January 2026 quiz – Prawle Point NCI quizzes

January 2026

Welcome to the Watchkeeper quiz for January 2026

This is an open book Quiz intended to be a fun challenge.

You are positively encouraged to consult with the WK Handbook and any other resources you have to hand in making your responses.

Quizzes are a chance, in our quiet season, to refresh skills not often used post-training. Enjoy the process of confirming what you know and don't hesitate to check on the WKH and other resources if you need to.

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Notes

Although it's technically possible to take the quiz on a mobile phone we really don't recommend it. You can use any browser on a desktop, laptop or tablet/iPad. You can take the quiz at home as long as you have an up to date chart and a PQ Portland Plotter.

Don't forget: if you select an answer and then change your mind, first click on your original answer to clear the tick and then make your new selection.

You can take the quiz as many times as you like until you are happy with your score.

If you would like to leave a comment or ask a question about anything in the quiz on the final page below the Exit box it reads 'You can rate the quiz and leave comments here'. First give a star rating by clicking on the stars. That will then open a box where you can leave comments. All comments will be reviewed by the Training Officer.

The page numbers in this quiz are based on WKH 12 (September 2025) [view pdf opens in a new tab]

First name & last nameEmail

1 / 9

Category: Keeping the Log

When you are logging a lot of marine traffic, which two of these vessel types should you treat with the highest priority?

There are TWO correct answers. 5 points each for a total of 10 points.

a) MLO, with AIS, 1 PV

b) MCF, no AIS, 4 PV

c) MLI, no AIS, 1 PV

d) YBS, with AIS,2 PV

e) RIB, no AIS, 4 PV

2 / 9

Category: Other

We regularly see divers and snorkelers close to the Lookout and they often use DSMBs. What are they?

Choose ONE answer, worth 10 points.

a) Diving/Survey Motor Boat

b) Diver Surface Marker Buoy

c) Distress Survival Maritime Beacon

d) Digital Selective Marine Broadcast

3 / 9

Category: Activities & Incidents

You spot a small pod of dolphins being harassed by a large RIB with 6 persons on board half a mile from PQ. Who should you contact to report the incident?

Choose ONE answer, worth 10 points.

a) Salcombe Harbour office

b) Brixham Seawatch – Lindy Hingley

c) Devon IFCA

d) We do not need to report this as it is outside our remit

e) Marine Management Organisation via CG

4 / 9

Category: Plotting

High Water is at 1300 and there are light winds.

At 1600 a motor cruiser reports to the CG that one of its engines has failed and that they are proceeding to Salcombe at a speed of only 5 knots. They give their position as - 50°06’.0N 003°43’.5W.

Approximately when would you expect to see the motor cruiser crossing the Salcombe Bar?

Choose ONE answer, worth 10 points.

a) 1700

b) 1800

c) 1730

d) 1830

5 / 9

Category: Other

At 0845 you log the observed weather conditions including a westerly force 7 wind and barometric pressure of 998.5 mb. At 1145 you note that the barometric pressure has fallen to 989.4 mb.

What change of conditions might you expect?

Choose ONE answer, worth 10 points.

a) The imminent approach of a warm front and heavy rain

b) Storm force 10 winds within 3 hours

c) Thunderstorms with associated squalls

d) A full force 8 gale within the next hour

6 / 9

Category: Plotting

This yellow circle shows position 50°12’.3N 003°42’.0W.

What do the numbers mean?

Choose ONE answer, worth 10 points.

If you are having difficulty with this question refer to Chapter 7 in the WKH.

a) Rocks standing 2.1 metres above Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS)

b) Water depth of 2.1 metres above Chart Datum

c) Rocks drying to a height of 2.1 metres above Chart Datum

d) Rocks with a minimum height of 2.1 metres above Mean High water Springs (MHWS)

7 / 9

Category: Plotting

The crew of a RIB calls the CG to report that his engine won’t start and that he might require assistance. He gives his position as just over a mile south of Prawle Point.

The tidal state is HW+1 and between springs and neaps. The wind is 20 knot easterly.

What do you estimate his likely position to be in 30 minutes?

Choose ONE answer, worth 10 points.

a) 1nm further to the east

b) 0.5nm to the SE

c) Roughly the same position

d) 0.5nm to westward

8 / 9

Category: Activities & Incidents

You hear a Pan Pan call on Ch16 from a fishing vessel with engine failure. They give their position as 50°10’.5N 004°11’.2W

Once the CG have responded, what action should you take?

Choose ONE answer, worth 10 points. An incorrect answer is worth 0 or -5 points.

a) Take no action as the casualty is well outside our operational area

b) Phone Falmouth CG to confirm that you’ve heard the Pan Pan and that you’re awaiting further instructions.

c) Maintain a listening watch until the incident has been closed in case there are radio problems.

d) Plot the position and maintain a visual watch on the casualty.

9 / 9

Category: Plotting

Q10

The Eddystone Light can be used to assess visibility over a distance. What is the correct bearing and distance to it from PQ?

Choose ONE answer, worth 10 points.

a) 266°T / 21nm

b) 221°T / 16nm

c) 086°T / 21nm

Your score is

The average score is 72%

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