AY Honors/Navigation/Answer Key

1. Have the Weather Honor

2. Know at least 20 nautical terms used in navigation.

a. Aboard – on board, or being present on a boat. b. Aft of after – toward or near the rear of a boat. c. Amidships – halfway between the front and rear of a boat. d. Astern – behind the boat or backwards. e. Binnacle – protective box for a compass. f. Bollards – short, heavy posts on a pier for securing boats. g. Cuddy – small space under the foredeck for storage. h. Galley – marine name for kitchen. i. Hatch – an opening through the deck through an area below. j. Heave – marine name for throw. k. Helmsman – pilot of the boat, the person who steers. l. Hull – the main body of the boat. m. Keel – the backbone of the boat that extends from bow to stern. n. Knot – a measure of marine speed or a nautical mile. o. Leeward – the direction the wind is blowing. p. Port – left side of a boat when looking toward the bow. q. Starboard – the right side of a boat when looking toward the bow. r. Stern – back end of the boat. s. Swab – marine name for a mop. t. Underway – when a boat is moving through the water.

3. Name at least three aids to navigation and their functions. By whom are these maintained?

An aid to navigation is any device external to a craft that is designed to assist in determining the location of the craft, a safe course for the craft, or to warn of dangers. Most aids to navigation are established and maintained by the government. In the U.S., this is done by the Coast Guards. a. Lighthouse – are located along the seacoast and at important harbor entrances. They operate automatically without a full-time lighthouse keeper. b. Beacon – miniature, unmanned, lighthouses that are placed along banks and ledges to mark isolated dangers. Horns and mechanical bells are sometimes used in beacons during times when visibility is low. c. Buoys – floating navigational aids that are divided into 3 categories- unlighted, sound, and lighted. d. Radio beacons – by use of radio signals, this system is designed to meet at least 3 objectives: to give a nearly continuous 2 position line capability to a distance offshore of at least 50 miles: to give working ranges up to 160 miles at certain key locations for approaching from far offshore and to provide continuous, low-powered guidance for inshore navigation.

4. Name six types of buoys. What do they mean and how are they used? Give the colors of the six you named. How are buoys numbered? How do they mark channels?

5. Box a compass with eight cardinal points. Why is it so important in navigation? Where is it mounted in the vessel, and why?

6. Name four of the most useful knots in seamanship. Know how to tie them and give their principal uses.

7. Familiarize yourself with reading and interpreting a "chart." Why is a chart so invaluable in unknown waters? Give some of the things a chart shows. Give the symbols used on a chart, or two of the most used buoys.

8. When you are taking an active part in navigation, what are three of the best safety rules to follow?

9. What does it mean to be properly equipped? Illustrate.

10. What is meant by "rules of the road" and by "proper water etiquette?"

References