Questions that prepare one for theory exams leading to certification. Sample questions follow.

Question 1

When selecting an anchorage look for:

• A. An opening amongst moored boats of your size
• B. A lee shore
• C. An area amongst anchored boats of your type and size
• D. A space as close to shore as possible

Question 2

The NAVIGATION RULES require certain sound signals, lights and/or shapes of an anchored vessel. A 40 foot saling vessel at anchor in a special anchorage must display or sound where they can best be seen or heard:

1. A white all-around masthead light.

2. A black ball in the forward rigging

3. A white all-around light in the forward rigging and at a lower height, a white all-around light at the stern.

4. A bell to be rung rapidly for five seconds at intervals of every two minutes during times of reduced visibility.

• A. 1 and 2 only.
• B. 1 and either 2 or 3 only.
• C. 1, 3, and 4 as appropriate to conditions.
• D. No signals ar required in a special anchorage.

Sample Question Answers

Question 1: C. Anchor amongst boats of your size and type. You will all lie to wind and current in similar ways. High freeboard, shallow draft boats swing differently from lower freeboard, deeper draft boats. Similar boats use similar scope and swing in similar circles.

Explanations for the wrong answers:

-Never anchor among moored boats. Moored boats swing in much smaller circles than anchored boats. Moorings use less scope. When anchoring near a mooring field allow for sufficient swinging room that you will not swing into a moored vessel.

-A lee shore is a dangerous shore. Anchor in the lee of the shore, on the leeward side of land, a reef, or breakwater.

-Should you anchor close to shore, be certain that a wind shift or falling tide will not put you aground! This problem occurs near rocky shores or cliffs where the bottom rises quickly.

Question 2: D. See page 111 of NAVIGATION RULES. When NOT anchored in a designated special anchorage; light combinations 2 or 3 are acceptable. Applied Sailing recommends that you not be shy about illuminating your vessel with deck or cockpit lights in an anchorage.