USCG Exam PracticeCourse to steer to compensate for current
Under 33 CFR §164.78, a person directing and controlling the movement of a towing vessel is required to do which of the following with respect to current information?
- ✓ Know the speed and direction of the current, and the set, drift, and tidal state for the area to be transitedCorrect
- B. Know the set and drift only when the tow draft exceeds the vessel's own draft
- C. Obtain current information from buoys when no other source is available and use that data to fix position
- D. Know current velocity and direction but is not required to know tidal state unless operating in tidal waters
Why A is correct
33 CFR §164.78(a)(6) requires the person directing the towing vessel to know the speed and direction of the current, and the set, drift, and tidal state for the area to be transited, with no exceptions based on tow draft or water type. Option C is incorrect because §164.78(a)(3) prohibits fixing position using buoys alone.
Cited:33 CFR §164.78