USCG General Deck: Master's License

This is an interactive test. Read each question and select the proper answer by clicking on the appropriate answer. If a "Y" appears, your choice is correct. If a "N" appears, more study may be in order.


95: You should keep clear of __________.


114: You are on watch at sea on course 090°T. A man falls overboard on your starboard side. You immediately start a Williamson Turn. Which step is NOT a part of a Williamson Turn?


122: You may be able to avoid loss of suction in a pump by __________.


319: Static electricity may be built up by the __________.

    N a. flow of petroleum through pipes
    N b. spraying or splashing of petroleum
    N c. settling of solids or water in petroleum
    Y d. All of the above

364: A long ton is __________.

    N a. 1,000 pounds
    N b. 2,000 pounds
    Y c. 2,240 pounds
    N d. 2,400 pounds

407: You are carrying cargoes of crotonaldehyde, phosphoric acid, and morpholine on your multiple-product tankship. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

    Y a. Each of the cargoes must be segregated from the other by at least two barriers.
    N b. The minimum protective clothing required for taking samples of phosphoric acid is goggles or a face shield.
    N c. Aluminum, copper, and zinc are prohibited in all valve parts in contact with these cargoes.
    N d. The required warning sign must have the legend "cancer hazard" added to it.

446: A twin-screw vessel can clear the inboard propeller and maneuver off a pier best by holding a(n) __________.

    N a. forward spring line and going slow ahead on the inboard engine
    N b. after spring line and going slow astern on the outboard engine
    N c. forward spring line and going slow ahead on both engines
    Y d. forward spring line and going slow ahead on the outboard engine

455: A vessel having continuous closely spaced transverse strength members is __________.

    N a. longitudinally framed
    Y b. transversely framed
    N c. cellular framed
    N d. web framed

607: A lashing used to secure two barges side by side, lashed in an "X" fashion, is called a __________.

    Y a. scissor wire
    N b. towing wire
    N c. breast wire
    N d. cross wire

614: A fid is a __________.

    N a. mallet used when splicing wire rope
    N b. sharp pointed crow bar used to unlay wire rope
    N c. tapered steel pin used to separate wire rope
    Y d. tapered wooden pin used when splicing heavy rope

690: A rescue helicopter's hoist area should have a radius of at least __________.

    N a. 6 feet of clear deck
    N b. 10 feet of clear deck
    N c. 25 feet of clear deck
    Y d. 50 feet of clear deck

700: A tug is approaching a broken down steamer in moderately heavy weather preparing to take it in tow. In most cases the __________.

    N a. steamer will drift stern downwind
    N b. tug will drift faster than the steamer
    N c. tug should approach stern to
    Y d. tug should approach from downwind

765: The owner or Master of a vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside must ensure that each of the following is appropriate for the vessel's horsepower and tow arrangement EXCEPT _________ .

    Y a. hydraulic couplings
    N b. face wires
    N c. push gear
    N d. spring lines

786: You are on a single-screw vessel with a right-handed propeller, and you are making headway. When you enter shallow water, __________.

    N a. you will have better rudder response
    N b. your speed will increase without a change in your throttle
    Y c. your rudder response will become sluggish
    N d. your vessel will tend to ride higher

884: When towing astern, each towline must meet all of these requirements, EXCEPT ___________ .

    Y a. being suitable for use as soon as it is removed from its normal stowage location
    N b. having wire clips for other than a temporary repair
    N c. having the end either spliced with a thimble or fitted with a poured socket
    N d. being free of knots

962: You are the person in charge of a 199-GT uninspected towing vessel engaged in towing from New York to Mexico and then returning, a distance in excess of 600 miles. Which statement is FALSE?

    Y a. The crew members are required to sign articles.
    N b. All deck crew members are to have a Merchant Mariner's Document.
    N c. Able seamen are required in the deck crew.
    N d. The sailors shall be divided into three watches.

1001: Which is supplied to the vessel by the U.S. Coast Guard?

    N a. Bell book
    N b. Cargo gear register
    Y c. Official Logbook
    N d. Rough Logbook

1031: Which certificate is NOT issued by the Coast Guard?

    N a. Award of official number
    N b. Certificate of Inspection
    Y c. Classification of Hull and Machinery
    N d. Safety Equipment Certificate

1149: You are on anchor watch. As an aid to preventing thievery on the vessel you should __________.

    N a. show running lights, anchor lights and deck lights
    N b. only show the required anchor lights and keep the rest of the vessel darkened
    N c. maintain water on deck with firehoses led out and all-purpose nozzles attached
    Y d. show anchor lights, deck lights and cargo lights hung over the vessel's side

1156: The best time to work a boat into a slip is __________.

    N a. when the wind is against you
    N b. with the current setting against you
    Y c. at slack water
    N d. with a cross current

1198: The most probable position of the object of a search at any given time is the __________.

    Y a. datum position
    N b. incident position
    N c. reported position
    N d. dead-reckoning position

1215: What is an advantage in the use of a towing hook?

    N a. To prevent the tug from becoming tripped
    N b. To quickly connect or release a tow, especially a sinking tow
    N c. To facilitate berthing maneuvers
    Y d. All of the above

1232: You have the "conn" at the time the helmsman who is steering by hand reports that the rudder is not responding to the wheel. Your FIRST action should be to __________.

    N a. check that the wheel is firmly connected to the shaft
    N b. signal the engineroom to "Standby the Engines"
    N c. set the "Mode" switch to "Auto" and steer by auto-pilot
    Y d. switch to the other steering pump

1237: You are a watchstanding mate and have come to the bridge to relieve the watch. After reviewing the chart and having been briefed by the off-going mate, you are now ready to effect the relief. The watch is officially transferred to you after __________.

    N a. you state the vessel's charted position, present course and port of destination
    N b. the mate being relieved tells you the vessel's course and speed and states that you have the watch
    Y c. you say, "I relieve you" and you state the course per gyro and magnetic compasses
    N d. the mate being relieved says, "You have the conn" and you state the ship's course

1406: How many fathoms are in a shot of anchor cable?

    N a. 6
    Y b. 15
    N c. 20
    N d. 30

1416: What is meant by veering the anchor chain?

    N a. Bringing the anchor to short stay
    N b. Heaving in all the chain
    N c. Locking the windlass to prevent more chain from running out
    Y d. Paying out more chain

1421: The charterer has completed loading the vessel in 3 days instead of the 5 days agreed to in the charter party. As a result of this, the __________.

    N a. shipowner may charge for two lay days
    Y b. charterer may receive dispatch money
    N c. stevedore may collect demurrage
    N d. consignee may be required to pay a ceaser fee

1424: A wire rope for a 10-ton boom on a vessel shows signs of excessive wear and must be replaced. What safety factor should be used when ordering a new wire?

    N a. 4
    Y b. 5
    N c. 6
    N d. 7

1475: As shown, the mooring line labeled "G" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. forward spring line
    N b. offshore bow line
    N c. forward breast line
    Y d. inshore bow line

1484: A metal eye spliced into a wire is called a __________.

    N a. cyclops
    N b. fish eye
    Y c. thimble
    N d. chip

1514: A 6x12, two-inch wire rope has __________.

    N a. 12 strands and a two-inch diameter
    N b. 12 strands and a two-inch circumference
    Y c. 6 strands and a two-inch diameter
    N d. 6 strands and a two-inch circumference

1676: When preparing to hoist the anchor, you should FIRST __________.

    Y a. engage the wildcat
    N b. put the brake in the off position
    N c. take off the chain stopper
    N d. take the riding pawl off the chain

1714: A "sheepshank" is used to __________.

    N a. keep a line from fraying
    N b. join lines of unequal size
    N c. stop off a line
    Y d. shorten a line

1769: Two falls are supporting a 1.5 ton load. The port fall is at an angle of 40° from the vertical. The starboard fall is at an angle of 70° from the vertical. What is the stress on each fall?

    Y a. Port 1.5 tons, starboard 1.0 tons
    N b. Port 1.5 tons, starboard 1.5 tons
    N c. Port 1.7 tons, starboard 1.3 tons
    N d. Port 1.7 tons, starboard 2.0 tons

1823: Chafing gear __________.

    N a. reduces and prevents corrosion of standing rigging
    N b. prevents corrosion of running rigging
    Y c. reduces and prevents wear caused by the rubbing of one object against another
    N d. protects the body against extreme cold

1830: Using the graph, if the dry bulb temperature is 76°, and the wet bulb temperature is 58°, what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? (D008DG )

    Y a. 35%
    N b. 47%
    N c. 61%
    N d. 76%

1857: The knot lettered T in illustration DO30DG is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. round turn and two half hitches
    Y b. French bowline
    N c. carrick bend
    N d. stopper hitch

1977: On a crane, the boom indicator tells the operator what angle the boom angle is compared to the __________.

    N a. vertical position
    Y b. horizontal position
    N c. boom stop angle
    N d. minimum radius angle

2028: When making up a long, large coastwise tow, which of the following procedures is INCORRECT?

    N a. A chain towing bridle is generally preferred
    N b. Safety shackles should be used when connecting to the fishplate
    N c. Rig tripping ropes (retrieving lines)
    Y d. Back-up wires are left slack

2059: You are handling a mooring line and are instructed to "Check the line". What should you do?

    N a. Ensure the bight is not fouled by taking up slack.
    N b. Pay out the line smartly and keep it free for running.
    N c. Secure the line by adding more turns.
    Y d. Surge the line so it maintains a strain without parting.

2215: Given a dry bulb temperature of 78°F and wet bulb temperature of 66.5°F, the dew point is __________.

    N a. 47.0°F
    N b. 51.5°F
    Y c. 59.0°F
    N d. 70.0°F

2220: The load chart of a crane enables the operator to combine the load radius with boom length to determine the __________.

    N a. maximum counter weight required
    N b. minimum horsepower required
    N c. hoist rope strength
    Y d. allowable load

2278: You will load and carry a bulk cargo of sulfur at ambient temperature. Which statement is true?

    N a. Wooden covers must be laid over the bilge wells to prevent the sulfur from entering the bilges.
    Y b. Bulk sulfur may be carried without a special permit providing the vessel complies with all applicable regulations.
    N c. The major characteristic of this cargo is that it forms sulfuric acid upon contact with water.
    N d. Other hazardous material may not be stowed in the same hold as the sulfur but may be carried on deck above the hold.

2316: A lookout can leave his/her station __________.

    N a. at any time
    N b. at the end of the watch
    N c. 15 minutes before the end of the watch
    Y d. only when properly relieved

2509: What is the purpose of cant frames in steel vessels?

    N a. To support the overhang of the stern
    Y b. To provide strength to shell plating at the stern
    N c. To add strength to the deck beams which support the weather decks
    N d. To support the plating of a cylindrical tank

2512: Ultrasonic testing is used to determine the thickness of a vessel's shell plating and to __________.

    N a. provide tail shaft clearances
    Y b. test welds for subsurface defects
    N c. check the wear of the rudder carrier bearing
    N d. test the links of the anchor cables while being ranged

2839: Adequate horsepower is of great importance when a ship is navigating independently in ice. Adequate horsepower is generally considered to exist when the horsepower to length ratio is at least __________.

    N a. 4 to 1 or better
    N b. 5 to 1 or better
    Y c. 6 to 1 or better
    N d. 8 to 1 or better

2908: How should you signal the crane operator to use the whip line?

    N a. Extend arm with the thumb pointing up, and flex the fingers in and out for as long as the load movement is desired.
    Y b. First tap your elbow with one hand, and then proceed to use regular signals.
    N c. First tap the top of your head with your fist, and then proceed to use regular signals.
    N d. Use one hand to give any motion signal, and place the other hand motionless in front of the hand giving the motion signal.

3122: When a tug is "in irons", she __________.

    N a. is made fast to the dock with engines secured
    N b. is in dry dock
    Y c. may be in danger of being overrun by her tow
    N d. should pay out more towline

3150: You are moving a gas free tank barge to dry dock for repairs. The barge must have onboard a valid __________.

    N a. Gas Free Certificate
    Y b. Certificate of Inspection
    N c. Permit to Proceed and Hot Work Permit
    N d. All of the above

3396: A tow that veers to the side on the end of the towline is said to __________.

    Y a. yaw
    N b. surge
    N c. sway
    N d. swing

3556: The choice of length of tow bridle legs is governed by the __________.

    N a. expected towing forces
    N b. capability of retrieving gear
    N c. freeboard of the unit being towed
    Y d. need to reduce yaw

3692: What provides little or no indication that a vessel is dragging anchor?

    N a. Increasing radar range to a fixed object ahead
    Y b. Drift lead with the line leading perpendicular to the centerline
    N c. Vibrations felt by placing a hand on the anchor cable
    N d. Changing bearings to distant fixed objects abeam

3740: Instructions to the crew in the use of all the ship's lifesaving equipment shall be completed __________.

    N a. before sailing
    N b. within one week of sailing
    N c. in one month and repeated quarterly
    Y d. within any two month period

4010: You have completed a crude oil wash. What action should be taken with the oil in the lines running to the washing machines?

    Y a. Open a COW nozzle forward and one aft and drain the line into the after tank by gravity
    N b. Blow the line out using compressed air
    N c. Pull a suction using the supply line pump
    N d. Close off all valves in the system and leave the oil in the line primed for the next crude oil wash

4026: One of the greatest hazards of pushing ahead is parting which item shown? (D024DG )

    N a. A
    N b. B
    N c. F
    Y d. I

4032: The pivot pin at the base of a sheath-screw boom davit must be __________.

    N a. inserted each time before the booms are cranked out
    Y b. periodically removed for inspection and lubricated
    N c. replaced at each inspection for certification
    N d. in the locked position after the boat is cradled and griped down

4034: The signal man assisting the crane operator has his arm extended downwards, forefinger pointing down, and moves his hand in small horizontal circles. This is the signal to __________.

    Y a. lower
    N b. swing
    N c. hoist
    N d. extend

4272: Which action should be taken immediately by the operator of a pedestal crane, if crane control is lost?

    N a. Increase power to the crane to regain control.
    N b. Place control levers in opposite positions.
    Y c. Let go of both control levers and return to the neutral positions.
    N d. Check the circuit breakers.

4281: Which statement is TRUE concerning a tagline as used with a 30-ton pedestal crane?

    N a. Taglines are wire rope purchases that raise and lower the jib.
    N b. Taglines are wire ropes payed-out or taken-in for positioning the crane pedestal.
    Y c. Taglines can be fastened to the corners of vehicles or containers during cargo operations.
    N d. Taglines are wire rope purchases that raise and lower the topping lift.