Day Skipper Theory

a) SAIL. Which letters refer to the following?

1. Winch
2. Stem
3. Keel
4. Backstay
5. Lifebuoy
6. Guardrail
7. Pulpit
8. Rudder
9. Forehatch
10. Jib fairlead track
11. Stanchion
12. Grab rail
13. Companionway
14. Shroud
15. Anchor locker

b) POWER. Which letters refer to the following?

1. Aft deck
2. Trim tab
3. Transom
4. Engine air intake
5. Foredeck
6. Windlass
7. Guard rail
8. Radar scanner
9. Bathing platform
10. Foredeck cleat
11. Navigation light
12. GPS aerial
13. Flybridge
14. Fender stowage
15. VHF aerial

a) Under what circumstances would you instruct your crew to wear: i) Lifejackets? ii) Harness?

b) Which of the following are suitable to attach a safety line? i) Jackstays ii) Sheets iii) D rings iv) Guardrails

c) When going on deck is it advisable for a crewmember to clip onto the windward or leeward side of a yacht? Give the reason.

a) List three items of equipment that should be carried onboard a tender. b) What advice would you give with regard to loading a tender? c) Is it advisable to wear a lifejacket when using a tender?

Which of the following knots can be untied while under load: Round turn and two half hitches, Bowline, or Sheet bend?

Two vessels are anchored under calm conditions in a depth of three metres. Vessel A uses an all-chain rode. Vessel B uses a combination of chain and rope warp.

a) What is the minimum recommended length of chain needed for vessel A? b) What is the minimum recommended length of chain and warp for vessel B? c) What type of rope should be used for an anchor warp?

Give a brief description of the characteristics of the following anchors:

a) CQR or Plough b) Bruce c) Danforth d) Fishermans

a) Suggest three factors that should be considered when selecting an anchorage. b) Once anchored what visual check should be made to ensure that the boat is not dragging? c) What problem may be encountered if a deep keeled yacht is anchored in the vicinity of a shallow draught motor cruiser?

a) What precautions should be taken in order to protect the environment with regard to antifouling paint? b) Give three suggestions of how to manage garbage while at sea. c) Why is it considered to be good practice to isolate the area below the engine from the other areas of the bilge?

Why might an echo sounder fail to give reliable depth readings when in the vicinity of the wash from a large vessel such as a ferry?

a) Which of the following would you expect a basic through-hull log to supply? i) Speed through the water. ii) Speed over the ground. iii) Both.

b) Which is potentially more dangerous: a log which over-reads or one that under-reads? Give reasons.

What advice would you give a newcomer to navigation with regard to best practice (regarding GPS)? List four.

What do the following abbreviations commonly displayed on GPS screens stand for? a) COG b) SOG c) DTW d) BTW e) XTE f) ETA

The display on your GPS receiver shows an HDoP of 1.4, a few minutes later this increases to 3.2. a) To what does the HDoP number refer? b) Which is the more favourable number?

Which of the following is a preferable position to site a GPS aerial? a) Inside a cockpit locker to avoid it getting wet b) High up, on the top of a mast c) Low down, clear of obstructions

Which of the following would be the safest course of action when crossing a channel such as the Neptune Channel in strong cross tide? a) Following a changing GPS bearing to a waypoint. b) Working out a course to steer allowing for the tidal stream and monitoring the course using XTE.

What precautionary checks should be made before relying on a GPS route for navigation?

What sort of electronic chart plotter is likely to be most suitable for installation on board an open boat such as a RIB? a) A dedicated chart plotter with built in GPS receiver. b) A laptop with chart-plotting software connected to a GPS receiver.

Why is it inadvisable to navigate using an electronic chart that has been magnified beyond the scale to which it was originally produced?

To which type of electronic chart, Raster or Vector, do the following apply? a) The chart can be interrogated to reveal extra information about a selected feature. b) The chart is an electronic copy of its paper equivalent. c) Information on the chart is grouped in layers, which can be selected or de-selected. d) The level of detail on the chart changes when zooming in or out.

a) What is the significance of a radar target which remains on a steady bearing while progressing towards the centre of the screen? b) How would the signal from a SART be displayed on a radar screen?

What knot is this and when is it used?

![Diagram showing a knot tied around a spar, featuring two turns around the object and then a half hitch further along the standing part in the direction of the pull.]

Based on a diagram showing a motor cruiser anchored with chain and a sailing yacht anchored with chain and warp in 5m of water:

a) What is the minimum length of anchor cable to use in good conditions for the motor cruiser using all chain? b) What is the minimum length for the yacht using 10m of chain and nylon warp? c) Why is it necessary to use these amounts? d) Why is nylon rope used for anchor warps?

Selecting a good and safe overnight anchorage means considering many factors. Suggest four.

Once a boat has been anchored it is important for the skipper to check that the anchor is holding well and that the vessel is not dragging. Give two ways that this could be done.

Preparation for mooring alongside a pontoon:

a) Why should both sides of the boat be prepared with warps and fenders? b) Should VHF Channel 16 be used to contact the marina for a berth? c) Four separate lines should be attached to a cleat on the shore and the rest brought back onboard. Why is this recommended? d) Suggest a knot for securing to a cleat. e) Which lines on the diagram (A, B, C, D) are the bow spring and the stern spring? Why is it essential to use them?

The skipper intends to give a safety brief to the crew before leaving on passage. Suggest five subject areas that should be included.

When offshore two red parachute rockets, fired in succession, are recommended to initiate a distress.

a) Why are rockets recommended when offshore? b) Why is it suggested that the second should follow about a minute after the first?

You have some flares and distress rockets which are over three years old and have expired. A friend suggests letting them off at a firework party you are attending.

a) Is it legal to use distress signals if you are not in distress? b) How should they be disposed of legally and safely?

Do all gas inflating life-jackets: a) Inflate automatically if you fall in the water? b) Include a whistle and an oral inflation tube? c) Have a light? d) Have retro-reflective tape? e) Have crotch or thigh straps?

Dangerous incidents occur every year when a dinghy is used between a boat and the shore. Give five basic safety rules that would help prevent accidents.

A fire is a rare occurrence on a boat. List four precautions that help to prevent them.

What is the purpose of jack-stays fitted along the side decks of yachts?

What is the requirement on small vessels concerning radar reflectors?

What should a new crewmember (sailing for the first time) be advised about the following? a) Clothing. b) Preventing seasickness.

a) Give a brief description of the features you would consider desirable in a modern lifejacket. b) Is it advisable for a small child to use a lifejacket designed for an adult?

a) List three causes of fire onboard. b) What types of fire extinguisher are commonly available for Small Craft? c) Where should fire extinguishers be located? d) How should an engine room fire be fought?

a) How should gas bottles be stowed onboard? b) What should be done in the event of a gas leak?

What type of flare (pyrotechnic) would you use in the following situations? a) Signalling distress when offshore, out of sight of other vessels. b) Warning another vessel of a risk of collision. c) Pinpointing position within sight of a rescuer. d) Indicating position to a helicopter during daytime. e) Searching for a MOB at night.

You are onboard the motor vessel Incendie, which is fitted with a DSC VHF radio (MMSI 233123456). When in position four miles east of Cape Balshaw you discover an engine fire which is uncontrollable. While the other two members of the crew prepare to launch the liferaft, you have time to send a distress alert and message. a) Write down the voice message you would send. b) What are the benefits of having a VHF radio incorporating DSC? c) What term should be used when sending an urgency message rather than a distress call?

In the event of having to take to the liferaft, what procedures should be followed: a) Before launching? Give three. b) On boarding? Give three. c) On the arrival of rescuers? Give three.

What information would you include when briefing the crew of a Small Craft waiting for the arrival of a SAR helicopter?

What should you do on seeing someone fall overboard? Give three actions.

a) What is meant by the term ‘angle of vanishing stability’ (AVS)? b) Which of the following types of vessel is likely to have a greater AVS? i) A beamy, light displacement vessel with a high volume hull and shallow draught. ii) A narrow, heavy displacement vessel with a low volume hull and deep draught. c) Why is it important to avoid being caught beam on to large breaking waves?

List six internationally recognised distress signals other than transmitting a MAYDAY or using flares.

What is the requirement with regard to fitting radar reflectors on Small Craft?

What information is included in the Coastguard’s maritime safety information broadcasts?

Are yachts A, B and C on a port tack or a starboard tack?

• Yacht A: Wind coming from the left side of the boat, sails on the right.
• Yacht B: Wind coming from the right side of the boat, sails on the left.
• Yacht C: Wind coming from the left side of the boat, sails on the right.

Some skippers talk of having 'right of way' in a potential collision situation. Do the collision regulations ever give one vessel 'right of way' over another?

a) In general terms, what do the collision regulations say about keeping a look-out? b) Suggest four ways in which this general principle can be applied.

How can the skipper and crew assess whether a risk of collision exists?

Many rivers used by pleasure craft and by commercial vessels are a 'narrow channel' within the collision regulations. In general terms, what special care should the skipper of a small vessel take?

Many sailing yachts are fitted with a tricolour light at the masthead, a white steaming light on the front of the mast, a stern light and a bicolour red and green light on the pulpit to be used in different circumstances. a) Which light or lights should be used when the yacht is under sail? (There are two options.) b) When the engine is turned on, which lights should be used? c) It is ever correct to use the tricolour light with the steaming light?

What do these signals mean: a) i) Inverted triangle shape ii) Circle shape iii) Alpha flag shape b) Why is the use of these signals important?

Match these fog signals to each of the following vessels: i) 1 long blast followed by 2 short blasts ii) 1 long blast a) A power-driven vessel making way. b) A sailing vessel. c) A yacht motor-sailing, that is, using the sails and the engine.

In the following diagrams a risk of collision exists. Which is the give-way vessel? What action should it take?

• a) Diagram showing Vessel A approaching Vessel B from behind.
• b) Diagram showing Vessel A and Vessel B approaching each other head-on with an arrow indicating WIND direction from the top.
• c) Diagram showing Vessel A (power) crossing the path of Vessel B (power) from the port side.
• d) Diagram showing two sailing vessels A and B on opposite tacks (A on port, B on starboard) with WIND from above.
• e) Diagram showing two sailing vessels A and B on the same tack (starboard) with WIND from above; A is windward of B.
• f) Diagram showing Vessel A (sailing) and Vessel B (power) on crossing paths with WIND from above.

Which types of vessel are indicated by the following lights? Which aspect is shown? a) A single red light. b) Two white lights horizontally aligned above two red/green lights. c) A single white light. d) Two vertical white lights above red and green lights. e) Three lights in a triangle (white on top, red and green below) with a separate white light to the side. f) A single white light centered.

What do the Rules (Collision Regulations) say about keeping a look-out?

Where should the crew of a sailing vessel expect to encounter blind spots when keeping a look-out?

What do the Rules say about the 'right of way' of vessels at sea?

List factors that should be considered when determining a safe speed.

How can you tell if a risk of collision exists when in sight of an approaching vessel?

You are in a situation where a risk of collision exists and you are required by the Rules to give way to the other vessel. At what stage should you take avoiding action?

You are in a situation where a risk of collision exists and you are required by the Rules to give way. At night, how can you help to ensure the action you take is immediately obvious to the crew of the other vessel?

What is the meaning of the following day shape: A black cylinder?

What is the meaning of the following day shape: A black ball over a black diamond over a black ball?

What is the meaning of the following day shape: A single black ball?

What is the meaning of the following day shape: Three black balls in a vertical line?

What is the meaning of the following day shape: A black cone pointing downwards?

What is the meaning of the following day shape: Two black cones, points together (hourglass shape)?

What is the meaning of the following day shape: Two black balls in a vertical line?

You are the skipper of a sailing vessel underway in restricted visibility when you hear the fog signal of an unseen power driven vessel on your bow. What must you do?

When crossing a Traffic Separation Scheme, should your heading or ground track be at right angles to the traffic flow?

You see a vessel displaying a blue and white swallow-tailed flag (International Code Flag 'A'). What does it signify and what action should you take?

What type of vessel is indicated by three red lights in a vertical line above a single white light?

What type of vessel is indicated by a single red light?

What type of vessel is indicated by two white lights in a vertical line, with a third white light to the right; below these are a green light to the left and a red light to the right?

What type of vessel is indicated by two white lights, one higher and to the left of the other?

What type of vessel is indicated by three white lights in a vertical line above and to the left of a single red light?

What type of vessel is indicated by two red lights in a vertical line above and to the left of a single green light?

What type of vessel is indicated by a red light above a white light, above and to the left of a single green light?

What type of vessel is indicated by a green light next to a red light?

Place the following vessels in the order of priority given to them by the IRPCS: a) Power-driven vessel, b) Sailing vessel, c) Vessel constrained by draught, d) Fishing vessel.

At dusk, the skipper of a sailing yacht switches on the masthead tricolour, steaming light, side lights and stern light to make the yacht as visible as possible. Is this permitted by the Rules?

What is the meaning of the sound signal: — • • (One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts)?

What is the meaning of the sound signal: • (One short blast)?

What is the meaning of the sound signal: — — (Two prolonged blasts)?

What is the meaning of the sound signal: • • (Two short blasts)?

What is the meaning of the sound signal: • • • • • (Five short blasts)?

What is the meaning of the sound signal: Bell for 5 seconds?

What is the meaning of the sound signal: — — • • (Two prolonged blasts followed by two short blasts)?

What is the meaning of the sound signal: — (One prolonged blast)?

Give four situations when a sailing vessel on starboard tack would be the give-way vessel.

Which is likely to be preferable when navigating in the vicinity of a major shipping channel: a) For small craft to navigate inside the channel alongside the ships, or b) For small craft to navigate outside the channel where there is sufficient water to do so safely?

Depths on this chart are given in metres, with contour lines and colours used to give clarity. What is the significance of: a) The green areas? b) The dark blue areas? c) The pale blue areas?

If one degree (1°) of latitude equals 60 sea miles then one ........... (....) of latitude equals 1 sea mile.

What is the meaning of the following chart symbols? a) [Three dots with a horizontal line through them] b) [Circle of dots with a plus in the center] c) [Tower with a red rectangle on top and a light star below] d) [Wreck symbol showing a hull and masts] e) [14 with a horizontal bar above it] f) [Shellfish/oyster bed symbol / Superbuoy symbol]

Which publication lists all the symbols used on Admiralty charts for reference?

Charts can become out-of-date when changes are made to lights or buoys or new surveys show that depths have changed. Where can information about chart corrections be found?

Complete the following sentences: a) Parallels of... run around the world north and south of the Equator. b) Meridians of... run from pole to pole dividing the world into segments.

a) How many minutes are there to a degree? b) How many minutes of latitude are there to a nautical mile? c) How far is a cable?

When selecting charts it’s important to choose the correct scale for the intended task. Which of these scales, 1:100 000, 1:50 000, 1:25 000, would be suitable for the following? a) Planning a passage from Port Fraser to Port Fitzroy. b) Piloting out of Port Fraser. c) Piloting into Port Fitzroy.

a) Which type of electronic chart, Raster or Vector, enables a navigator to interrogate charted features such as buoys for additional information? b) How are electronic charts typically updated?

Give three examples of the information you would expect to find in a nautical almanac.

How are the following measured on RYA Training Charts? a) Charted depths b) Charted drying heights c) Vertical clearance d) Heights of lighthouse lights.

Match the following descriptions to the chart symbols: a) Wreck, depth unknown, no danger to navigation. b) Wreck showing any part at level of chart datum. c) Kelp. d) Rock awash at level of chart datum. e) Yacht harbour, marina. f) Overfalls, tide rips and races.

Which of the two dangerous rocks (Robinson or Cohen) lying off Cape Woodward would you expect to be visible at chart datum?

Convert the following TRUE bearings to MAGNETIC: a) 020°(T) variation 5°W, b) 130°(T) variation 3°E, c) 185°(T) variation 7°W, d) 000°(T) variation 6°E

Convert the following MAGNETIC bearings to TRUE: a) 090°(M) variation 8°E, b) 150°(M) variation 2°W, c) 225°(M) variation 5°E, d) 005°(M) variation 6°W

Match the descriptions below to the chartwork symbols: a) Fix, b) Water track, c) Dead reckoning, d) Waypoint, e) Ground track, f) Estimated position, g) Tidal set and drift.

Which letters refer to the following? (Based on a compass rose diagram with letters A through L arranged clockwise from North) i) 000° ii) 270° iii) 045° iv) 180° v) 090° vi) 225° vii) 135° viii) 315°

a) What is the magnetic variation on Chart 3 south of Namley Harbour, in 2007 and 2012, to the nearest degree? b) Is the variation the same on both charts, to the nearest degree?

Convert the following True bearings to Magnetic bearings using the given variation: a) 090°(T) variation 7°W = ....... °(M) b) 090°(T) variation 15°E = ....... °(M)

Convert the following Magnetic bearings to True bearings using the given variation: a) 270°(M) variation 7°W = ....... °(T) b) 270°(M) variation 15°E = ....... °(T)

What is compass deviation? What are some of the possible causes?

Why would it be unwise to rely on compass readings while in position approximately two miles north of Dymond Reef?

Give two possible causes of compass deviation.

When is it advisable to check a compass for deviation? Give two examples.

What is heeling error?

What type of compass is commonly fitted to provide heading information for equipment such as auto-pilots and radar?

Is this type of compass (fluxgate) affected by deviation?

What features are in the following positions on RYA Chart 3? a) 45° 43'.00N 006° 12'.10W b) 46° 11'.70N 006° 08'.90W c) 46° 29'.40N 006° 13'.70W d) 45° 53'.50N 005° 36'.50W e) 46° 15'.20N 005° 57'.20W

What is the direction and distance measured from the chart in degrees TRUE from the Christopher Point Lighthouse near Port Slade (45° 53'.90N 005° 47'.00W) to: a) The LCE buoy in position 45° 59'.50N 005° 36'.40W? b) The beginning of the leading line in position 45° 46'.80N 005° 57'.20W? c) A charted depth of 3.7m in position 45° 52'.00N 005° 45'.60W? d) An area of mud and shells in position 45° 56'.60N 005° 50'.70W?

What features are in the following positions? a) 041°(T) from South Head Lighthouse 6.3 miles? b) 246°(T) from South Head Lighthouse 9.2 miles? c) 339°(T) from South Head Lighthouse 7.1 miles? d) 113°(T) from South Head Lighthouse 7.3 miles? (South Head Lighthouse: 46° 06'.70N 005° 49'.60W)

What is the latitude and longitude of these buoys: a) The yellow FCN buoy, west of Farlow River? b) The red and white safe water mark in Fitzroy Bay, north east of Port Fitzroy?

USE RYA CHART 4, Plan F Use variation 7° W.

While passing south of Rozelle Cove the navigator sees that the radio tower on Plover Hill and the observation tower at West Point will come into transit and plots the transit line on the chart. The transit occurs at 1050 and at the same time the bearing on the Range Head south cardinal buoy is 094°(M) and the log reading is 14.7. Plot the fix at 1050.

USE RYA CHART 4, Plan F Use variation 7° W.

At 1524 the following bearings were taken to the south west of Rozelle Cove:

• Observation tower, West Point 057°(M)
• Skerries west cardinal buoy 308°(M)
• Radio tower, Plover Hill 012°(M) At the time the bearings were written in the logbook, the depth was 10.3m and the log reading was 38.2. Plot the fix at 1524. How can you check this position?

At 1458, log 23.8, the GPS gives the position as 46° 15'.30N 005° 51'.40W. The skipper writes the position, time and log reading in the logbook and then plots the fix on the chart. How can this position be confirmed?

A skipper is navigating on passage using GPS. The centre of the compass rose south of Rozelle Cove has been put into the GPS as a waypoint to make plotting positions quicker than using latitude and longitude. The GPS gives a continuous display of the direction and distance to the waypoint. a) What is the latitude and longitude of the waypoint? b) At 0905, when the log reads 18.3, the direction and distance to the waypoint is given as 098°(T) 1.2 miles. Plot the position on the chart. How can this be verified?

USE RYA CHART 3, the area near Sweetwater. Use variation 7° W.

Plot the DR positions for the following log extract:

• 1555: Co 350°(M), Log 0.0 (Anchorage E of S. Shaun Island)
• 1615: Co 350°(M), Log 1.7 (Isolated danger mark abeam to stbd, alter to 010°M)
• 1727: Co 010°(M), Log 8.1 (Cape S. Vincent lighthouse abeam to stbd)

A fishing vessel with engine problems is returning to Hamilton for repairs. a) At 1135 the position is 45° 38'.40N 006° 24'.50W. Plot this fix. b) The boat is steering 100°(M), making 4.5 knots. Plot the DR position at 1235. c) Plot the EP at 1235, if the tidal stream is 349°(T) 2.0 knots.

A yacht leaves Hamilton: a) 0750 GPS position: 45° 38'.20N 006° 15'.00W. Log 4.1. b) Heading 330°(M). At 0950 log reads 13.3. Plot the DR position. c) Tidal stream: 174°(T) 0.8kn (1st hr), 182°(T) 1.6kn (2nd hr). Plot the EP at 0950. d) What is the speed over the ground (SOG)? Is this more or less than the speed through the water? Why?

On Sat 5th Oct at 1043, a boat is 0.6 miles N of Cape S. Vincent Lighthouse. Helmsman steers 270°(M). a) What time is HW Victoria? Is it springs or neaps? b) What is the tidal stream between 1043 and 1143? c) Plot the EP at 1143 if the boat speed is 9.0 knots. d) What is the COG? e) If the boat speed was only 5 knots would it have cleared the reef? Plot a predicted EP.

On Sat 31st Aug a motor cruiser uses the centre of the compass rose as a waypoint. a) At 1415 the GPS gives direction and distance to the waypoint as 192°(T) 3.8 miles. Plot the fix. b) Heading is 170°(M) at 18 knots. Plot the EP for 1445 using the Almanac tidal stream atlas.

Use RYA Electronic Chart Plotter. At 1630, position 46° 10'.00N 005° 55'.00W. Heading 225°(T), speed 12.5 knots. Tidal stream 280°(T) 2.0 knots. a) How close will the vessel pass to Robinson Rock? b) At about what time will the boat pass the rock? c) The COG and SOG of the vessel.

A GPS set receives information from satellites and is able to calculate a position, updated every few seconds, which is displayed as latitude and longitude. GPS is generally very reliable and accurate. a) Give two possible causes of inaccurate information. b) Suggest two simple precautions that the skipper can take in case of GPS failure.

What is the meaning of the following abbreviations used on the GPS display? a) COG b) SOG c) WPT d) XTE

Positions can be taken from the GPS as latitude and longitude and plotted on the chart but there are other quicker methods. Suggest two.

USE RYA CHART 3 Use variation 7°W A group of divers in a rib returning towards Namley Harbour are using the beacon as a waypoint. a) At 1604 the direction and distance to the waypoint is 290°(T) 2.4 miles. Plot this fix. Are they in a safe position? b) Can the latitude and longitude position from the GPS be used to confirm this fix?

You plan to use the GPS to check positions on route and the centre of the compass rose has been put into the GPS as a waypoint. At 1425 the GPS gives the direction and distance to the waypoint as 207°(T) 5.8 miles. Plot this fix. (Variation 7°W).

Under which of the following conditions would you expect to encounter the roughest seas? a) Wind blowing with the direction of the tidal stream. b) Wind blowing against the direction of the tidal stream.

What is the meaning of the term 'tidal gate'?

A navigator is planning a passage from Port Fitzroy to Victoria. Which of the following is likely to prove most convenient for obtaining an overview of the tidal streams for the passage? a) Tidal diamonds. b) Tidal stream atlas.

Which letters refer to the following? i) Height of tide ii) Charted depth iii) Depth of water iv) Drying height v) Charted elevation vi) Charted vertical clearance

(Based on the diagram showing a cross-section of a coastline with labels A through F)

USE RYA CHART 4, Plan F

a) What is the charted depth in position 46° 13'.10N 005° 49'.27W? What will be the depth of water in that position if the height of tide is 2.1m? b) What is the charted depth in position 46° 15'.80N 005° 53'.75W? What will be the depth of water in that position if the height of tide is 4.5m?

What is the depth of water in position 079°(T) from Rozelle Cove West Point Observation Tower 0.7 miles, if the height of tide is 2.5m?

a) What is the charted depth in Suzy Bay Marina? (Almanac page 44) b) Use the tidal levels information for Suzy Bay on the title panel of the chart. What is the depth of water in Suzy Bay Marina at MLWS?

USE THE RYA ALMANAC

What are the times and heights of high water: a) In the morning of Saturday 22nd June at Dunbarton? b) In the afternoon of Friday 1st February at Port Fraser?

a) How does the time zone information differ between Port Fraser in the Northern Territories and Port Fitzroy on the Southern Peninsula? b) What is the time of HW at Hamilton Sound in the afternoon of Wednesday 1st May? Give the answer in Southern Peninsula DST.

What is the range of the tide at Victoria: a) During the morning of Wednesday 2nd January? Is it springs, neaps or mid-range? b) During the afternoon of Tuesday 15th October? Is it springs, neaps or mid-range? c) During the middle of the day of Wednesday 21st August? Is it springs, neaps or mid-range?

a) What is the height of tide 2 hours after HW in the early morning of Friday 31st May at Namley Harbour? b) What is the height of tide 3 hours before HW in the early afternoon of Tuesday 2nd July at Port Fraser?

What is the height of tide at Victoria on Tuesday 20th August at 2000?

On Monday 20th May at 0920 a yacht is preparing to anchor near Port Fraser for breakfast. a) What is the height of tide at 0920? b) How much will the tide fall between 0920 and LW? c) The boat has a draught of 2.1m and the skipper wants to have a clearance of 1.0m at LW. What is the minimum depth of water to anchor in at 0920?

At 1433 on Saturday 5th October a skipper picks up a mooring near Namley Harbour for the night. The depth of water at 1433 is 4.0m and the boat has a draught of 1.6m. What will be the clearance at LW?

A skipper entering Port Fraser wishes to use the Inner Swashway: a) What is the least depth shown in the Swashway on Chart 4, Plan D? b) The boat has a draught of 1.5m and the skipper wishes to have a clearance of 1.0m. What height of tide is required? c) What is the earliest time before HW that the boat can follow the Inner Swashway on the evening of Sunday 26th May?

Secondary port average HW tidal height corrections on Namley Harbour: Whale Bay -6 mins; Port Rampton -26 mins. What is the time of high water: a) In the afternoon of Sunday 31st March at Port Rampton? b) In the morning of Sunday 7th July at Whale Bay?

Rozelle Cove is a secondary port on Port Fraser. a) What is the time and height of HW at Port Fraser in the early morning of Sunday 28th April, and the height of the preceding LW? b) Use the secondary port details on page 65 to find the time and height of HW and the height of the preceding LW at Rozelle Cove. c) What is the height of tide at Rozelle Cove at 2153 on the evening of Saturday 27th April?

You expect to arrive at the marina at 1545. a) What is the height of tide at 1545? (HW Victoria 1225, 5.5m; LW 0.8m, Springs). b) What is the charted depth in the marina entrance? c) What depth of water will there be at 1545 and at the next LW?

Which of the following indicates the approach of spring tides? a) A full moon, b) A half moon, c) A new moon

Which of the following would be most likely to cause a lower than predicted tidal height? a) High barometric pressure, b) Strong, prolonged winds blowing into an estuary, c) Low barometric pressure

USE RYA CHART 4 and the tidal stream atlas in the RYA ALMANAC

What is the direction and rate of the tidal stream at diamond A: a) HW Victoria, springs? b) 4 hours before HW Victoria, neaps? c) 5 hours after HW Victoria, mid-range?

What is the direction and rate of the tidal stream at diamond F: a) Saturday 4th May between 1300 and 1400? b) Sunday 14th July between 0607 and 0707? c) Sunday 24th November between 1105 and 1205 UT?

Using the tidal stream atlas: a) What is the direction and rate of the tidal stream to the south of Walton, Northern Territories 3 hours before HW springs at Victoria? b) What is the direction and rate of the tidal stream to the south west of Dunbarton, Northern Territories, on Tuesday 30th April between 1558 and 1658? c) When does the tidal stream turn towards the north west between Slade Island and the Southern Peninsula on the afternoon of Saturday 27th July? d) On Sunday 8th September, when does the tidal stream from Dunbarton towards Port Fraser become favourable early that morning?

On Friday 2nd August a group of divers need to dive on Dymond Reef when the tidal stream is as slack as possible. When is the best time to be underwater? Use the tidal stream atlas.

USE RYA CHART 3, the area near Namley Harbour. Use variation 7°W. All times are in DST, unless shown otherwise.

At 1235 a boat, having left Namley Harbour, is 1.5 miles due south of the Bar beacon.

a) Plot the 1235 position. b) What is the magnetic course to steer from this position to the east cardinal buoy off Mutton Head on Strong Holm island (46° 16'.00N 005° 48'.70W)? The boat speed is 8 knots and the tidal stream is 110°(T) 1.0 knot. c) Will it take just under an hour or just over an hour to get to the buoy?

A team of marine biologists from Port Frazer University have left their dive site and are returning to the harbour. At 1600 they are at the north cardinal buoy north west of Potta Island (46° 16'.10N 005° 59'.00W).

a) What is the magnetic course to steer from the buoy to intercept the start of the transit line of the mast/spire into Port Frazer harbour? The boat speed is 5.0 knots. The tidal stream is 320°(T) 1.4 knots. b) With this combination of boat speed and tidal stream, which is the greater: (i) the speed through the water, or (ii) the speed over the ground?

On Friday 8th November a fishing vessel is working NW of Whale Bay. The centre of the compass rose south of Namley Harbour has been put into the GPS as a waypoint to plot positions quickly.

a) At 1052 UT the direction and distance to the waypoint is 225°(T) 3.6 miles. Plot this fix. b) What time is HW Victoria? Is it springs or neaps? c) What is the tidal stream between 1052 and 1152 UT? Use the tidal stream atlas in the RYA Almanac. d) What is the magnetic course to steer from the fix to the BB1 green buoy? The boat speed is 8 knots. e) Will the boat pass to the west or east of the 24m charted depth in position 46° 22'.20N 005° 41'.60W?

On Wednesday 11th September at 1038 a yacht, on passage to Namley Harbour, is at the BB6 red buoy north west of Strong Holm island.

a) What time is HW Victoria? Is it springs or neaps? b) What is the tidal stream between 1038 and 1138 and between 1138 and 1238 using tidal diamond <A>? c) What is the magnetic course to steer from the red buoy to the Namley Bar beacon? The boat speed is 4.5 knots. d) If the skipper estimates that the north westerly wind will give 10° of leeway, what course should the helmsman steer instead? e) When the beacon is sighted will it be dead ahead, on the port bow or on the starboard bow? f) The skipper wants to check the course to steer on route. Which would be most suitable in this situation: plotting a fix, taking bearings ahead or astern of the boat, using the GPS or the echo sounder? Give reasons for your answer.

a) If a second vessel, a motor cruiser, had left the BB6 red buoy at exactly the same time (1038, Wed 11th Sept) but travelling at 18 knots, what would be the magnetic course to steer to the beacon? (No leeway.) b) About what time would they pass the beacon?

This question should be done using the Admiralty RYA electronic chart plotter. The skipper of a vessel returning from Port Slade to S.Kilda Marina at an average speed of 7.5 knots has placed a waypoint at the start of the leading line off Taunton Point (45° 49'.00N 006° 00'.20W). Use the GOTO function to find the course to steer to the waypoint from the present position at the end of the leading line from Port Slade (45° 51'.50N 005° 50'.40W) if the tidal stream is: a) 310°(T) 3.0 knots b) 310°(T) 1.5 knots Run the simulator to find out about how long it will take to get to the waypoint.

A skipper has put a waypoint into the GPS. The display shows the direction and distance to the waypoint. Is this the same as a course to steer? Explain your answer.

At 1425 you ask the helmsman to steer 340°(M) up the coast to clear the ODAS buoy restricted area. The boat is making 16 knots. a) Will the boat avoid the area? Plot the predicted EP for 1455 to find out. Use the tidal stream atlas in the RYA Almanac (HW Victoria 1225, HW+2). b) How can you check as you pass the buoy that you are outside the area? c) What is the speed over the ground (SOG) of the boat?

At 1500 the time, position and log reading are written in the logbook. a) The GPS position is 46° 21'.60N 006° 18'.80W. Plot this fix. b) What is the course to steer from this position to the northern entrance of Port Victoria? The boat speed is reduced to 10 knots because of other traffic. Use tidal diamond <B> (HW Victoria 1225, HW+3). c) When the harbour entrance is sighted will it be dead ahead, on the port bow or the starboard bow?

1. i) Identify these buoys and describe the colour and characteristic of the light that might be fitted. ii) Which side of the buoy should a boat pass? a) Pillar buoy with a spherical topmark labeled RW. b) Pillar buoy with two cone topmarks pointing away from each other (base to base) labeled YBY.

1. Explain the following light characteristics: a) Fl. R. 2.5s b) Fl(2) G. 5s c) 2F.G (vert) d) Mo (A) 10s e) Oc. 10s 12m 3M (Synka Oil Terminal single point mooring. Chart 4, Plan F) f) Iso. WRG. 5s 8m 11-8M (Lighthouse on South Falls Head, near Dunbarton. Chart 4, Plan F)

1. On RYA Chart 4 on the title panel is a note that reads: Navigational marks: IALA Maritime Buoyage System – Region A (Red to port). In general terms, what does this mean?

What is the meaning of this chart symbol? [A pink outline of a large arrow pointing upwards, with three small pink circles near the tip.]

a) Which of these chart symbols indicates the lit buoy? [Diagram i: A simple semi-circle symbol over the letters RW. Diagram ii: A detailed pillar buoy symbol with a light flare, the text "Iso." above it and "RW" below it.] b) What is the significance of the letters beneath the buoys?

Which illustration indicates the IALA Maritime Buoyage System Region A? [Diagram i: Shows a red Port Can buoy on the left and a green Starboard Cone buoy on the right of a vessel heading upstream. Diagram ii: Shows a green Port Can buoy on the left and a red Starboard Cone buoy on the right of a vessel heading upstream.]

Which of the following would normally be marked by a yellow special mark? a) Submerged rock b) Water-ski area c) Traffic separation scheme d) Drying wreck e) Racing mark f) Oceanographic buoy

Match the topmarks to the light characteristics. Topmarks: a) two black cones points up b) green cone point up c) red can/cylinder d) two black cones point-to-point e) two black spheres f) two black cones base-to-base g) two black cones points down h) red square/can

Characteristics: i) Fl.R.2.5s ii) VQ(6) + LFl.10s iii) VQ(3)5s iv) Fl(2)5s v) Q(9)15s vi) L.Fl.10s vii) Q.G viii) VQ

Christopher Point Lt Ho has the following characteristics FI(4)WRG.15s87m25-18M. Give an explanation of the abbreviation.

What is the purpose of a buoy coloured red-green-red?

What is the rising/dipping distance of a light with a height of 34m at MHWS for a height of eye of; a) two metres, b) ten metres?

There are many ways of obtaining weather forecasts. Which methods are available when:

a) You are on board your boat for the weekend, visiting local marinas? b) You are at home planning a two week holiday on your boat?

What is the meaning of the following terms used in the weather forecasts:

a) Moderate visibility b) A fresh breeze or Beaufort force 5 c) A backing wind d) An imminent gale warning

Wind strength is just one factor that determines how rough a passage at sea will be. Suggest three others.

Being at sea or in rivers and estuaries in fog is very demanding and can be dangerous, even with modern electronics. Are these common statements about fog true or false?

a) When it is foggy it is always calm. b) Fog will always burn off.

On warm summer days when the skies are clear sometimes the wind increases in strength and changes in direction by late morning. Why is this?

a) Which way does the wind blow round a low pressure system in the Northern Hemisphere, clockwise or anticlockwise? b) In an area of high pressure, is it the same or the opposite?

The following diagram shows the pattern of isobars associated with a high (H) and low (L) pressure system.

i) What is the likely direction of the wind at positions A, B, C, D and E? ii) Where is there likely to be isolated squally showers with good visibility? iii) Where is there likely to be poor visibility? iv) Where is the barometer likely to be falling? v) Where is it likely to be raining? vi) What weather conditions would you expect at D and E?

Match the following wind speeds: (i) 1-3kn, (ii) 4-6kn, (iii) 7-10kn, (iv) 11-16kn, (v) 17-21kn, (vi) 22-27kn, (vii) 28-33kn, (viii) 34-40kn to the descriptions:

a) Light breeze, small wavelets b) Fresh breeze, moderate waves, many white crests c) Strong breeze, large waves, white foam crests d) Near gale, sea heaps up, spray, breaking waves, foam blows in streaks.

Which of the following changes in barometric pressure would you expect to indicate strong winds? a) Rise of 8mb in the past 3 hours b) Fall of 3mb in the past 3 hours c) Fall of 8mb in the past 3 hours

A yacht is running before a brisk easterly wind at the edge of a shallow depression in the Northern Hemisphere. According to Buys Ballot's Law where is the low situated; north, south, east or west of the vessel?

Under what conditions are the following most likely to occur? a) Land (radiation) fog. b) Sea (advection) fog.

Under what conditions would you expect a sea breeze to develop?

a) Within a frontal depression, where would you be most likely to encounter towering cumulonimbus clouds? b) What wind conditions would you expect beneath this kind of cloud?

A channel of water has wind blowing along the shore. Shore 'A' is to the left of the wind direction, and Shore 'B' is to the right. With regard to coastal convergence and divergence, along which shore would you expect to find the strongest breeze, A or B?

What indicates where the strongest winds are within a weather map?

Before leaving a berth or mooring, the boat and crew need to be prepared for sea. Suggest 8 things to go on a checklist.

A skipper is planning a short passage from Port Fitzroy towards Port Slade, intending to put the route into the GPS. The waypoints selected are: Waypoint 1: 2 cables south of the Safe Water Mark in Fitzroy Bay Waypoint 2: approximately 0.5 mile E of The Needle, 45° 44'.50N 005° 42'.20W Waypoint 3: approximately 1.0 mile NE of Beauty Point, 45° 47'.80N 005° 45'.80W Waypoint 4: red buoy off Linards Point, Slade Island a) Are these suitable waypoints and is the route safe? b) At waypoint 2 the GPS gives the direction and distance to waypoint 3 as 310°(T) 5.1 miles. Once on the new heading the skipper is surprised to see disturbed water, rocks and a headland ahead at about 2 miles. What should be done immediately? c) What has gone wrong and how should it have been prevented? d) In this situation can the skipper check the boat's position by using the latitude and longitude on the GPS?

1. A skipper is planning a short trip from Stevenstown to Port Fraser to meet some friends at Seahorse Marina. (Use RYA CHART 3, CHART 4 Plan D, RYA ALMANAC, variation 7°W). a) From the N Louisa north cardinal buoy the skipper will calculate a course to steer to intercept the start of the leading line into the harbour. A succession of back bearings will be taken on the buoy to check that the boat is on track. What should this back bearing be if the course is correct? b) Why is staying on the track so important in this case? c) If the back bearing was 210°(M), which way would the helmsman need to alter course? d) How far do you estimate that the buoy will remain visible in bright daylight? e) How can the skipper know that the boat has passed the hazard? f) If there was no buoy on which to take bearings how could the safe clearance be checked? g) The leading line for Port Fraser is shown on Plan D as 048°. Is that magnetic or true? h) What is the meaning of the magenta symbol at the beginning of the line? i) If the marks look as shown (front mark to the right of the rear mark), which way should the boat alter course to bring them into line? j) Entering this busy harbour there are some regulations for the skipper to follow. List three. k) The skipper must call the marina on VHF at the Redlands beacon. The beacon is red-green-red in colour, with a red flashing light. What is the meaning of this navigation mark? l) What is the least depth shown in the entrance channel or in the marina? m) If the vessel has a draught of 1.7m and the skipper wants 1.0m clearance, what height of tide is required to enter the marina? Use the rise and fall of the tide table on Plan D to give the approximate number of hours before HW springs that the boat can enter the marina.

List eight actions to take if the visibility begins to deteriorate while on a passage.

On 1st July 2002 a new international regulation came into force affecting all leisure vessels (SOLAS Chapter V). Part of this chapter requires skippers to plan their passage.

Under each of the following headings, suggest what skippers should take into account before they leave on a passage:

• The weather
• The tides
• The limitations of the vessel
• The crew
• Navigational hazards
• A contingency plan
• Leaving information ashore

You are planning a short passage from Quarry Marina at Port Rampton to Whale Bay Marina in your 25ft yacht (draught 1.6m) on Tuesday 15th October. Crew: two inexperienced members (one first time at sea). Speed: 4 knots. Forecast: ENE 3, good visibility, slight sea.

Data: Use RYA Chart 3, variation 7° W. HW Victoria 1930 (Neaps).

a) What is the approximate distance from Quarry Marina to Whale Bay Marina? b) What is the approximate passage time if the average speed of the favourable tidal stream close inshore is 0.5 knots and the wind is as forecast? c) Between what times do you have favourable tidal streams? d) Are there any access problems at Whale Bay Marina? e) Is it possible to leave Quarry Marina at any time? f) When will you leave on passage? g) Make an outline route plan to include waypoints and hazards. h) Is this a suitable passage considering the weather forecast and the crew? i) What is your contingency plan? j) You will need to get petrol for the outboard and camping gaz. Are these available?

On Tuesday 28th May you intend to make a daylight passage from Setter Hall Marina, Dunbarton, towards Victoria as co-skipper on your 9m motor cruiser. The boat has an average cruising speed of 15 knots. The forecast is for a light southerly wind, with good visibility. Use RYA Chart 3 and variation 7°W.

a) What is the approximate length of the passage? b) What are the limitations and regulations for leaving Dunbarton? c) What direction will the tidal streams flow before and after HW, in general terms? d) What are the main considerations for entry into Victoria? e) In Victoria you will want to refuel, refill the water and possibly eat ashore. Are all these facilities available? f) Is this a suitable passage for the boat and crew? g) Are there any hazards for the passage?

When will you leave? Give reasons. (Data: 9m motor cruiser, 15 knots cruising speed, light southerly wind, HW Victoria 1225 Springs).

When following a pilotage plan, where should the skipper be?

a) Below deck at the chart table in order to work out the plan as the vessel proceeds. b) On deck with pre-planned pilot notes and a basic pilotage sketch to hand.

A RIB is approaching a harbour where leading lights have been installed to aid pilotage. Which diagram indicates:

a) The RIB is on course? b) The RIB is too far to port?

(Diagram i: front light is to the left of the rear light. Diagram ii: the lights are vertically aligned. Diagram iii: front light is to the right of the rear light.)

The crew of a vessel approaching a marina lock have been asked by the skipper to look out for the International Port Traffic Signals at the entrance. What are the meanings of the following lights?

a) Three vertical red lights b) Three vertical green lights c) Two vertical green lights above a white light

The SOLAS V regulations require that passage plans are made and that a number of important factors are taken into account before departure. Give a brief summary of what should be included in a passage plan with regard to the following: a) Weather, b) Tides, c) The vessel, d) The crew, e) Navigational dangers, f) Contingency plans, g) Contacts ashore.

What regulations must foreign vessels arriving in the Neptune Islands conform to?

On the yacht ZEON a crew member receives a blow to the head and is unconscious with slight bleeding from one ear. The decision is made to send a distress alert followed by a voice mayday on the VHF/DSC radio. The position shown on the GPS is 45° 55'.97N 005° 42'.21W. The MMSI displayed near the set is 233006734.

a) How is the distress alert sent? b) Write the voice mayday.

A helicopter is sent to medivac the casualty to hospital.

a) How should the boat and the crew be prepared for its arrival? b) Which signal from the flare box would be most suitable to signal to the helicopter? c) The pilot says that they intend to use a 'hi-line' to assist with the stretcher. What instructions would you give the crew?

Crew should only take to a life-raft if it is impossible to stay on the stricken vessel.

a) Suggest three important actions to take before launching a life-raft. b) Why is streaming the drogue so important?