ASA103/104 Flashcards
TODO Create card for learning boat parts on page 14-16
TODO
When sailing, the safest path forward on the deck is on the _________ side?
Windward (high)
What is the “Binnacle”?
It’s the place where the ship’s compass is mounted, which is typically on the steering pedestal.
What is the “Bilge”?
It’s the lowest part of the boat. (and where the bilge pump is located)
The floorboard should be lifted from time to time to inspect the bilge pump filters and make sure they are not clogged? (True/False)
True
What two types of bilge pumps are typically on a cruising sailboat?
- Electric Bilge Pump - this is typically automatically turned on by a level switch if the water rises above a certain level
- Manual Bilge Pump - this is typically located in the cockpit as an emergency backup to the electric system.
What are the 9 steps for starting a diesel engine on a boat?
- Turn the battery selector switch to “both”.
- Move the gearshift back and forth to make sure it is in neutral
- Open the throttle to the recommended start setting (usually about 1/4 throttle). Check that gearshift is still in neutral.
- Turn the key to “On”. A buzzer will sound. This indicates low oil pressure and will turn off once the engine is running.
- Activate the glow switch for about 20 seconds
- Press the start button. Release the start button as soon as the engine starts. Don’t crank for longer than 10 seconds to avoid wear on starter/battery.
- Once started, let engine run for few seconds, then throttle back to idle
- Check the exhaust outlet (usually located in transom) and verify water is spurting out. If not is, shut down engine immediately as cooling system may be broken.
- Let the engine warm up in neutral at idle speed while you prepare boat for departure.
What does the International Code “A” flag mean?
Diver down below. Stay clear of area.
TODO Add questions for identifying parts of outboard motor on page 40
TODO
What is a “Jackline”?
It is a line run from bow to stern for the express purpose of attaching a safety harness. Jacklines should be run through the CENTER of the boat, so that if you do fall over there is a better chance that you’ll stay above the water line.
The lifelines on the boat are a good place to clip your safety harness? (True/False)
False. If you do fall over you want to be above the waterline, not be drug through the water!
What are some additional pieces of safety equipment you should bring? (Navigation-focused items)
- VHF Radio
- Cell Phone
- Charts and Plotting Tools
- Clock or Watch
If oil or fuel spills on the boat, it is okay to let the bilge discharge it into the environment? (True/False)
False. Federal regulations strictly prohibit this. Use oil absorbent pads to clean up and then dispose of in an approved container back at the Marina.
What is MARPOL?
It’s an international convention that bans throwing plastic overboard anywhere in the world. MARPOL requires that boats over 26ft display a placard that lists what type of garbage can be disposed of and where.
It is okay to dump organic waste in navigable waters within the US and Canada? (True/False)
False. Dumping garbage of any kind is illegal within the navigable waters of the US and Canada.
What type of lines are used to control forward/aft motion in a slip?
Spring lines
What type of clouds are most likely to give rise to thunderstorms?
Cumulonimbus
Isobars are lines of unequal pressure on a weather map? (True/False)
False. Isobars are lines of EQUAL pressure.
Isobar lines that are ________ together have steeper gradients, denoting more wind?
closer
What type of fog burns off with the sun?
Radiation
What type of fog sticks around all day, as opposed to burning off with the sun?
Advection fog
What should you watch out for if the barometric pressure starts rapidly falling?
Storms
What does 3 short whistle blasts mean?
Reverse
What do 5 long whistle blasts mean?
Danger
According to the book, what is the safest place to get off the boat?
At the shrouds. NOTE: This is on the test!
The anchor light is one of three lights with 360 degree visibility? (True/False)
False. It is the ONLY light with 360 degree visibility.
What is the name of the only light that has 360 degree visibility?
The anchor light.
When is the tricolor light used?
Offshore at night in high sees. All other lights must be off.
If on the STARBOARD side, the ______ boat must give way? (True/False)
Upwind
How can one determine what type of tack you are on?
Look at the boom. The tack is the OPPOSITE of that.
_______ can be dumped within ____ miles of shore
Nothing. 3 miles
What is another name for the cockpit locker?
Lazerette
What channel is the emergency channel on a VHF radio?
16
What does “mayday” mean?
Life is in danger. Need help immediately.
What does “PonPon” mean?
It’s a warning communicated via VHF that you have a problem that might become serious, but do not need assistance yet.
What does “Securitae, Securitae” mean?
It’s a general warning/informational message/notification of presence communicated over VHF radio.
How does one identify as a sailboat in the fog?
One long, two short whistle blasts every two minutes.
What things need to be brought for a weekend sailing on a typical sized cruising sloop?
- Timepiece
- Compass
- Navigation charts
1 minute of latitude is equal to what?
One nautical mile.
All measurements for navigation should be based off of _________?
Latitude.
What is the answer to question 39 on the test?
B
What are three ways of regaining control of a boat in high winds?
- De power the sails by adjusting how they are trimmed
- Reduce sail area (reefing)
- Furl or take down a sail
If you determine you are the ‘give-way’ vessel, what does Rule 16 of COLREGS say that you are to do?
Take early and substantial action to keep well clear of the stand on vessel
If you determine you are the ‘stand-on-vessel, what does rule 17 of COLREGS say that you are to do?
Maintain your course and speed (subject to the caveat that if the other boat is clearly going to hit you, you’re still required to take evasive action!)
When two sailing vessels converge on opposite tacks, the vessel on the ________ tack is the stand-on vessel, and that on the _________ tack the give-way vessel?
starboard, port
When you’re on a starboard tack, which way is the wind blowing relative to the boat?
It’s blowing onto the starboard side.
How can you tell which tack (starboard/port) you are on?
Look at the boom. The tack is the opposite of that. So if it’s over to the left, you’re on a starboard tack, and vice versa, if it’s over to your right, then it’s a port tack.
Power boats must always give way to sailboats? (True/False)
False. For example, Under Rule 13 a sailboat under sail must keep clear when overtaking a power-driven vessel.
A vessel is considered to be overtaking you if it is approaching within an arc between your stern and ______ degrees aft of your beam on either side?
22.5
In a head-on situation, boats should turn to ______, so that they pass _____-to-_____blank.
starboard. port, port
When two power driven vessels are crossing, the one that has the other boat on its __________ side must give way?
starboard
A vessel less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or fairway? (True/False)
True
______ tack == stands on , ________ tack gives way
starboard, port
If both boats on same tack, then: ______ sail == stands on , ________ sail == gives way
leeward, windward
If you have your engine OFF while sailing in fog, what air horn signal must you use to notify surrounding boats of your presence?
One long, two short blasts at two minute intervals.
If you have your engine ON while sailing in fog, what air horn signal must you use to notify surrounding boats of your presence?
One long blast at two minute intervals.
In a crossing situation at night, if you can see the other boats red sidelight, then you are the _______ vessel?
give-way
The red sidelight in on the _____ side of the boat, and the green sidelight is on the _____ side?
port, starboard
At night, all vessels under way must show what light (and what color is it)?
The stern light. It’s white.
When motoring, a sailboat at night must display a masthead light (also called a steaming light)? (True/False)
True.
What is the requirement for the light used when anchoring?
“An all-around white light where it can best be seen.”
Between anchoring and sunrise, a vessel at anchor is required to suspend a black ball in the forward in the forward part of the vessel? (True/False)
True
What does a DIAMOND shaped regulatory marker mean?
Danger
What does a DIAMOND shaped regulatory marker with a cross inside mean?
Exclusion zone (boats keep out)
What does a CIRCLE shaped regulator marker mean?
Controlled area (e.g. speed-limit, no wake, zone, etc.)
What does a RECTANGULAR shaped regulatory marker mean?
Informational (e.g. directions, distances, etc.)
On a junction marking buoy, the color/light on top indicates what?
The preferred direction in the channel.
One minute of latitude is equivalent to what?
One nautical mile
One degree of latitude is equivalent to what?
60 minutes (or equivalently, 60 nautical miles)
In the context of anchoring, what is “rode”?
The rope, chain, or some combination thereof that attaches to the anchor.
What is “ground tackle”?
The anchor and its rode (i.e. the rope/chain it attaches to)
What are the xx most important things to remember when choosing a spot to anchor?
- Enough depth (not to high/low at high/low tide)
- A bottom with good holding
- Enough swinging room
- Shelter from the wind/seas
- No mosquitoes
The angle that the rode pulls on the anchor is called what?
Scope
What is a common ratio to use when calculating the scope for the rode when anchoring?
7:1, i.e. seven times the amount of distance from the seabed to the bow of the boat.
On a nautical chart, the depth soundings shown are referenced to what tide?
The low tide (duh!)
From the moment the crew makes contact with the mooring, the engine should be put in idle? (True/False)
True. You could cause a nasty rope burn or worse if you start moving while holding on to the mooring.
When casting off from a mooring, what is one thing you want to make sure that you DON’T do?
Run over the buoy or the pendant (duh!)
What channel has the FCC designated for pleasure craft to use for non-urgent communications?
Channel 9
What VHF channel is used for ship-to-ship communications?
Channel 72
What VHF channel is used for ship’s bridge-to-bridge communications?
Channel 13
What should you do if a backstay fails?
Turn upwind and sheet the mainsail in hard so its leach supports the mast. Drop or furl the jib. Before you drop the main, run a spare halyard to a strong point on the stern and winch it taut.
What should you do if a forestay fails?
Turn downwind and ease the mainsheet. The
What is H.E.L.P?
Heath Escape Lessening Position
