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Key Facts: Patente Nautica Senza Limiti Exam

4 problems

Chartwork Test, at Least 3 Correct in 60 Minutes

D.M. 10 agosto 2021, n. 323

16/20

Correct Answers Required in the Quiz Base (Maximum 4 Errors)

D.M. 10 agosto 2021, n. 323; D.D. 131/2022 Allegato A

5/D & 42/D

Official Istituto Idrografico della Marina Teaching Charts Used in the Test

D.D. 131/2022 Allegato A, candidate instructions

EUR 65.95

Examination Fee for Categories A and C, Plus Two EUR 16.00 Stamps

Guardia Costiera, Ammissione all'esame per la patente nautica

30%

Reserve Added in the Ministerial Fuel Autonomy Calculation

D.D. 131/2022 Allegato A, theme Motori - calcolo dell'autonomia

Italy's Category A licence without limits is examined with a preliminary 4-problem chartwork test on charts 5/D or 42/D (60 minutes, at least 3 correct), the 20-question quiz base where the 12-mile endorsement is not already held, a 5-question sailing quiz, and a practical test at sea. This bank is independent English-language MCQ study, not the ministerial question list.

Sample Patente Nautica Senza Limiti Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Patente Nautica Senza Limiti exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1On nautical chart IIM 5/D (Arcipelago Toscano), what is the relationship between the true heading (Prora vera - Pv), magnetic heading (Prora magnetica - Pm), and magnetic variation (declinazione magnetica - d)?

A.Pv = Pm + d (where d is positive if East and negative if West)

B.Pv = Pm - d (where d is positive if East and negative if West)

C.Pm = Pv + d (where d is always added regardless of sign)

D.Pv = Pm + delta (where delta is the ship compass deviation)

Explanation: According to official Italian maritime navigation doctrine (D.M. 10 agosto 2021 Allegato A), true heading is obtained from magnetic heading by algebraic addition of magnetic declination: Pv = Pm + (±d). By international and Italian hydrographic convention, East declination is positive (+) and West declination is negative (-).

2When updating the magnetic declination (declinazione magnetica) printed on chart IIM 42/D from the compass rose value 'd = 1° 15' E (2018) incr. ann. 6' E' to the year 2026, what is the corrected declination?

A.d = 1° 23' E

B.d = 2° 03' E

C.d = 0° 27' E

D.d = 2° 15' E

Explanation: The time elapsed from 2018 to 2026 is 8 years. Annual increase is 6' East (positive). Total change = 8 × 6' = +48'. Adding this to the base value: 1° 15' E + 48' = 1° 63' E = 2° 03' E. For chartwork rounding under D.D. 131/2022, this corresponds to 2° E.

3A sailing yacht navigates near Isola d'Elba steering a compass heading (Pb) of 090°. The compass deviation table indicates delta = -3° for Pb = 090°, and the local declination is d = +2°. What is the true heading (Prora vera - Pv)?

A.Pv = 095°

B.Pv = 091°

C.Pv = 089°

D.Pv = 085°

Explanation: The total compass error is Et = d + delta = (+2°) + (-3°) = -1°. The true heading is calculated as Pv = Pb + Et = 090° + (-1°) = 089°. Alternatively: Pm = Pb + delta = 090° + (-3°) = 087°; then Pv = Pm + d = 087° + (+2°) = 089°.

4In Mediterranean offshore navigation subject to both wind and sea current, what is the precise sequential relationship between the heading and track vectors?

A.Rotta di fondo (Rfd) is affected by leeway (scarroccio) first, yielding Rotta vera (Rv), which is then affected by current

B.Direzione corrente (Dc) acts directly on Prora bussola (Pb), transforming it into Rotta di superficie (Rsp) before magnetic conversion

C.Prora vera (Pv) is converted to Rotta di fondo (Rfd) by wind leeway, and current then defines the vessel speed over ground (Vfd)

D.Prora vera (Pv) is shifted by leeway (scarroccio) into Rotta di superficie (Rsp), which is then shifted by current (deriva) into Rotta di fondo (Rfd)

Explanation: In classical Italian marine navigation kinematics, the vessel's hull moves through the water along the heading Pv. Aerodynamic force on the sails and topsides generates leeway (scarroccio lyst), resulting in the surface track (Rotta di superficie - Rsp = Pv ± lsc). The ocean current vector (Dc, Vc) then acts upon this water mass, deflecting the vessel along the ground track (Rotta di fondo - Rfd) with ground speed Vfd.

5A yacht steers a true heading Pv = 090 degrees. The wind is on her port side and produces a leeway angle of 5 degrees. What is the surface course (rotta di superficie, Rsp)?

A.Rsp = 085 degrees, because the wind on the port side pushes the hull to port.

B.Rsp = 095 degrees, because the wind on the port side pushes the hull bodily to starboard.

C.Rsp = 090 degrees, because leeway affects speed but not direction.

D.Rsp = 100 degrees, because the keel doubles the leeway angle.

Explanation: Leeway is the bodily sideways drift of the hull away from the wind, so the boat is pushed towards the side the wind is blowing to. With the wind on the port side the hull slides to starboard, and the track through the water therefore lies to starboard of the heading: 090 plus 5, that is 095 degrees. The rule is simply that the surface course always lies downwind of the heading, and the correction reverses when the wind comes over the starboard side.

6In the autonomy calculation used in the ministerial question list, how is the quantity of fuel to be embarked worked out?

A.Hourly consumption multiplied by the miles to be covered, plus 30 per cent.

B.Hourly consumption multiplied by the hours of navigation, plus 30 per cent as reserve.

C.Tank capacity divided by hourly consumption, minus 30 per cent.

D.A fixed reserve of 50 litres added to the tank whatever the passage.

Explanation: The theme Motori, calcolo dell'autonomia, in Allegato A to Decreto Dirigenziale 31 maggio 2022, n. 131 sets the method the examination expects: multiply the engine's hourly consumption by the number of hours the passage will take, then add 30 per cent as a reserve. The commonest error, which the official questions test directly, is multiplying the hourly consumption by the miles instead of by the hours, which produces a meaningless figure.

7A sailing yacht's auxiliary diesel burns 4.5 litres per hour at a cruising speed of 6 knots. The distance from Portoferraio to Bastia is 36 nautical miles. How much fuel should be aboard, applying the 30 per cent reserve of the ministerial autonomy calculation?

A.27.0 litres

B.31.5 litres

C.35.1 litres

D.42.0 litres

Explanation: The passage takes 36 divided by 6, that is 6 hours, and at 4.5 litres per hour that is 27.0 litres of theoretical consumption. Adding the 30 per cent reserve used in the ministerial autonomy calculation gives 27.0 multiplied by 1.30, that is 35.1 litres to be embarked.

8On nautical chart 42/D (Bocche di Bonifacio), a vessel plans a ground track Rfd = 090° with ground speed Vfd = 8 knots. The tidal stream current is known to be Dc = 180°, Vc = 2 knots. What are the required true surface course (Rsp) and propulsive speed (Vp)?

A.Rsp = 090°, Vp = 10.0 knots

B.Rsp = 104°, Vp = 8.5 knots

C.Rsp = 080°, Vp = 6.0 knots

D.Rsp = 076°, Vp = 8.2 knots

Explanation: Using current vector triangle resolution (1° problema delle correnti): We know vector Vfd (magnitude 8 kts along 090°, components x = 8.0, y = 0.0) and current vector Vc (magnitude 2 kts along 180°, components x = 0.0, y = -2.0). Since Vfd = Vp + Vc, the required propulsive vector is Vp = Vfd - Vc. Component x = 8.0 - 0.0 = +8.0; Component y = 0.0 - (-2.0) = +2.0 (North). Vp magnitude = sqrt(8.0^2 + 2.0^2) = sqrt(64 + 4) = sqrt(68) ≈ 8.25 knots. Course angle = 090° - arctan(2/8) = 090° - 14.04° ≈ 076°.

9A navigator takes two successive visual bearings (rilevamenti) of Punta Scagliero lighthouse (Capraia) to establish a running fix (punto stimato trasportato). What data must be recorded between the two observations?

A.The exact elapsed time, log run distance, and true course steered

B.The barometric trend, surface air temperature, and local wind direction

C.The echo sounder depth, radar pulse length, and transceiver frequency

D.The engine tachometer RPM, alternator charging voltage, and bilge level

Explanation: A running fix (rilevamento trasportato con un solo punto cospicuo) requires plotting the first bearing line, then transporting it along the vector of the vessel's track (true course and actual distance run determined by time and speed log between t1 and t2). The intersection of the transported line with the second bearing line yields the vessel's position.

10On chart IIM 5/D, a vessel determines a true bearing Rlv = 045° to Scoglio d'Affrica lighthouse and a radar range distance of 4.0 nautical miles to the same mark. What type of fix is this?

A.A dead-reckoning position based purely on estimated leeway (punto stimato)

B.A simultaneous fix by bearing and distance (punto nave con rilevamento e distanza)

C.An astronomical meridian line of position (retta d'altezza di meridiana)

D.A hyperbolic line of position requiring differential GPS correction

Explanation: Observing a simultaneous visual/radar bearing (line of position 1) and a radar distance circle (line of position 2) from a single identified conspicuous landmark (punto cospicuo) provides an unambiguous definitive position fix (punto nave costiero con rilevamento e distanza).

About the Patente Nautica Senza Limiti Exam

The Category A licence for navigation without limits from the coast, with the sailing endorsement, authorises command of natanti, imbarcazioni da diporto and moto d'acqua at any distance offshore. What distinguishes it from the 12-mile endorsement is the preliminary chartwork test: four independent problems worked on the Istituto Idrografico della Marina teaching charts 5/D or 42/D in sixty minutes, covering compass correction, leeway and current, fixes and passage calculations. Candidates who do not already hold the 12-mile endorsement also sit the twenty-question quiz base, and sail candidates add the five-question quiz vela, before a practical test at sea. OpenExamPrep provides an independent 100-question English-language practice bank across the same programme, weighted towards chartwork, offshore weather and heavy-weather seamanship.

Exam sponsor: Capitaneria di Porto / Guardia Costiera. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Phase 1: prova di carteggio nautico, 4 independent problems on Istituto Idrografico della Marina charts 5/D or 42/D, at least 3 correct within the published tolerances in a maximum of 60 minutes; the phase is preliminary and a candidate who fails it may elect to continue for the 12-mile endorsement. Phase 2: quiz base, 20 three-option questions distributed by Allegato C as 1 hull theory, 1 engines, 3 safety, 4 manoeuvring and conduct, 2 COLREG and maritime marks, 2 meteorology, 4 chart and electronic navigation and 3 pleasure-boating and environmental law; at least 16 correct, a maximum of 4 errors, in 30 minutes; sat only where the 12-mile endorsement is not already held. Phase 3 for sail candidates: quiz vela, 5 single-answer questions, at least 4 correct in 15 minutes. Practical test at sea on a separate day before a different commission.

Time Limit

Up to 105 minutes of written testing (60 minutes chartwork, 30 minutes quiz base, 15 minutes quiz vela); the practical test is held at sea on a separate day

Passing Score

Carteggio at least 3 of 4 problems; quiz base at least 16/20 (maximum 4 errors); quiz vela at least 4/5; plus a pass in the practical test at sea

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 65.95 examination fee for categories A and C plus two EUR 16.00 revenue stamps, in addition to charts 5/D and 42/D, the medical certificate and any tuition

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

D.M. 10 agosto 2021, n. 323 — Programmi di esame per le patenti nautiche di categoria A, B e C e modalità di svolgimento delle prove · Source checked 2026-09-17Article 3 on the two tests and the five hours of manoeuvres, the carteggio and quiz rules, Allegato A programme and Allegato D practical programme
Decreto Dirigenziale 31 maggio 2022, n. 131 — Allegato A, Quiz patenti nautiche · Source checked 2026-09-17Single national question list, the candidate instructions for the 60-minute four-problem chartwork test on charts 5/D and 42/D, and the 30 per cent reserve convention in the autonomy calculation
Guardia Costiera — Ammissione all'esame per la patente nautica · Source checked 2026-09-17Confirms that applications for navigation without limits go to the maritime authority, the 30-day interval before the examination, and the EUR 65.95 fee plus two EUR 16.00 stamps
Allegato V (articolo 54) — Mezzi di salvataggio e dotazioni di sicurezza, as replaced by D.M. 17 settembre 2024, n. 133 · Source checked 2026-09-17Current equipment table: three parachute rockets, three hand flares and two smoke signals without limits, 150-category lifejackets, EPIRB, and two safety harnesses for sailing craft
Istituto Idrografico della Marina — carte nautiche didattiche 5/D e 42/D · Source checked 2026-09-17Official teaching charts used in the chartwork test and the source of the sounding reduction level used for charted depths

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%

Carteggio e Navigazione Cartografica ed Elettronica

Compass correction, leeway and current problems, fixes, clearing distances, passage and autonomy calculations, chart datum and radar.

13%

Colreg e Segnalamento Marittimo

Look-out, risk of collision and avoiding action, sailing vessel rules, lights, day shapes, fog signals and IALA region A marks.

12%

Teoria della Vela e Manovre a Vela

Heaving to, storm canvas, drogues and sea anchors, downwind rolling, the preventer and man overboard under sail.

11%

Meteorologia

Isobars, Buys Ballot, fronts, the named Mediterranean winds, fetch, sea and swell, barometric tendency and fog.

Sicurezza della Navigazione

Ocean liferafts, EPIRB and HRU, SART, AIS, DSC, offshore pyrotechnics, lifejackets, jackstays and bilge pumping.

Motori e Impianti

Overheating, impellers, fuel filtration and bleeding, stern gland and sail-drive seals, anodes and battery systems.

Teoria dello Scafo e Stabilità

Centre of gravity and buoyancy, GM and GZ, the stability curve, free surface effect, downflooding angle and STIX.

Normativa Diportistica e Ambientale

Documents beyond 12 miles, NAVTEX and the Italian MRCC, the duty to assist, Posidonia and marine protected areas.

Manovre e Condotta

Man-overboard recovery, heavy-weather preparation, towing, passage planning and emergency steering.

Preparing for the Patente Nautica Senza Limiti Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Carteggio at least 3 of 4 problems; quiz base at least 16/20 (maximum 4 errors); quiz vela at least 4/5; plus a pass in the practical test at sea
Assessment: Phase 1: prova di carteggio nautico, 4 independent problems on Istituto Idrografico della Marina charts 5/D or 42/D, at least 3 correct within the published tolerances in a maximum of 60 minutes; the phase is preliminary and a candidate who fails it may elect to continue for the 12-mile endorsement. Phase 2: quiz base, 20 three-option questions distributed by Allegato C as 1 hull theory, 1 engines, 3 safety, 4 manoeuvring and conduct, 2 COLREG and maritime marks, 2 meteorology, 4 chart and electronic navigation and 3 pleasure-boating and environmental law; at least 16 correct, a maximum of 4 errors, in 30 minutes; sat only where the 12-mile endorsement is not already held. Phase 3 for sail candidates: quiz vela, 5 single-answer questions, at least 4 correct in 15 minutes. Practical test at sea on a separate day before a different commission.
Time limit: Up to 105 minutes of written testing (60 minutes chartwork, 30 minutes quiz base, 15 minutes quiz vela); the practical test is held at sea on a separate day
Exam / certification fees: EUR 65.95 examination fee for categories A and C plus two EUR 16.00 revenue stamps, in addition to charts 5/D and 42/D, the medical certificate and any tuition Official sources

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Patente Nautica Senza Limiti: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practise the three current problems until each is automatic: finding the track made good from a known heading, finding the heading to steer to make good a required track, and deducing the set and rate from the difference between the reckoning and an observed fix.

2Fix the sign conventions: East variation and deviation are added and West subtracted when going from compass to true, and the surface course always lies downwind of the heading by the leeway angle.

3Bring charts 5/D and 42/D unmarked to the examination, and work the published exercises on them repeatedly: the chartwork phase is preliminary, so failing it ends the examination before the quiz base.

4Read a synoptic chart for what it implies at sea: closely spaced isobars mean strong wind, and in the northern hemisphere, with the back to the wind, low pressure lies to the left.

5Know the heavy-weather options and when each is used: heaving to with the headsail aback and the tiller lashed to leeward, running off under a drogue when there is sea room, and a sea anchor from the bow when there is not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which nautical charts are used in the Italian offshore chartwork examination?

The examination uses the official training charts published by the Istituto Idrografico della Marina (IIM): Carta 5/D (Arcipelago Toscano, from Livorno to Monte Argentario and Corsica) or Carta 42/D (Nord Sardegna e Bocche di Bonifacio).

Can I take the Patente Senza Limiti examination at the Motorizzazione Civile?

No. Under the Codice della Nautica da Diporto, examinations for the Patente Nautica Senza Limiti (without distance limits) and Category B are held exclusively before Capitanerie di Porto and Circondari Marittimi (Guardia Costiera). Only the 12-mile licence may be taken at the Motorizzazione Civile.

How are leeway and current combined in the chartwork?

They are applied in order. Leeway is the bodily drift of the hull away from the wind, so the surface course lies downwind of the heading: with the wind on the port side the track is displaced to starboard of the heading, and with the wind on the starboard side to port. The current is then added as a vector to that water track to give the course and speed made good over the ground.

What safety equipment does Allegato V add beyond 12 miles?

Navigation within 50 miles adds an ocean liferaft, a barometer, binoculars, an echo sounder, charts and plotting instruments, the medicine chest, a satellite position receiver and a radar reflector, on top of the 150-category lifejackets and VHF already required at 12 miles. Navigation without limits adds an EPIRB on 406 and 121.5 MHz, raises the hand flares and parachute rockets to three each, and requires two deck safety harnesses on sailing craft instead of one.

Are OpenExamPrep questions official chartwork exam sheets?

No. OpenExamPrep provides conceptual and computational MCQ questions designed to test knowledge of navigation mathematics, meteorological interpretation, stability, and maritime regulations. Real exams require physical drawing and plotting with compass and parallel rulers on paper charts 5/D or 42/D.