RYA Yachtmaster Pilotage & Harbour Entry

Question 1

What is a transit in the context of coastal pilotage?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

A line of depth contours used to track a vessel's position

Answer

A clearing bearing that keeps a vessel away from a hazard

Answer

A VHF radio channel used to communicate with harbour control

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

To identify the exact course to steer to the harbour entrance

Answer

To measure the distance off from a headland

Answer

To align the vessel with a leading line

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Engine hour meter readings

Answer

Leading lines and transits

Answer

Clearing bearings for specific hazards

Answer

Expected tidal heights and times

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Alter course until the white sector of the light becomes visible

Answer

Maintain course as red indicates the channel is clear ahead

Answer

Stop and anchor immediately outside the entrance

Answer

Call the harbour master on VHF and request guidance

Question 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:

Accepted Answer

Crabbing (ferry gliding)

Answer

Heaving to

Answer

Tacking

Answer

Running with the tide

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Admiralty Sailing Directions (Pilots)

Answer

Reed's Nautical Almanac

Answer

The Dover Strait Pilot's Guide

Answer

UK Meteorological Office Weather Atlas

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Because harbour traffic signals only operate at high water

Answer

To avoid meeting outbound vessels in the entrance channel

Answer

Because tidal streams are always strongest at high water