ASA 105 | COASTAL NAVIGATION
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 (Latest Update
2026/2027) Questions and Verified Answers | Grade A | 100%
Correct 2026/2027
75 100% 2026/2027 80%
QUESTIONS VERIFIED ANSWERS EDITION PASSING SCORE
TOPICS COVERED
Chart symbols & Chart No. 1 TVMDC conversions
Required publications & NtM Variation & annual change
Navigation instruments Deviation tables & swinging ship
U.S. Aids to Navigation system Dead reckoning & time-speed-distance
Light characteristics & ranges Simultaneous & running fixes
Daymarks, buoys & preferred channels Danger / clearing bearings
Safe-water & isolated danger marks Tide tables & rule of twelfths
Cardinal marks & sector lights Set, drift, leeway & course to steer
COVER PAGE - 1
,ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 | 2026/2027 Page 2
SECTION 1: Charts, Symbols, Publications & Instruments
Weight: 20% | Questions 1-15 | Chart No. 1, scales, publications, Notice to Mariners, required instruments
Q1
A navigator preparing for a coastal passage from San Diego to Catalina Island reviews the chart title block and notes the scale is
1:80,000. The vessel must clear a narrow channel marked by closely spaced buoys. The navigator must select the most
appropriate chart for this segment of the voyage.
A. A small-scale ocean chart covering the entire Southern California Bight
B. A large-scale harbor chart of San Diego Bay only
C. A medium-scale coastal chart at approximately 1:40,000 of the approach
D. A world chart showing Pacific Ocean shipping lanes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Large-scale charts (smaller ratio numbers) show greater detail needed for narrow channels and close navigation. A 1:40,000 scale provides
sufficient detail for coastal approaches while covering the required area. Small-scale charts lack the resolution for buoy-to-buoy piloting.
Q2
While examining Chart No. 1, a student identifies a magenta symbol consisting of a dashed circle surrounding a lighthouse. The
chart also shows a solid magenta line connecting two daymarks. The student must correctly interpret these symbols for voyage
planning.
A. The dashed circle indicates a recommended anchorage; the solid line is a ferry route
B. The dashed circle marks a restricted area; the solid line is a recommended track
C. The dashed circle shows the nominal range of the light; the solid line is a measured distance
D. The dashed circle denotes the light's visibility sector; the solid line is a danger bearing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
On U.S. charts, a magenta dashed circle commonly indicates a restricted or regulated area, while a solid magenta line often represents a
recommended track or route. Correct interpretation of Chart No. 1 symbols is essential for safe passage planning.
Q3
A skipper is assembling the publications required for a coastal cruise along the Florida Keys. The vessel carries large-scale charts
and Chart No. 1. The skipper must still obtain several official documents before departure to satisfy prudent navigation standards.
A. Only a local tourist guidebook and smartphone weather app
B. USCG Navigation Rules Handbook, tide tables, List of Lights, and Notice to Mariners
C. A world atlas and an outdated road map of the Keys
D. Only the owner's manual for the vessel's GPS unit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
ASA 105 requires specific publications including the USCG Navigation Rules, tide and current tables, List of Lights, and current Notice to
Mariners. These provide critical safety and regulatory information beyond charts alone.
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Questions and Verified Answer... 2
, ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 | 2026/2027 Page 3
Q4
During a pre-departure brief, the navigator explains the purpose of the Local Notice to Mariners. The crew asks what types of
information this publication typically contains and how frequently it is updated for coastal waters.
A. Long-term climate averages updated every decade
B. Temporary changes to aids, hazards, and chart corrections issued weekly
C. Historical shipwreck locations from the 1800s only
D. Advertising for marine equipment and services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The Local Notice to Mariners provides timely updates on temporary changes to aids to navigation, newly discovered hazards, and chart
corrections. It is issued weekly by USCG districts and is essential for maintaining current chart information.
Q5
A navigation kit is being prepared for an ASA 105 practical session. The instructor lists the minimum instruments required for
prudent coastal navigation. One item is missing from the student's bag and must be identified.
A. A set of parallel rules or a protractor for measuring courses
B. A satellite telephone for emergency calls
C. A high-power telescope for celestial observations
D. A portable radar unit for collision avoidance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Minimum instruments specified in ASA 105 standards include parallel rules or protractor, dividers, hand-bearing compass, depth sounder or
leadline, and a deviation table. Parallel rules or a protractor are essential for transferring courses and bearings on the chart.
Q6
On a newly acquired chart of Chesapeake Bay, the navigator notices the note 'SOUNDINGS IN FEET' and a vertical datum listed
as Mean Lower Low Water. The vessel has a draft of 6.5 feet. The navigator must understand the implication of the charted
depths.
A. Charted depths already include a safety margin equal to the vessel's draft
B. Charted depths are referenced to MLLW; actual water depth may be less at lower tides
C. Soundings are always deeper than shown because of sedimentation
D. The vertical datum has no effect on under-keel clearance calculations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
U.S. charts reference soundings to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). At tides lower than MLLW, actual depth can be less than charted. The
navigator must add the predicted tide height to the charted depth and then subtract draft and a safety margin.
Q7
A student measures the distance between two points on a chart using dividers and the latitude scale. The chart scale is 1:40,000.
The measured distance on the chart is 3.5 inches. The student must convert this measurement into nautical miles.
A. Approximately 1.9 nautical miles
B. Approximately 3.5 nautical miles
C. Approximately 7.0 nautical miles
D. Approximately 14.0 nautical miles
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
At 1:40,000 scale, 1 inch on the chart represents 40,000 inches on the ground, or about 0.548 nautical miles. Therefore 3.5 inches equals
roughly 1.92 nm. Using the latitude scale on the chart is the preferred practical method.
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Questions and Verified Answer... 3
OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT - EXAM
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 (Latest Update
2026/2027) Questions and Verified Answers | Grade A | 100%
Correct 2026/2027
75 100% 2026/2027 80%
QUESTIONS VERIFIED ANSWERS EDITION PASSING SCORE
TOPICS COVERED
Chart symbols & Chart No. 1 TVMDC conversions
Required publications & NtM Variation & annual change
Navigation instruments Deviation tables & swinging ship
U.S. Aids to Navigation system Dead reckoning & time-speed-distance
Light characteristics & ranges Simultaneous & running fixes
Daymarks, buoys & preferred channels Danger / clearing bearings
Safe-water & isolated danger marks Tide tables & rule of twelfths
Cardinal marks & sector lights Set, drift, leeway & course to steer
COVER PAGE - 1
,ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 | 2026/2027 Page 2
SECTION 1: Charts, Symbols, Publications & Instruments
Weight: 20% | Questions 1-15 | Chart No. 1, scales, publications, Notice to Mariners, required instruments
Q1
A navigator preparing for a coastal passage from San Diego to Catalina Island reviews the chart title block and notes the scale is
1:80,000. The vessel must clear a narrow channel marked by closely spaced buoys. The navigator must select the most
appropriate chart for this segment of the voyage.
A. A small-scale ocean chart covering the entire Southern California Bight
B. A large-scale harbor chart of San Diego Bay only
C. A medium-scale coastal chart at approximately 1:40,000 of the approach
D. A world chart showing Pacific Ocean shipping lanes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Large-scale charts (smaller ratio numbers) show greater detail needed for narrow channels and close navigation. A 1:40,000 scale provides
sufficient detail for coastal approaches while covering the required area. Small-scale charts lack the resolution for buoy-to-buoy piloting.
Q2
While examining Chart No. 1, a student identifies a magenta symbol consisting of a dashed circle surrounding a lighthouse. The
chart also shows a solid magenta line connecting two daymarks. The student must correctly interpret these symbols for voyage
planning.
A. The dashed circle indicates a recommended anchorage; the solid line is a ferry route
B. The dashed circle marks a restricted area; the solid line is a recommended track
C. The dashed circle shows the nominal range of the light; the solid line is a measured distance
D. The dashed circle denotes the light's visibility sector; the solid line is a danger bearing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
On U.S. charts, a magenta dashed circle commonly indicates a restricted or regulated area, while a solid magenta line often represents a
recommended track or route. Correct interpretation of Chart No. 1 symbols is essential for safe passage planning.
Q3
A skipper is assembling the publications required for a coastal cruise along the Florida Keys. The vessel carries large-scale charts
and Chart No. 1. The skipper must still obtain several official documents before departure to satisfy prudent navigation standards.
A. Only a local tourist guidebook and smartphone weather app
B. USCG Navigation Rules Handbook, tide tables, List of Lights, and Notice to Mariners
C. A world atlas and an outdated road map of the Keys
D. Only the owner's manual for the vessel's GPS unit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
ASA 105 requires specific publications including the USCG Navigation Rules, tide and current tables, List of Lights, and current Notice to
Mariners. These provide critical safety and regulatory information beyond charts alone.
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Questions and Verified Answer... 2
, ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 | 2026/2027 Page 3
Q4
During a pre-departure brief, the navigator explains the purpose of the Local Notice to Mariners. The crew asks what types of
information this publication typically contains and how frequently it is updated for coastal waters.
A. Long-term climate averages updated every decade
B. Temporary changes to aids, hazards, and chart corrections issued weekly
C. Historical shipwreck locations from the 1800s only
D. Advertising for marine equipment and services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
The Local Notice to Mariners provides timely updates on temporary changes to aids to navigation, newly discovered hazards, and chart
corrections. It is issued weekly by USCG districts and is essential for maintaining current chart information.
Q5
A navigation kit is being prepared for an ASA 105 practical session. The instructor lists the minimum instruments required for
prudent coastal navigation. One item is missing from the student's bag and must be identified.
A. A set of parallel rules or a protractor for measuring courses
B. A satellite telephone for emergency calls
C. A high-power telescope for celestial observations
D. A portable radar unit for collision avoidance
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Minimum instruments specified in ASA 105 standards include parallel rules or protractor, dividers, hand-bearing compass, depth sounder or
leadline, and a deviation table. Parallel rules or a protractor are essential for transferring courses and bearings on the chart.
Q6
On a newly acquired chart of Chesapeake Bay, the navigator notices the note 'SOUNDINGS IN FEET' and a vertical datum listed
as Mean Lower Low Water. The vessel has a draft of 6.5 feet. The navigator must understand the implication of the charted
depths.
A. Charted depths already include a safety margin equal to the vessel's draft
B. Charted depths are referenced to MLLW; actual water depth may be less at lower tides
C. Soundings are always deeper than shown because of sedimentation
D. The vertical datum has no effect on under-keel clearance calculations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
U.S. charts reference soundings to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). At tides lower than MLLW, actual depth can be less than charted. The
navigator must add the predicted tide height to the charted depth and then subtract draft and a safety margin.
Q7
A student measures the distance between two points on a chart using dividers and the latitude scale. The chart scale is 1:40,000.
The measured distance on the chart is 3.5 inches. The student must convert this measurement into nautical miles.
A. Approximately 1.9 nautical miles
B. Approximately 3.5 nautical miles
C. Approximately 7.0 nautical miles
D. Approximately 14.0 nautical miles
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
At 1:40,000 scale, 1 inch on the chart represents 40,000 inches on the ground, or about 0.548 nautical miles. Therefore 3.5 inches equals
roughly 1.92 nm. Using the latitude scale on the chart is the preferred practical method.
ASA 105 Coastal Navigation Exam V2 (Latest Update 2026/2027) Questions and Verified Answer... 3
