Seamanship question bank — Mashit 30

All 362 questions of the paper, arranged by topic, with the correct answer. For searching, browsing and revising before the exam.

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Navigation lights — 45 questions. The navigation lights and special lights vessels show at night
Day-shapes — 21 questions. Balls, cones, diamonds and cylinders — what is shown by day
Flags — 20 questions. International Code of Signals flags and their meanings
Sound signals — 22 questions. Manoeuvring signals, fog signals and other blasts
Sailing situations — 55 questions. Who gives way to whom, with vessels lettered A–P
Synoptic charts — 23 questions. Reading the chart: wind direction, lows, fronts and isobars
Buoys and buoyage — 31 questions. The cardinal system, marina entrances and breakwaters
Failing topics — 110 questions. Every question where one wrong answer fails the exam
Anchoring and ropes — 81 questions. Anchors, mooring, springs, ropes and wire rope
Emergencies — 51 questions. Fire, flooding, grounding, man overboard and abandoning ship

1.1 Identifying day-shapes, lights and sound signals

What could a single white light ahead of you be? All of the above.
What vessel is shown in picture 39? A ship aground.
You see the lights shown in picture 46. What vessel is this? A pilot vessel heading to the left.
Approaching from seaward, how do you identify the entrance to a marina in Israel? A flashing green light on the right and a flashing red light on the left.
Which lights will a vessel 100 metres in length, restricted in her ability to manoeuvre and making way through the water, show? As shown in picture 22.
A vessel shows the lights in picture 61. What do they indicate? The starboard side of a vessel at anchor, more than 50 metres in length.
What vessel shows the lights in picture 28? A vessel engaged in towing, with a length of tow of less than 200 metres.
What vessel shows the lights in picture 8? A fishing vessel.
At the entrance to a marina in Israel two lights, green and red, are flashing. What do they mean? Entering the marina, the green light is on the vessel's starboard side and the red on her port side.
50° on your starboard bow you see a red light, a green light below it, and a green navigation light below both. What vessel is this? A sailing vessel that has crossed my course.
While underway, you see dead ahead a vessel showing the lights in picture 39. What does she indicate? That she is aground, so I must take care.
A vessel shows the lights in picture 39. What will she show by day? The signal shown in picture 81.
Which lights must you show when at anchor in a secluded bay in a 13-metre vessel? An all-round white light.
You see a vessel flying flag A. What does the flag mean, what do you do, and what will this vessel show at night? Divers' flag; I will keep 200 m away; at night, all-round lights red, white, red.
What vessel shows the shapes in picture 78? A towing vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
A vessel shows 3 red lights in a vertical line at night. What will she show by day? A black cylinder.
At night you see a vessel showing, in addition to her navigation lights, an all-round white light with an all-round green light above it. Which day-shape should she show? Two cones with their points together.
A vessel shows the lights in picture 53. What will she show by day? No day-shape is needed.
What should a sailing vessel do in fog by day, in restricted visibility? Switch on her navigation lights, together with the sound signal.
How should a power-driven vessel act when approaching the entrance to Kishon harbour, if from her position it is hard to be sure that no vessels are leaving the harbour? Proceed with alertness and caution, and sound one prolonged blast.
In fog by day you are in a sailing vessel with the engine engaged ahead. You cannot see beyond 50 metres around your vessel. What do you do? I will switch on my navigation lights and sound one prolonged blast every two minutes.
When must a vessel show her navigation lights? As in answer a, and also in restricted visibility.
A vessel showing the signal in picture 84 is proceeding about 100 metres off the coast and parallel to it (not a declared bathing beach). What does the law say about her? She is within the law: she is a vessel engaged in fishing.
Which picture shows the sound signal a sailing vessel gives in fog? Picture 122.
In fog you hear, ahead of you, the sound signal shown in picture 122 every two minutes, and on your port bow the sound signal shown in picture 120 every 2 minutes. What do these signals mean? A vessel towing another vessel.
You are proceeding in a narrow channel, and near you two ships are proceeding one behind the other. As the Rules require, you are navigating so as not to impede them. You hear the rear ship sound the signal shown in picture 116. What do these blasts mean? I intend to overtake you on your port side.
What does a vessel flying the flag shown in picture 106 signal? My vessel is healthy and I request free pratique.
In restricted visibility at night you hear the sound signal shown in picture 118 every two minutes. What do the blasts mean? I am a power-driven vessel, not making way through the water.
Which picture shows the sound signal a power-driven vessel gives when she intends to overtake another vessel on that vessel's port side? Picture 116.
What does a vessel flying the flag shown in picture 104 signal? Man overboard.
Ahead of you, you sight a vessel flying a white flag with a blue swallow-tail. What do you do? I immediately keep at least 200 metres away from the vessel.
You are entering a marina and see a vessel lying close to the entrance flying flag B of the International Code of Signals. What do you do? I may enter the marina, but must take care and avoid getting too close.
In good visibility, a vessel on your starboard side sounds at least five short blasts. What does the signal mean? Your intentions are not understood.
In restricted visibility, which of the following vessels sounds one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts, at intervals of two minutes? A vessel engaged in fishing.
You are in a sailing vessel, motor-sailing. Ahead of you is a vessel showing the flag in picture 98. What lights must she show after dark, and what should you do? Lights as shown in picture 70. She is marking a diving area and you must keep clear of her.
In the cardinal buoyage system you see a yellow-and-black buoy with this topmark above it. On which side should you pass the buoy? Pass to the west of the buoy.
You see a vessel flying a blue and white swallow-tailed flag (flag A). What is the vessel, and what do you do? She has divers down; I must keep at least 200 metres away.
In good visibility you hear a vessel on your starboard side sound seven short blasts, with seven short flashes at the same time. What does she mean, and what is she signalling to you? That your intentions are not clear to her, and she is trying to attract your attention.
Vessel J, showing the day-shape in picture 84, sees vessel D showing the flag in picture 98 on her mast and a black ball at the bow. What is vessel D signalling, and what action is required? She is a vessel at anchor with divers down, so you must keep at least 200 metres away from her.
In the cardinal buoyage system, what should you do when you see a sequence of 9 quick flashes? Pass to the west of the buoy.
In the cardinal buoyage system you see a yellow-and-black buoy with the following black topmark above it. On which side of the buoy should you pass? Pass to the east of the buoy.
While you are sailing your boat (engine and sails), the propeller falls off. What must you do? Take down the cone: under the Rules of the Road the boat now counts as a sailing vessel.
You are sailing in torrential rain in a 23-metre vessel under sail alone, and can hardly see your own bow. What sound signal will you give? One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts, at intervals of not more than two minutes.
You are sailing in good visibility in a narrow channel and hear two prolonged blasts and one short blast from astern. What does this signal mean? A power-driven vessel intends to overtake you on your starboard side.
Which of the vessels below meets the definition of a "vessel engaged in fishing"? All of the above.
What does a vessel showing the signal in picture 81 indicate? A vessel aground.
A vessel showing the signal in picture 84 is underway about 100 metres from the shoreline of a declared bathing beach. What do the regulations say about her? She is breaking the law. Vessels may not navigate in a declared bathing beach area.
A vessel shows the lights in picture 53. What will she show by day? No day-shape is needed.
What signal will a vessel showing the lights in picture 39 display by day? The signal shown in picture 81.
Vessel J, showing the day-shape in picture 84, sees vessel D showing the flag in picture 98 on her mast and a black ball at the bow. What is vessel D signalling, and what action is required? She is a vessel at anchor with divers down, so you must keep at least 200 metres away from her.
A vessel shows the lights in picture 55. What signal must she show by day? As shown in picture 84.
Vessel G, showing the signal in picture 82, sees vessel O flying the flag in picture 98 above her superstructure and showing a black ball in the bow. What action is required? Keep at least 200 metres away from O: she is at anchor and engaged in diving operations.
A vessel shows the lights in picture 38. What signal will she show by day? As shown in picture 75.
You are on a vessel leaving Herzliya Marina at night. Which lights do you expect to see on the breakwaters, relative to your bow? Picture 74.
A vessel flies the flag in picture 95 by day. What light will she show at night when in the marina? As shown in picture 13.
By day you see a vessel flying flag A. What does this flag mean, how will you respond, and what lights will this vessel show at night? The divers' flag; I will keep 200 metres away. At night she will show all-round lights: red, white, red.
Approaching a marina, you see a vessel lying in the marina entrance and flying flag B of the International Code of Signals. What will you do? I will enter the marina and avoid getting too close to the vessel, as a precaution.
At night you see a vessel showing navigation lights and an all-round white light with an all-round green light above it. What day-shape should this vessel show? Two cones with their points together.
In the cardinal buoyage system, you see nine quick flashes in 15 seconds. On which side should you pass the buoy? To the west of it.
In good visibility, a vessel on your starboard side sounds seven short blasts. They mean: Your intentions are not understood.

1.2 Collision avoidance and giving way

At night, in a sailing vessel, you see the lights shown in picture 36 dead ahead. What action is required? Keep your course and speed.
A sailing vessel heading north-west, with the wind from the north-east, sees flashing red and green lights (side by side) on her starboard side. What action is required? This is a marina entrance: keep a sharper lookout, stay alert, and keep your course and speed.
You are in a sailing vessel at night. Astern of you, you see a vessel's lights as shown in picture 1, on the same course as yours. With no other information, you know: That there will be a risk of collision only if the range decreases and the compass bearing does not change.
When underway in a power-driven vessel, which vessel must you give way to? A vessel not under command.
You are in charge of a 12-metre vessel in the Gulf of Eilat at night, under sail only. You are sailing slowly about half a mile offshore, showing sidelights and a sternlight as the law requires. A large tanker appears on your starboard side, and you are right ahead of her bow. Choose the correct statement: Under the Rules of the Road for the open sea she must give way to me, but here I am in a traffic lane and must give way to her.
Which of the following must a power-driven vessel underway give way to? A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
A vessel "underway" means: A vessel that is not made fast to a quay, not aground and not at anchor.
When must an overtaking vessel give way? An overtaking vessel must always give way.
Your vessel is power-driven and has a working radar. At night the radar shows a vessel 20° on your starboard bow at a range of 3 miles. By eye, her navigation lights are hard to make out. After 10 minutes the bearing has changed to 18° on the starboard bow, range 2 miles, and her lights still do not show her exact heading. What do you conclude? Answers a and b are correct.
You are sailing to windward on the port tack, and ahead of you is a sailing vessel whose tack is unclear. How do you establish whether a risk of collision exists? The compass bearing does not change appreciably and the range is decreasing.
On passage to Cyprus at night, you see a vessel that should give way to you under the Rules of the Road but is not doing so. What do you do? I sound five or more short blasts.
You are in a sailing vessel on a broad reach on the starboard tack. On your starboard side another sailing vessel, on an almost parallel course, is slowly closing so that a risk of collision develops. The other vessel, a sloop, is goose-winged, jib to port and mainsail to starboard. Which vessel must give way? The other vessel, because a mainsail to starboard means the port tack.
Under the Rules, what do you do when you are in a sailing vessel on the port tack, another sailing vessel is on your port side on a collision course, and it is not clear which tack she is on? You give way.
Which vessel must a sailing vessel underway give way to? A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre.
What should a power-driven vessel do when she sees a single green light close ahead? Turn to port: it is the starboard sidelight of a sailing vessel.
At night, you are in a sailing vessel on starboard tack. On your starboard bow you see a red light. What do you do? I keep my course and speed: she is to windward.
You are underway at night in a power-driven vessel. On your port side, forward of the beam, you see a green light. What do you do? She is a sailing vessel; I give way, altering to port.
You are in a sailing vessel on starboard tack. On your port side, on a collision course with you, is a sailing vessel on port tack. What do you do? I keep my course and speed: she is the give-way vessel.
Approaching a marina entrance by day, you see a vessel stopped in the entrance showing these day-shapes: ball, diamond, ball. On her starboard side you see two black balls. What do you do? She is restricted in her ability to manoeuvre by her work; passing on her starboard side is prohibited, so I pass her on her port side.
On your port bow you see a white light, below it a flashing yellow light, and a green light lower than both. What action is required? I keep my course and speed.
You are sailing a sloop on a broad reach on starboard tack, with the jib on the starboard side. On your starboard side, on a collision course, you see a ketch running with her mainsail on her port side and her mizzen and jib on her starboard side. What will you do? She gives way, because you are both on starboard tack and she is to windward.
You are sailing a sloop (single mast) on a broad reach on starboard tack. On your starboard side, on a collision course, is a ketch with her mainsail to port and her mizzen to port. Who gives way? The other vessel, because she is to windward.
You are in a power-driven vessel. Ahead of you, you see the lights shown in picture 58. What is it, and what do you do? It is a sailing vessel showing her optional all-round lights; I must give way, altering to starboard.
Sailing vessel P sees sailing vessel H. The wind is south-westerly (SW). What action is required? P is on starboard tack, H on port tack; H gives way.
Sailing vessel B, showing two black balls, sees sailing vessel J. What action is required? J gives way in the most effective direction.
Vessel M, showing a black diamond, sees vessel K, also showing a black diamond. What action is required? M gives way to K: the vessel that has the other on her starboard side gives way.
Vessel P, showing a black diamond, sees vessel H, also showing a black diamond. What action is required? Each alters course to her own starboard: two power-driven vessels meeting head-on.
You are in a power-driven vessel and see, on your port side, the lights shown in picture 65. What is the vessel, and what action is required? All of the above.
You are vessel N, a sailing vessel. The wind is northerly. You see a red light on your starboard side. What is the vessel, and what action is required? Answers a and c are correct.
Sailing vessel D is on a collision course with power-driven vessel H. What action is required? D keeps her course and speed; H must give way.
You are vessel K, a sailing vessel, and you see sailing vessel A with her mainsail on the starboard side and her jib on the port side. The wind is from the north. What do you do? I am on port tack and so is she; she gives way to me (she is to windward).
Sailing vessel O sees vessel C showing the lights in picture 53, and there appears to be a risk of collision. What is the vessel, and what action is required? C is a towing vessel and must give way. Sailing vessel O will hold her course.
You are in vessel J under sail only, on port tack. You see B, which is under sail and showing the shape in picture 82. What action is required? I will keep my course and speed.
You are in vessel H, on a course of 340°, showing the lights in picture 1. You are at risk of collision with P, which shows the lights in picture 58. The wind is easterly. What will you do? I will keep my course and speed.
Vessel K shows the lights in picture 16 and sees vessel C, which shows the lights in picture 28. What action is required? Each alters course to starboard.
Vessel K shows the day-shape in picture 86 and sees vessel F, which shows the same day-shape. What action is required? K gives way to F, in accordance with the Collision Regulations.
Vessel H, showing the lights in picture 36, sees vessel K showing the lights in picture 40. What action is required? K gives way to H because H is on her starboard side.
Vessel P, showing the lights in picture 24, sees vessel C showing the lights in picture 53. What action is required? P is a sailing vessel and C is towing; P keeps her course and speed.
Vessel M shows the lights in picture 1 and is at risk of collision with vessel E, which shows the lights in picture 37. The wind is southerly. Under the Rules, which vessel must give way? M is "overtaking", so the duty to give way is hers.
Sailing vessel N sees sailing vessel F. What action is required? The wind is northerly, 12 knots. N gives way to F.
Vessel K shows the lights in picture 16 and sees vessel C, which shows the lights in picture 28 (the wind is easterly, force 4 on the Beaufort scale). What action is required? Each alters course to starboard.
Vessel H, showing the lights in picture 36, sees vessel K showing the lights in picture 40. The wind is northerly, 5 knots. What action is required? K gives way to H because H is on her starboard side.
Vessel P, showing the lights in picture 24, sees vessel C showing the lights in picture 53 (a westerly wind of 15 knots is blowing). What action is required? P is a sailing vessel and C is towing; P keeps her course and speed.
Vessel J, showing the lights in picture 33, sees vessel M showing the lights in picture 67. What action is required? Under the Rules of the Road, both vessels must do everything they can to avoid a collision.
Motorboat A sees rowing boat D. What action is required? A gives way to D: a power-driven vessel gives way to a rowing boat.
Sailing vessel O sees vessel C showing the lights in picture 53, and there appears to be a risk of collision. What is the vessel, and what action is required? C is a towing vessel and must give way. Sailing vessel O will hold her course.
M, a sailing vessel, is running with her mainsail on her starboard side. She sees vessel E showing the lights in picture 37, and the lights are growing brighter. Choose the correct answer: M is the overtaking vessel, so the tack does not matter: M gives way.
You see a single white light ahead of your bow, and it is getting brighter. What could it be, and what will you do? It is the sternlight of a vessel. I will give way to her.
You are in a sailing vessel and see, right ahead, a vessel showing the lights in picture 39. What is she signalling, and what will you do? She is aground, so I must take care.
You are in vessel H, on a course of 340°, showing the lights in picture 1. You are at risk of collision with P, which shows the lights in picture 58. The wind is westerly. What will you do? I will alter course about 50 degrees to starboard.
You are in vessel J under sail only, on port tack. You see B showing the shapes in picture 80. What action is required? J gives way to B in the most effective way.
Vessel J is on a course of 020°, showing the lights in picture 1. She is at risk of collision with B, which is showing the lights in picture 58. The wind is westerly, and north is at the top of the page. What action is required? J gives way in the most effective way.
Twin-engine vessel O sees motorboat B. What action is required? B gives way to O.
Sailing vessel K, on port tack in a northerly wind, sees sailing vessel A with her mainsail on her port side. What action is required? K gives way because she is on port tack.
Sailing vessel F sees sailing vessel C. The wind is southerly. What action is required? F gives way to C: F is to windward, on the same tack.
Motorboat A sees rowing boat D. What action is required? A gives way to D: a power-driven vessel gives way to a rowing boat.
Sailing vessel O, showing the day-shape in picture 82, sees M showing the day-shape in picture 84 and, in addition, the day-shape in picture 85 on her port side. What action is required? O is power-driven and M is fishing: O must give way and keep clear of the obstruction on the port side of M.
Vessel M, showing the lights in picture 43, sees E showing the same lights, and there is a risk of collision. What action is required? M gives way to E.
Vessel C, showing the day-shape in picture 84, sees G showing the day-shapes in picture 81. What action is required? C is fishing and G is aground; keep as far away as possible.
Vessel J is on a course of 022°, showing the lights in picture 1. She is at risk of collision with vessel B, which is showing the lights in picture 66. The wind is westerly. What action is required? B keeps her course and speed as far as possible.
Vessel K shows the lights in picture 16 and sees vessel C, which shows the lights in picture 28. What action is required? Each alters course to starboard.
Vessel K, showing the lights in picture 14, sees vessel G showing the lights in picture 55. The wind is northerly. What action is required? K gives way to G.
Power-driven vessel K, showing the day-shape in picture 86, sees sailing vessel C on port tack. What action is required? K gives way to C.
Sailing vessel M, showing the day-shape in picture 82, sees rowing boat D, and there is a risk of collision. What action is required? M gives way to D.
You are on sailing vessel A, making 12 knots in a northerly wind. You see sailing vessel I, making 8 knots. A is on starboard tack and vessel I is on port tack. What action is required? Under the Rules of the Road, A must give way to vessel I.
You are in a sailing vessel and see ahead of you what is shown in picture 39. What should you do? It is a vessel more than 50 metres long, aground; I will keep clear of the danger.
Vessel M, showing the day-shape in picture 86, is at risk of collision with K, which is showing the same day-shape. What vessel is this, and what action is required? M is towing and the length of the tow is over 200 metres. M gives way.
In a northerly wind, you are sailing east under sail and see right ahead a vessel showing the lights in picture 58. What will you do? It is a sailing vessel on starboard tack, so I must give way.
Vessel K, showing the lights in picture 11, sees vessel O showing the lights in picture 14. What action is required? Under the Rules, O gives way to K.
Sailing vessel O sees vessel M, also a sailing vessel. The wind is southerly. What action is required? M is to windward and gives way to O.
At night, in a sailing vessel, you see the lights shown in picture 36 dead ahead. What action is required? I will keep my course and speed.

1.3 Distress signals

Which of the following contains only distress signals? A red rocket, a continuous blast without a break, slowly raising and lowering the arms at the sides.
Which of the following is not a distress signal? Hoisting a single flag of the International Code of Signals.
Which group contains only distress signs or signals? A square flag with a black ball above it, explosive signals, a continuous blast (without a break), red rockets.
You are on vessel G and see vessel K sounding the signal shown in picture 119. What does it mean? The vessel is in distress and needs help.
You are on vessel F and hear vessel H sound three short blasts, three prolonged blasts, three short blasts. What do these blasts mean? This is a vessel signalling that she is in distress.
Vessel F hears vessel H sound a signal of six short blasts, three prolonged blasts, six short blasts. What do these blasts mean? These blasts have no meaning.
You are underway in vessel A and see vessel I flying flag O with a black ball above it. What do you do? She is in distress; I go to her assistance.
Vessel H, flying the flag in picture 97, sees vessel J flying the flag in picture 106 above her superstructure, with a black ball at her bow. What action is required? J is at anchor, flying a flag meaning that she is healthy and requests permission to enter harbour; no action is needed.
Vessel J, showing the lights in picture 35, sees vessel B showing the lights in picture 15, with flames visible on her deck. What action is required? B is in distress; J must go to her and assist her.
Vessel J, showing the lights in picture 35, sees vessel B showing the lights in picture 15. What action is required? B gives way to J.
Vessel H, flying the flag in picture 97, sees vessel J flying the flag in picture 104 with a black ball below it. What action is required? J is in distress; you must go and assist her.
G, a power-driven vessel, sees vessel K sounding the signal shown in picture 119. What does it mean? K is in distress and needs help.
What is a vessel signalling when she shows the flag in picture 92 with a black ball above it? I am in distress and need assistance.
Sailing vessel H sees motorboat L sounding the signal in picture 119. What action is required? L is in distress; H must give assistance.

2.1 Synoptic charts

What are isobars on a synoptic chart? Lines joining points of equal pressure.
In the northern hemisphere, which way does the wind blow around a depression? Anticlockwise.
Which statement is correct? A "col" is where two highs and two lows meet.
What does the spacing of the isobars on a synoptic chart tell you? The closer together the isobars, the stronger the wind.
What can a synoptic chart tell you about wind direction (northern hemisphere)? Around a depression the wind blows anticlockwise and converges.
Which statement about the synoptic chart shown is correct? Picture 2 is before the cold front passes: the sea is high and the wind is a strong south-westerly.
With reference to the attached chart, what will the wind direction be where isobar 1004 meets the island of Cyprus? South-easterly.
With reference to the attached chart, and taking the depression as stationary for this question, what will the barometric pressure trend be when sailing from A to B? The barometric pressure is steady.
With reference to the attached chart, what will the wind direction be at point C? The wind at this point will be northerly to north-easterly.
Which is the most correct statement about highs, lows, troughs and ridges? In a high or a ridge in the northern hemisphere, the wind circulates clockwise and diverges (spreads out).
With reference to the attached chart, what will the wind direction be in the Bosphorus strait (in Turkey), ignoring the effect of the topography? Westerly.
The diagram shows a horizontal section (plan view) of a frontal depression in the northern hemisphere. You are sailing from B to A. What will the atmospheric pressure trend be while you cross the warm air mass (the warm sector)? Steady pressure.
As the vessel crosses the warm front from point B to point A, how will the wind direction change? From southerly to south-westerly.
Sailing from the cold front towards point A, how will the visibility change? Visibility steadily improves.
According to the attached diagram, choose the correct statement: This is a sharav (hot, dry) low typical of spring; winds at Eilat will be southerly, about 15 knots, and visibility along Israel's Mediterranean coast will be poor.
According to the diagram (northern hemisphere), choose the correct answer: At point A the wind will be north-westerly and the estimated pressure 1010.
Choose the most correct answer about the diagram: This is a sharav (hot, dry) low that ends in a violent break (in spring).
According to the diagram, what will the wind direction be over Crete? Northerly.
According to the diagram, what will the wind direction be at Eilat? South-westerly.
According to the diagram, where are the strongest winds expected? Between Cyprus and the coast of Israel.
What will the wind direction be in the south of Israel, along the coastal plain? A south-westerly wind.
On the attached synoptic chart, where are cumulonimbus clouds expected to develop? At point L.
From the synoptic chart below (north is at the top of the page), sailing from A to B and assuming the front is not moving, what is the wind direction on your track before you cross the warm front? South-westerly.
From the synoptic chart, what clouds, if any, will there be at point O? Cumulonimbus clouds.
From the synoptic chart, where is visibility expected to be best? At point A.
Which statement is most correct? In the area between the warm front and the cold front, the isobars are almost straight lines.
On the attached synoptic chart, what is the wind direction at point B? None of the above.
On the attached synoptic chart, choose the most correct statement about visibility: Visibility at point A is very restricted.
Using the attached synoptic chart: you are sailing from Cyprus to Israel on a course of 150°. On what point of sail and tack is the yacht for most of the passage? Beam reach, port tack.
According to the attached chart, what will affect the island of Cyprus? The cold sector of the winter low.

2.2 General meteorology

The wind instrument shows 25 knots and the sea is white with foam. Describe and classify the weather on the Beaufort scale. Very strong wind, force 6 on the Beaufort scale.
What is the meltemi? A strong northerly wind that blows mainly in July and August in the Aegean Sea.
What do cumulonimbus clouds herald? Stormy weather with lightning, rain and strong wind.
Which statement is correct? The sharqiya is a strong, dry easterly wind that blows in the transitional seasons and is felt mainly in northern Israel.
Which statement is correct? A cold front in the Mediterranean comes with cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds.
Which statement is incorrect? A warm front has cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds.
What does the term "breeze" mean? A wind created by the difference in temperature between sea and land.
What does it mean when the forecaster says that a "cold front" will reach our region from the sea at the end of the week? Stormy weather is expected, with the sea rising.
Which weather phenomenon does not fit our region? After a cold front has passed over the coast of Israel, the barometric pressure will fall sharply.
You are planning a cruise in the Greek islands in July–August. Which of these weather phenomena might you meet? Meltemi – strong northerlies.
You want to sail to Cyprus. The forecast shows a depression over Greece moving towards our region. What do you do? I will delay my departure until the depression has passed, because it would catch me on the way.
Which of these weather phenomena does not fit our region? Strong, cold easterly winds blowing in northern Israel in winter are usually the result of a depression over southern Russia.
Which is the most correct statement about waves? Swell was generated in a distant stormy area where there was a strong, sustained wind.
Which weather phenomenon usually applies to our region (the Mediterranean coast)? A cold front over the Mediterranean is usually accompanied by cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds.
A forecast says that atmospheric stability is expected at a certain height. What does this mean? The rising air parcel has cooled to the temperature of its surroundings.
Which statement about "sea fog" is correct? Warm, moist air passes over cold water.
At what height does the cloud base form? When the temperature of the air parcel has reached the dew point and it continues to rise.
What is a katabatic wind? A wind that blows down from the mountains and becomes drier.
What is the bora? A cold northerly wind in the Adriatic Sea.
Which statement about swell is most correct? When the wind blows against the direction in which the swell is moving, the height of the swell decreases.
What is characteristic of cumulonimbus clouds? They are clouds with vertical (heaped) development.
Which statement about clouds is most correct? Showers and hail can form in cumulonimbus clouds.
In most cases, what characterises the passage of a winter depression over the coast of Israel? The warm front comes before the cold front.
You are sailing from Herzliya to Cyprus in the winter months, with a westerly wind. Successive barometer readings were: 08:00 – 1000 mb; 12:00 – 996 mb; 16:00 – 992 mb. What do these figures indicate? The boat is approaching a depression and the wind is increasing.
Which statement is most correct? The "bora" is a strong, dry, katabatic north-easterly wind that blows in winter in the Adriatic Sea.
Which of the following is the most accurate statement about the "breeze" in our area? The typical summer "breeze" in our area is caused by the temperature difference between the sea and the land.

3.1 The wind's effect on the boat

Which statement about the following points of sail is the most correct? Beam reach: high to very high speed, moderate leeway, some heel.
What does heavy heeling do to the boat? It reduces the boat's speed.
What is the topping lift used for on a sailing yacht? None of the above.
You are on a course of 090° in a northerly wind of force 4 on the Beaufort scale, in a boat with 2 masts whose sail plan is balanced. How will carrying each of the following sails affect your progress and your steering? Answers b and c are correct.
Which of the following helps you tell that the sails are trimmed correctly for sailing upwind? The jib luff being just on the edge of fluttering.
How should the sails be set when a yacht is sailing close-hauled? The sails are sheeted in hard, close to the centreline.
You are sailing a 12 m boat, heading north-west (on board, besides you, are five crew on their first sail, 3 of them children). The wind is south-westerly (240°), 15 knots, gusting 20 knots. You are under full sail, and every gust heels the boat hard. You want to change the situation. What do you do? I will reef and consider sailing under the jib alone.
How will lowering one of the sails affect a boat with 2 masts sailing under full sail on a beam reach (her sail plan is balanced)? Lowering the jib will make the boat luff up.
Sailing a boat with 2 masts on a beam reach, you feel a strong tendency for her to luff up. What sail adjustment do you make? I will reef the mizzen.
How does heeling affect a boat? Heeling reduces speed and increases leeway.
Your sailing yacht is heading east (090°). The wind is south-westerly (from 240°), 15 knots with gusts of 25 knots. She is under full sail and heels hard in every gust. You want to change this. What will you do? I will reef and consider sailing under the jib alone.
Your ketch is on a broad reach under full sail in a rising wind; the true wind speed is 20 knots. You have decided to reduce sail area. What will you usually do? Lower the mizzen and reef the mainsail.
Which statement is most correct? The steering arc on a broad reach is wider than when close-hauled.
Which statement is most correct? On a close reach: speed is a little better than close-hauled, there is leeway, the sails are sheeted in close to the centreline, and she heels.
What is the boom vang (boom jack) used for in the sail rig? To hold the boom down so that it does not lift when sailing off the wind.
You are heading north-west in a 12-metre boat (on board, besides you, are five crew on their first sail, three of them children). The wind is south-westerly (240°), 15 knots with gusts of 20 knots. You are under full sail and the boat heels hard in every gust. You want to improve the situation. What will you do? I will reef and consider sailing under the jib alone.

3.2 Manoeuvres: tacking and gybing

Which statement about tacking or gybing is correct? The danger when gybing is that the boom may swing across suddenly.
You are sailing on a beam reach in a light wind, on starboard tack, and must tack. What do you do, and what must you watch out for? I turn the wheel to starboard; if the boat stops head to wind during the turn, reverse the rudder.
At what angle to the wind is a yacht in danger of an accidental (uncontrolled) gybe? When running.
You are in a sailing yacht on a course of 300°. The wind is northerly, 10 knots. You want to change course to 060°. What is the most effective action? I will turn the wheel to starboard and tack.
You are in a sailing yacht on a course of 120°. The wind is westerly, 30 knots. You want to change course to 060°. What is the most effective and safest action? I will turn the wheel to starboard and tack.
Your boat is a ketch. You are on a broad reach, almost running, in a 20-knot wind with a following sea. The autopilot is struggling to hold the course. What is the danger in this situation? A sudden swing of the boom across the boat, which can cause serious damage.
When is a yacht at risk of an accidental (uncontrolled) gybe? When running.
You are sailing a yacht on a course of 300°. The wind is northerly, 10 knots. You want to change course to 060°. What is the most efficient way to do it? I will turn the rudder to starboard and tack.

3.3 Wind: directions and apparent wind

What is relative (apparent) wind? The resultant of the head-wind component (created by the vessel's motion) and the true-wind component.
You are sailing close-hauled off Herzliya and the wind you feel on your face is very strong. After you bear away onto a broad reach, the wind you feel is weaker. The reason is: The relative (apparent) wind decreases, so you feel a weaker wind.
What does the expression "to run before" mean? To sail with the wind and waves.
The wind is easterly. You are on passage from Limassol (Cyprus) to Haifa on a course of 135°. At roughly what angle does the wind meet your boat (the tack, and the angle of the wind relative to the bow)? Port tack, about 045° from the bow.
A 10-knot wind is blowing from due south. You are sailing on a course of 205°, the helm feels slack in your hand and it is hard to hold your course. Why? You are too close to the wind; your speed through the water is too low.
You are sailing on a course of 225°. The true wind is from the NE, the wind instrument shows 12 knots and your boat speed is 12 knots. What is the true wind speed in the area? 24 knots.
Which statement correctly describes the angle between the wind and the bow when sailing under sail alone? Close-hauled is about 45° to the wind.
You are sailing on a course of 225°. The true wind is from the NE, the wind instrument shows 0 knots and your boat speed is 12 knots. What is the true wind speed in the area? 12 knots.
The wind is south-westerly. You are on passage from Larnaca to Haifa on a course of 150°. Roughly at what angle relative to the bow, and on which tack, is the wind blowing on your boat? Starboard tack, about 075°.
You are under engine on a course of 180°. The true wind is northerly, the wind instrument shows 12 knots and your boat speed is 12 knots. What is the true wind speed in the area? 24 knots.
What is the approximate direction of the true wind when your wind instrument shows a southerly wind and you are heading west? South-easterly.
The wind is due east (9 knots). You are sailing on a course of 125° and find it hard to hold your course. What is the most likely reason? You are too close to the wind; your speed through the water is too low.

4. Handling under power / mooring / ropes

You must tow a 10-metre yacht in the open sea. The waves are 2 metres high. Which towline would you prefer to use? A rope of 4-inch circumference, 50 metres long.
In a boat with one engine, one shaft and a right-handed propeller, what happens when you put the engine astern? The bow swings to starboard.
The boat is moving astern. You want to turn the bow to starboard. Which way do you turn the wheel? To port.
You want to anchor in a bay. Which seamanship considerations will affect your decision? The type of bottom, the wind strength and direction, how crowded the bay is, the weather forecast.
What is required of a towline? It must have high elasticity (stretch).
Which of the following is an effective way to tell that the anchor is holding and not dragging? Feeling the anchor rode for "vibrations".
What is a "dead anchor"? An anchor permanently fixed to the seabed.
The marina office where you berth (a sailing yacht) tells you to moor alongside another vessel (a sailing yacht identical to yours) because the marina is crowded. How do you moor your boat? I moor alongside "bow to stern".
After you have finished anchoring, what is the recommended way to take the load off the anchor windlass? You can tie a line to the anchor chain and make it fast to the bow cleat, sharing the load between them and adding security.
Which is one of the requirements of a mooring line? It must have high elasticity (stretch).
Which of the following ropes, all of the same thickness, is the strongest? Kevlar.
What gives the best mooring? It is better to make one strong line fast to a given point than two weak lines that together give the same strength as the strong one.
What is the effect of a knot or a splice on a rope? Any knot or splice reduces the rope's original strength.
What does the marking 6/12 on a wire rope mean? 6 strands, with 12 wires in each strand.
The boat lies starboard side to the quay, held by a single line acting as a stern spring. The engine is put astern with the wheel amidships. How will the boat react? The bow will swing to port.
What is the first thing you do when the anchor is dragging? I let out more anchor rode or chain.
Which statement about wire rope is the most correct (the construction is read from left to right)? 1×19 wire is mostly used for the guardrails.
How should ropes be cared for? Rinse them in fresh water and dry them in the shade.
What properties should an anchor rode have, and which rope would you prefer? It should stretch and sink.
You want to turn round in a narrow channel that is only slightly wider than your boat is long. Your boat has a right-handed propeller. Which way would you rather turn (assuming the wind is negligible)? I would rather turn to starboard, so that I can use the prop walk when going astern.
Your 19 m boat is moored alongside the fuel berth in a marina. The wind is pressing you hard against the berth and you want to leave. What could be a solution? I will use a bow spring with a fender at the bow and go ahead on the engine.
When would you rather moor bow-to the quay than stern-to? Answers b and c are correct.
Your boat is moored in a marina to a "dead anchor" (a sinker) by a "mooring" line (lazy line). What is the danger when you leave? That the engine cannot be put in gear until the line has sunk.
How can you tell whether your anchor is dragging? There will be vibration in the anchor rode and the boat will not keep her bow to the wind.
What is the correct order of actions when anchoring? Choose where to anchor, brief the crew, approach the spot head to wind, stop, drop the anchor and check whether it is dragging.
Which factors must you take into account when towing another vessel? The sea state, the amount of fuel and the strength of the towing points.
Why, when turning, is it best to put the rudder over to a maximum of about 45° to the centreline and no more? At 45° the ratio of turning force to braking force is at its best.
Your inflatable dinghy with its outboard weighs 320 kg. You rig a tackle on the end of the main boom so that 4 parts of rope run from the moving block (the one attached to the dinghy), and you want to lift the dinghy with the tackle. Ignoring friction, what force is needed to lift the dinghy? 80 kg.
Your boat, 12 m long and 4.5 m wide, is under engine, towing a sailing yacht 10 m long and 3.5 m wide. You have no towing bridle. The towline, about 10 m long, is made fast to the port cleat at your stern. You have to make a sharp turn to port, which leaves the towline slack. What may be the immediate effect on your boat when the line comes taut again? The towed boat will swing your bow hard to starboard.
What is recommended when towing in heavy weather? Lengthen the towline and make it as heavy as possible.
Of the anchors listed below, which will hold best in a sandy bottom? Bruce anchor.
Over the VHF you are told to berth in the marina using the method called "Mediterranean mooring". So you will moor: With an anchor or a mooring buoy at the bow, and the stern to the quay.
A boat is made fast to the quay, starboard side to, by a bow spring only. How will she react with her engines slow ahead and the rudder amidships? The bow will swing to starboard.
What is the mechanical advantage of a mainsheet tackle made up of a double block on the boom and another double block on deck, with the hauling part leading from the block on the boom? The mechanical advantage will be 5.
What does the marking 6/12 on a wire rope mean (reading from left to right)? 6 strands, with 12 wires in each strand.
You have decided to come in to the shore in a motorboat with her bow facing the open sea, and you intend to use the anchor to do it. What must you do? Control the paying out of the chain or rope, so that the anchor stops the boat while you keep full control of the process.
What is required of a mooring line? All of the above.
You are about to make a Mediterranean moor in a marina crowded with moored boats. Your boat is 12 metres long (anchor at the bow), the depth is 7 metres, the anchor rode is 70 metres long, and a strong crosswind is blowing on your starboard bow. Where will you drop the anchor? I will drop the anchor straight out from my berth, at right angles to the quay and as far from it as possible.
What effect does the prop walk of a right-handed propeller have when the engine is put ahead? The bow swings to port.
What is the job of the mooring lines called springs? They stop the boat moving fore and aft along the quay, parallel to it (once she is made fast).
What, as a rule, is required of a towline? It should have high elasticity (stretch).
How is the weight of the anchor determined in relation to the size of the boat? The safety equipment standard of the Administration of Shipping and Ports deals with this.
In a boat with one engine, one shaft and a right-handed propeller, what happens when you put the engine ahead? The bow swings slightly to port.
The boat is moving astern. You want to turn the bow to starboard. Which way do you turn the wheel? To port.
When do you anchor with two anchors? All of the above.

5. Emergencies, abandoning ship and passage routine

When would you use parachute rockets? By day and by night.
On a boat with a steering wheel, the emergency tiller is there for a case in which: Answers a and b are correct.
What should you avoid when sailing in a thunderstorm with rain? Going near metal objects on deck.
When someone falls overboard, you throw a lifebuoy fitted with a light. How is the light switched on? The light comes on when it turns over and starts to float.
While preparing to abandon ship, you launch a liferaft and it inflates upside down. What should you do? Send a swimmer to stand on the gas cylinder, hold the straps provided for this and right the raft.
What is the main purpose of a drogue (a type of sea anchor)? To slow the boat down when running down high waves.
You are in a motorboat and have run aground on a sandbank. What is the first thing you do? I put the engine into neutral.
What is a safety harness for? To secure the crew against falling overboard in heavy weather.
When abandoning ship, once all the survivors are in the liferaft, what are your first actions? Have the survivors take seasickness pills.
What is the hydrostatic release of a liferaft? It releases the liferaft automatically at a certain depth.
What do you do immediately after running aground? Damage control: try to limit the damage as the situation allows, and prepare for abandoning ship or for rescue.
Before a trip of a few hours close to the shore, what will you explain when you brief inexperienced people sailing with you? I will explain where the safety equipment is and how to use it.
As you enter Herzliya Marina, turning the wheel has no effect at all on the boat's steering. What is your immediate option? I fit the emergency tiller to the rudder stock.
What is a safety "lifeline" (jackstay)? A lifeline is a line rigged from bow to stern, used to clip on a safety harness when working on deck in rough weather.
You are on passage from Ashkelon to Haifa in a 14-metre boat drawing 2 metres, 2 nautical miles off the coast. Off Tel Aviv Port a south-westerly wind of 25 knots starts to blow. What do you do? I carry on north to shelter in Herzliya Marina.
Which statement about a liferaft is correct? There are straps on the bottom of the raft for righting it.
What is the main use of a sea anchor? To check drift and hold the bow or stern of the boat to the wind and waves.
Which of the following is forbidden while refuelling the boat? Leaving the bilge-pump switch on automatic.
You are sailing parallel to the shore, about 500 metres off. The wind is rising and pushing the boat towards the shore, and you are 5 hours' sailing from your home port. What should you do? I will move away from the shore quickly.
Your sloop is sailing upwind in 25 knots of wind with 4-metre waves, jib and mainsail reefed. Suddenly the jib halyard parts and you must send people to work on the foredeck. What would you prefer (for the crew's safety)? Change to a broad reach and make sure the helmsman holds the course.
What are the first things to do when you discover flooding on board? Taste the water, start the pumps and close the openings.
While sailing in a bay you run aground on a shoal. What do you do to get off? I will put the engine in neutral or lower the sails and carry out damage control; if possible, I will try to come off by going astern.
What are the important things to brief inexperienced people on before a week's cruise in the bays of Turkey? I will explain how the toilet works, the danger of falling overboard and the help I will need during the cruise, and ask them to tell me about anything that seems unusual to them.
You want to moor Mediterranean-style in a harbour in Greece. Where can you find information about the harbour and the berth? In the pilot book, on nautical charts and from friends who have sailed in the area.
What do you do when someone falls overboard in a rough sea while you are under sail? Throw a lifebuoy, furl the jib, start the engine and go to the person in the water.
You are sailing to Cyprus when you suddenly hear a request for a tow from an Israeli sailing yacht 90 miles from Cyprus. The weather is good, but a depression is forecast in 48 hours (the tow is requested because of engine failure). What do you do? Check whether I am able to tow her (fuel state, suitable lines, etc.); I am not obliged to help, since the boat is not in distress.
As you approach a marina you want to furl the jib, but the jib furler will not turn. What can you do? Answers a and c are correct.
When a boat is hove-to, at what angle to the wind is her bow? About 60° from the true wind direction.
You are caught in a storm in your sloop: 45-knot winds and waves an estimated 7 metres high. The mainsail is fully lowered, and the reefed jib you set has torn. The boat is now drifting beam-on to the wind and waves. What must you do? Stream a sea anchor to hold the boat steady, facing the waves and the wind.
How should you act when you run into stormy weather? Reduce sail, but do not take it all down, so that you still have a means of propulsion.
In which of the following conditions will the steering be more effective? When the boat is heading into the waves.
While berthed in a marina you receive a warning that a very strong wind (Beaufort force 9) and high waves are expected before dawn. What do you do? Answers b and c are correct.
What must you do when you hear a distress call on VHF channel 16 from a vessel 20 miles from your route? Go to save life, unless you have weighed it up and concluded that the danger to your crew's lives is too great.
Where should your boat's liferaft be stowed? Secured on deck or on the stern rail, with the painter made fast.
Approaching Herzliya Marina from the west, you are sailing in a 2 m westerly swell. How high do you expect the waves to be near the entrance, and what do you do? There will probably be high waves at the marina entrance; I will try to time my entry for a lull between the waves.
You are sailing from Cyprus to Israel in December. 30 miles out of Cyprus you receive a weather forecast: the wind and waves are getting stronger, and the barometric pressure is falling. What do you do? I will prepare the boat for stormy weather, get a safety harness ready and return to Cyprus.
The sea is calm with no wind, and your sloop is under engine. Suddenly a lot of smoke rises from the engine compartment, and it is clear that a fire has broken out there. What should you do? Stop the engine, shut off the fuel supply if possible, and spray dry powder in through as small an opening as possible.
What will be your first action when you find white smoke coming from the sail locker in the bow? I will turn the stern to the wind and use every means at my disposal to put out the fire immediately.
Choose the correct statement: A foam extinguisher is suitable mainly for liquid fires.
Which of the following is the first thing to do when a fire breaks out in the stern of the boat? Throw the gas cylinders stowed in the stern overboard.
Choose the correct statement: Foam puts out a fire by cutting the burning material off from the oxygen in the air.
How can you tell that a liferaft is properly inflated? When the relief valve starts to whistle.
Choose the correct statement about the painter of a liferaft: All of the above.
You are on a sailing yacht with her sails furled. A north-westerly wind of 20 knots is blowing. In the entrance to Herzliya Marina, between the breakwaters, the engine suddenly stops and you cannot restart it. What will you do? I will set one of the sails so as not to be left without propulsion.
Which statement about a liferaft is true? A liferaft carries at least one sea anchor.
What is the safety harness on board used for? To secure the crew against falling overboard in heavy weather.
In a storm at sea, a lot of water is getting into your boat. What additional means can you use to pump it out? The engine's raw-water (sea-water) pump.
In a motorboat, you have run aground. What will you do first? Put the engine in neutral and carry out damage control.
What information can you find in a "pilot book"? Most of the information needed for navigation and route planning in the area concerned.
You are sailing on a course of 150°; the wind is south-westerly, force 5 on the Beaufort scale. One of the shrouds, which was under load, has parted. What will you do? The shroud is on the starboard side, so you must tack to take the load off the mast.
Which of the following items is not part of a liferaft's standard equipment? A portable SART.
The following are usually recorded in the logbook: a. log reading (distance run); b. engine temperature; c. distress messages; d. wind direction; e. cloud cover; f. the boat's position; g. oil pressure; h. wind strength; i. names of the crew on watch. Which of these can help you keep track of where you are along your route? a, h, d, f.
When would you use parachute rockets? By day and by night.
Choose the correct statement: A foam extinguisher is suitable for fires involving liquids.
What is the position of the jib when the yacht is hove-to? Sheeted hard to windward.

6. General regulations

Which areas are closed to navigation (under the regulations)? Bathing beaches, diving areas, closed areas.
What does the "IMOT" instruction mean? A vessel's identification report to RCC Haifa before entering Israel.
On a voyage within territorial waters, how far from the coast may a vessel go? 12 miles.
What are the limits of a beach marked as a declared bathing beach, where navigation is prohibited? 50 metres on each side of the declared area, and out to 300 metres from the low-water line on the beach.
What additional item must a 13-metre private vessel carry when sailing 15 miles offshore? A liferaft.
When buying a vessel, you want to check whether the importer equips it in line with the Israeli seaworthiness regulations. Where can you find this information? The equipment lists are published by the Administration of Shipping and Ports and on the Ministry of Transport website.
What do the regulations require if you cook on board on an open-flame stove? A fire blanket.
What do you do with food waste and rubbish bags when more than 3 miles offshore? Throwing rubbish into the sea is forbidden at all times during the voyage.
Which statement about lifejackets is correct? The number of lifejackets must equal the number of people on board permitted by the vessel's seaworthiness certificate.
Which statement about pyrotechnics on board a vessel on an international voyage is correct? The vessel must carry at least 4 parachute rockets.
How often must a private vessel have a periodic seaworthiness inspection? Once every 24 months.
Returning to Israel from abroad in your vessel, what do you do once you are within 25 miles of the coast? Call RCC Haifa on channel 16 (4X0) and report your position, identity and so on.
What is the length of a vessel defined as a "ship" (sfina)? 7 metres to 24 metres.
Which is the most correct statement about pyrotechnics? A red hand flare keeps burning after it has fallen into the water.
Which statement about pyrotechnics on board a vessel on a national voyage is correct? The vessel must carry at least 4 parachute rockets.
When entering a foreign port, you must fly the following flags: On the starboard side of the mast, the host country's flag; on the port side of the mast, flag Q; at the stern, the Israeli flag on a staff.
Which of the following sets of code flags must be carried on board? N, A, B, C, Q, O.
Which flags must you fly when entering the territorial waters of a foreign country? A yellow flag, the flag of the country of registry and the host country's flag.
On first entering a port in Turkey you are required to have a "TRANSIT LOG". What is this document? A permit for free movement in Turkish territorial waters.
How can you find out which safety equipment a boat must carry when she goes to sea? In the boat's certificate of seaworthiness.
Among maritime organisations, what does "IMO" stand for? The International Maritime Organization.
You are approaching Fethiye marina in Turkey to make your first entry. Which flags will you fly on an Israeli boat? The Turkish flag on the starboard side, flag Q on the port side and the Israeli flag at the stern.
What are the requirements for pyrotechnic equipment? A red hand flare keeps burning even after it has fallen into the water.
On a voyage within territorial waters, how far from the coast may a vessel go? Up to 12 miles from the shore.
What are the limits of a beach marked as a declared bathing beach, where vessels are not allowed? 50 metres on each side of the declared area, and out to 300 metres from the low-water line on the beach.