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
What is the significance of a vessel being 'constrained by her draft' (CBD)?
Answer: The vessel's ability to maneuver is severely restricted due to available water depth relative to her draft
A vessel constrained by draft is one whose ability to deviate from her course is severely restricted due to her draft in relation to the available depth of water, giving her special privileges under COLREGS.
What is a 'fairway' in the context of VTS and port navigation?
Answer: The navigable channel or safe passage route for vessels
A fairway is the navigable part of a waterway, harbor, or channel that is kept clear and maintained for safe vessel passage.
What does AIS stand for, and what is its primary function in VTS?
Answer: Automatic Identification System; transmits vessel identity, position, and voyage data
AIS is the Automatic Identification System, a transponder-based system that automatically transmits vessel identity, position, course, speed, and other data to VTS and nearby vessels.
A vessel's 'displacement' refers to what measurement?
Answer: The weight of water displaced by the vessel's hull, equal to the vessel's total weight
Displacement is the weight of water displaced by a floating vessel, which by Archimedes' principle equals the total weight of the vessel.
In a VTS context, what action should an operator take upon identifying a potential close-quarters situation between two vessels?
Answer: Immediately inform both vessels of the situation and provide relevant traffic information
A VTS operator should promptly inform all relevant vessels of the close-quarters situation, providing traffic information such as positions and courses to help masters make safe decisions.
What is the meaning of the term 'outbound traffic' in a VTS area?
Answer: Vessels departing the port or moving seaward through the VTS area
Outbound traffic refers to vessels that are leaving the port or harbor and moving toward open water through the VTS jurisdiction area.
What does the term 'safe speed' mean under COLREGS Rule 6?
Answer: A speed at which a vessel can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and stop within an appropriate distance
COLREGS Rule 6 requires every vessel to proceed at a safe speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions so that effective action can be taken to avoid collision and the vessel can be stopped within an appropriate distance.