Practice Test Geeks(VTS) Vessel Traffic Services Operator Exam Practice Test
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Core Nautical Knowledge Flashcards

7 cards from real VTS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Core Nautical Knowledge flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary purpose of a VTS 'traffic image'?

    Answer: To maintain a comprehensive picture of all vessel movements in the VTS area

    The traffic image is the VTS operator's continuously updated mental and electronic picture of all vessel traffic within the VTS area, used to identify conflicts and provide information.

  2. What does 'draft' refer to when describing a vessel?

    Answer: The vertical distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the keel

    Draft (or draught) is the vertical measurement from the waterline to the deepest point of the vessel's keel, indicating how deep the vessel sits in the water.

  3. Under COLREGS, Rule 8 addresses 'action to avoid collision.' Which of the following best describes this rule?

    Answer: Any action taken must be large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel

    COLREGS Rule 8 requires that any action taken to avoid collision must be large and bold enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel, and must be taken in ample time.

  4. What is a 'Notice to Mariners' (NtM)?

    Answer: An official publication informing mariners of important matters affecting navigation

    A Notice to Mariners is a periodic official publication that notifies mariners of corrections to nautical charts, publications, and other information affecting navigation safety.

  5. When two power-driven vessels are on crossing courses, which vessel is the give-way vessel?

    Answer: The vessel with the other on its starboard side

    COLREGS Rule 15 states that when two power-driven vessels are crossing, the vessel which has the other on its own starboard side shall keep out of the way.

  6. In maritime communications, what does 'SECURITE' indicate?

    Answer: A navigational or meteorological safety announcement

    SECURITE is one of the three international radio-telephone urgency prefixes, used to announce navigational or meteorological warnings and important safety information.

  7. What is 'way' as it pertains to vessel movement?

    Answer: The movement of a vessel through the water

    A vessel is said to have 'way' when it is moving through the water, whether moving ahead (headway), astern (sternway), or sideways (leeway).