Question 793Navigation General

70% to pass

The height of a wave is the vertical distance _______________.

A from the still water plane to the trough
B from crest to trough
C between water levels at one-quarter of the wave's length
D from the still water plane to the crest
AI Explanation

The correct answer is B) from crest to trough. The height of a wave is defined as the vertical distance between the crest (highest point) and the trough (lowest point) of the wave. This is the standard definition used in the US Coast Guard Captain's License Examinations. The other options are incorrect because: A) refers to the wave amplitude, which is half the wave height; C) describes a specific wave characteristic not related to overall wave height; and D) only measures the height from the still water plane to the crest, not the full vertical distance of the wave.

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Official Resources
USCG Navigation Rules (COLREGS) 33 CFR Navigation Rules USCG National Maritime Center
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