USCG Exam PracticePlotting with variation and deviation (T-V-M-D-C)
Pre-voyage planning for a towing vessel operating seaward of the U.S. territorial sea baseline must include which of the following items?
- ✓ Forward and after drafts of the barge and under-keel clearances for all bridges and berthing areasCorrect
- B. A stability calculation using the vessel's Load Line Certificate only
- C. Confirmation that buoys have been verified in their charted positions
- D. A test of the ARPA system to IMO performance standards
Why A is correct
33 CFR §164.80(c)(3)(iv) specifically requires that the voyage plan include forward and after drafts of the barge or barges and under-keel and vertical clearances (air-gaps) for all bridges, ports, and berthing areas. Buoys cannot fix a position per 33 CFR §164.78(a)(3), and ARPA testing requirements are addressed separately under 33 CFR §164.38.