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SAMSA Skipper Category C (Coastal, up to 15 nm) Exam (South Africa) study materials
SAMSA Skipper Category C (Coastal, up to 15 nm) Exam (South Africa) study resources

SAMSA Skipper Category C (Coastal, up to 15 nm) Exam (South Africa) practice questions

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Question 1Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

On a nautical chart, what does the chart datum (usually Lowest Astronomical Tide) represent?

  1. The mean sea level used for all elevation references
  2. The highest level the tide is predicted to reach
  3. The level from which charted depths and drying heights are measured Correct answer.
  4. The average water level recorded over a full tidal cycle

Explanation

Chart datum is the low water reference level from which soundings (depths) and drying heights on a chart are measured. Because it is normally the Lowest Astronomical Tide, charted depths are usually greater than the actual depth at any time. Heights above chart datum are shown for features such as bridges and lights.

Question 2Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

On an Admiralty-type chart, what is the usual unit of measurement for soundings (charted depths)?

  1. Fathoms and feet
  2. Cables
  3. Nautical miles
  4. Metres and decimetres Correct answer.

Explanation

Modern metric charts show soundings in metres, with the decimal part shown as a subscript (decimetres). Older charts may use fathoms and feet, but the metric convention is standard on current South African charts. Depths are therefore read directly in metres.

Question 3Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A chart shows a sounding printed as a small figure with a dot beside it, e.g. '2₅'. What does this indicate?

  1. The rise of tide at that position
  2. A rock awash at high water
  3. A depth of water below the keel
  4. A drying height above chart datum Correct answer.

Explanation

A sounding with a dot or shown as a small/subscript figure indicates a drying height, i.e. land that uncovers at low water and lies above chart datum. It is not a depth of water. Drying heights are used to judge when a shoal or bank can be crossed.

Question 4Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

On a Mercator chart, what does one minute of latitude represent?

  1. One nautical mile Correct answer.
  2. One kilometre
  3. One statute mile
  4. One cable

Explanation

One minute of latitude equals one nautical mile (approximately 1852 m) on the Earth's surface, and on a Mercator chart the latitude scale is used to measure distance. The longitude scale cannot be used for distance because it varies with latitude. This is a core chartwork rule.

Question 5Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

When measuring a distance on a Mercator chart, which scale should you use?

  1. The longitude scale at the top or bottom of the chart
  2. The nearest compass rose
  3. The scale of miles printed in the chart title only
  4. The latitude scale at roughly the same latitude as the measurement Correct answer.

Explanation

On a Mercator projection the scale expands with latitude, so distance must be taken from the latitude scale at about the same latitude as the run being measured. Using the longitude scale or a distant latitude scale gives an error. The compass rose is used for direction, not distance.

Question 6Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

What is the latitude of the South Pole?

  1. 0°
  2. 45° S
  3. 66.5° S
  4. 90° S Correct answer.

Explanation

Latitude is measured from the equator (0°) to the poles at 90°. The South Pole is therefore at 90° S. The equator is 0° and the polar circles lie near 66.5°.

Question 7Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A position is given as 34° 10.5' S, 018° 26.0' E. What does the 'S' and 'E' indicate?

  1. The position lies south of the prime meridian and east of the equator
  2. The position lies south of the equator and east of the prime meridian Correct answer.
  3. The position lies south of the equator and east of the 180° meridian
  4. The position lies north of the equator and east of the prime meridian

Explanation

Latitude is measured north or south of the equator, and longitude east or west of the prime (Greenwich) meridian. 'S' places the position in the southern hemisphere and 'E' places it east of Greenwich. This is the standard convention for position notation.

Question 8Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

What is the angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a given place called?

  1. Drift
  2. Deviation
  3. Leeway
  4. Variation Correct answer.

Explanation

Variation (magnetic declination) is the angle between true north and magnetic north at a location, and it changes slowly with time and place. Deviation is a different error caused by the vessel's own magnetic field affecting the compass. Leeway and drift are effects of wind and current on the vessel's track.

Question 9Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel's magnetic compass reads 090° (C). Deviation is 3° E and variation is 10° W. What is the true course?

  1. 097° T
  2. 077° T
  3. 083° T Correct answer.
  4. 103° T

Explanation

Use the memory aid 'Can Dead Men Vote Twice' for applying errors: Compass to True add easterly errors and subtract westerly. Here add 3° E and subtract 10° W: 090 + 3 − 10 = 083° T. Always apply deviation before variation when working from compass to true.

Question 10Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel's magnetic compass reads 045° (C). Deviation is 4° W and variation is 12° E. What is the true course?

  1. 037° T
  2. 029° T
  3. 061° T
  4. 053° T Correct answer.

Explanation

From compass to true, subtract westerly errors and add easterly errors. Here 045 − 4 (W) + 12 (E) = 053° T. Applying the errors in the correct order and direction is essential for accurate plotting.

Question 11Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A true course of 120° T is to be converted to a compass course. Variation is 8° W and deviation is 2° E. What compass course should be steered?

  1. 126° C Correct answer.
  2. 110° C
  3. 114° C
  4. 130° C

Explanation

To convert true to magnetic, add the 8° westerly variation: 120° + 8° = 128° M. To convert magnetic to compass, subtract the 2° easterly deviation: 128° - 2° = 126° C.

Question 12Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

What is the direction relationship between true north, magnetic north and compass north, in that order?

  1. True north is where the compass needle points; magnetic north is geographic; compass north is unaffected by the vessel
  2. Magnetic north is the geographic reference; true north includes variation; compass north includes leeway
  3. True north and compass north are always identical; magnetic north differs
  4. True north is the geographic reference; magnetic north is where the compass needle points in a field-free vessel; compass north includes deviation Correct answer.

Explanation

True north is the geographic reference along the meridians. Magnetic north is the direction a compass needle would take in the Earth's field alone, and compass north is the needle's actual reading after deviation from the vessel's own magnetism. Variation links true and magnetic, while deviation links magnetic and compass.

Question 13Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel steams 12 nautical miles on a course of 000° T. What is its approximate new latitude if it started at 34° 00' S?

  1. 33° 48' S Correct answer.
  2. 34° 00' S
  3. 33° 00' S
  4. 34° 12' S

Explanation

Steaming due north (000°) decreases southerly latitude, and one minute of latitude equals one nautical mile. Twelve miles north therefore reduces the southerly latitude by 12 minutes: 34° 00' − 0° 12' = 33° 48' S.

Question 14Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

Dead reckoning (DR) position is best described as:

  1. The position calculated from the last fix using course and speed through the water, without allowing for current Correct answer.
  2. The position found by a single bearing to a landmark
  3. The position confirmed by a GPS fix
  4. The position where the vessel's wake crosses a charted line

Explanation

Dead reckoning advances the last known position using the course steered and distance run through the water, ignoring the effect of current and leeway. It is a calculated position, not an observed one. A position that allows for current is an estimated position (EP).

Question 15Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

What distinguishes an estimated position (EP) from a dead reckoning (DR) position?

  1. An EP is always more accurate than a fix
  2. An EP is used only when the compass has failed
  3. An EP allows for the estimated effect of current and leeway Correct answer.
  4. An EP is plotted only from satellite fixes

Explanation

An estimated position takes the DR and adds the estimated set and drift of the current (and usually leeway), giving a more realistic position than DR alone. Both are calculated positions, but the EP accounts for external forces. Neither is a true observed fix.

Question 16Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel steams 6 nautical miles on 090° T, then 8 nautical miles on 000° T. What is the straight-line distance from the start to the final position?

  1. 10 nautical miles Correct answer.
  2. 2 nautical miles
  3. 48 nautical miles
  4. 14 nautical miles

Explanation

The two legs are perpendicular (east then north), so the direct distance is the hypotenuse of a right triangle: √(6² + 8²) = √(36 + 64) = √100 = 10 nautical miles. Adding the legs would give distance run, not distance made good.

Question 17Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

What is the purpose of plotting a running fix?

  1. To convert a magnetic bearing to a true bearing
  2. To measure the vessel's speed through the water
  3. To obtain a position by advancing an earlier line of position to a later time Correct answer.
  4. To fix the vessel using a single bearing and no time interval

Explanation

A running fix uses one line of position taken at one time and advances it along the course and distance run to cross with a later line of position. This gives a fix when only one object is available for bearings. It requires a known course, speed and time interval.

Question 18Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

Which method gives the most reliable position fix when three landmarks are visible and their bearings are well separated?

  1. Three-point bearing fix (cross bearings) Correct answer.
  2. A single bearing to one landmark
  3. A dead reckoning plot from the last fix
  4. A depth sounding alone

Explanation

Three bearings taken to well-separated objects should cross at a single point; any small cocked hat indicates bearing error. This is one of the most reliable visual fixes available to a coastal skipper. A single bearing or a sounding alone gives insufficient information for a position.

Question 19Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

When plotting cross bearings, the three lines of position form a small triangle instead of meeting at a point. What is this triangle called?

  1. A cocked hat Correct answer.
  2. A transit
  3. A sector
  4. A leading line

Explanation

A cocked hat is the small triangle formed when three position lines fail to meet at one point, usually due to small bearing errors. The vessel's position is taken near the centre of the triangle. A large cocked hat suggests an error in identification or plotting.

Question 20Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A bearing taken with a hand-bearing compass reads 075° (C). Variation is 9° W and deviation is 1° E. What is the true bearing?

  1. 067° T Correct answer.
  2. 083° T
  3. 065° T
  4. 085° T

Explanation

From compass to true, add easterly errors and subtract westerly errors: 075 + 1 (E) − 9 (W) = 067° T. This true bearing is then plotted from the object on the chart. Applying the errors in the wrong direction shifts the position line.

Question 21Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

What does a charted 'set and drift' describe?

  1. The compass error and its rate of change
  2. The direction and speed of the wind
  3. The vessel's heading and speed through the water
  4. The direction and speed of the tidal or ocean current Correct answer.

Explanation

Set is the direction towards which a current flows, and drift is its speed (usually in knots). Together they allow the navigator to calculate how far a vessel is pushed off its course. Wind and vessel motion are separate quantities.

Question 22Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel steams at 6 knots for 30 minutes. How far does it travel through the water?

  1. 0.5 nautical miles
  2. 6 nautical miles
  3. 12 nautical miles
  4. 3 nautical miles Correct answer.

Explanation

Distance equals speed multiplied by time, with time expressed in hours. Thirty minutes is 0.5 hours, so 6 knots × 0.5 h = 3 nautical miles. A knot is one nautical mile per hour.

Question 23Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel travels 15 nautical miles at a speed of 5 knots. How long does the passage take?

  1. 0.33 hours
  2. 15 hours
  3. 5 hours
  4. 3 hours Correct answer.

Explanation

Time equals distance divided by speed: 15 nautical miles ÷ 5 knots = 3 hours. Keeping units consistent (miles and knots) gives the answer directly in hours.

Question 24Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel making 8 knots on 000° T experiences a current setting 090° at 2 knots. What is the approximate resultant speed over the ground?

  1. About 6 knots
  2. About 16 knots
  3. About 10 knots
  4. About 8.2 knots Correct answer.

Explanation

The course and current are at right angles, so the resultant speed is the hypotenuse: √(8² + 2²) = √68 ≈ 8.2 knots. The current also pushes the vessel to the east of its heading. Adding speeds directly would be wrong because the vectors are perpendicular.

Question 25Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

What is the difference between course and heading?

  1. Course is always magnetic; heading is always true
  2. Course is the direction the vessel is intended to travel; heading is the direction the bow is pointing Correct answer.
  3. Course is the direction the bow points; heading is the intended track
  4. Course is measured in knots; heading is measured in degrees

Explanation

Course is the direction of the intended track over the ground, while heading is the direction in which the vessel's bow points at any moment. Heading may differ from course because of current and leeway. Both are expressed in degrees.

Question 26Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

What is the approximate length of one degree of latitude anywhere on Earth?

  1. 1 nautical mile
  2. 100 nautical miles
  3. 30 nautical miles
  4. 60 nautical miles Correct answer.

Explanation

One degree of latitude is subdivided into 60 minutes, and each minute is one nautical mile, giving about 60 nautical miles per degree.

Question 27Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel's log shows it has run 18 nautical miles on a steady course of 090° T from a start position of 34° 00' S, 018° 00' E. What is its approximate new longitude?

  1. 018° 22' E Correct answer.
  2. 018° 18' E
  3. 019° 00' E
  4. 017° 38' E

Explanation

At 34° S one minute of longitude is about 0.83 nautical miles, so 18 nautical miles eastward equals roughly 22 minutes of longitude, giving 018° 22' E.

Question 28Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

When measuring a distance between two points on a paper chart, where should the dividers be read?

  1. On the longitude scale at the top of the chart
  2. On any printed scale bar in the chart margin
  3. On the latitude scale level with the midpoint of the line Correct answer.
  4. On the longitude scale at the bottom of the chart

Explanation

Distance is always taken from the latitude scale, and because the scale expands with latitude the span should be read level with the area of the plot.

Question 29Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

Which chart symbol indicates a safe navigable channel between hazards?

  1. A broken line of small circles
  2. A line of purple or magenta pecked marks Correct answer.
  3. A dotted red line with crosses
  4. A solid black line enclosing a shaded area

Explanation

Magenta or purple pecked lines on a chart mark recommended channels, limits of the fairway or areas of special significance for navigation.

Question 30Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

What does a charted depth of '5' in a drying area, printed with an underline or shown in a drying height table, most directly tell the mariner?

  1. The height of the seabed above chart datum at that spot Correct answer.
  2. The clearance under a bridge at mean tide
  3. The depth below the keel at high water
  4. The distance to the nearest safe anchorage

Explanation

Drying heights are given above chart datum, so the figure shows how far the seabed dries out or stands above datum at low water.

Question 31Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A hand-bearing compass reads 200° (C). Deviation is 5° W and variation is 14° W. What is the true bearing?

  1. 209° T
  2. 181° T
  3. 219° T Correct answer.
  4. 191° T

Explanation

Both deviation and variation are westerly, so they are added to the compass reading: 200 + 5 + 14 = 219° T.

Question 32Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A true bearing to a lighthouse is 088° T. Variation is 11° E and deviation is 3° W. What should the compass bearing read?

  1. 074° C
  2. 080° C Correct answer.
  3. 096° C
  4. 102° C

Explanation

Going from true to compass, easterly variation is subtracted and westerly deviation is added: 088 − 11 + 3 = 080° C.

Question 33Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

What is the standard direction of increasing bearing when bearings are measured in the 000° to 360° notation?

  1. Counter-clockwise from true north
  2. Clockwise from true north Correct answer.
  3. Counter-clockwise from the vessel's heading
  4. Clockwise from magnetic north

Explanation

Bearings are measured clockwise from true north through east, south and west, returning to north at 360°.

Question 34Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel is steering 045° T and making 6 knots. A current sets 135° T at 3 knots. What is the approximate course made good?

  1. 075° T
  2. 090° T
  3. 063° T Correct answer.
  4. 045° T

Explanation

Resolving the two vectors, the current pushes the vessel to starboard and slightly ahead, producing a track a little to the right of the heading, about 063° T.

Question 35Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel runs for 2 hours 20 minutes at 9 knots. How far does it travel?

  1. 18 nautical miles
  2. 27 nautical miles
  3. 21 nautical miles Correct answer.
  4. 12 nautical miles

Explanation

Two hours twenty minutes is 2.33 hours, and distance equals speed times time: 9 × 2.33 = 21 nautical miles.

Question 36Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel steams 20 nautical miles on 180° T from 33° 40' S. What is its new latitude?

  1. 34° 20' S
  2. 34° 00' S Correct answer.
  3. 34° 40' S
  4. 33° 20' S

Explanation

Twenty nautical miles south equals twenty minutes of latitude, so 33° 40' S becomes 34° 00' S.

Question 37Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

On a plotting sheet or chart, what does a single position line (line of position) tell the navigator?

  1. The direction of the tidal stream
  2. The vessel lies somewhere along that line Correct answer.
  3. The vessel's exact position
  4. The vessel's speed over the ground

Explanation

A single line of position only establishes that the vessel is somewhere on that line; a second intersecting line is needed for a fix.

Question 38Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel's DR position at 1200 is plotted. At 1300 a single bearing to a lighthouse is taken and drawn on the chart. What does the intersection of this bearing with the vessel's course line represent?

  1. An estimated position based only on the bearing
  2. A running fix using the transferred position Correct answer.
  3. A simple compass error check
  4. A dead reckoning position

Explanation

By advancing the earlier DR position along the course line by the distance run and drawing the bearing through it, the intersection gives a running fix from a single object.

Question 39Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

Which of these is the main reason a navigator prefers a fix from two well-separated landmarks over a fix from two landmarks close together?

  1. The angle of cut between the position lines is larger Correct answer.
  2. The chart symbols are clearer
  3. The bearings can be taken more quickly
  4. The landmarks are easier to identify

Explanation

Position lines that cross at a wide angle give a much smaller area of uncertainty than lines crossing at a narrow angle.

Question 40Navigation and position fixing (charts, compass, latitude/longitude, dead reckoning)

A vessel is steering a course of 100° T at 7 knots. A current is setting 190° T at 2 knots. Using a rough vector sketch, what is the approximate course made good and speed made good?

  1. About 112° T at about 8.5 knots Correct answer.
  2. About 088° T at about 5.0 knots
  3. About 100° T at about 9.0 knots
  4. About 145° T at about 9.0 knots

Explanation

The current sets roughly at right angles to the course and slightly astern of the beam, so the resultant track is swung toward the current's direction (from 100° T toward 190° T) and the speeds combine by vector addition. Adding a 7-knot vector on 100° T to a 2-knot vector on 190° T gives a resultant of roughly 8.5 knots on about 112° T.

Question 41Tides, currents and tidal calculations

Spring tides occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth are arranged in a straight line. Which phase describes this alignment?

  1. Waning gibbous only
  2. Waxing crescent only
  3. First quarter and last quarter
  4. New moon and full moon Correct answer.

Explanation

Spring tides result from the combined gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon when they act along the same axis, which happens at new and full moon. At these times the tidal range is greatest.

Question 42Tides, currents and tidal calculations

Neap tides, with the smallest tidal range, occur approximately when the Moon is at which position relative to the Sun as seen from Earth?

  1. Directly opposite the Sun
  2. At right angles to the Sun Correct answer.
  3. Directly between Earth and Sun
  4. Closest to Earth in its orbit

Explanation

At quarter phases the solar and lunar tidal forces partly cancel because they act at right angles, producing neap tides with reduced range.

Question 43Tides, currents and tidal calculations

A tidal stream is best described as which of the following?

  1. The permanent ocean current driven by prevailing winds
  2. The vertical rise and fall of sea level at a port
  3. The difference in height between high and low water
  4. The horizontal movement of water caused by the rise and fall of tide Correct answer.

Explanation

Tidal streams are the horizontal flows of water associated with tidal movement, as opposed to the vertical change in level. They reverse direction as the tide floods and ebbs.

Question 44Tides, currents and tidal calculations

In tidal terminology, what does 'range' mean?

  1. The height difference between consecutive high and low water Correct answer.
  2. The time between successive high waters
  3. The average sea level over a year
  4. The speed of the tidal stream at mid-tide

Explanation

Range is the vertical difference between a high water and the following low water (or vice versa). It is used to compute heights at intermediate times.

Question 45Tides, currents and tidal calculations

The 'rule of twelfths' is used at sea to do which of the following?

  1. Calculate the speed of a permanent ocean current
  2. Predict the phase of the moon for a given date
  3. Convert charted depths to true depths
  4. Estimate the height of tide at a given time during a tidal cycle Correct answer.

Explanation

The rule of twelfths approximates how much of the total range has occurred at each hour of a roughly six-hour flood or ebb. It is a quick method for estimating tide height between high and low water.

Question 46Tides, currents and tidal calculations

The interval between successive high waters at most ports is approximately how long?

  1. 12 hours 25 minutes Correct answer.
  2. 8 hours 00 minutes
  3. 6 hours 12 minutes
  4. 24 hours 50 minutes

Explanation

A lunar day is about 24 hours 50 minutes, and two high waters occur within it, so successive high waters are roughly 12 hours 25 minutes apart.

Question 47Tides, currents and tidal calculations

A port has a charted depth of 3.0 m and the height of tide at the time is 2.4 m. What is the true depth of water?

  1. 5.4 m Correct answer.
  2. 3.0 m
  3. 0.6 m
  4. 2.4 m

Explanation

True depth equals charted depth plus height of tide. Adding 3.0 m and 2.4 m gives 5.4 m of water.

Question 48Tides, currents and tidal calculations

Using the rule of twelfths, what fraction of the total range has occurred three hours after low water?

  1. One twelfth
  2. Six twelfths Correct answer.
  3. Ten twelfths
  4. Three twelfths

Explanation

The cumulative twelfths over six hours are 1, 3, 6, 10, 12. After three hours the accumulated fraction is 1+2+3 = 6 twelfths, i.e. half the range.

Question 49Tides, currents and tidal calculations

A tidal range is 3.6 m. Using the rule of twelfths, how much has the water risen two hours after low water?

  1. 1.8 m
  2. 0.9 m Correct answer.
  3. 0.3 m
  4. 3.0 m

Explanation

After two hours the cumulative fraction is 1+2 = 3 twelfths. Three twelfths of 3.6 m is 0.9 m.

Question 50Tides, currents and tidal calculations

A spring range at a port is 4.0 m and the neap range is 2.4 m. On a day when the range is 3.2 m, the tide is best described as which of the following?

  1. At full spring range
  2. Below neap range
  3. Between spring and neap range Correct answer.
  4. Unrelated to the spring-neap cycle

Explanation

A range of 3.2 m lies between the neap value of 2.4 m and the spring value of 4.0 m, so it falls within the spring-neap variation.