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.


108: Damage to cargo caused by dust is known as __________.


200: Which statement concerning a 298 GRT inspected tug engaged in towing from Seattle, WA, to Alaska is TRUE?


297: Commercial ships or other persons or agencies requiring the assistance of Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers should first contact __________.


347: You are the person in charge of a 199 GRT uninspected towing vessel engaged in coastwise towing from the Gulf of Mexico to the New York area, a distance in excess of 600 miles. Which statement is FALSE?

    Y a. Certificates of Discharge are not required to be issued.
    N b. All crew members shall have Merchant Mariner's Documents.
    N c. Able seamen are required in the deck crew.
    N d. The sailors shall be divided into 3 watches.

371: In the United States, the load line markings are set by the __________.

    Y a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. Coast Guard
    N c. Federal Maritime Board
    N d. IMO

397: Which statement is TRUE concerning deep well self-priming pumps?

    N a. When loading oil cargo, it is always loaded via the discharge line through to the pump until the tank is topped off.
    Y b. Stripping systems are generally eliminated for the purposes of cargo handling.
    N c. In recent years deep well pumps have become increasingly unpopular in product tankers and medium size crude ships.
    N d. There is no danger of damaging the pump from overheating.

438: Your vessel is loaded with nonhygroscopic cargoes and is going from a cold to a warm climate. You should __________.

    N a. start the exhaust blowers
    N b. start the intake blowers
    Y c. not ventilate the cargo holds
    N d. ventilate the cargo holds

589: The terminal indicates to you that they are going to use a booster pump to assist the discharging operation. You start the discharge and in a few minutes the pressure drops sharply. This could be a result of the __________.

    Y a. booster pump coming on the line and discharging properly
    N b. booster pump failing to start
    N c. ship's pump speeding up
    N d. booster pump being lined up in the wrong direction

808: You are loading a cargo of cases into a hold which has a bale cubic of 44,000. The cargo consists of cases measuring 4 ft by 2 ft by 1.5 ft. Estimated broken stowage is 15%. What is the maximum number of cases which can be stowed in the hold?

    N a. 3096
    Y b. 3116
    N c. 3136
    N d. 3156

843: If the Master of a US-flag towing vessel replaces any crew member with a non-US citizen, he/she must ensure that the ___________ .

    N a. replacement holds a license or document equivalent in experience and training to a mariner holding US credentials
    N b. replacement can communicate with other crew members to the extent required by regulations
    N c. vessel is on a foreign voyage, outside US jurisdiction, and not operating above the US outer continental shelf
    Y d. all of the above

888: You are going to load bales of wool having a stowage factor of 100 in #3 lower hold which has a bale cubic of 62,000. How many tons of the wool can be stowed in the compartment, assuming 10% broken stowage?

    N a. 520
    Y b. 558
    N c. 620
    N d. 654

893: Considering the manning requirements for U.S. vessels, your three watch cargo vessel has a deck crew of 20 people, exclusive of the officers. How many of these people do the manning regulations require to be Able Seamen?

    Y a. 13
    N b. 10
    N c. 7
    N d. 5

895: Which factor would NOT lead to removing a towline from service?

    N a. An excessive number of miles of towing service.
    N b. Failing a tensile strength test that proved the towline was no longer appropriate for expected sea conditions.
    Y c. When heavy grease on the towline saturates the core of the wire rope.
    N d. Its surface condition is noted, including its corrosion and discoloration.

946: Which measure should NOT be taken to reduce the pounding of a vessel in a head sea?

    Y a. Add ballast in the after peak.
    N b. Add ballast forward.
    N c. Alter course.
    N d. Reduce speed.

958: You are in a tropical port. The refrigeration machinery on a container loaded with air-cooled fruit fails. It cannot be repaired for 18 to 24 hours. Which step should you take to reduce the temperature rise and spoilage of the fruit?

    N a. Discharge a cylinder of nitrogen into the container
    Y b. Shade the container and periodically hose it down
    N c. Seal any ventilation openings and add dry ice
    N d. Spread ice over the top layer and in any voids within the container

972: The "rudder adjustment" control on an autopilot steering stand is used to __________.

    N a. align the rudder angle indicator with the true rudder angle
    Y b. set the number of degrees of rudder per degree of course error
    N c. set the departure from base course before actuating the rudder
    N d. set the rate at which the rudder responds

1015: The tankship Northland is loaded as shown. Use the salmon colored pages in the Stability Data Reference to determine the sagging numeral. (Get Table Data)

    N a. 71.07 numeral
    N b. 74.95 numeral
    N c. 77.56 numeral
    Y d. 78.29 numeral

1037: After an IOPP Certificate is issued to an inspected vessel, how many other surveys of the vessel's pollution prevention equipment are conducted during the period of validity of the certificate?

    N a. None
    N b. One
    N c. Two
    Y d. Three

1092: When a helmsman receives the command "Right 15 degrees rudder," the helmsman's immediate reply should be __________.

    N a. "Rudder is right 15 degrees"
    N b. "Aye Aye Sir"
    Y c. "Right 15 degrees rudder"
    N d. No reply is necessary, just carry out the order.

1093: When rigging a bosun's chair, a tail block or lizard is used to __________.

    N a. guide the bosun's chair down a stay when applying a protective coating
    N b. run paint or tools up to a sailor in a chair with a heaving line
    N c. keep a bosun's chair from swinging with the ship's motion
    Y d. reeve the gantline through

1140: In a transversely framed ship, the transverse frames are supported by all of the following EXCEPT __________.

    N a. girders
    N b. longitudinals
    N c. side stringers
    Y d. web plates

1278: The document that establishes the facts of a casualty and is the prima facie relief from liability for the damage is the __________.

    N a. adjuster's report
    N b. insurance policy
    N c. invoice
    Y d. Master's protest

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

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

1611: On a transpacific voyage, you receive a message from your vessel's operators saying that your vessel has been consigned to Naval Control of Shipping. Further information is contained in __________.

    Y a. Radio Aids to Navigation (PUB 117)
    N b. the Coast Pilot
    N c. the International Code of Signals (PUB 102)
    N d. the Light List

1624: Which kind of hitch should you use to secure a spar?

    N a. Blackwall hitch
    N b. Stage hitch
    Y c. Timber hitch
    N d. Two half hitches

1670: The term "strake" is used in reference to __________.

    N a. rudder mountings
    N b. anchor gear
    Y c. hull plating
    N d. vessel framing

1803: A snatch block is a __________.

    N a. block used only with manila rope
    N b. chock roller
    Y c. hinged block
    N d. strong block used for short, sharp pulls

1821: While towing, what is the principal danger in attempting to swing a barge on a short hawser in order to slow the barge's speed?

    N a. The barge may capsize from the sharp turn.
    Y b. The barge may swing too quickly and run over the tug.
    N c. Free surface effect of liquid inside the barge may rupture the barge bulkheads when turning too quickly.
    N d. Dangerous wakes may result from the swinging barge and capsize the tug.

1958: When tandem tug towing, the more powerful of the two tugs should be __________.

    N a. the lead tug
    Y b. behind the lead tug
    N c. towing at a right angle to the smaller tug
    N d. towing at a faster speed than the smaller tug

2110: Your ship is carrying hazardous cargo. During a daily inspection, you notice that some of the cargo has shifted and several cases are broken. You should FIRST __________.

    N a. call out the deck gang to jettison the cargo
    N b. log the facts in the rough log and inform the Chief Mate later
    N c. make a determination of the seriousness of the breakage, and do what you think best
    Y d. report the facts immediately to the Master, who will make a decision

2161: A vessel loads 5000 tons of manganese ore. The railroad cars that brought the ore to the vessel were previously loaded with iron ore so the ore is contaminated. The agent requests the Master to sign a Clean Bill of Lading and in return the shipper will give him a Letter of Indemnity. What is the best procedure to follow?

    N a. Sign a Clean Bill of Lading and accept the Letter of Indemnity.
    Y b. Refuse to sign a Clean Bill of Lading.
    N c. Sign the Clean Bill of Lading and have the agent countersign it.
    N d. Sign a Clean Bill of lading under protest.

2229: You are using tackle number 5 to lift a weight. The hauling part of this tackle is bent to the weight hook of tackle number 9. What is the mechanical advantage of this rig? (DO29DG )

    Y a. 20
    N b. 9
    N c. 5
    N d. 4

2262: Which statement about the carriage of solid hazardous materials in bulk is TRUE?

    N a. A special permit issued by the Coast Guard is required before the cargo is loaded.
    Y b. The loading of the cargo must be conducted under the direction and observation of a person employed or assigned for that purpose.
    N c. A certificate issued by ABS will be accepted as evidence that the vessel complies with all applicable loading regulations.
    N d. The shipping papers must indicate the primary hazardous characteristic or property of the material.

2280: You are conducting trials to determine the maneuvering characteristics of your vessel. While making a turn, you take ranges and bearings of an isolated light with the results as shown. Based on this information, what is the advance for a turn of 45°? (D034DG )

    N a. 590 yards
    N b. 635 yards
    Y c. 690 yards
    N d. 740 yards

2287: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated IMMEDIATE will be delivered within __________.

    Y a. 30 minutes to 1 hour
    N b. 1 to 6 hours
    N c. 3 hours to start of business the following day
    N d. 10 minutes if possible

2366: To "shore up" the main deck for the stowage of deck cargo means to __________.

    N a. weld pad eyes on deck in proper position to secure the cargo
    Y b. strengthen the main deck by placing pillars underneath it in the tween-decks
    N c. distribute the weight of the cargo by placing fore-and-aft planks on the main deck
    N d. package the cargo in wooden crates so it will not damage the deck

2376: A vessel has an amidships superstructure. Which location would be most suitable for on-deck stowage of automobiles?

    N a. On top of #1 hatch
    N b. Beside the hatches, forward of the midships house
    N c. On top of the hatch immediately forward of the midships house
    Y d. On top of the hatch immediately aft of the midships house

2533: You should attach a towline to a trailer eye bolt using a(n)______________.

    N a. eye splice
    Y b. bowline
    N c. towing hitch
    N d. square knot

2542: When loading containers into the cell guides in the hold of a container ship, which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. No further securing is usually required.
    N b. Containers must have vertical lashings if they do not have twist lock securing.
    N c. All containers must have vertical and horizontal lashings.
    N d. The container must be locked into the cell guide.

2552: When using a Mediterranean Moor, the vessel is moored with her __________.

    N a. bow to the pier
    N b. anchors crossed
    N c. anchor chains forward, side to the pier
    Y d. stern to the pier

2570: When a line is laid down in loose, looping figure-eights, it is said to be __________.

    Y a. faked
    N b. flemished
    N c. coiled
    N d. chined

2570: When a line is laid down in loose, looping figure-eights, it is said to be __________.

    Y a. faked
    N b. flemished
    N c. coiled
    N d. chined

2591: A tow astern is veering from side to side on its towline. The best way of controlling the action is to __________.

    N a. trim the tow by the bow
    Y b. trim the tow by the stern
    N c. list the tow to windward
    N d. adjust the length of the towing bridle

2862: What is used to prevent accidental flooding of a double bottom or peak tanks in the event of a pipe rupture due to collision?

    N a. Separate lines are provided for filling and pumping these tanks.
    N b. Pipe lines must run vertically from the tank to a point above the margin line before turning fore or aft towards the pump.
    N c. All tanks must be served by the fewest possible number of pipes to reduce the possibility of rupture.
    Y d. Suction lines are fitted with a non-return valve

2862: What is used to prevent accidental flooding of a double bottom or peak tanks in the event of a pipe rupture due to collision?

    N a. Separate lines are provided for filling and pumping these tanks.
    N b. Pipe lines must run vertically from the tank to a point above the margin line before turning fore or aft towards the pump.
    N c. All tanks must be served by the fewest possible number of pipes to reduce the possibility of rupture.
    Y d. Suction lines are fitted with a non-return valve

2932: Which type of rudder may lose its effectiveness at angles of 10 or more degrees?

    N a. Contra-guide
    Y b. Balanced spade
    N c. Unbalanced
    N d. Flat plate

2944: Your ship is navigating independently in heavy ice when it becomes beset. Which statement is FALSE?

    N a. The vessel will most likely require an icebreaker to free her.
    N b. The vessel may be able to free herself by pumping ballast from side to side.
    Y c. The propeller is more susceptible to ice damage when turning slowly than when stopped.
    N d. It is advisable to clear the rudder area of ice by using ahead turns before backing down.

3081: A seaman is entitled by law to a release from Foreign Articles when __________.

    N a. intoxicated
    N b. deductions are made from wages
    N c. injured
    Y d. the vessel is overloaded

3140: If the Certificate of Inspection of a damaged tank barge has expired, which certificate may be issued to allow its movement to a repair facility?

    N a. Change of employment
    Y b. Permit to proceed
    N c. Application for inspection
    N d. Temporary Certificate of Inspection

3340: It is NOT advisable to use nylon for alongside towing because it __________.

    Y a. stretches too much
    N b. is too difficult to make fast
    N c. parts too readily
    N d. is too susceptible to mildew

3420: A face line is used to __________.

    N a. prevent barge movement in a lock
    N b. secure two barges end-to-end
    Y c. secure barges to the towboat
    N d. secure barges side-by-side

3420: A face line is used to __________.

    N a. prevent barge movement in a lock
    N b. secure two barges end-to-end
    Y c. secure barges to the towboat
    N d. secure barges side-by-side

3472: You are the Master of a 500 gross ton passenger vessel operating on rivers. Your vessel accidentally runs aground. Under the regulations for passenger vessels, you must notify the __________.

    Y a. nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Marine Inspection Office as soon as possible
    N b. Coast Guard only if the grounding results in damage to property in excess of $(SA)25,000
    N c. Coast Guard only if the grounding results in a loss of life
    N d. Coast Guard only if the grounding results in injury to personnel

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

4071: The head block is located___________.

    N a. at the base of the boom
    Y b. at the head of the boom
    N c. at the head of the mast
    N d. on top of the jack staff

4142: The advantage(s) of using wire rope lashing on vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels is that it __________.

    N a. is Lighter than chain
    N b. has a good working life
    N c. is not affected by temperature
    Y d. All of the above

4151: Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding lashing requirements to secure vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. It is NOT imperative that the securing of cargo on flats and trailers and in containers be adequate for BOTH road and sea motions.
    Y b. The generally recommended lash angle should not be greater than 45 degrees relative to the deck in any direction.
    N c. For effective securing vehicles should be stowed athwartships whenever possible.
    N d. It is not necessary to lash automobiles since setting the brakes is sufficient to keep them from moving.

4160: According to the IMO Code, what are the minimum number of securing points that should be on each side of a "road vehicle", whose gross vehicle mass is between 20 tons and 30 tons, when carried on Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. One
    N b. Two
    Y c. Three
    N d. Four

4212: What is another name for the boom of a crane?

    N a. Lift
    N b. Rider
    Y c. Jib
    N d. All of the above

4265: Which statement(s) is/are FALSE concerning crane cargo operations?

    N a. Lifting points on all equipment must be safely checked prior to commencing a lift.
    Y b. Cargo loaded into vehicles and/or containers prior to lifting need not be secured.
    N c. Never exceed crane manufacturer’s limits concerning the safe working loads of cargo jibs.
    N d. All the above