USCG Exam PracticeTides and currents — predictions and corrections
Under 33 CFR §164.78, which of the following is a permitted use of buoys for position fixing on a towing vessel?
- A. Buoys may be used as the sole means of fixing position when no other aids are available
- ✓ Buoys may corroborate a position fixed by other means, and if no other aids are available, may establish an estimated positionCorrect
- C. Buoys may fix position only when their charted positions have been verified by the local Coast Guard sector
- D. Buoys may not be used for any navigational purpose because they do not maintain exact charted positions
Why B is correct
33 CFR §164.78(a)(3) states that buoys cannot fix a position but may corroborate a position fixed by other means; however, if no other aids are available, buoys alone may establish an estimated position. The regulation explicitly prohibits using buoys alone to fix position under normal circumstances.
Cited:33 CFR §164.78