USCG Exam PracticeCourse to steer to compensate for current
A towing vessel master is transiting a coastal waterway. Under 33 CFR §164.78, which of the following statements regarding position fixing is correct?
- A. The master may use buoys as the sole means of fixing position provided the buoys are charted
- ✓ The master must use installed navigational equipment, aids to navigation, geographic reference points, and hydrographic contours to fix position, and may not use buoys aloneCorrect
- C. The master may use buoys alone to fix position when visibility is greater than one mile
- D. The master may use buoys alone to fix position when transiting waters with a strong current
Why B is correct
33 CFR §164.78(a)(2) and (a)(3) require the person directing the towing vessel to fix position using installed navigational equipment, aids to navigation, geographic reference points, and hydrographic contours, and expressly prohibit using buoys alone to fix position.
Cited:33 CFR §164.78