What is Dynamic Positioning (DP), in basic terms?

A. A computer-controlled system that automatically maintains a vessel's position and/or heading by using its own propellers and thrusters, using position reference and environmental sensor inputs to calculate the thrust required from each thruster — DP allows a vessel to hold station (or move slowly along a track) without anchoring, which is essential for operations like offshore construction, drilling support, or cargo transfer where anchoring is impractical or prohibited

B. A system that automatically navigates a vessel along a pre-planned route between two ports without crew input

C. A system that only controls the vessel's heading, with position controlled separately by the bridge team

D. A manual technique where the helmsman continuously adjusts the rudder to hold position

A. The tidal height at the time of transit to confirm sufficient under-keel clearance

B. The yacht's fuel consumption for that leg

C. The colour of the seabed shown on the chart

D. Only the distance to the next waypoint

A. Switch the ECDIS to standby mode and navigate by GPS position alone

B. Ignore it — ECDIS alarms are frequently false and can be left running

C. Assess the situation against the planned route and charted depths, take action to maintain safe water, and inform the Master if there is any doubt

D. Acknowledge and silence the alarm immediately so it does not distract the helmsman