Coastal Examination Practice Questions

Coast Guard Master 1,600 GRT Near Coastal Examination And ( Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary purpose of a nautical chart?
• To provide weather forecasts
• To depict water depths, hazards, and navigational aids
• To track ship engine performance
• To provide international trade routes

Rationale: Nautical charts show water depths, dangers, aids to navigation,

and help mariners plan and execute safe voyages.

• The best method to determine the position of your vessel when near

the coast is: 1 / 4

• Using dead reckoning only
• By fixing the position using visual aids, radar, or GPS
• Relying solely on tide tables
• Using a compass only

Rationale: Near coastal navigation requires position fixing using multiple

methods for accuracy.

• What is the purpose of a compass deviation table?
• To adjust for leeway
• To correct the magnetic compass reading for errors caused by the

vessel’s own magnetism

• To determine speed over ground
• To correct for tidal currents

Rationale: Deviation tables account for errors in the compass reading

caused by the vessel’s magnetic influences.

• You are navigating in restricted visibility. What sound signal should a

power-driven vessel underway sound?

• One short blast every minute
• One prolonged blast every two minutes
• Two prolonged blasts every two minutes
• Three short blasts every minute 2 / 4

Rationale: International Regulations require one prolonged blast at

intervals of not more than two minutes for power-driven vessels in restricted visibility.

• When two vessels are crossing in such a way that there is risk of

collision, which vessel is the stand-on vessel?

• The vessel which has the other on her starboard side
• The vessel which has the other on her port side
• The larger vessel
• The vessel with more cargo

Rationale: The vessel with the other on her starboard side is the stand-on

vessel and should maintain course and speed.

• How should a vessel under sail proceed when approaching a power-

driven vessel?

• Maintain course and speed
• Turn away from the power-driven vessel
• Keep out of the way of the power-driven vessel
• Sound a signal for the power-driven vessel to alter course

Rationale: Sailing vessels must give way to power-driven vessels under the

Navigation Rules.

• / 4

7. The primary purpose of a keel on a ship is to:

• Reduce water resistance
• Store fuel
• Provide longitudinal strength and stability
• Mount navigational equipment

Rationale: The keel provides the main structural backbone and aids in

stability of the vessel.

8. The center of gravity of a vessel is:

• Always at the waterline
• The point where the hull meets the keel
• The point through which the weight of the vessel acts vertically

downward

• The center of buoyancy

Rationale: The center of gravity is the point through which the vessel's

weight acts downward, affecting stability.

9. If a vessel lists to starboard after loading cargo, the cause is likely:

• Overloading on port side
• Overloading on starboard side
• Improper trim forward
• Wind pressure
• / 4