RYA Yachtmaster Pilotage & Harbour Entry 2

Question 1

What is a 'leading line' in pilotage?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Heading into the current for better control and a natural brake

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

To port (on your left)

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The light is on for longer than it is off

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

RYA Yachtmaster Practice Test

RYA Yachtmaster Practice Test

RYA Yachtmaster Pilotage & Harbour Entry 2