Deeplines

Are there any QM's on the PFF or any captains that can help me with learning how to read the Tide and Current books for my upcoming test?

This is the only thing I haven't gotten. Been working on my plotting and Sailings and have them down. I don't want to take a chance of missing one of the tide and currents and failing the test.

I know its it the back of the book on how to do it but I think it would be easier to understand if I'm just shown.

I can come to anyone's place, just as long as I learned how to do it for the USCG test. I am studying with the Capt. Joes software and it doesn't have any questions in it that I have heard that is on the test. Once I am familiar with it I don't think it would take me more then 45 min. to understand how to read the books.

Example...

You are pulling into Pensacola Harbor on 10 July, your draft is 30' , depth of channel is 36'. An obstruction is in the channel and is 8' high. At what time can you proceed in the channel and clear the obstruction.

I have no clue how to read the current book, I've always just used set and drift in the navy and adjusted to the current conditions. Never used the info except expect a 1.5 kt current.

Any help would be appreciated or advise on what books to buy. I bought the Bowditch but that doesn't go into enough detail for what I THINK is on the USCG test.

Sea-r-cy

I'd wait for the Pilot boat, and let him take it in. Sea-r-cy

Deeplines

Btt

Joe Sixpack

Im no expert, but there's only a 1' tide on the 10th so unless Im missing something it looks like you wont clear the obstruction.

feelin' wright

That was what I thought as well but what the hell do I know.

Deeplines

Its a sample question GUYS!!!

GEEZ!!!!!!!!

It may be in Baltimore or New York Harbor.

flappininthebreeze

What the heck test are you taking? Never saw a Q like that on any of my tests.

SHO-NUFF

You are correct.
Might as well forget anything you know about navigating Pensacola pass and channel. It will or could be somewhere up north or on the great lakes area, with all kinds of obstructions, tides and markers we do not experience around our area.
I do not have a Captains license, but thought about acquiring one years ago, just to have one.

Deeplines

I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT. I actually got that damn question on my test, it goes like this.

You are to sail from Elizabeth port N.J. on 22 May 1983 with a maximum draft of 28 feet. You will pass over an obstruction in the channel near Sandy Hook that has a charted depth of 27 Feet. The steaming time from Elizabeth Port to the obstruction is 1H 40m. What is the earliest time (ZD +4) you can sail on the afternoon of 22 May and pass over the obstruction with 3 feet of clearance.


I actually got that right. Missed 2 overall though and will have to take the test over again. Not looking good overall either. Looks like I will be heading back to the boat to study for another month. Will find out tomorrow. Gonna knock out 3 test and see how it goes.

This damn thing is harder then the Air Traffic Controller test I took back in the 80's. Didn't think anything would beat that one.

Deeplines

It's for the 3rd Mate Unlimited. Don't think I'm gonna make it the 1st time. Guess that's why they give you 3 shots at it. LOL!!