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 __________.


14: Damaged bulkheads often take a permanent set which is independent of the panting or bulge caused by water pressure. To control this, you should __________.


34: Your vessel has been loaded in a sagging condition. Enroute you encounter heavy weather and notice buckling in the midships deck plating of your vessel. To relieve the strain you could __________.


76: Leeway is the __________.

    N a. difference between the true course and the compass course
    N b. momentum of a vessel after her engines have been stopped
    Y c. lateral movement of a vessel downwind of her intended course
    N d. displacement of a vessel multiplied by her speed

131: You are onboard a 120 GT uninspected sea going tug which carries one Master and one mate of towing vessels, and four seamen when underway. How many of the four seamen must have a rating as able seamen if the voyage is under 600 miles?

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

131: You are onboard a 120 GT uninspected sea going tug which carries one Master and one mate of towing vessels, and four seamen when underway. How many of the four seamen must have a rating as able seamen if the voyage is under 600 miles?

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

188: Which cargoes require strips of common building lathe as dunnage in order to carry away heat generated by the cargo?

    N a. Canned soups packaged in crates
    N b. Cardboard cartons of shoes
    N c. Paper products packaged in rolls
    Y d. Refrigerated fruit that is ripening

221: A vessel arrives in a foreign port and the Master is informed that the vessel is being sold to foreign interests. The new owners request that the crew remain on board to complete the voyage. Under these circumstances, the crew __________.

    Y a. has the right to an immediate discharge and transportation to original port of engagement
    N b. must remain on board
    N c. must comply with the decision made by the Master
    N d. must remain aboard until the vessel is delivered to the new owners at a mutually agreed upon port

254: "Ease the rudder" means to __________.

    N a. move the rudder slowly in the direction of the most recent rudder command
    N b. bring the rudder amidships
    Y c. decrease the rudder angle
    N d. steer the course which is your present heading

285: Which form of navigation may be suspended without notice under defense planning?

    N a. celestial
    Y b. electronic
    N c. piloting
    N d. None of the above

292: Stress on the topping lift of a swinging boom can be reduced by __________.

    N a. rigging a back stay
    Y b. raising the boom
    N c. increasing the mechanical advantage of the cargo purchase
    N d. taking all slack out of the preventer

361: The strictest load line regulations apply to __________.

    N a. gas carriers
    N b. freighters (break-bulk)
    Y c. passenger ships
    N d. tankers

483: A fiber towing hawser is readied for service by __________.

    N a. spooling it on a winch cathead
    N b. coiling it in a counterclockwise direction on the fantail
    Y c. faking it on deck in a fore and aft direction
    N d. spooling it on a reel lying on its side to prevent rolling

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

566: The BEST way to steer a twin-screw vessel if you lose your rudder is by using __________.

    N a. one engine and a steering oar
    N b. both engines at the same speed
    N c. one engine at a time
    Y d. one engine running at reduced speed and controlling the vessel with the other

638: Ship's officers should check every cargo compartment after it is filled with bulk grain to ensure __________.

    N a. all lighting circuits are energized
    Y b. all void spaces are filled
    N c. the correct grade of cargo has been loaded
    N d. the heavier grade is in the lower hold

658: When carrying a full or nearly full load of bulk ore in a general cargo type vessel which has engine spaces amidships, the cargo in each hold should be trimmed so that the bulk of the cargo lies __________.

    N a. along the centerline
    N b. toward the forward bulkhead of the forward holds and toward the after bulkhead of the after holds
    Y c. toward the after bulkhead of the forward holds and the forward bulkhead of the after holds
    N d. toward the after bulkhead of all holds

695: A tug is "in irons" when held in a fixed position by __________.

    N a. the weight of its tow, its being anchored, or grounded
    Y b. the weight of its towing hawser on the bottom
    N c. an adverse current
    N d. lack of power or an engine breakdown

722: A tow can override its tug as a result of __________.

    N a. a mechanical breakdown on the tug
    N b. adverse tidal current conditions
    N c. the tug reducing its speed
    Y d. All of the above

762: A towing winch, that handles a wire towline, must have all of the following EXCEPT a ____________ .

    N a. device that evenly spools and tightly winds the towline
    N b. brake with holding power appropriate for the vessel's horsepower or bollard pull
    N c. brake that can be operated when there is no power available to drive the winch
    Y d. source of emergency power to operate the winch

790: Which statement is TRUE of centrifugal pumps aboard tank vessels?

    N a. They are positive displacement pumps.
    Y b. They are gravity-fed.
    N c. They produce a pulsating flow.
    N d. They require more maintenance than a reciprocating pump.

833: The Master may require part of the crew to work when needed for ___________ .

    N a. maneuvering, shifting berth, mooring and unmooring
    N b. performing work necessary for the safety of the vessel, its passengers, crew or cargo
    N c. performing fire, lifeboat or other drills in port or at sea
    Y d. All of the above

929: All of the following steps are taken in starting a centrifugal pump, EXCEPT to __________.

    Y a. set the relief valve
    N b. check the lubrication system
    N c. vent the pump casing
    N d. open the pump suction and discharge valves

987: What does the helm command "shift the rudder" mean?

    N a. Stop the swing of the ship.
    N b. Shift the rudder control to the alternate steering method.
    N c. Put the rudder amidships and hold the heading steady as she goes.
    Y d. Put the rudder over to the opposite side, the same number of degrees it is now.

1082: A lashing used to secure two barges side by side, lashed in an "X" fashion, is called a __________.

    N a. backing wire
    Y b. scissor wire
    N c. face wire
    N d. breast wire

1106: A vessel is underway with a work stage rigged over the side. A seaman may work on the stage, but only when __________.

    N a. wearing a life jacket
    N b. wearing a safety harness secured to the stage
    N c. wearing both a life jacket and a safety harness secured to the stage
    Y d. the vessel is not making way

1109: Pinching of the cargo hose between the vessel and the dock should be prevented by __________.

    Y a. adjusting the hose supports
    N b. laying out an excess length of hose on deck
    N c. tying off the topping lifts and runners to winch heads
    N d. All of the above

1122: Freeing ports on a vessel with solid bulwarks __________.

    N a. prevent stress concentration in the bulwark
    N b. permit easy jettison of deck cargo in an emergency
    N c. provide openings through the bulwarks for mooring lines
    Y d. allow water shipped on deck to flow off rapidly

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

1169: Static electricity may be built up by the __________.

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

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.

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

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

1495: A common class of wire rope is the 6X37 class. What does the 37 represent?

    N a. Number of wires in the inner core
    N b. Number of strands per wire rope
    N c. Tensile strength of the wire
    Y d. Number of wires per strand

1717: With a large tow astern, there is immediate danger to the tug in the event of the __________.

    Y a. tug losing power
    N b. tow line parting
    N c. bridle twisting
    N d. tow broaching

1796: Which safety check(s) should be made before letting go the anchor?

    N a. See that the anchor is clear of obstructions.
    N b. See that the chain is all clear.
    N c. See that the wildcat is disengaged.
    Y d. All of the above

1957: The strake of shell plating indicated by letter H is known as the __________. (D033DG )

    N a. sheer strake
    N b. outboard keel plate
    Y c. garboard strake
    N d. bilge strake

2168: What is the name of tackle number 6? (DO29DG )

    N a. Triple purchase
    N b. Clew garnet tackle
    N c. Boat falls
    Y d. Threefold purchase

2173: What is the name of tackle number 5? (DO29DG )

    N a. 3-2 purchase
    Y b. Double luff tackle
    N c. Two-fold purchase
    N d. Four-fold whip

2484: The type of joint formed when an edge of one plate is laid over the edge of the plate to which it is riveted is a __________.

    N a. grip joint
    N b. strap joint
    N c. thread joint
    Y d. lap joint

2490: The best method of protecting that portion of a fiber anchor line nearest the anchor from chafing on the bottom is by __________.

    N a. using a small scope ratio
    Y b. replacing that portion with a short length of chain
    N c. using a hockle to keep that portion of the anchor line off the bottom
    N d. using a synthetic line

2540: In small craft terminology, all of the anchor gear between a boat and her anchor is called the __________.

    N a. stock
    N b. chock
    N c. scope
    Y d. rode

2558: A sling is a device used in __________.

    Y a. hoisting cargo aboard a vessel
    N b. hoisting personnel aboard a vessel
    N c. securing a small boat to a large vessel
    N d. hoisting the anchor

2589: The angle at which the anchor flukes penetrate the soil is the __________.

    N a. burial angle
    N b. penetration angle
    Y c. fluke angle
    N d. holding angle

2734: The tankship Northland is loaded as shown. Use the salmon colored pages in the Stability book to determine the hogging numeral. (Get Table Data)

    N a. 98.23 numeral
    Y b. 95.70 numeral
    N c. 84.46 numeral
    N d. 81.37 numeral

2761: A short ton is a unit of weight consisting of __________.

    N a. 1,000 pounds
    Y b. 2,000 pounds
    N c. 2,205 pounds
    N d. 2,240 pounds

3052: How should you signal the crane operator to lower the boom?

    Y a. With arm extended and fingers closed, point thumb downward.
    N b. With arm extended downwards and forefinger pointing down, move hand in small horizontal circles.
    N c. Extend arm with the palm down, and hold this position rigidly.
    N d. With hands clasped in front of your body.

3052: How should you signal the crane operator to lower the boom?

    Y a. With arm extended and fingers closed, point thumb downward.
    N b. With arm extended downwards and forefinger pointing down, move hand in small horizontal circles.
    N c. Extend arm with the palm down, and hold this position rigidly.
    N d. With hands clasped in front of your body.

3066: A list man would expect to see any of the following light signals EXCEPT __________.

    N a. two red lights
    N b. one green light
    N c. one white light
    Y d. one amber light

3145: You are the operator of a towing vessel which collides with a buoy and drags it off station. What should you do if the damage to your vessel is not serious?

    N a. If the buoy is afloat, no action is necessary.
    N b. Wait one week and submit form CG-2692 to the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Inspection Office.
    N c. Immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Inspection Office and then submit form CG-2692.
    Y d. Immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Inspection Office and no further action is necessary.

3322: The fluke is indicated by which letter? (D038DG )

    N a. F
    N b. G
    N c. H
    Y d. I

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

3451: After inventorying the Naval Control of Shipping publications you find there is no copy of ATP-2, Volume II "Allied Control of Shipping Manual - Bridge Supplement". You should ask for a replacement from the __________.

    Y a. Maritime Administration
    N b. Coast Guard
    N c. Chief of Naval Operations
    N d. local Operational Control Authority

3570: As look-out, you spot an object 45° off your port bow. You should report the object as __________.

    Y a. broad on the port bow
    N b. 3 points on the port bow
    N c. 3 points forward of the port beam
    N d. on the port beam

3604: The Jews' harp is indicated by which letter? (D038DG )

    Y a. K
    N b. J
    N c. H
    N d. F

4030: While discharging a cargo, the stripping of the tanks falls behind schedule. This would indicate the __________.

    N a. main pumps are working at a high discharge pressure
    Y b. main pumps are leaving too much oil in the tanks
    N c. stripping pump is not primed
    N d. stripping line is cross-connected to the main line

4043: When backing down with sternway, the pivot point of a vessel is __________.

    N a. aft of the propellers
    Y b. about one-quarter of the vessel's length from the stern
    N c. about one-third of the vessel's length from the bow
    N d. at the bow

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

4157: Which of the following element(s) should be taken into account in the preparation of the "Cargo Securing Manual"?

    N a. Duration of the voyage
    N b. Types of cargo units and vehicles to be carried
    N c. Weight of cargo units and vehicles
    Y d. All of the above