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.


20: You are carrying triethylamine, methyl methacrylate and isoprene in your multiple-product tankship. Which of the following statements is true?


26: The pivoting point of a fully loaded vessel with normal trim proceeding ahead at sea speed is __________.


69: Ullages are measured from __________.


104: You are on watch at sea at night when a fire breaks out in #3 hold just forward of the bridge. You would NOT __________.

    N a. call the Master
    Y b. proceed to the space and inspect the extent of the fire
    N c. shut down the cargo hold ventilation
    N d. sound the fire alarm signal to roust out all hands

110: What is NOT required as special safety equipment on a tankship carrying hazardous cargoes in bulk?

    N a. Shower and eyewash fountain
    N b. Equipment to lift an injured person from a pumproom
    Y c. Two portable vapor detectors suitable for the cargoes carried
    N d. A safety locker adjacent to the emergency shutdown station

137: The system of valves and cargo lines in the bottom piping network of a tank barge that connects one section of cargo tanks to another section is called a __________.

    N a. come-along
    Y b. crossover
    N c. manifold
    N d. runaround

169: The lowest temperature at which a liquid will give off sufficient vapors to form a flammable mixture with air is known as the __________.

    N a. fire point
    Y b. flash point
    N c. lower explosive limit
    N d. threshold limit value

180: Your tank vessel is loading a hazardous cargo. The allowance for expansion is based on ambient temperatures of what maximum range?

    N a. 0°C to 100°C
    N b. -10°C to 90°C
    Y c. -18°C to 46°C
    N d. -40°C to 50°C

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

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

228: Securing cargo by running timbers from an upper support down to the cargo, either vertically or at an angle, is called __________.

    N a. braces
    N b. dunnage
    N c. shores
    Y d. toms

233: A vessel brought alongside should be fended off the towing vessel by __________.

    N a. crew members using their arms
    N b. a boat hook
    Y c. fenders
    N d. No fending is necessary due to the rugged construction of most towing vessels.

239: Flame screens are used to __________.

    N a. contain flammable fumes
    N b. protect firefighters from flames
    Y c. prevent flames from entering tanks
    N d. keep flames and sparks from getting out of an engine's exhaust system

258: Your U.S. tankship is designed to carry anhydrous ammonia in bulk. The keel was laid in 1980. Which statement concerning the carriage of this cargo is TRUE?

    N a. A flammable gas detection system must be installed in each cargo pump room.
    Y b. The cargo may be gauged by automatic float type devices.
    N c. Carriage of this cargo is authorized by issuance of an IMO Certificate.
    N d. Aluminum, copper, zinc, and mercury are allowed in valve parts in contact with the cargo.

415: A person is found operating a vessel while intoxicated. He/she is liable for __________.

    N a. imprisonment for up to one year
    N b. a civil penalty of not more than $1,000
    N c. a fine of not more than $2,000
    Y d. a civil penalty of not more than $5,000

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

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

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

557: A report of casualty to a vessel must include __________.

    N a. the estimated cost of damage
    N b. an evaluation of who was at fault
    N c. the amount of ballast on board
    Y d. the name of the owner or agent of the vessel

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

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

    N a. inadequate ullage space
    N b. having the cargo too cool
    N c. explosion of vapors after discharge
    Y d. having to breathe the fumes

844: Using a safety factor of five, determine the safe working load of a line with a breaking strain of 20,000 pounds.

    Y a. 4,000
    N b. 5,000
    N c. 20,000
    N d. 100,000

949: Cargo pump relief valves are piped to the __________.

    N a. cargo pump pressure gauges
    N b. crossover lines interconnecting two pumps
    Y c. suction side of pumps
    N d. atmosphere through pump vents

1111: A vessel sailing from Liverpool to New York puts into Boston, Mass. for emergency repairs. If no inward foreign cargo is to be discharged at that port, which of the following documents is required?

    N a. Custom Manifest
    N b. Inward Foreign Manifest
    Y c. Pro Forma Manifest
    N d. Traveling Manifest

1120: A stage should only be rigged __________.

    N a. over the bow or stern of a vessel
    N b. over the flat sides of a vessel
    Y c. over the open water
    N d. over the dockside

1145: You are on watch at night in clear visibility and the vessel has just been anchored. The first thing that you should do after the anchor has been let go is to __________.

    N a. stop the engines
    Y b. take bearings to obtain ship's position
    N c. turn off the running lights and turn on the anchor lights
    N d. lower the accommodation ladder and illuminate it

1163: When piloting a vessel, how are visual references used to establish a constant rate of turn?

    Y a. Fixed objects that stay on the same relative bearing when the ship is turning indicate a constant rate of turn.
    N b. Visual references cannot be used to maintain a constant rate of turn.
    N c. Begin the turn when the fixed object is on the beam.
    N d. Keep the fixed object's relative relative bearing opening, for a constant rate of turn.

1179: The most likely time for oil pollution while bunkering is when __________.

    Y a. final topping off is occurring
    N b. first starting to receive fuel
    N c. hoses are being blown down
    N d. hoses are disconnected and being capped

1193: The main advantage of a Chinese stopper over the one line stopper is that it __________.

    Y a. will not jam on the mooring line
    N b. is stronger
    N c. is easier to use when under heavy tension
    N d. is safer to use when under heavy tension

1321: Which type of carrier accepts without discrimination all legal cargoes of a shipper?

    Y a. Common
    N b. Industrial
    N c. Private
    N d. Tramp

1604: Which knot would serve best as a safety sling for a person working over the side?

    N a. Bowline on a bight
    Y b. French bowline
    N c. Jug sling
    N d. Lifting hitch

1626: Using a scope of 6, determine how many feet of anchor cable you should put out to anchor in 12 feet (3.7 meters) of water.

    N a. 2 feet (0.6 meters)
    N b. 18 feet (5.5 meters)
    N c. 48 feet (14.6 meters)
    Y d. 72 feet (21.9 meters)

1737: When evacuating a seaman by helicopter lift, which course should the ship take?

    N a. Downwind so that the apparent wind is close to nil.
    Y b. A course that will keep a free flow of air, clear of smoke, over the hoist area.
    N c. A course that will have the hoist area in the lee of the superstructure.
    N d. With the wind dead ahead because the helicopter is more maneuverable when going into the wind.

1827: What is the volume in a cone with a base diameter of 8 feet and a height of 6 feet?

    Y a. 100.53 Cu. Ft
    N b. 131.39 Cu. Ft
    N c. 172.72 Cu. Ft
    N d. 197.39 Cu. Ft

1829: The term "shift your rudder" means __________.

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

2016: The revolving drum of a winch used to haul lines is called a __________.

    N a. bull gear
    Y b. gypsyhead
    N c. spanner
    N d. wildcat

2037: You are riding to a single anchor. The vessel is yawing excessively. Which action should be taken to reduce the yawing?

    N a. Veer chain to the riding anchor
    N b. Heave to a shorter scope of chain on the riding anchor
    N c. Drop the second anchor at the extreme end of the yaw and veer the riding anchor
    Y d. Drop the second anchor at the extreme end of the yaw, then adjust the cables until the scope is equal

2049: While the Pilot is maneuvering the vessel to a dock, what is the PRIMARY responsibility of the watch officer?

    N a. Supervise the signaling and flag etiquette.
    N b. Record the bells and their times in the bell book.
    N c. Judge the appropriateness of the Pilot's orders and countermand them if necessary.
    Y d. Insure that helm and throttle orders given by the Pilot are correctly executed.

2075: The knot lettered E is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. stopper hitch
    N b. blackwall hitch
    Y c. timber and half hitch
    N d. bowline on a bight

2093: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 10? (DO29DG )

    N a. 4
    N b. 4.5
    Y c. 5
    N d. 5.5

2113: One major advantage of the round turn maneuver in a man overboard situation is that it __________.

    Y a. is the fastest method
    N b. is easy for a single-screw vessel to perform
    N c. requires the least shiphandling skills to perform
    N d. can be used in reduced visibility

2164: What provides the majority of strength to an aluminum-sided container?

    N a. Corner fittings
    Y b. Framework, primarily the corner posts
    N c. Framework and siding acting as a girder
    N d. Aluminum side and end panels

2253: What is the area of a circle with a radius of 17 feet after a sector of 57° has been removed?

    Y a. 764.17 sq. ft
    N b. 190.66 sq. ft
    N c. 145.27 sq. ft
    N d. 36.85 sq. ft

2454: You are going astern (single-screw, right-handed propeller) with the anchor down at a scope of twice the depth of the water. As the anchor dredges, you should expect the __________.

    N a. stern to walk to the same side as the anchor being used
    N b. vessel to back in a straight line
    Y c. stern to walk to port but at a reduced rate
    N d. stern to walk to port at a faster rate than normal

2491: Before being certified by the American Bureau of Shipping, anchor chain must undergo __________.

    N a. USCG inspection
    Y b. a breaking test
    N c. x-ray inspection
    N d. spectroanalysis

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

2636: When riveted joints occur at the ends of plating they are called __________.

    N a. trailers
    N b. terminals
    N c. seams
    Y d. butts

2690: When must the Master of a vessel log the position of load line marks in relation to the surface of the water in the Official Logbook?

    N a. Once a day
    N b. At the change of every watch
    N c. Only when in fresh or brackish water
    Y d. Prior to getting underway

2914: Your vessel has been ordered to proceed to the United Grain Growers Wharf at Thunder Bay, Lake Superior, for the purpose of taking on a load of wheat. Which publication(s) would you consult for such information as the length of the wharf, the depth of the water alongside, and the loading capacity at the facility?

    N a. The Navigational Chart and Light List Vol. VII
    N b. The International Guide to Canadian Ports and Facilities
    N c. The Lake Carriers Association Facilities Directory
    Y d. The United States Coast Pilot #6

2914: Your vessel has been ordered to proceed to the United Grain Growers Wharf at Thunder Bay, Lake Superior, for the purpose of taking on a load of wheat. Which publication(s) would you consult for such information as the length of the wharf, the depth of the water alongside, and the loading capacity at the facility?

    N a. The Navigational Chart and Light List Vol. VII
    N b. The International Guide to Canadian Ports and Facilities
    N c. The Lake Carriers Association Facilities Directory
    Y d. The United States Coast Pilot #6

2986: Sulfuric acid is a __________.

    N a. clear syrupy liquid with no odor
    Y b. colorless-to-brown liquid with a choking odor when hot
    N c. colorless liquid with a pleasant fruity odor
    N d. whitish liquid with a faint, pleasant odor

3208: The tankship Northland is loaded as shown. Use the salmon colored pages in the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the sagging numeral. (Get Table Data)

    N a. 72.42 numeral
    Y b. 78.98 numeral
    N c. 83.46 numeral
    N d. 91.48 numeral

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

3378: The part of the anchor indicated by the letter F is the __________. (D038DG )

    Y a. shank
    N b. bar
    N c. stock
    N d. shot

3459: The pea is indicated by which letter? (D038DG )

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

3511: The wheel on the windlass with indentations for the anchor chain is the __________.

    N a. grabber
    Y b. wildcat
    N c. locking ring
    N d. pawl

3728: The main reason a long towline is used during an ocean tow is that __________.

    N a. a margin of safety is provided should the line part
    N b. the towline will wear more evenly
    Y c. there will be less stress on the towline
    N d. a slight increase in speed will be realized

4051: You are the operator of an uninspected vessel which is involved in an accident. You are not required to assist people affected by the accident if __________.

    N a. the other vessel did not appear to be sinking
    N b. it would unduly delay your voyage
    N c. the other vessel was at fault
    Y d. it would cause serious danger to your vessel

4112: What is(are) standard operating procedure(s) used on a Ro-Ro vessel?

    N a. One engineer officer assigned to oversee the initial loading and lashing
    N b. Cargo lashings may be removed at sea for maintenance
    Y c. Periodic inspection and retensioning of lashings during the voyage
    N d. All of the above

4247: Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding crane operations?

    N a. Radio communications allow the crane operator to disregard the use of hand signals.
    Y b. The crane operators and signalman must be familiar with the correct hand signals.
    N c. The forward cranes can be operated from the bridge.
    N d. The aft cranes can be operated from the aft steering station.

4274: During which condition should the operator of a pedestal crane shutdown operations?

    N a. Bunkering barge alongside
    N b. Potable water spill on deck
    Y c. Crane hydraulic hose bursts
    N d. Trim greater than 4 feet