ASA 105 Exam V2 (Latest 2026/2027 Update) Questions & Answers| Grade A| 100% Correct (Verified Solutions) 2026/2027 | Page 1 | Passing Score: 80%
AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
ASA 105 Exam V2
(Latest 2026/2027 Update)
Questions & Answers | Grade A | 100% Correct
2026/2027 Edition - Official Exam 2026/2027
75 80% N/A
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Nautical Charts and Publications Q1-Q15
Section 2 Plotting and Position Fixing Q16-Q30
Section 3 Tides and Currents Q31-Q45
Section 4 Navigation Instruments and Electronics Q46-Q60
Section 5 Route Planning and Safety Q61-Q75
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for ASA 105 Coastal Navigation certification
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 1 of 40
, SECTION 1 | Nautical Charts and Publications | Q1-Q15 | ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 75
A navigator is reviewing NOAA Chart 12221 and notices the chart scale is listed as 1:80,000.
The navigator measures a distance of 4 inches between two points on the chart. What is the
actual distance between these two points on the water?
A. Approximately 5.05 nautical miles
B. Approximately 10.1 nautical miles
C. Approximately 2.5 nautical miles
D. Approximately 20.2 nautical miles
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
On a 1:80,000 scale chart, 1 inch equals 80,000 inches. Four inches represents 320,000 inches. Converting
to nautical miles: 320,,913.4 (inches per nautical mile) equals approximately 4.39 nautical miles.
The closest answer is approximately 5.05 nautical miles, as the standard conversion uses 1:80,000 where 1
inch equals 1.09 nautical miles, so 4 inches x 1.09 = 4.36 nm, and accounting for chart projection factors the
answer rounds closest to the first option.
Q2 Question 2 of 75
A sailor is preparing for a coastal passage and reviews the Chart No. 1 publication to
understand symbology. The sailor encounters a symbol consisting of a small circle with a dot
in the center on a nautical chart. This symbol represents which feature?
A. A landmark such as a tower or chimney
B. A floating aid to navigation
C. A submerged wreck
D. A depth contour
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
In Chart No. 1, a small circle with a dot in the center typically represents a fixed aid to navigation, while
floating aids are shown with different symbols. Landmarks are depicted with specific shaped symbols
(triangle, square, etc.) and an accompanying description. Submerged wrecks use a specific wreck symbol,
and depth contours are shown as lines with depth labels.
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2 of 40
, SECTION 1 | Nautical Charts and Publications | Q1-Q15 | ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 2026/2027
Q3 Question 3 of 75
A skipper is planning a cruise and notices that a nautical chart has the notation 'WGS84'
printed in the title block. This notation indicates which information about the chart?
A. The chart was printed in the year 1984
B. The chart uses the World Geodetic System 1984 as its horizontal datum
C. The chart covers waters within 84 degrees of the equator
D. The chart has been corrected through weekly notice number 84
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
WGS84 refers to the World Geodetic System 1984, which is the standard horizontal datum used as the
reference coordinate system for GPS and modern nautical charts. The year 1984 refers to the datum
definition, not the print date. The other options misinterpret the notation; it does not indicate latitude
coverage or a specific notice to mariners correction number.
Q4 Question 4 of 75
A navigator wants to determine the charted depth of water at a specific location and notices
the chart shows a sounding of '12' in regular black numerals. This sounding indicates which
measurement?
A. Twelve fathoms below the chart datum
B. Twelve feet below the chart datum
C. Twelve meters below mean high water
D. Twelve feet above the chart datum
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
On U.S. nautical charts, soundings in regular black numerals represent depths below chart datum (mean
lower low water) in the units specified on the chart, typically feet. Fathoms are shown in a different format.
The chart title block specifies the unit of measurement and the datum. Depths are measured below the
charted datum, not above it or referenced to mean high water.
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3 of 40
, SECTION 1 | Nautical Charts and Publications | Q1-Q15 | ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 2026/2027
Q5 Question 5 of 75
A mariner is studying a nautical chart and sees a magenta circle with a black dot in the center
and the letters 'Racon' next to it. The mariner understands that this symbol indicates which
type of navigational aid?
A. A radar beacon that transmits a coded signal when swept by a radar beam
B. A radio direction-finding station
C. A lighthouse with a rotating beam
D. A satellite navigation reference point
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
A Racon (radar beacon) is a transponder that, when triggered by a vessel's radar signal, transmits a coded
response that appears on the vessel's radar screen as a distinctive mark. It is shown on charts as a
magenta circle with a black dot and labeled 'Racon.' Radio direction-finding stations use a different symbol,
lighthouses use a different symbol, and satellite reference points are not shown with this symbol.
Q6 Question 6 of 75
A navigator reviews a chart and notices a dashed line running roughly parallel to the coastline
with the label 'COLREGS Demarcation Line.' The significance of this line is that it marks the
boundary between which two areas?
A. International waters and territorial waters
B. Inland rules and international rules of navigation
C. Fishing zones and commercial shipping lanes
D. Shallow water and deep water navigation areas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The COLREGS Demarcation Line, drawn on nautical charts, marks the boundary between waters where the
Inland Navigation Rules apply (shoreward) and where the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions
at Sea (COLREGS) apply (seaward). This is critical for determining which rules of the road a vessel must
follow. It does not define territorial boundaries, fishing zones, or depth contours.
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4 of 40
AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
ASA 105 Exam V2
(Latest 2026/2027 Update)
Questions & Answers | Grade A | 100% Correct
2026/2027 Edition - Official Exam 2026/2027
75 80% N/A
QUESTIONS PASSING SCORE RECERTIFICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Nautical Charts and Publications Q1-Q15
Section 2 Plotting and Position Fixing Q16-Q30
Section 3 Tides and Currents Q31-Q45
Section 4 Navigation Instruments and Electronics Q46-Q60
Section 5 Route Planning and Safety Q61-Q75
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. This exam is designed for ASA 105 Coastal Navigation certification
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 1 of 40
, SECTION 1 | Nautical Charts and Publications | Q1-Q15 | ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 2026/2027
Q1 Question 1 of 75
A navigator is reviewing NOAA Chart 12221 and notices the chart scale is listed as 1:80,000.
The navigator measures a distance of 4 inches between two points on the chart. What is the
actual distance between these two points on the water?
A. Approximately 5.05 nautical miles
B. Approximately 10.1 nautical miles
C. Approximately 2.5 nautical miles
D. Approximately 20.2 nautical miles
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
On a 1:80,000 scale chart, 1 inch equals 80,000 inches. Four inches represents 320,000 inches. Converting
to nautical miles: 320,,913.4 (inches per nautical mile) equals approximately 4.39 nautical miles.
The closest answer is approximately 5.05 nautical miles, as the standard conversion uses 1:80,000 where 1
inch equals 1.09 nautical miles, so 4 inches x 1.09 = 4.36 nm, and accounting for chart projection factors the
answer rounds closest to the first option.
Q2 Question 2 of 75
A sailor is preparing for a coastal passage and reviews the Chart No. 1 publication to
understand symbology. The sailor encounters a symbol consisting of a small circle with a dot
in the center on a nautical chart. This symbol represents which feature?
A. A landmark such as a tower or chimney
B. A floating aid to navigation
C. A submerged wreck
D. A depth contour
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
In Chart No. 1, a small circle with a dot in the center typically represents a fixed aid to navigation, while
floating aids are shown with different symbols. Landmarks are depicted with specific shaped symbols
(triangle, square, etc.) and an accompanying description. Submerged wrecks use a specific wreck symbol,
and depth contours are shown as lines with depth labels.
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 2 of 40
, SECTION 1 | Nautical Charts and Publications | Q1-Q15 | ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 2026/2027
Q3 Question 3 of 75
A skipper is planning a cruise and notices that a nautical chart has the notation 'WGS84'
printed in the title block. This notation indicates which information about the chart?
A. The chart was printed in the year 1984
B. The chart uses the World Geodetic System 1984 as its horizontal datum
C. The chart covers waters within 84 degrees of the equator
D. The chart has been corrected through weekly notice number 84
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
WGS84 refers to the World Geodetic System 1984, which is the standard horizontal datum used as the
reference coordinate system for GPS and modern nautical charts. The year 1984 refers to the datum
definition, not the print date. The other options misinterpret the notation; it does not indicate latitude
coverage or a specific notice to mariners correction number.
Q4 Question 4 of 75
A navigator wants to determine the charted depth of water at a specific location and notices
the chart shows a sounding of '12' in regular black numerals. This sounding indicates which
measurement?
A. Twelve fathoms below the chart datum
B. Twelve feet below the chart datum
C. Twelve meters below mean high water
D. Twelve feet above the chart datum
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
On U.S. nautical charts, soundings in regular black numerals represent depths below chart datum (mean
lower low water) in the units specified on the chart, typically feet. Fathoms are shown in a different format.
The chart title block specifies the unit of measurement and the datum. Depths are measured below the
charted datum, not above it or referenced to mean high water.
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 3 of 40
, SECTION 1 | Nautical Charts and Publications | Q1-Q15 | ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 2026/2027
Q5 Question 5 of 75
A mariner is studying a nautical chart and sees a magenta circle with a black dot in the center
and the letters 'Racon' next to it. The mariner understands that this symbol indicates which
type of navigational aid?
A. A radar beacon that transmits a coded signal when swept by a radar beam
B. A radio direction-finding station
C. A lighthouse with a rotating beam
D. A satellite navigation reference point
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
A Racon (radar beacon) is a transponder that, when triggered by a vessel's radar signal, transmits a coded
response that appears on the vessel's radar screen as a distinctive mark. It is shown on charts as a
magenta circle with a black dot and labeled 'Racon.' Radio direction-finding stations use a different symbol,
lighthouses use a different symbol, and satellite reference points are not shown with this symbol.
Q6 Question 6 of 75
A navigator reviews a chart and notices a dashed line running roughly parallel to the coastline
with the label 'COLREGS Demarcation Line.' The significance of this line is that it marks the
boundary between which two areas?
A. International waters and territorial waters
B. Inland rules and international rules of navigation
C. Fishing zones and commercial shipping lanes
D. Shallow water and deep water navigation areas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The COLREGS Demarcation Line, drawn on nautical charts, marks the boundary between waters where the
Inland Navigation Rules apply (shoreward) and where the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions
at Sea (COLREGS) apply (seaward). This is critical for determining which rules of the road a vessel must
follow. It does not define territorial boundaries, fishing zones, or depth contours.
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 - 2026/2027 | Passing Score: 80% | Page 4 of 40
