RYA Yachtmaster Pilotage & Harbour Entry 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a transit in the context of coastal pilotage?
- A line of depth contours used to track a vessel's position
- Two fixed objects kept in line to indicate the vessel is on a safe course (Correct answer)
- A clearing bearing that keeps a vessel away from a hazard
- A VHF radio channel used to communicate with harbour control
Correct 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.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a clearing bearing when entering a harbour?
- To identify the exact course to steer to the harbour entrance
- To define a limit that keeps the vessel on the safe side of a hazard (Correct answer)
- To measure the distance off from a headland
- To align the vessel with a leading line
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which of the following is NOT typically included in a pilotage plan?
- Leading lines and transits
- Engine hour meter readings (Correct answer)
- Clearing bearings for specific hazards
- Expected tidal heights and times
Correct 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.
Question 4: A vessel approaches a harbour entrance and the sector light shows red. What is the correct action?
- Maintain course as red indicates the channel is clear ahead
- Alter course until the white sector of the light becomes visible (Correct answer)
- Stop and anchor immediately outside the entrance
- Call the harbour master on VHF and request guidance
Correct 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.
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:
- Heaving to
- Crabbing (ferry gliding) (Correct answer)
- Tacking
- Running with the tide
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which publication provides detailed coastal and harbour pilotage information for UK waters?
- Reed's Nautical Almanac
- The Dover Strait Pilot's Guide
- Admiralty Sailing Directions (Pilots) (Correct answer)
- UK Meteorological Office Weather Atlas
Correct answer: Admiralty Sailing Directions (Pilots)
Admiralty Sailing Directions (Pilots), produced by the UK Hydrographic Office, provide comprehensive pilotage and harbour information for specific regions.
Question 7: Why might a skipper plan to enter a harbour with a bar at or near high water?
- To take maximum advantage of the depth of water over the bar (Correct answer)
- Because harbour traffic signals only operate at high water
- To avoid meeting outbound vessels in the entrance channel
- Because tidal streams are always strongest at high water
Correct 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.
RYA Yachtmaster Pilotage & Harbour Entry 1
What is a transit in the context of coastal pilotage?