USCG Exam PracticeTides and currents — predictions and corrections
A towing vessel operator is transiting an area where only buoys are available as aids to navigation and no other positioning means can be used at that moment. Under 33 CFR §164.78, which statement correctly describes the regulatory status and navigational value of buoys in this situation?
- A. Buoys may be used to fix the vessel's position because they are official aids to navigation maintained by the Coast Guard
- B. Buoys may not be used under any circumstances to establish position; the transit must be suspended
- ✓ Buoys cannot fix a position but, if no other aids are available, may be used to establish an estimated positionCorrect
- D. Buoys may corroborate a position fix and, when used with two or more bearings, constitute a valid fix
Why C is correct
33 CFR §164.78(a)(3) explicitly states that buoys cannot fix a position because they may not maintain exact charted positions; however, if no other aids are available, buoys alone may establish an estimated position. They may corroborate a fix obtained by other means but do not themselves constitute a fix.
Cited:33 CFR §164.78