ASA 106 – ADVANCED COASTAL CRUISING EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025/2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the best action to take when entering a harbor at night using only
visual aids?
A. Use binoculars to scan for navigational buoys
B. Identify and use lighted navigational aids to confirm position
C. Follow another vessel that appears to be entering safely
D. Use radar alone to make the approach
Lighted aids such as buoys and lighthouses provide critical reference points for
confirming position at night.
2. When sailing overnight, the person on watch must always:
A. Carry a handheld VHF
B. Frequently check below deck
C. Maintain a proper lookout and log position regularly
D. Be in constant communication with the skipper
Maintaining a proper lookout and logging positions ensures situational
awareness and vessel safety during night passages.
3. What is a safe strategy when caught in heavy fog?
,A. Increase speed to pass through the fog faster
B. Slow down, post lookouts, and sound fog signals
C. Lower sails and drift with the current
D. Sail close to shore for better visibility
Reducing speed, increasing vigilance, and using sound signals are key safety
practices in fog.
4. What is the primary use of a dead reckoning (DR) plot?
A. Measuring sea temperature
B. Estimating wind speed
C. Predicting position based on course, time, and speed
D. Determining tide height
DR plotting allows the navigator to estimate vessel position when no visual or
electronic fix is available.
5. In coastal navigation, what does a fix consist of?
A. A GPS coordinate
B. A chart plotter update
C. A position based on three or more visual bearings
D. A VHF radio triangulation
Three visual bearings intersecting on the chart provide a reliable fix.
6. During an overnight sail, how often should position be logged?
,A. Every hour
B. Every 30 minutes or whenever there’s a course change
C. Once at the beginning of the watch
D. Only if a fix can be obtained
Frequent logging helps track DR and detect deviations from the planned route.
7. What action should be taken when navigating through unfamiliar coastal
waters?
A. Increase speed to clear the area quickly
B. Rely solely on the GPS
C. Use a combination of GPS, visual aids, and charts
D. Stay offshore to avoid hazards
Integrating electronic and visual navigation increases accuracy and safety.
8. A light characteristic of “Fl R 4s” on a chart indicates:
A. A red fixed light
B. A red flashing light every 4 seconds
C. A white flashing light every 4 seconds
D. A red light with 4-second duration
“Fl R 4s” means a red light that flashes once every four seconds.
9. When sailing at night and encountering another sailboat on a collision
course, you should:
, A. Turn to starboard
B. Follow COLREGS and take appropriate avoiding action
C. Stop the vessel immediately
D. Flash your spotlight at them
Following COLREGS helps determine the right-of-way and ensures safety.
10.When navigating using a paper chart and DR plot, you should correct for:
A. Barometric pressure
B. Leeway, current, and compass deviation
C. Sea state
D. Apparent wind angle
Correcting for environmental and magnetic influences keeps your DR plot
accurate.
11.What is the safest method to manage crew fatigue on a multi-day passage?
A. Allow naps as desired
B. Establish a rotating watch schedule
C. Let the most experienced sailor stay up
D. Allow everyone to sleep at once when anchored
A rotating watch schedule ensures the crew is rested and alert.
12.Which piece of gear is essential for night-time coastal navigation?
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025/2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the best action to take when entering a harbor at night using only
visual aids?
A. Use binoculars to scan for navigational buoys
B. Identify and use lighted navigational aids to confirm position
C. Follow another vessel that appears to be entering safely
D. Use radar alone to make the approach
Lighted aids such as buoys and lighthouses provide critical reference points for
confirming position at night.
2. When sailing overnight, the person on watch must always:
A. Carry a handheld VHF
B. Frequently check below deck
C. Maintain a proper lookout and log position regularly
D. Be in constant communication with the skipper
Maintaining a proper lookout and logging positions ensures situational
awareness and vessel safety during night passages.
3. What is a safe strategy when caught in heavy fog?
,A. Increase speed to pass through the fog faster
B. Slow down, post lookouts, and sound fog signals
C. Lower sails and drift with the current
D. Sail close to shore for better visibility
Reducing speed, increasing vigilance, and using sound signals are key safety
practices in fog.
4. What is the primary use of a dead reckoning (DR) plot?
A. Measuring sea temperature
B. Estimating wind speed
C. Predicting position based on course, time, and speed
D. Determining tide height
DR plotting allows the navigator to estimate vessel position when no visual or
electronic fix is available.
5. In coastal navigation, what does a fix consist of?
A. A GPS coordinate
B. A chart plotter update
C. A position based on three or more visual bearings
D. A VHF radio triangulation
Three visual bearings intersecting on the chart provide a reliable fix.
6. During an overnight sail, how often should position be logged?
,A. Every hour
B. Every 30 minutes or whenever there’s a course change
C. Once at the beginning of the watch
D. Only if a fix can be obtained
Frequent logging helps track DR and detect deviations from the planned route.
7. What action should be taken when navigating through unfamiliar coastal
waters?
A. Increase speed to clear the area quickly
B. Rely solely on the GPS
C. Use a combination of GPS, visual aids, and charts
D. Stay offshore to avoid hazards
Integrating electronic and visual navigation increases accuracy and safety.
8. A light characteristic of “Fl R 4s” on a chart indicates:
A. A red fixed light
B. A red flashing light every 4 seconds
C. A white flashing light every 4 seconds
D. A red light with 4-second duration
“Fl R 4s” means a red light that flashes once every four seconds.
9. When sailing at night and encountering another sailboat on a collision
course, you should:
, A. Turn to starboard
B. Follow COLREGS and take appropriate avoiding action
C. Stop the vessel immediately
D. Flash your spotlight at them
Following COLREGS helps determine the right-of-way and ensures safety.
10.When navigating using a paper chart and DR plot, you should correct for:
A. Barometric pressure
B. Leeway, current, and compass deviation
C. Sea state
D. Apparent wind angle
Correcting for environmental and magnetic influences keeps your DR plot
accurate.
11.What is the safest method to manage crew fatigue on a multi-day passage?
A. Allow naps as desired
B. Establish a rotating watch schedule
C. Let the most experienced sailor stay up
D. Allow everyone to sleep at once when anchored
A rotating watch schedule ensures the crew is rested and alert.
12.Which piece of gear is essential for night-time coastal navigation?
