Ship Driver Navigation and Chart Reading 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of a waypoint in GPS navigation?

Accepted Answer

To store a specific geographic coordinate for navigation

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Difference between true north and magnetic north

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

1:10,000

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Port-side channel marker when entering from sea

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The direction a current flows

Answer

Set is the direction toward which a current flows, and drift is its speed, together indicating how currents will affect your vessel's track.

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