Ship Driver Navigation and Chart Reading 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a waypoint in GPS navigation?
- To mark a vessel's home port
- To store a specific geographic coordinate for navigation (Correct answer)
- To log fuel consumption
- To record crew rosters
Correct answer: To store a specific geographic coordinate for navigation
A waypoint is a stored GPS coordinate that mariners use to plan routes, mark hazards, or identify destinations.
Question 2: What does 'variation' mean in marine navigation?
- Difference between true north and magnetic north (Correct answer)
- Speed difference between current and vessel
- Tidal height change
- Deviation caused by onboard metal
Correct answer: Difference between true north and magnetic north
Variation (magnetic declination) is the angular difference between true geographic north and magnetic north at a given location.
Question 3: Which chart scale provides the most detail for harbor navigation?
- 1:1,200,000
- 1:80,000
- 1:10,000 (Correct answer)
- 1:500,000
Correct answer: 1:10,000
A larger scale (smaller ratio denominator like 1:10,000) shows more detail and is best suited for navigating harbors and anchorages.
Question 4: What does a flashing green light on a buoy signify in US waters?
- Danger — keep well clear
- Port-side channel marker when entering from sea (Correct answer)
- Starboard-side channel marker when entering from sea
- Safe anchorage area
Correct answer: Port-side channel marker when entering from sea
Green flashing buoys mark the port (left) side of a channel when a vessel is returning from sea in US IALA-B waters.
Question 5: What does 'set' describe in coastal navigation?
- The direction a current flows (Correct answer)
- The vessel's speed over ground
- The angle of heel in wind
- The anchor scope ratio
Correct answer: The direction a current flows
Set is the direction toward which a current flows, and drift is its speed, together indicating how currents will affect your vessel's track.
Question 6: When should a mariner update their nautical charts?
- Only when purchasing a new vessel
- Every 10 years on a fixed schedule
- Regularly using Notice to Mariners (NtM) publications (Correct answer)
- Only after running aground
Correct answer: Regularly using Notice to Mariners (NtM) publications
Charts must be updated regularly using NOAA's Notice to Mariners, which documents changes to depths, buoy positions, hazards, and regulations.
Ship Driver Navigation and Chart Reading 2
What is the purpose of a waypoint in GPS navigation?