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Q1
(A) List the names of the three main internet sources (components of the National Weather Service) for primary US weather data and (B) very briefly state what each offers.
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Q2
What has been traditionally the best starting point for learning about climatic weather patterns for planning a voyage on US inland or coastal waters?
(no stored answer — AI will propose one)
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Q3
What publication lists all available sources of weather data in a specific region of US waters, including frequencies and broadcast schedules?
💡 Show hint
This resource has replaced the Marine Weather Services Charts.
Explanation:
Marine Weather Information Guide. See https://www.vos.noaa.gov/docs/marine_info_guide.pdf
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Q4
Where in the Coast Pilot do we find important information on weather?
Explanation:
All are important sources. Historically there was climatic data in the appendix but that has been moved to other sections; the Appendix still lists sources of weather data and important frequencies.
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Q5
If we want to look up actual winds and seas at specific location at some specific time in the past, at what agency would you find that data?
💡 Show hint
You might want this to check out a past voyage or analyze a race.
Explanation:
This is the only one. Others have limited data just at the reporting station location, and it is rare or hard to find where these other sites refer to the archived data elsewhere. NDBC archives only their station data.
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Q6
What is the latest name of the US agency responsible for the production of navigation products for international waters?
Explanation:
NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency).
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Q7
What has traditionally been the best starting point for learning about climatic weather patterns for planning an ocean voyage?
Explanation:
Pilot charts. They provide both a quick look at High locations and specific wind probabilities. Now days, we should also look at the Climate Forecast System model forecasts, which extend out to 6 months. See glossary.
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Q8
List at least 5 examples of crucial navigation data provided on a Pilot Chart.
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Q9
Winds on Pilot charts are given in terms of:
Explanation:
Beaufort force numbers, with each feather being one number. See Pilot Chart in the glossary, and fig 8.2-4 in the text.
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Q10
What is the name of a stand alone computer program, and the website to download it, for at least one free program that can be used to georeference digital weather maps and pilot charts? Generically called an Electronic Charting System (ECS).
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Q11
Where could you find good data on hurricane and tropical storm seasonal probabilities?
Explanation:
All provide the data. Bowditch is a quick look up, Modern Marine Weather includes corrections to the Bowditch data, the NHC is the most comprehensive. The Starpath Weather Trainer software program also has a thorough presentation of this data that is very easy to use.
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Q12
US Coast Pilots cover US waters only. What is name of the equivalent US product for international waters?
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Q13
Which of the following products is (are) available online at no charge?
Explanation:
See starpath.com/navpubs
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Q14
What might be said about the service of receiving weather maps and reports from the NWS by email for routine ocean and coastal cruising?
💡 Show hint
The NWS email program is called FTPmail.
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Q15
Why might one consider paying commercial services for the delivery of weather products that can be obtained at no charge from the government?
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Q16
When sailing in US coastal waters, what is likely to be your primary source for basic weather information?
Explanation:
NOAA weather radio is still, even in 2026, likely the most commonly used and most dependable. Cellular connections are getting better in some areas, and satellite internet such as StarLink are attractive services these days using the RV account option.
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Q17
What are the approximate file sizes in kb for these weather products obtained by wireless sources from the NWS: A. Text document of the high seas weather report, B. Graphic map of surface analysis for half an ocean, C. GRIB file map of wind and pressure for half an ocean, D. Satellite image of cloud cover.
💡 Show hint
When we pay $1.50 per minute for satellite phone time, it is valuable to know these sizes.
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Q18
What message would you send to what email address to receive the latest graphic surface analysis map of the eastern Pacific? There are two solutions (ftpmail and saildocs). Add both if you know them; only one needed for full credit.
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Q19
What is not true about obtaining weather information by NAVTEX?
Explanation:
At present there is no source that replaces listening to VHF weather on inland and coastal waters.
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Q20
What is <em>not</em> true about obtaining weather information by international automated medium frequency NAVTEX broadcasts?
💡 Show hint
We do not refer here to getting this same information by other means.
Explanation:
Navtxt stations are on land and broadcast on a medium frequency AM signal that is dependable out to about 200 miles of shore. We can get the content via various email requests, but the question is about the radio broadcast reception.
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Q21
How far offshore might you expect to receive weather data by these wireless options? 1. Cell phone, 2. WiFi Internet from shore based towers, 3. Internet using StarLink Roam account, 4. VHF NOAA Weather Radio, 5. VHF USCG weather on Ch.22, 6. SSB Radio, 7. Satellite Phones or Iridium Go, 8. Radiofacsimile by HF broadcast.
💡 Show hint
These will all be approximate. The idea is just approximate values.
