Pilotage & Harbour Entry Flashcards

What is a 'leading line' in pilotage?

Answer: Two marks or lights kept in line to indicate a safe approach course into a harbour

A leading line is formed by two marks (often lights) that, when kept aligned, guide a vessel along a safe approach track into a harbour or channel.

When berthing alongside in a tidal river with a strong current, the skipper should ideally approach:

Answer: Heading into the current for better control and a natural brake

Approaching into the current provides better steerage control and allows the current to act as a natural brake, making the berthing manoeuvre safer.

In IALA Region A (UK and Europe), when entering a harbour from seaward, a red port-hand buoy should be left:

Answer: To port (on your left)

In IALA Region A, red port-hand marks are kept to port (left) when entering harbour from seaward, following the conventional direction of buoyage.

A lighthouse is described as 'Oc' (Occulting) in the light list. What does this mean?

Answer: The light is on for longer than it is off

An occulting light has periods of light longer than periods of darkness — it is briefly 'hidden' (occulted) but is on most of the time.

Approaching a harbour entrance at night, a single white light is seen dead ahead. This could indicate:

Answer: Any of the above and the source should be verified before proceeding

A single white light ahead could be an anchor light, a safe water buoy, or a vessel's stern light, so its source must be positively identified before proceeding.

When using a GPS chartplotter as an aid to pilotage in confined waters, the recommended practice is to:

Answer: Use GPS to support visual pilotage while cross-checking with transits and clearing bearings

GPS should support, not replace, visual pilotage; cross-checking with visual transits and clearing bearings ensures safety if the GPS gives an erroneous position.

A harbour pilot book is most valuable because it provides:

Answer: Detailed local information on hazards, approach marks, tidal gates, and facilities

Pilot books supply detailed local knowledge that complements charts, including hazards, transit marks, tidal gates, VHF frequencies, and port facilities.