VTS Core Nautical Knowledge Questions and Answers

Question 1

A VTS operator observes two power-driven vessels, Vessel A and Vessel B, on a collision course in open water.
Vessel A is on Vessel B's port bow, meaning Vessel B has Vessel A on its own starboard side.
Neither vessel is constrained in any way.
According to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which vessel is the 'give-way' vessel?

Accepted Answer

Vessel B is the 'give-way' vessel and should take early and substantial action to keep well clear.

Answer

Both vessels are required to alter course to starboard.

Answer

Vessel A is the 'stand-on' vessel and should maintain its course and speed.

Answer

Vessel A is the 'give-way' vessel and should expect Vessel B to maintain course and speed.

Question 2

When navigating in an IALA Region A buoyage system, a VTS operator advises a vessel to pass to the north of a hazard. Which cardinal mark would the vessel be expected to see marking this hazard?

Accepted Answer

A black and yellow pillar buoy with two cones pointing upwards.

Answer

A yellow and black pillar buoy with two cones pointing downwards.

Answer

A black pillar buoy with a yellow band and two cones base to base.

Answer

A yellow pillar buoy with a black band and two cones point to point.

Question 3

In the context of a vessel's turning circle, what is the term used to describe the distance gained in the direction of the original course from the point where the rudder is first applied until the vessel has altered course by 90 degrees?

Accepted Answer

Advance

Answer

Transfer

Answer

Tactical Diameter

Answer

Kick

Question 4

A VTS operator is monitoring a deep-draft vessel and needs to ensure it stays clear of a known underwater obstruction. On the electronic chart display, the operator sees a symbol with the letters 'Wk' next to it. What does this symbol represent?

Accepted Answer

A wreck, where any associated number indicates the cleared water depth above it at chart datum.

Answer

A designated anchorage spot for vessels with a specific draft.

Answer

A wellhead or other underwater exploration device.

Answer

A warning point for a pilot boarding station.

Question 5

A VTS operator observes a vessel on the radar that is steering a course of 090°T at a speed of 10 knots. However, the vessel's ground track (Course Over Ground) displayed by the system is 105°T, and its Speed Over Ground is 11 knots. What navigational phenomenon best explains this difference?

Accepted Answer

A strong current setting in a southeasterly direction.

Answer

Gyrocompass error on the vessel.

Answer

Poor holding ground in the area.

Answer

The effect of wind on the vessel's superstructure (leeway).

Question 6

A VTS operator is monitoring a vessel that has reported a main engine failure and is drifting towards a sensitive marine area. Which of the following actions, if available to the vessel's master, represents a critical last-resort measure to arrest the vessel's drift?

Accepted Answer

Deploying the vessel's anchors.

Answer

Making a 'Pan-Pan' call on VHF Channel 16.

Answer

Displaying the 'Not Under Command' lights and shapes.

Answer

Requesting a tug from the nearest port.