Polish sailing licence (Patent żeglarza jachtowego): exam, requirements and fees

Practice questions (with answers)

1. In IALA Region A, the port-hand mark colour is:

   1. AGreen, usually conical
   2. BRed, usually can-shaped
   3. CYellow, with an X-shaped topmark
   4. DBlack, with red bands
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   Correct answer: B. Red, usually can-shaped

   Region A: port-hand red, starboard-hand green. Region B: port-hand green, starboard-hand red. Interpret both in the charted conventional direction of buoyage.

2. Five or more short and rapid blasts mean:

   1. AI intend to overtake you on your starboard side
   2. BAgreement: I understand and will let you overtake me
   3. CDoubt or danger — the intentions of the other vessel are not understood
   4. DWarning: I am nearing a bend or area where other vessels may be obscured
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   Correct answer: C. Doubt or danger — the intentions of the other vessel are not understood

   Rule 34(d): at least five short and rapid blasts indicate doubt about whether sufficient action is being taken.

3. A power-driven vessel underway but stopped and making no way through the water in fog sounds:

   1. AOne prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes
   2. BTwo prolonged blasts in succession at intervals of not more than 2 minutes
   3. COne prolonged followed by two short blasts at intervals of not more than 2 minutes
   4. DRapid ringing of the bell for about 5 seconds
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   Correct answer: B. Two prolonged blasts in succession at intervals of not more than 2 minutes

   Rule 35(b): two prolonged blasts in succession at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

4. A masthead light shows over an arc of:

   1. A135 degrees
   2. B180 degrees
   3. C225 degrees
   4. D360 degrees
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   Correct answer: C. 225 degrees

   Rule 21(a): masthead light shows over an arc of 225 degrees from dead ahead to 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on each side.

5. For a vessel of 50m or more, the masthead light must be visible at:

   1. A3 nautical miles
   2. B5 nautical miles
   3. C6 nautical miles
   4. D8 nautical miles
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   Correct answer: C. 6 nautical miles

   Rule 22: masthead light of vessels 50m+ must be visible at a minimum of 6 nautical miles.

6. The topmark of a West Cardinal mark is:

   1. ATwo cones, both pointing upward
   2. BTwo cones pointing down
   3. CTwo cones point to point
   4. DTwo cones base to base
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   Correct answer: C. Two cones point to point

   Two separate black cones with their points facing each other. The cones must remain clearly separated.

7. You are entering a river where the chart shows the conventional direction of buoyage is upstream from the sea entrance. What should determine whether a lateral mark is port-hand or starboard-hand?

   1. AThe side of the river where the town lies
   2. BThe vessel's heading at the moment
   3. CThe charted conventional direction of buoyage
   4. DThe direction the tidal stream is setting at that moment
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   Correct answer: C. The charted conventional direction of buoyage

   Lateral marks are interpreted in the conventional direction of buoyage. The chart, not guesswork, determines which side is port-hand and which is starboard-hand.

8. You sight a cardinal mark with both cones pointing down and a light showing six quick flashes followed by one long flash. What is the safe action?

   1. APass north of the mark
   2. BPass east of the mark
   3. CPass south of the mark
   4. DTreat it as an isolated danger mark
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   Correct answer: C. Pass south of the mark

   Two cones down and the 6+1 light rhythm identify a South Cardinal mark, meaning the safe water lies to the south of the mark.

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