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.


5: You are standing the wheelwatch when you hear the cry, "Man overboard starboard side". You should instinctively __________.


81: Your 199 GT tugboat is on a 675 mile coastwise voyage. What percentage of the deck crew must be Able Bodied Seamen?


87: A set of interior steps on a ship leading up to a deck from below is know as __________.


124: Bilge soundings indicate __________.

    N a. the amount of condensation in the hold
    N b. whether the cargo is leaking or not
    N c. whether the vessel is taking on water
    Y d. All of the above

212: Your vessel is port side to a pier with a spring line led aft from the bow. In calm weather, putting the engines ahead with the rudder hard left should bring __________.

    Y a. the bow in and the stern out
    N b. both the bow and stern in
    N c. the bow out and the stern in
    N d. both the bow and stern out

332: The helm command "Meet her" means __________.

    N a. steer more carefully
    Y b. use rudder to check the swing
    N c. decrease the existing rudder angle
    N d. note the course and steady on that heading

450: Once a vessel has loaded packaged hazardous cargo, the cargo spaces shall be inspected. The spaces shall also be inspected at least once in every 24 hours. The only exception to daily inspection is when __________.

    Y a. a vessel is equipped with an automatic smoke or fire detecting system
    N b. the cargo hatches are of steel construction
    N c. the cargo is of a nonflammable type
    N d. there is sufficient fire protection located on the main deck adjacent to the cargo hatch

468: Sweat damage in a hatch full of canned goods in cartons will occur when the __________.

    N a. air temperature is higher than the temperature of the cargo
    N b. air temperature is lower than the temperature of the cargo
    Y c. dew point is higher than the temperature of the cargo
    N d. dew point is lower than the temperature of the cargo

493: What does "end for end" mean in regard to a towing hawser?

    N a. To take the kinks out of the hawser
    N b. To fake it down in figure eights
    N c. To increase the catenary
    Y d. To swap ends of the hawser to minimize wear

539: Which type of shackle is used for most towing connections?

    Y a. Safety shackles
    N b. Round pin anchor shackles
    N c. Screw pin shackles
    N d. Heart shaped shackles

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

650: A crew member has just fallen overboard off your port side. Which action should you take?

    N a. Immediately put the rudder over hard right.
    Y b. Immediately put the rudder over hard left.
    N c. Immediately put the engines astern.
    N d. Wait until the stern is well clear of the man and then put the rudder over hard right.

663: While towing astern, if your towing hawser becomes taut it results in __________.

    N a. more catenary in the towing hawser
    Y b. less catenary in the towing hawser
    N c. more yaw
    N d. less yaw

687: The damage to a vessel is over $25,000. Who must notify the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Marine Inspection Office as soon as possible?

    N a. The vessel's agent
    N b. The owner of the vessel
    N c. The Master of the vessel
    Y d. Any one of the above

707: Is tripping limited to harbor and coastal towing?

    Y a. No! Forces tending to capsize a tug are as dangerous on the high seas as they are in harbor and coastal work.
    N b. Yes! The long towing hawser used in ocean towing eliminates the danger of tripping.
    N c. No! Tripping is common in ocean towing because of more frequent maneuvering
    N d. Yes! Because of increased water depths, forces required to capsize a tug are not usually found in ocean towing

711: If an alien stowaway is discovered aboard your vessel, his name must be placed on the __________.

    N a. Alien Crew List
    N b. Crew List
    N c. Passenger List
    Y d. separate Passenger List marked stowaways

721: The mooring line labeled "F" is called a __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. bow line
    N b. forward spring line
    Y c. breast line
    N d. None of the above

761: The Immigration and Naturalization Service is concerned with which document on a vessel making preliminary entry into a U.S. port from a foreign port?

    N a. Cargo Manifest
    Y b. Certified Crew List
    N c. Curio List
    N d. Shipping Articles

782: The owner or Master of a towing vessel shall ensure that each person that directs and controls the movement of the vessel can accurately fix the vessel's position using all of the following EXCEPT ___________ .

    N a. installed navigational equipment
    Y b. buoys alone
    N c. all available aids to navigation
    N d. depths soundings and hydrographic contour lines

867: Who may perform as a lookout?

    N a. A member of the engineering watch
    Y b. A member of the navigational watch
    N c. A member of the Stewards Department
    N d. All of the above

910: The purpose of sheer in ship construction is to __________.

    Y a. allow the ship to ride waves with drier decks
    N b. eliminate the need for butt straps
    N c. eliminate the need for margin plates
    N d. give greater strength at the deck edge

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

1009: You are loading 475,000 barrels of cargo oil. At 0800 on 8 July, you find that you have loaded 174,000 barrels. At 1000, you find that you have loaded 192,000 barrels. If you continue loading at the same rate, you will finish at approximately __________.

    N a. 1752, 8 July
    N b. 1940, 8 July
    N c. 0143, 9 July
    Y d. 1727, 9 July

1114: What type of stopper would you use on a nylon mooring line?

    N a. Chain
    Y b. Nylon
    N c. Manila
    N d. Wire

1133: To properly rig the downhaul to your stage for lowering, you must __________.

    N a. take only figure eights around the horns
    Y b. take 2 or 3 round turns around the stage and then belay the downhaul around the horns
    N c. take 2 round turns around the stage and then dip the third turn to form a clove hitch
    N d. pass the downhaul through the bridle formed by the standing part and then take round turns

1212: What is NOT characteristic of the conditions which would be experienced by a vessel located southeast of an approaching eastward-moving storm center on the Great Lakes?

    Y a. Falling barometer
    N b. A westerly wind
    N c. Lowering clouds
    N d. Rain or snow

1217: The proper way to correct a mistake in the logbook is to __________.

    N a. erase the entry and rewrite
    Y b. draw a line through the entry, rewrite, and initial the correction
    N c. draw several lines through the entry, rewrite, and initial the correction
    N d. completely black out the entry, rewrite, and initial the correction

1283: Which statement about the fo'c'sle card is TRUE?

    N a. The fo'c'sle card is a blank sample of the articles.
    N b. It contains copies of the crew's signatures from the articles.
    Y c. Is an exact copy of shipping articles.
    N d. Each crewmember is given a copy of the fo'c'sle card.

1291: "Free pratique" means that __________.

    N a. clearance requirements for all regulatory bodies have been met
    Y b. health requirements have been met and no further quarantine formalities are required
    N c. shipment will be made at no cost
    N d. tonnage taxes are not required to be paid

1316: The anchor chain should be kept moderately taut during a Mediterranean moor to __________.

    N a. facilitate speed of recovery during the weighing process
    N b. indicate the anchor's location to passing or mooring ships
    Y c. prevent damage to the stern in the event of a headwind
    N d. provide a steady platform for the gangway between the fantail and pier

1319: In relation to cargo gear, what does "SWL" mean?

    Y a. Safe working load
    N b. Ship's working lift
    N c. Starboard wing lift
    N d. Stress, weight, load

1520: A welded joint's effectiveness is considered __________.

    N a. 48%
    N b. 90%
    Y c. 100%
    N d. 121%

1573: Which statement about splices is TRUE?

    N a. A back splice is used to permanently connect two lines together.
    Y b. A long splice is used to connect two lines that will pass through narrow openings.
    N c. A short splice is used to temporarily connect two lines.
    N d. In splicing fiber rope, you would splice with the lay of the line.

1573: Which statement about splices is TRUE?

    N a. A back splice is used to permanently connect two lines together.
    Y b. A long splice is used to connect two lines that will pass through narrow openings.
    N c. A short splice is used to temporarily connect two lines.
    N d. In splicing fiber rope, you would splice with the lay of the line.

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

1640: The garboard strake is the __________.

    N a. raised flange at the main deck edge
    N b. riveted crack arrester strap on all-welded ships
    N c. riveting pattern most commonly used in ship construction
    Y d. row of plating nearest the keel

1641: The helm command "Steady as you go" means __________.

    Y a. steer the course you are on now
    N b. steer the course when the swing stops
    N c. maintain the rate of swing
    N d. don't allow the vessel to swing off course so much

1702: Your containership has a container displaying a hazardous cargo placard. The placard has the number 2282 on it. This indicates that it is carrying what cargo?

    N a. Isoheptene
    N b. Phosphine
    N c. Furan
    Y d. Hexanols

1702: Your containership has a container displaying a hazardous cargo placard. The placard has the number 2282 on it. This indicates that it is carrying what cargo?

    N a. Isoheptene
    N b. Phosphine
    N c. Furan
    Y d. Hexanols

1741: The load line regulations are administered by the __________.

    Y a. U.S. Coast Guard
    N b. Maritime Administration
    N c. Lloyd's Register of Shipping
    N d. National Cargo Bureau

1742: You should conduct a sector search under which of the following circumstances?

    Y a. The search target is sighted and then lost.
    N b. More than one vessel is available for a search.
    N c. The search object is a target that will be readily detected by radar.
    N d. An aircraft is available to assist a surface vessel.

1742: You should conduct a sector search under which of the following circumstances?

    Y a. The search target is sighted and then lost.
    N b. More than one vessel is available for a search.
    N c. The search object is a target that will be readily detected by radar.
    N d. An aircraft is available to assist a surface vessel.

1819: The stringer plate is represented by which letter? (D033DG )

    Y a. A
    N b. C
    N c. I
    N d. N

2056: A seaman may not make an allotment to his __________.

    N a. minor children
    N b. grandparents
    N c. brother
    Y d. mother-in-law

2143: Your vessel was damaged and initially assumed a significant list and trim; however, further increase has been slow. Based on this data, what should you expect?

    N a. The slowing is only temporary and the vessel will probably suddenly capsize or plunge from loss of stability due to change in the waterplane area.
    Y b. The vessel can probably be saved if further flooding can be stopped.
    N c. The vessel will continue to slowly list and/or trim due to the free surface effect and free communication effect.
    N d. The vessel will suddenly flop to the same or greater angle of list on the other side and may capsize.

2325: Which line cannot be spliced?

    N a. Braided line with a hollow core
    N b. Double-braided line
    Y c. Braided line with a solid core
    N d. Any line can be spliced

2342: How many tons of salt water can be loaded into a flat ended cylindrical tank with a diameter of 3 feet and a length of 8 feet?

    Y a. 1.62
    N b. 1.98
    N c. 3.23
    N d. 6.46

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

2588: Rivets are usually made of __________.

    N a. wrought-iron
    N b. aluminum
    N c. high-tensile steel
    Y d. mild steel

2722: "Limber" is a term associated with __________.

    N a. emergency gear
    Y b. drainage
    N c. deck cargo storage
    N d. securing gear

2814: Your vessel is crossing a river on the Great Lakes System. A power-driven vessel is ascending the river, crossing your course from port to starboard. Which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. The vessel ascending the river has the right of way.
    N b. Your vessel has the right of way, but you are directed not to impede the other vessel.
    N c. The other vessel must hold as necessary to allow you to pass.
    N d. You are required to propose the manner of passage.

3080: Which method should be used to warm up the pump turbines prior to discharge?

    N a. Lock the turbine rotor and slowly bleed in steam until operating temperature is reached
    N b. Run the pump at high speed with the discharge valves closed
    N c. Run the turbine at slow speed with the pump disconnected
    Y d. Shut the discharge valve and run the pump at slow speed

3099: A lashing used to secure two barges side by side, lashed in an "X" fashion, is called a __________.

    N a. quarter line
    N b. back line
    N c. peg line
    Y d. jockey line

3104: When maneuvering a heavy barge up a wide channel with a tug, the tow may be most closely controlled by making up to the barge __________.

    N a. with a short tow astern
    N b. nearly bow to bow, at a small angle
    N c. amidships, parallel to the barge
    Y d. nearly stern to stern, at a small angle to the barge

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

3982: Fairleads perform the same function as __________.

    N a. deadeyes
    N b. bollards
    N c. bitts
    Y d. chocks

4063: The knot at the end of the heaving line used to pass the towing hawser is called a __________.

    Y a. monkey's fist
    N b. ball or baseball knot
    N c. heaving knot
    N d. three strand Turk's head

4155: Which factor(s) should be considered when loading vehicles or trailers aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Layout of decks
    N b. Vertical clearances
    N c. Tie-down and lashing
    Y d. All of the above

4225: What does item "G" refer to in this illustration of a 30-ton pedestal crane? (D045DG )

    N a. Mast
    N b. Pillar
    Y c. Turntable
    N d. Pedestal

4269: Which action(s) should the operator of a pedestal crane take if crane control is lost?

    N a. Let go of both control levers and return to neutral position.
    N b. Press the emergency stop.
    N c. Notify the mate on watch.
    Y d. All of the above