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.


43: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "D" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )


67: You are in charge of a U.S. documented vessel. Under title 46 of the United States Code, if you fail to report a complaint of a sexual offense, you may be __________.


111: You are the licensed Master of a towing vessels operating between New York and Tampa, Florida. If you carry four (4) deckhands onboard, how many must be able seamen?


186: The pivoting point of a vessel going ahead is __________.

    N a. at the hawsepipe
    Y b. about one-third of the vessel's length from the bow
    N c. about two-thirds of the vessel's length from the bow
    N d. near the stern

410: You are loading a cargo tank on your container ship. The tank displays the red label shown. Which statement is TRUE? (D023DG )

    Y a. The tank contains propylene.
    N b. The tank's volume is 1077 cubic feet.
    N c. There are three tanks in the shipment.
    N d. The tank contains an oxidizing material.

476: You are backing on twin engines with rudders amidships, when your port engine stalls. To continue backing on course, you should __________.

    N a. apply left rudder
    Y b. apply right rudder
    N c. increase engine speed
    N d. keep your rudder amidships

487: One method of removing kinks from fiber rope is to __________.

    N a. coil the line against the lay
    Y b. tow the line astern until it straightens
    N c. stretch the line until it reaches its elastic limit
    N d. cut out each kink and splice

490: Which agency is authorized to assist the Coast Guard in the inspection of vessels for the suitability of loading hazardous materials?

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. Environmental Protection Agency
    Y c. National Cargo Bureau, Inc.
    N d. U.S. Navy explosive loading details

500: What would NOT require that a detailed report of the release of hazardous cargo be made to the Department of Transportation?

    N a. The valve on an empty portable tank that contained acetone is accidentally opened and some of the residue escapes to the open sea.
    N b. A carboy of nitric acid is broken on deck while loading and is flushed overboard with no injury or damage.
    Y c. Part of your deck cargo of five gallon cans of paint is damaged and leaking so you jettison them to eliminate the fire hazard.
    N d. Heavy weather causes damage to packages of a hazardous liquid that is subsequently pumped out at sea through the bilge pumping system.

500: What would NOT require that a detailed report of the release of hazardous cargo be made to the Department of Transportation?

    N a. The valve on an empty portable tank that contained acetone is accidentally opened and some of the residue escapes to the open sea.
    N b. A carboy of nitric acid is broken on deck while loading and is flushed overboard with no injury or damage.
    Y c. Part of your deck cargo of five gallon cans of paint is damaged and leaking so you jettison them to eliminate the fire hazard.
    N d. Heavy weather causes damage to packages of a hazardous liquid that is subsequently pumped out at sea through the bilge pumping system.

524: The purpose of the stripping bar on an anchor windlass is to __________.

    N a. clean off any mud that may have accumulated on the chain
    N b. engage or disengage the wildcat
    N c. fairlead the chain from the hawsepipe to the wildcat
    Y d. prevent the chain from fouling the wildcat

549: Your vessel is taking on cargo oil when a small leak develops in the hose. You order the pumping stopped. Before you resume pumping, you should __________.

    N a. notify the terminal superintendent
    N b. place a large drip pan under the leak and plug the scuppers
    N c. repair the hose with a patch
    Y d. replace the hose

558: A heated bulkhead has the effect on a hygroscopic commodity of __________.

    N a. causing moisture to accumulate against the bulkhead
    N b. lowering the vapor pressure of the commodity
    N c. lowering the dew point of the air
    Y d. raising the vapor pressure of the commodity

559: A vessel loads edible oil in a deep tank through a manhole at the mid-length of the tank. In order to fill the tank to maximum capacity, what trim should the vessel have?

    N a. Down by the bow
    N b. Down by the stern
    N c. Down by either the bow or stern
    Y d. In level trim

581: The Certificate of Inspection for your tankship authorizes the carriage of grade A and lower products. Which chemical may NOT be carried unless it is specifically endorsed on the Certificate of Inspection?

    N a. Amylene
    N b. Diisobutyl Phthalate
    N c. Oleic acid
    Y d. Vinyl acetate

654: A rope made of a combination of wire and fiber is known as __________.

    N a. independent
    N b. lang lay
    N c. preformed
    Y d. spring lay

801: When oil is discharged overboard, an entry is required in the __________.

    N a. engine rough log
    Y b. Oil Record Book
    N c. Official Logbook
    N d. deck rough log

938: The deck load capacity of a compartment into which you intend to load a cargo of soft brick is 380 lbs. per sq. ft. The stowage factor of the brick is 21.3. Disregarding broken stowage, what is the maximum height the brick may be stacked without endangering the structure?

    N a. 1.7 feet
    Y b. 3.6 feet
    N c. 5.0 feet
    N d. 7.1 feet

975: The "Mode" selector switch on the autopilot steering stand is used to select any of the following with the EXCEPTION of __________.

    N a. automatic pilot steering
    N b. hand-electric steering
    N c. non-followup steering
    Y d. rudder adjustment

1026: When making way in heavy seas you notice that your vessel's screw is being lifted clear of the water and racing. One way to correct this would be to __________.

    N a. increase speed
    Y b. decrease speed
    N c. move more weight forward
    N d. shift the rudder back and forth several times

1306: You are making mooring lines fast to bitts, stern to, as in some Mediterranean ports. A swell is liable to make the vessel surge. How should you tie up?

    Y a. Use manila or synthetic fiber hawsers only.
    N b. Use wires only from the stern and each quarter.
    N c. Use synthetic fiber and/or manila hawsers as required.
    N d. Use wires from each quarter and manila hawsers from the stern.

1328: The declaration made by the Master when he anticipates hull and/or cargo damage due to unusual weather conditions is a __________.

    Y a. Note of Protest
    N b. Notice of Casualty
    N c. Portage Bill
    N d. Bottomry Bond

1336: When picking up your mooring at the buoy, the correct method is to __________.

    N a. approach the buoy with the wind and current astern
    Y b. approach the buoy with the wind and current ahead
    N c. approach the buoy with wind and sea abeam
    N d. stop upwind and up current and drift down on the buoy

1344: When working with wire rope, which must be considered?

    N a. Metal sheaves should be lined with wood or leather.
    Y b. It needs better care than hemp or manila.
    N c. It should be lubricated annually.
    N d. The diameter of a sheave over which a rope is worked should be ten times that of the rope.

1410: The result of two forces acting in opposite directions and along parallel lines, is an example of what type of stress?

    N a. Tensile
    N b. Compression
    Y c. Shear
    N d. Strain

1659: The safe working load for the assembled cargo gear and the minimum angle to the horizontal for which the gear is designed shall be marked on the __________.

    N a. deck
    N b. head of the boom
    Y c. heel of the boom
    N d. mast or king post

1753: To reeve a right-angle threefold purchase start with the __________.

    N a. left sheave bottom block
    N b. left sheave top block
    Y c. middle sheave top block
    N d. right sheave bottom block

1787: Which picture represents a blackwall hitch? (DO30DG )

    N a. F
    N b. H
    N c. P
    Y d. S

1860: A towline should be fastened to __________.

    N a. the chocks at the bow of a towed vessel
    N b. the most forward, centermost point of a towed vessel such as a sturdy bow rail
    N c. the mast of a towed sailboat
    Y d. a secure fitting near the bow of the towed vessel

1879: What is the mechanical advantage of a threefold purchase when rove to disadvantage and neglecting friction?

    N a. 3
    N b. 4
    N c. 5
    Y d. 6

1948: The Honolulu (Christmas tree) tow was devised to __________.

    Y a. keep the catenary to a minimum
    N b. allow easy removal of a center tow
    N c. reduce hawser length
    N d. increase the catenary

1999: When shoring a damaged bulkhead, effort should be taken to spread the pressure over the __________.

    Y a. maximum possible area
    N b. minimum possible area
    N c. nearest watertight door
    N d. nearest longitudinal girder

2007: The helm command "shift your rudder" means __________.

    N a. double your rudder angle or go to full rudder
    Y b. change from right rudder to left rudder an equal number of degrees
    N c. bring your rudder amidships
    N d. check the swing of the vessel

2026: After a seaman is discharged, at the end of the voyage, the final payment of wages due must be made, whichever is earliest, either within 24 hours after the cargo has been discharged, or __________.

    Y a. within 4 days after the seaman's discharge
    N b. prior to the vessel's departure on the next voyage
    N c. prior to loading any out-bound cargo
    N d. prior to any change of Master

2061: A sheave is a __________.

    Y a. grooved wheel in a block
    N b. line to hold a lifeboat next to the embarkation deck
    N c. partial load of grain
    N d. seaman's knife

2139: You are proceeding to the area of reported distress. When you arrive at the reported position, the vessel in distress is not sighted. What type of search should be conducted?

    N a. Sector search
    Y b. Expanding square
    N c. Track crawl
    N d. Parallel track search

2156: You are standing watch on entering port and the Master gives a rudder command which conflicts with a rudder command from the Pilot. You should ensure the helmsman __________.

    Y a. obeys the Master
    N b. obeys the Pilot
    N c. brings the rudder to a position midway between the two conflicting positions
    N d. asks the Pilot if he has relinquished control

2158: You are proceeding under NCS (Naval Control of Shipping) when you wish to send a message concerning your ships diversion. Which precedence would you assign this message?

    N a. O (IMMEDIATE)
    N b. R (ROUTINE)
    Y c. P (PRIORITY)
    N d. Z (FLASH)

2182: What is the name of tackle number 4? (DO29DG )

    N a. Double whip
    N b. Luff tackle
    Y c. Two-fold purchase
    N d. 2-2 tackle

2204: While writing in the logbook at the end of your watch, you make an error in writing an entry. What is the proper way of correcting this error?

    N a. Blot out the error completely and rewrite the entry correctly.
    N b. Carefully and neatly erase the entry and rewrite it correctly.
    Y c. Cross out the error with a single line, write the correct entry, and initial it.
    N d. Remove this page of the log book and rewrite all entries on a clean page.

2254: You are using tackle number 4 to lift a weight. The hauling part of this tackle is bent to the weight hook (w) of tackle number 10. What is the mechanical advantage of this rig? (D029DG )

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

2301: In towing, chocks are used to __________.

    Y a. protect the towline from chafing
    N b. secure the end of the towline on the tug
    N c. stop off the towline while retrieving it
    N d. absorb shock loading on the towline

2804: Which publication is NOT carried on board U.S. merchant vessels operating under Naval Control of Shipping?

    N a. Allied Control of Shipping Manual - Guide to Masters
    N b. Communications Supplement
    Y c. Tactical Control and Routing of Merchant Vessels
    N d. All of the above are carried on board

2933: Your vessel is to dock bow first at a pier. Which line will be the most useful when maneuvering the vessel alongside the pier?

    N a. Stern breast line
    Y b. Bow spring line
    N c. Bow breast line
    N d. Inshore head line

2959: A metal ring on the bottom of a block, to which the standing part of a tackle is spliced, is known as a(n) __________.

    Y a. becket
    N b. loop
    N c. swivel
    N d. eye

2964: "Seiche" is defined as a(n) __________.

    N a. unusually strong storm system which approaches the Great Lakes System generally from the Northeast
    N b. lake current which is predominant during the spring and fall navigation season on the Great Lakes
    Y c. oscillation caused by the diminishing of forces which cause lake level fluctuations
    N d. higher than normal high water or lower than normal low water

2982: How should you signal the crane operator to stop?

    N a. Place both fists in front of your body with the thumbs pointing outward.
    N b. With both arms extended out and palms down, move arms back and forth.
    Y c. Extend arm with the palm down and hold this position rigidly.
    N d. Clasp hands in front of your body.

3020: The main underdeck pipeline on a tankship is connected to individual tanks by __________.

    N a. tank drops
    N b. line drops
    N c. crossovers
    Y d. branch lines

3031: Before a Master relieves a Pilot of the conn, the __________.

    N a. vessel must be in extremis
    N b. Master must request the Pilot to take corrective action
    N c. Master should release the Pilot from all liability
    Y d. Master should foresee any danger to the vessel on the present course

3138: When pushing ahead, wires leading from the quarters of the after outboard barges to the bow of a towboat __________.

    N a. prevent the towboat from sliding when the rudder is moved
    Y b. prevent the barges from spreading out when backing down
    N c. hold the towboat securely to the barges
    N d. prevent the sidewise movement of the face barges

3144: A tow consists of 8 barges: 6 jumbo barges made up 3 abreast and 2 long, with 2 standard barges abreast as lead barges. How long is this tow?

    N a. 525 feet
    N b. 545 feet
    Y c. 565 feet
    N d. 595 feet

3219: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated PRIORITY will be delivered within __________.

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

3230: After a collision or accident involving an uninspected vessel, regulations require that the operator assist persons affected, but only if the operator can do so without __________.

    N a. further damaging the other vessel
    N b. undue delay
    Y c. serious danger to his or her own vessel
    N d. creating a panic on either vessel

3352: The signal man assisting the crane operator has his arm extended, his fingers closed, and his thumb pointing downward. This is the signal to __________.

    N a. hoist the load
    N b. raise the boom
    Y c. lower the boom
    N d. lower the load

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

3681: While you are on watch entering port, the Master gives the helmsman a rudder command which conflicts with a rudder command from the Pilot. You should make sure the helmsman __________.

    N a. obeys the Pilot
    Y b. obeys the Master
    N c. asks you for instructions
    N d. brings the rudder to a point midway between the two conflicting positions

4011: Under defense plans, operation of electronic aids may be temporarily suspended with __________.

    N a. thirty (30) day's notice
    N b. a week's notice
    N c. one day's notice
    Y d. no notice

4061: The two factors which make underwater hull repair difficult are accessibility and the __________.

    N a. availability of tools
    N b. shape of the hull
    Y c. pressure exerted by the water
    N d. threat of progressive flooding

4096: Yawing is angular motion of the vessel about what axis?

    N a. Longitudinal
    N b. Transverse
    Y c. Vertical
    N d. Centerline

4277: Which wire rope purchases may be used with a 30-ton pedestal crane?

    N a. Hoist
    N b. Luff
    N c. Rider block
    Y d. All of the above