ASA 105 Exam (Latest Update )
Questions and Certified Answers | Grade A |
100% Correct guaranteed | pass
Which of the following items is essential for performing effective coastal navigation in a
local area?
A. GPS and radar
B. Navigation charts, light list, steering compass with deviation table, depth sounder,
speed and distance instruments, plotting tools, pencil, eraser, notebook, simple calculator,
VHF radio, hand bearing compass, watch or clock
C. Barometer and weather fax
D. AIS (Automatic Identification System)
Answer: B. Navigation charts, light list, steering compass with deviation table, depth
sounder, speed and distance instruments, plotting tools, pencil, eraser, notebook, simple
calculator, VHF radio, hand bearing compass, watch or clock
Rationale: Effective local coastal navigation requires traditional tools such as charts,
compass, plotting instruments, and instruments for measuring depth, speed, and distance.
Modern electronics are useful but not essential for local area navigation.
Beyond the local area, which additional tools should a prudent navigator consider?
A. Compass, parallel rules, dividers
B. GPS, Radar, AIS, Barometer, Weather Fax or Satellite Weather Receiver, NAVTEX
Receiver
C. Pencil, eraser, notebook
D. Lead line and speed log
Answer: B. GPS, Radar, AIS, Barometer, Weather Fax or Satellite Weather Receiver, NAVTEX
Receiver
Rationale: For extended or offshore navigation, modern instruments provide accurate
positioning, weather updates, and safety alerts, which are essential for safe navigation
beyond local areas.
Which plotting tools are needed for navigation on a small boat in coastal waters?
A. Parallel rules, protractor triangle, dividers, simple calculator, pencil, eraser
B. GPS, radar, AIS, NAVTEX receiver
,C. Barometer, watch, VHF radio
D. Steering compass and deviation table only
Answer: A. Parallel rules, protractor triangle, dividers, simple calculator, pencil, eraser
Rationale: Coastal navigation plotting requires tools for transferring bearings, measuring
angles, and calculating distances on charts.
What are the three primary plotting sheets used in navigation?
A. Position plotting sheets, universal plotting sheets, radar plotting sheets
B. GPS sheets, depth sheets, speed sheets
C. Magnetic, deviation, and variation sheets
D. Nautical charts, tide tables, light lists
Answer: A. Position plotting sheets, universal plotting sheets, radar plotting sheets
Rationale: These plotting sheets are standard for charting positions, course lines, and
radar fixes.
What does the term “variation” mean in navigation?
A. Difference between Magnetic North and Compass North
B. Difference between True North and Magnetic North at a particular location and date
C. Error caused by metal on the boat
D. Speed adjustment for current
Answer: B. Difference between True North and Magnetic North at a particular location and
date
Rationale: Variation (also called magnetic declination) changes depending on geographic
location and date and must be considered when converting between true and magnetic
bearings.
What does the term “deviation” mean in navigation?
A. Difference between True North and Magnetic North
B. Error between Magnetic North and Compass North caused by magnetic influences
within the vessel
C. Horizontal movement of tides
D. Difference between dead reckoning and actual position
Answer: B. Error between Magnetic North and Compass North caused by magnetic
influences within the vessel
Rationale: Deviation is specific to each vessel and results from magnetic interference
affecting the compass reading.
,Compass inaccuracy can result from which two sources?
A. Defects in the compass itself and magnetic influences within the boat
B. Incorrect chart plotting and GPS errors
C. Tide currents and wind drift
D. Radar interference and light refraction
Answer: A. Defects in the compass itself and magnetic influences within the boat
Rationale: Compass errors come from mechanical defects and local magnetic fields caused
by materials or equipment on board.
What is the formula for calculating distance in navigation?
A. Distance = Speed x Time
B. Distance = Speed ÷ Time
C. Distance = Time ÷ Speed
D. Distance = Speed + Time
Answer: A. Distance = Speed x Time
Rationale: This formula is used in navigation to calculate the distance traveled based on
boat speed and travel time.
What is the use of a NAVTEX receiver in navigation?
A. Measures boat speed
B. Provides text of weather forecasts, navigational hazards, emergencies, damage to
navigational aids, and other safety information
C. Determines magnetic variation
D. Measures water depth
Answer: B. Provides text of weather forecasts, navigational hazards, emergencies, damage
to navigational aids, and other safety information
Rationale: NAVTEX is an international automated system that broadcasts maritime safety
information for navigators.
Which navigation method estimates position based on a known starting point, speed, and
course without accounting for current?
A. GPS
B. Dead Reckoning (DR)
C. LOP
D. Radar fix
Answer: B. Dead Reckoning (DR)
, Line of Position (LOP)
• Definition: A single bearing taken to a fixed landmark or light; shows your possible
position along a line.
• Use: Used in position fixes and running fixes.
MCQ Example:
A Line of Position (LOP) is:
A. The exact position of the boat at a given time
B. A line along which the vessel is known to be located
C. The distance traveled along a course
D. The error in compass reading
Answer: B. A line along which the vessel is known to be located
Running Fix
• Definition: Determines position using two bearings taken at different times.
• Method:
1. Take the first bearing and plot it.
2. Advance it along the DR course for the distance traveled.
3. Take the second bearing.
4. Where the advanced first bearing intersects the second bearing = Running
Fix.
MCQ Example:
A running fix is obtained by:
A. Using a single LOP
B. Taking two bearings at the same time
C. Taking two bearings at different times and advancing the first along the DR course
D. Using GPS only
Answer: C. Taking two bearings at different times and advancing the first along the DR
course
Turn Bearings
• Definition: A preplanned bearing to a landmark to indicate when to turn your boat
in a new direction.
Questions and Certified Answers | Grade A |
100% Correct guaranteed | pass
Which of the following items is essential for performing effective coastal navigation in a
local area?
A. GPS and radar
B. Navigation charts, light list, steering compass with deviation table, depth sounder,
speed and distance instruments, plotting tools, pencil, eraser, notebook, simple calculator,
VHF radio, hand bearing compass, watch or clock
C. Barometer and weather fax
D. AIS (Automatic Identification System)
Answer: B. Navigation charts, light list, steering compass with deviation table, depth
sounder, speed and distance instruments, plotting tools, pencil, eraser, notebook, simple
calculator, VHF radio, hand bearing compass, watch or clock
Rationale: Effective local coastal navigation requires traditional tools such as charts,
compass, plotting instruments, and instruments for measuring depth, speed, and distance.
Modern electronics are useful but not essential for local area navigation.
Beyond the local area, which additional tools should a prudent navigator consider?
A. Compass, parallel rules, dividers
B. GPS, Radar, AIS, Barometer, Weather Fax or Satellite Weather Receiver, NAVTEX
Receiver
C. Pencil, eraser, notebook
D. Lead line and speed log
Answer: B. GPS, Radar, AIS, Barometer, Weather Fax or Satellite Weather Receiver, NAVTEX
Receiver
Rationale: For extended or offshore navigation, modern instruments provide accurate
positioning, weather updates, and safety alerts, which are essential for safe navigation
beyond local areas.
Which plotting tools are needed for navigation on a small boat in coastal waters?
A. Parallel rules, protractor triangle, dividers, simple calculator, pencil, eraser
B. GPS, radar, AIS, NAVTEX receiver
,C. Barometer, watch, VHF radio
D. Steering compass and deviation table only
Answer: A. Parallel rules, protractor triangle, dividers, simple calculator, pencil, eraser
Rationale: Coastal navigation plotting requires tools for transferring bearings, measuring
angles, and calculating distances on charts.
What are the three primary plotting sheets used in navigation?
A. Position plotting sheets, universal plotting sheets, radar plotting sheets
B. GPS sheets, depth sheets, speed sheets
C. Magnetic, deviation, and variation sheets
D. Nautical charts, tide tables, light lists
Answer: A. Position plotting sheets, universal plotting sheets, radar plotting sheets
Rationale: These plotting sheets are standard for charting positions, course lines, and
radar fixes.
What does the term “variation” mean in navigation?
A. Difference between Magnetic North and Compass North
B. Difference between True North and Magnetic North at a particular location and date
C. Error caused by metal on the boat
D. Speed adjustment for current
Answer: B. Difference between True North and Magnetic North at a particular location and
date
Rationale: Variation (also called magnetic declination) changes depending on geographic
location and date and must be considered when converting between true and magnetic
bearings.
What does the term “deviation” mean in navigation?
A. Difference between True North and Magnetic North
B. Error between Magnetic North and Compass North caused by magnetic influences
within the vessel
C. Horizontal movement of tides
D. Difference between dead reckoning and actual position
Answer: B. Error between Magnetic North and Compass North caused by magnetic
influences within the vessel
Rationale: Deviation is specific to each vessel and results from magnetic interference
affecting the compass reading.
,Compass inaccuracy can result from which two sources?
A. Defects in the compass itself and magnetic influences within the boat
B. Incorrect chart plotting and GPS errors
C. Tide currents and wind drift
D. Radar interference and light refraction
Answer: A. Defects in the compass itself and magnetic influences within the boat
Rationale: Compass errors come from mechanical defects and local magnetic fields caused
by materials or equipment on board.
What is the formula for calculating distance in navigation?
A. Distance = Speed x Time
B. Distance = Speed ÷ Time
C. Distance = Time ÷ Speed
D. Distance = Speed + Time
Answer: A. Distance = Speed x Time
Rationale: This formula is used in navigation to calculate the distance traveled based on
boat speed and travel time.
What is the use of a NAVTEX receiver in navigation?
A. Measures boat speed
B. Provides text of weather forecasts, navigational hazards, emergencies, damage to
navigational aids, and other safety information
C. Determines magnetic variation
D. Measures water depth
Answer: B. Provides text of weather forecasts, navigational hazards, emergencies, damage
to navigational aids, and other safety information
Rationale: NAVTEX is an international automated system that broadcasts maritime safety
information for navigators.
Which navigation method estimates position based on a known starting point, speed, and
course without accounting for current?
A. GPS
B. Dead Reckoning (DR)
C. LOP
D. Radar fix
Answer: B. Dead Reckoning (DR)
, Line of Position (LOP)
• Definition: A single bearing taken to a fixed landmark or light; shows your possible
position along a line.
• Use: Used in position fixes and running fixes.
MCQ Example:
A Line of Position (LOP) is:
A. The exact position of the boat at a given time
B. A line along which the vessel is known to be located
C. The distance traveled along a course
D. The error in compass reading
Answer: B. A line along which the vessel is known to be located
Running Fix
• Definition: Determines position using two bearings taken at different times.
• Method:
1. Take the first bearing and plot it.
2. Advance it along the DR course for the distance traveled.
3. Take the second bearing.
4. Where the advanced first bearing intersects the second bearing = Running
Fix.
MCQ Example:
A running fix is obtained by:
A. Using a single LOP
B. Taking two bearings at the same time
C. Taking two bearings at different times and advancing the first along the DR course
D. Using GPS only
Answer: C. Taking two bearings at different times and advancing the first along the DR
course
Turn Bearings
• Definition: A preplanned bearing to a landmark to indicate when to turn your boat
in a new direction.
