How Good of a Captain are You?
Everyone thinks they have what it takes to become a licensed Captain. Do you? Well, let’s give it a quick shot.
Below are three questions from the Coast Guard License exam. As is usually the case with those Coast Guard guys, sometimes there is more than one correct answer.
Cap’n Crunch or Cap’n Fantastic?
Rules of the Road
1. Which vessel may combine her sidelights and stern light in one lantern on the fore and aft centerline of the vessel?
a) A 16-meter sailing vessel
b) A 25-meter power-driven vessel
c) A 28-meter sailing vessel
d) Any non-self-propelled vessel
Navigation General
2. You are enroute to Jacksonville, FL from San Juan PR. There is a fresh N’ly wind blowing. As you cross the axis of the Gulf Stream you would expect to encounter _____.
a) Cirrus clouds
b) Smoother seas and warmer water
c) Steeper waves closer together
d) Long swells
Deck Safety
3. What does the helm command “shift the rudder” mean?
a) Put the rudder amidships and hold the heading steady as she goes
b) Put the rudder over to the opposite side, the same number of degrees it is now
c) Shift the rudder control to the alternate steering method
d) Stop the swing of the ship
Got your answers? Well, let’s see.
Answers
1. The correct answer is A.
According to Rule 25b. On a sailing vessel less than 20 meters in length, the sidelights and stern light may be combined into a single lantern mounted at or near the top of the mast, where it can be most easily seen.
2. The correct answer is C.
It doesn’t really matter where you’re headed. The results are the same. Anytime the wind is blowing against the current, you can expect higher waves close together. Since the
3. The correct answer is B.
Put the rudder over to the opposite side, the same number of degrees it is now. This tactic is used when turning a single screw vessel in close quarters, sort of like a 3 point turn in your car.
So how did you do?!