1. United States Power Squadrons ® How to pass the Final Exam

2. READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS!

3. Slide 3 Show all Work!  USPS wants to see that you know how to get the answer, not just that you got it  Explicit requirement in exam instructions  Most common source of lost points  Also allows for part credit for wrong answers  In general, show Formula Formula with numbers plugged in: Answer

4. Slide 4 Showing work for Time-Speed-Distance Preliminary work: 0943 – 0810 = 93 min Example 1: You depart at 0810 at a speed of 4.0 kts, how far have you traveled at 0943? Formula:D = S T / 60 Formula with raw numbers plugged in:D = 4.0 x 93 / 60 Answer:D = 6.2 Show all the yellow information above in your exam booklet

5. Slide 5 Showing work for Time-Speed-Distance Example 2: You depart at 0820 and travel 3.9 miles at 4.0 kts, what is your ETA? Formula:T = 60 D / S Formula with raw numbers plugged in:T = 60 x 3.9 / 4.0 Answer:T = 58.9 = 59 Post work:ETA = 0820 + 59 = 0919

6. Slide 6 Showing work for TVM FormulaAnswer TB V MB 240T 15W 255M Example: With your hand bearing compass, you measure a bearing to the lighthouse of 255 degrees, plot and label it

7. Slide 7 Measure directions in True, use TVM  You will lose credit if TVM calculations not shown – measure in true (explicit requirement in exam instructions) and do (and show!) TVM calculations  If you wish, you can measure against magnetic rose to check

8. Slide 8 Plotting and Labeling  Be sure to follow the plotting and labeling standards in your text on the USPS web site  If uncertain, review the cruise plot  Don’t forget to plot DRs when doing DR navigation!! At every “navigational event”  Change of course  Change of speed  Taking a bearing  Getting a FIX Not needed if within a qualified path using GPS

9. Slide 9 Plotting and Labeling (cont)  Remember Fix times are horizontal DR times are diagonal If fix is not by bearings, you must show source  For example, 1018 GPS  When measuring longitude, don’t forget that it increases from right to left in the western hemisphere (ie, in Bowditch Bay)  Don’t show ETAs on plot Not part of the Plotting and Labeling Standard Just put required ETAs (and supporting calculations!) in answer book

10. Slide 10 Miscellaneous  THINK – does your answer make sense??  Try to use alternate methods to check your work. For example, use the magnetic rose to check your TVM calculations.  Be careful, be neat. If an exam grader can’t figure out your work (especially your plot) he/she can’t give it an accurate grade!

11. Give yourself enough time to do a good job Final exam takes most students eight to twelve hours to complete Don’t start the night before it’s due

12. Slide 12 Common reasons for low scores  Lack of knowledge of how to plot  Not showing work  Not showing TVM calculations  Not plotting DRs, especially when bearings are taken

13. Slide 13 Oh, did I mention?  Show all work!! Including TVM calculations

14. Good Luck! “Luck can be defined as the intersection of preparation and opportunity” You are prepared You now have opportunity