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.


17: The mooring line labeled "E" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )


17: The mooring line labeled "E" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )


54: Your vessel has grounded on a bar. What should you do?


84: The ceiling is __________.

    N a. the overhead in berthing compartments
    Y b. a wooden protection placed over the tank top
    N c. material driven into seams or cracks to prevent leaking
    N d. None of the above are correct

141: On a sea going towing vessel of 150 gross tons, there are six (6) seamen in the deck crew. How many certificated able seamen are required if the voyage is over 600 miles?

    N a. 1
    N b. 2
    N c. 3
    Y d. 4

181: Your vessel is on an extended foreign voyage. Several vacancies have occurred in your unlicensed crew through sickness and repatriation. Which statement is correct?

    N a. Aliens may be employed except that all U.S. flag vessels must maintain no less than 90% U.S. citizens in the crew.
    Y b. Qualified aliens may be employed to fill the vacancies.
    N c. Seamen to fill vacancies must be flown from U.S. to join the vessel in the foreign port.
    N d. Vacancies can only be filled by U.S. citizens with valid Merchant Mariner's Documents.

284: The beam of a vessel refers to the __________.

    N a. depth between decks
    N b. internal cubic capacity
    N c. molded depth of the vessel
    Y d. width of the vessel

310: Operators of Uninspected Passenger Vessels are required to keep their Coast Guard License aboard __________.

    N a. only when operating more than one mile from shore
    N b. only when operating at night
    Y c. only when carrying passengers for hire
    N d. At all times

329: Litmus paste is used in order to determine __________.

    N a. innage
    Y b. thievage
    N c. ullage
    N d. the tank's datum point

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

413: A person is found operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol. He/she is liable for __________.

    N a. imprisonment for up to three years
    Y b. a civil penalty of not more than $5,000
    N c. a fine of not more than $3,000
    N d. a fine of not more than $10,000

422: Which method should be used to secure a synthetic fiber line to two bitts?

    Y a. Two round turns on the bitt closest to the strain and then figure eights
    N b. Two round turns on the bitt farthest from the strain and then figure eights
    N c. Figure eights and then a round turn at the top of both bitts
    N d. Only figure eights are necessary on both bitts

432: A licensed Master of Towing Vessels may NOT serve as the person in charge of which towing vessel?

    N a. 99 GRT towing vessel operating on Chesapeake Bay
    N b. 199 GRT towing vessel operating in the Gulf of Alaska
    N c. 480 GRT towboat operating on the Western Rivers
    Y d. 405 GRT towing vessel operating between Florida and the US Virgin Islands

432: A licensed Master of Towing Vessels may NOT serve as the person in charge of which towing vessel?

    N a. 99 GRT towing vessel operating on Chesapeake Bay
    N b. 199 GRT towing vessel operating in the Gulf of Alaska
    N c. 480 GRT towboat operating on the Western Rivers
    Y d. 405 GRT towing vessel operating between Florida and the US Virgin Islands

727: Which space(s) is(are) deducted from gross tonnage to derive net tonnage?

    N a. Galley fitted with range or oven
    N b. Open structures
    N c. Passenger spaces
    Y d. Boatswain's stores

741: A vessel has sustained damage in a collision with another vessel. It is necessary to have a Seaworthy Certificate before the vessel sails. Who will issue this certificate?

    N a. American Consul
    Y b. Classification Society
    N c. Captain of the Port
    N d. Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection

745: When carrying a cargo of asphalt or molten sulfur, which are carried at temperatures of over 300°F, one of the biggest dangers is __________.

    Y a. water in the tanks or pipelines
    N b. having the cargo too cool
    N c. explosion of vapors after discharge
    N d. inadequate ullage space

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

869: To ensure proper seating when closing a valve on a tank, the valve should be __________.

    N a. set up as tight as possible by hand
    N b. set up tight using a valve wrench
    Y c. closed, opened a half turn, and then closed
    N d. closed against the stop and the locking pin inserted

883: The size and material used for towline(s) must meet all of the following requirements, EXCEPT ____________ .

    N a. be appropriate to the vessel's horsepower or bollard pull
    N b. be strong enough to handle any static or dynamic loads expected during its service life
    Y c. fit any spare wire clips carried on board the vessel for repair purposes
    N d. be suitable for exposure to the marine environment

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

1014: In order to detect rot in manila lines, you should __________.

    N a. feel the surface of the line for broken fibers
    N b. measure the reduction in circumference of the line
    N c. observe any mildew on the outer surface
    Y d. open the strands and examine the inner fibers

1110: One function of a bulwark is to __________.

    Y a. help keep the deck dry
    N b. prevent stress concentrations on the stringer plate
    N c. protect against twisting forces exerted on the frame of the vessel
    N d. reinforce the side stringers

1131: U.S. Customs, upon boarding a vessel desiring entry into a U.S. port, would inspect which document?

    N a. Cargo Manifest
    N b. Certified Crew List
    N c. Stores List
    Y d. All of the above

1177: A "Mediterranean moor" should be used when __________.

    N a. when anchoring in the Mediterranean
    Y b. when docking stern to a berth
    N c. when docking bow to a berth
    N d. when anchoring in a strong current

1185: As shown, the mooring line labeled "C" is called a __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. stern line
    N b. spring line
    Y c. breast line
    N d. shore line

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

1286: The anchors should be dropped well out from the pier while at a Mediterranean moor to __________.

    N a. eliminate navigational hazards by allowing the chain to lie along the harbor bottom
    N b. increase the anchor's reliability by providing a large catenary in the chain
    Y c. permit the ship to maneuver in the stream while weighing anchors
    N d. prevent damage to the stern caused by swinging against the pier in the approach

1346: The best method of determining if a vessel is dragging anchor is to note __________.

    N a. the amount of line paid out
    N b. how much the vessel sheers while at anchor
    N c. any change in the tautness of the anchor chain
    Y d. changes in bearings of fixed objects onshore

1455: Which letter represents a bowline on a bight? (DO30DG )

    N a. H
    Y b. I
    N c. M
    N d. W

1461: While a vessel is at sea, the mate on watch discovers a fire in one of the hatches. Fire hoses are used to put the fire out and some of the cargo is damaged by water. In marine insurance terms, this partial loss by water is called __________.

    N a. an Act of God
    N b. fire and water damage
    Y c. general average
    N d. particular average

1546: What is the best guide for determining the proper scope of anchor chain to use for anchoring in normal conditions?

    N a. One shot of chain for every ten feet of water
    Y b. One shot of chain for every fifteen feet of water
    N c. One shot of chain for every thirty feet of water
    N d. One shot of chain for every ninety feet of water

1765: The annual survey for endorsement of a Load Line Certificate must be held within __________.

    N a. the three month period immediately following the certificate's anniversary date
    N b. the three month period immediately preceding the certificate's anniversary date
    Y c. three months either way of the certificate's anniversary date
    N d. the three month period centered on the certificate's anniversary date

1779: Using the graph shown, if the dry bulb temperature is 58°, and the wet bulb temperature is 53°, what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? (D008DG )

    N a. 56%
    N b. 61%
    N c. 66%
    Y d. 75%

1798: You are on a single-screw vessel with a left-handed propeller making no way in the water. How will your vessel react when you apply right rudder?

    N a. Bow will kick to starboard
    N b. Bow will kick to port
    Y c. Rudder alone has no effect on the vessel
    N d. Stern will kick to port, then slowly swing to starboard

1840: You are approaching a steamer that is broken down and are preparing to take her in tow. BEFORE positioning your vessel to pass the towline, you must __________.

    Y a. compare the rate of drift between the ships
    N b. install chafing gear on the towline
    N c. secure the bitter end of the towing hawser to prevent loss if the tow is slipped
    N d. have traveling lizards rigged to guide the towline while it is paid-out

1853: A breeches buoy is being rigged from the shore to a stranded vessel. The initial shot line passed to the vessel is normally made fast to a __________.

    N a. hawser which is used to pass a tail-block and whip to the vessel
    N b. hawser with breeches buoy and harness attached
    N c. hawser which should be made fast to the vessel below the intended location of the tail-block
    Y d. tail-block and whip which may be used to pass a hawser to the vessel

2111: You are anchoring in 16 fathoms of water. On a small to medium size vessel, the __________.

    N a. anchor may be dropped from the hawsepipe
    Y b. anchor should be lowered to within 2 fathoms of the bottom before being dropped
    N c. scope should always be at least ten times the depth of the water
    N d. scope should always be less than 5 times the depth of the water

2116: What is the name of tackle number 10 in illustration DO29DG? (DO29DG )

    N a. Two-two purchase
    N b. Deck purchase
    Y c. Two-fold purchase
    N d. Double runner

2126: You have anchored in a mud and clay bottom. The anchor appears to be dragging in a storm. What action should you take?

    N a. Shorten the scope of the cable.
    N b. Veer cable to the anchor.
    N c. Drop the other anchor underfoot.
    Y d. Drop the second anchor, veer to a good scope, then weigh the first anchor.

2190: What is the name of tackle number 3? (DO29DG )

    N a. 1-2 purchase
    N b. Gun tackle
    Y c. Single luff tackle
    N d. Double whip

2283: What is the area of a circle with a radius of 2 feet after a sector of 86° has been removed?

    N a. 2.39 sq. ft
    N b. 3.02 sq. ft
    Y c. 9.55 sq. ft
    N d. 12.57 sq. ft

2395: Determine the area of a triangle with a base of 4.7 feet and a height of 6.3 feet.

    N a. 29.6 square ft.
    N b. 26.2 square ft.
    N c. 18.5 square ft.
    Y d. 14.8 square ft.

2397: Determine the area of a triangle with a base of 6.7 feet and a height of 9.1 feet.

    N a. 61.0 square ft.
    Y b. 30.5 square ft.
    N c. 22.9 square ft.
    N d. 15.8 square ft.

2593: On a transpacific voyage, you receive a message from your vessel's operators saying that your vessel has been consigned to voluntary Naval Control of Shipping. Further information is contained in __________.

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

2812: If a tug equipped with flanking rudders is to be turned in a confined circle, when going astern, the stern will move to port the quickest if __________.

    Y a. the rudder is hard to port and the flanking rudders are hard to port
    N b. the rudder is amidships and the flanking rudders are hard to port
    N c. the rudder is hard to port and the flanking rudders are hard to starboard
    N d. all rudders are hard to starboard

2832: You are transiting the Straits of Mackinac by way of an improved channel. You have information which indicates that the channel's Federal project depth is 28 ft. Which of the following statements is true with regards to this channel?

    N a. The least depth within the limits of the channel is 28 ft.
    Y b. The design dredging depth of the channel is 28 ft.
    N c. The channel has 28 ft. in the center but lesser depths may exist in the remainder of the channel.
    N d. The maximum depth which may be expected within the limits of the channel is 28 ft.

2872: The Sheer Plan __________.

    Y a. shows a longitudinal side elevation
    N b. is an endwise view of the ship's molded form
    N c. is usually drawn for the port side only
    N d. has the forebody to the right of centerline and afterbody to the left of centerline

2976: Which statement is TRUE with respect to shiphandling procedures in ice?

    N a. Never go "full astern" at any time while in ice.
    Y b. Go astern in ice with extreme care - always with rudder amidships.
    N c. Enter ice at medium speeds to reduce impact.
    N d. The presence of a snow cover on the ice assists a vessel's progress through an ice field.

2977: 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?

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

3032: Ice is often strong enough to halt navigation through the St. Lawrence Seaway by mid- __________.

    N a. October
    N b. November
    Y c. December
    N d. January

3073: You are on a large merchant vessel entering a U.S. port. There is a Pilot on board and he has the conn. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The Pilot becomes solely responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel only if the Master relinquishes the conn.
    N b. The Pilot is solely responsible for the safe maneuvering of the ship only if he is required to be on board by law.
    Y c. The Master is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship and the Pilot is employed for his local knowledge.
    N d. The Pilot is solely responsible for the internal working of the ship.

3100: A holder of a license as Master of towing vessels may work each 24 hours for a period not to exceed __________.

    N a. 6 hours
    Y b. 12 hours
    N c. 18 hours
    N d. 24 hours

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

3204: What term indicates the immersed body of the vessel forward of the parallel mid-body?

    N a. Run
    N b. Flare
    Y c. Entrance
    N d. Sheer

3206: The signal man assisting a crane operator has his arm extended, thumb pointing downwards, flexing fingers in and out. This is the signal to __________.

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

3342: Which term refers to a transverse curvature of the deck?

    N a. Deadrise
    Y b. Camber
    N c. Freeboard
    N d. Flare

4110: Which standard operating procedure(s) should be adhered to on a Ro-Ro vessel?

    Y a. Periodic inspection and retensioning of lashings as required during voyage
    N b. Battery cables must be disconnected to prevent fire hazard
    N c. One deck engine mechanic assigned to oversee the initial loading and lashing
    N d. All of the above

4128: Which of the following lashing materials would be used in securing heavy vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    Y a. Chain lever or turnbuckle
    N b. Webbing
    N c. Buckle or ratchet tensioner
    N d. All of the above

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