ASA 103 | 100 Questions and Verified
Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A
(2026/2027)
This ASA 103 (Coastal Cruising) exam is a 100-question, multiple-choice test
designed to certify the ability to skipper a 25–35-foot sloop-rigged keelboat in
moderate winds and sea condition covering advanced sailboat terminology, sail
trim, navigation, anchoring, docking, and safety.
ASA 103 Exam Topics
The exam evaluates knowledge of the following key areas, often covered in
comprehensive study guides:
• Boat Systems: Understanding engine components (outboard/inboard),
fuel systems, bilge pumps, through-hulls, and electrical systems.
• Sailing Techniques: Reefing procedures, heavy-weather sailing, de-
powering sails, and points of sail.
• Navigation & Rules: COLREGs (navigation rules), interpreting nautical
charts, navigating with VHF radio, and recognizing buoyage systems.
• Docking & Maneuvering: Techniques for using dock lines, springing off a
dock, mooring ball approach, and handling a boat under power.
• Safety & Emergencies: Man overboard (MOB) procedures, heavy
weather, anchoring, and distress signaling.
Key Concepts and Example Knowledge
Based on this study material
• Right of Way: A sailboat under power is considered a power-driven
vessel. A vessel under sail alone has right of way over a vessel under power.
• Reefing: Should be done early at the first sign of adverse weather.
• VHF Channels: Channel 16 is for emergency and calling. Weather
channels (WX) are used for weather updates.
1
, • Knots: Rolling hitch (anchoring), bowline (towing), and other standard
sailing knots.
• Anchoring: If dragging, increase the scope (ratio of line length to water
depth).
Quiz_________________?
Stemhead Fitting -
Answer
A stainless-steel fitting on the bow of a boat to which the forestay and jib tack are
attached, as well as the roller fairlead for the anchor rode.
Quiz_________________?
Turnbuckle -
Answer
A mechanical fitting attached to the lower ends of stays, which connects them to
the chainplate, allowing for the standing rigging to be adjusted (tightened.)
Quiz_________________?
Chainplate -
Answer
Metal plate bolted to the hull of a boat to which standing rigging is attached.
Quiz_________________?
2
,Hatch -
Answer
A covered opening in the deck.
Quiz_________________?
Transom -
Answer
The flat surface forming the stern of a vessel.
Quiz_________________?
Self-bailing cockpit -
Answer
A cockpit that is high enough above the waterline that any water that gets inside
will drain overboard by gravity, through scuppers (drains) located in the aft
corner of the cockpit well.
Quiz_________________?
Compass -
Answer
An instrument that indicates direction relative to Earth's magnetic field.
3
, Quiz_________________?
Binnacle -
Answer
The pedestal on which the boat's main compass is mounted.
Quiz_________________?
Cockpit locker -
Answer
Storage compartment in the cockpit seating area.
Quiz_________________?
Emergency tiller -
Answer
On boats with wheel steering, a tiller that can be fitted to the top of the rudder
stock so the boat could be steered in the event the wheel-steering mechanism
fails.
Quiz_________________?
Companionway -
Answer
A staircase leading from a deck to the cabins or area below.
4
Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A
(2026/2027)
This ASA 103 (Coastal Cruising) exam is a 100-question, multiple-choice test
designed to certify the ability to skipper a 25–35-foot sloop-rigged keelboat in
moderate winds and sea condition covering advanced sailboat terminology, sail
trim, navigation, anchoring, docking, and safety.
ASA 103 Exam Topics
The exam evaluates knowledge of the following key areas, often covered in
comprehensive study guides:
• Boat Systems: Understanding engine components (outboard/inboard),
fuel systems, bilge pumps, through-hulls, and electrical systems.
• Sailing Techniques: Reefing procedures, heavy-weather sailing, de-
powering sails, and points of sail.
• Navigation & Rules: COLREGs (navigation rules), interpreting nautical
charts, navigating with VHF radio, and recognizing buoyage systems.
• Docking & Maneuvering: Techniques for using dock lines, springing off a
dock, mooring ball approach, and handling a boat under power.
• Safety & Emergencies: Man overboard (MOB) procedures, heavy
weather, anchoring, and distress signaling.
Key Concepts and Example Knowledge
Based on this study material
• Right of Way: A sailboat under power is considered a power-driven
vessel. A vessel under sail alone has right of way over a vessel under power.
• Reefing: Should be done early at the first sign of adverse weather.
• VHF Channels: Channel 16 is for emergency and calling. Weather
channels (WX) are used for weather updates.
1
, • Knots: Rolling hitch (anchoring), bowline (towing), and other standard
sailing knots.
• Anchoring: If dragging, increase the scope (ratio of line length to water
depth).
Quiz_________________?
Stemhead Fitting -
Answer
A stainless-steel fitting on the bow of a boat to which the forestay and jib tack are
attached, as well as the roller fairlead for the anchor rode.
Quiz_________________?
Turnbuckle -
Answer
A mechanical fitting attached to the lower ends of stays, which connects them to
the chainplate, allowing for the standing rigging to be adjusted (tightened.)
Quiz_________________?
Chainplate -
Answer
Metal plate bolted to the hull of a boat to which standing rigging is attached.
Quiz_________________?
2
,Hatch -
Answer
A covered opening in the deck.
Quiz_________________?
Transom -
Answer
The flat surface forming the stern of a vessel.
Quiz_________________?
Self-bailing cockpit -
Answer
A cockpit that is high enough above the waterline that any water that gets inside
will drain overboard by gravity, through scuppers (drains) located in the aft
corner of the cockpit well.
Quiz_________________?
Compass -
Answer
An instrument that indicates direction relative to Earth's magnetic field.
3
, Quiz_________________?
Binnacle -
Answer
The pedestal on which the boat's main compass is mounted.
Quiz_________________?
Cockpit locker -
Answer
Storage compartment in the cockpit seating area.
Quiz_________________?
Emergency tiller -
Answer
On boats with wheel steering, a tiller that can be fitted to the top of the rudder
stock so the boat could be steered in the event the wheel-steering mechanism
fails.
Quiz_________________?
Companionway -
Answer
A staircase leading from a deck to the cabins or area below.
4
