at or near high water?

    Answer: To take maximum advantage of the depth of water over the bar

    Entering at or near high water provides the maximum available depth over a bar or shallow entrance, significantly reducing the risk of grounding.

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Sources & references

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  1. rya.org.uk — Registration deadline, score validity, test delivery, eligibility, time limit, fees, retake fee · verified Oct 2026