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.


129: Which knot is suitable for hoisting an unconscious person?


156: When heading on a course, you put your rudder hard over. The distance traveled parallel to the direction of the original course from where you put your rudder over to any point on the turning circle is known as __________.


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


360: The label required on containers carrying barium oxide in an international shipment must read __________.

    Y a. "Poison"
    N b. "Spontaneously Combustible"
    N c. "Radioactive"
    N d. "Infectious Substance"

431: Official proof of an American vessel's nationality is contained in the __________.

    N a. Certificate of Inspection
    N b. Official Log
    Y c. Certificate of Documentation
    N d. Shipping Articles

538: Using the graph shown, if the dry bulb temperature is 80°F (27°C) and the wet bulb temperature is 70°F (21°C), what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? (D008DG )

    N a. 45%
    N b. 52%
    Y c. 58%
    N d. 65%

648: Bulk cargo refers to __________.

    N a. cargo which occupies a large volume of space
    N b. cargo which requires refrigeration
    N c. cargo which is very dense
    Y d. homogeneous cargo not enclosed in a container

665: The catenary __________.

    N a. acts as a reserve length of towing hawser when the tug applies more power, and it dampens the surge effect of the tow
    N b. gives an approximation of the amount of strain on the towing hawser
    N c. is the dip in the towing hawser between the tug and the tow
    Y d. All of the above

708: The National Cargo Bureau represents the __________.

    N a. agent
    N b. operator
    N c. shipper
    Y d. All of the above

789: Which statement about a centrifugal cargo pump is TRUE?

    N a. It is a positive displacement pump.
    Y b. It must have a positive suction.
    N c. Increasing rotation speed will decrease discharge pressure.
    N d. All of the above

857: On vessels over 100 gross tons, whose responsibility is it to ensure that all able seamen in the vessel's crew have the documents and qualifications required by law and regulation?

    Y a. Master of the vessel
    N b. USCG Officer in Charge of Marine Inspection
    N c. Owner or operator of the vessel
    N d. Company's personnel director

912: You are aboard vessel "A" in a narrow channel and the pilot is approaching vessel "B" as shown. The reason he has not previously changed course to the starboard side of the channel is __________. (DIAGRAM 37 )

    N a. to avoid vessel squat in the shallower water near the bank
    Y b. to avoid the effects of bank cushion and bank suction
    N c. because there is less chance of striking submerged objects in mid-channel
    N d. because the current has less eddies in mid-channel

945: After having been pulled aloft in a bosun's chair on a mast, you must now make yourself fast in the chair prior to painting the mast. You should first __________.

    N a. have the sailor on deck make the hauling part fast to a cleat on the mast
    N b. make the tail of the line leading from the becket bend fast to a padeye on the mast
    Y c. seize the hauling part and the standing part firmly in one hand to support your weight
    N d. frap yourself to the mast to take the strain off the hauling part

951: The responsibility for maintaining the Official Logbook on voyages between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States rests with the __________.

    N a. Chief Mate of the vessel
    Y b. Master of the vessel
    N c. Deck Officer of the watch at the time of the occurrence
    N d. Purser of the vessel

961: Which log includes a statement of the conduct, ability, and character of each crew member on the completion of a voyage?

    Y a. Official Logbook
    N b. Department Logbook
    N c. Crew Logbook
    N d. Smooth Logbook

1151: The term used in levying customs duties when such are fixed at rates proportioned to estimated value of goods concerned is __________.

    Y a. ad valorem
    N b. infinite
    N c. secure
    N d. specific

1207: The Tonnage Certificate indicates __________.

    N a. deadweight tons
    N b. displacement tons
    Y c. net tons
    N d. light displacement tons

1257: You are a watchstanding mate and have come to the bridge to relieve the watch. After reviewing the chart and having been briefed by the off-going mate, you are now ready to effect the relief. Which of the following is exemplary of the statement that would officially transfer the watch?

    N a. You say to the mate going off watch, "Destination New York, course 283°, speed 16 knots."
    N b. The mate being relieved says, "You now have the watch, course 147°, speed 15 knots."
    N c. The mate being relieved says, "All in apparent good order, course 068° per gyro, 075° per standard."
    Y d. You say to the mate going off watch, "I relieve you, course 321° per gyro, 316° per standard."

1308: The S.S. Sheet Bend arrives in New York after encountering heavy weather on a voyage from Cape Town. Who will note the protest for the Master?

    N a. Collector of Customs
    Y b. Notary Public
    N c. Officer in Charge Marine Inspection
    N d. U.S. Shipping Commissioner

1334: Close link chain of not less the 3/4" (or the wire rope equivalent) is required for lashing deck cargoes of timber. What size flexible wire rope would provide the strength equivalent to 3/4" chain, using a safety factor of 5?

    N a. 9/16"
    Y b. 1"
    N c. 1 1/4"
    N d. 1 3/8"

1416: What is meant by veering the anchor chain?

    N a. Bringing the anchor to short stay
    N b. Heaving in all the chain
    N c. Locking the windlass to prevent more chain from running out
    Y d. Paying out more chain

1456: How many turns of wire normally mark either side of the shackle 45 fathoms from the anchor?

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

1470: Signs of racking stresses generally appear at the __________.

    N a. bow and stern shell frames and plating
    Y b. junction of the frames with the beams and floors
    N c. garboard strake, at each side of the keel
    N d. thrust bearing of the main shaft

1622: What is NOT an indication that pack ice may be nearby?

    Y a. The presence of icebergs
    N b. Ice blink
    N c. Absence of wave motion
    N d. Sighting a walrus in the Arctic

1698: A flammable liquid having a Reid vapor pressure of 8½ P.S.I.A. or less and a flash point of 80°F or below is grade __________.

    N a. A
    N b. B
    Y c. C
    N d. D

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.

1759: The amount of strain on each runner of a married fall system lifting 2000 lbs. when the angle made by the legs is 90° would be __________.

    N a. 1000 lbs.
    N b. 1154 lbs.
    Y c. 1414 lbs.
    N d. 2000 lbs.

1814: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "D" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. stern line
    N b. forward spring line
    N c. waist breast line
    Y d. after spring line

1918: Which statement is TRUE concerning hawser towing?

    N a. The catenary in a hawser should be sufficient so that the hawser just touches the bottom.
    N b. The hawser is of sufficient length for towing when taut between tug and tow.
    N c. Increasing speed usually increases the catenary in the hawser.
    Y d. Shortening the tow hawser generally decreases the maneuverability of the tug.

2041: Which tackle arrangement has the LEAST mechanical advantage?

    Y a. Single whip
    N b. Gun tackle
    N c. Luff tackle
    N d. Twofold purchase

2042: Which statement about the deck line is TRUE?

    N a. The top of the deck line is marked at the highest point of the freeboard deck, including camber, at the midships point.
    Y b. A vessel with wooden planks on a steel deck will have the deck line marked at the intersection of the upper line of the wood sheathing with the side shell.
    N c. The deck edge is marked at the intersection of the freeboard deck with the side shell, at the lowest point of sheer, with the vessel at even trim.
    N d. On a vessel with a rounded stringer-sheer plate, the deck line is marked where the stringer plate turns down from the plane of the deck line.

2048: The MINIMUM acceptable size for a towing bridle would be that size in which the safe working load (SWL) of each leg of the bridle is equal to __________.

    N a. one-half the SWL of the main towing hawser
    N b. three-fourths the SWL of the main towing hawser
    Y c. that of the main towing hawser
    N d. twice that of the main towing hawser

2070: Which statement about the Williamson turn is FALSE?

    Y a. It requires the highest degree of shiphandling skills to accomplish.
    N b. It is the slowest of the methods used in turning the vessel.
    N c. It is the best turn to use when the victim is not in sight due to reduced visibility.
    N d. It returns the vessel to the original track-line on a reciprocal course.

2080: A Contract of Affreightment covering the movement of a particular cargo from one designated port to another at a specified rate for each ton of goods loaded is called a __________.

    N a. bareboat charter party
    N b. demise charter party
    N c. time charter party
    Y d. voyage charter party

2110: Your ship is carrying hazardous cargo. During a daily inspection, you notice that some of the cargo has shifted and several cases are broken. You should FIRST __________.

    N a. call out the deck gang to jettison the cargo
    N b. log the facts in the rough log and inform the Chief Mate later
    N c. make a determination of the seriousness of the breakage, and do what you think best
    Y d. report the facts immediately to the Master, who will make a decision

2121: Which statement concerning the lashings of containers with solid bar or wire rope lashings is TRUE?

    Y a. Stack weights should be less when using a solid bar lashing as compared to a wire lashing.
    N b. Stack heights may be increased when using a solid bar lashing.
    N c. Stack heights should be reduced when using a solid bar lashing.
    N d. Solid bars should be used for lashing the first tier only, with wire lashings on the higher tier(s).

2169: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 8? (DO29DG )

    Y a. 3
    N b. 1.5
    N c. 1
    N d. 0.5

2174: A vessel puts into the port of Kobe, Japan to discharge cargo. While awaiting completion of the cargo operation, the vessel contracts with a local shipyard to have the hull chipped, scaled, and painted. How is the cost of this maintenance handled with the Collector of Customs?

    Y a. A declaration is required and duty is involved on the total cost.
    N b. No declaration is required since this is considered routine maintenance.
    N c. A declaration is made and duty is charged on the materials only.
    N d. A declaration is made, but duty is charged on the labor only.

2354: What is the area of a circle with a diameter of 21 feet after a sector of 72° has been removed?

    Y a. 277.09 square ft.
    N b. 149.43 square ft.
    N c. 69.27 square ft.
    N d. 52.78 square ft.

2394: Determine the area of a triangle with a base of 3.5 feet and a height of 4.0 feet.

    Y a. 7.0 square ft.
    N b. 7.5 square ft.
    N c. 11.5 square ft.
    N d. 14.0 square ft.

2502: A tow of 9 barges is made up three abreast by three long. The towboat is faced up to the last barge of the center string. The outer two strings of barges are the __________.

    N a. port and starboard strings
    N b. outer strings
    Y c. drag strings
    N d. side strings

2519: If a passenger vessel navigating the Great Lakes is required to carry 8 ring life buoys, how many of these buoys must have water lights attached?

    N a. 8
    Y b. 6
    N c. 4
    N d. 2

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

2618: Due to the nature of a vessel's construction for a particular trade, it does not fully comply with the provisions of SOLAS. Where will this be indicated?

    Y a. On the Exemption Certificate
    N b. On the reverse of the particular SOLAS certificate affected
    N c. On the face of the Certificate of Inspection
    N d. Nowhere; the vessel must comply to engage in international trade.

2744: An icebreaker assisting a vessel through an ice field would display a visual signal consisting of the code letter "I" (India) to signify that "___________________".

    N a. I am altering my course to starboard
    Y b. I am altering my course to port
    N c. I am operating astern propulsion
    N d. My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water

2754: Which statement is TRUE concerning vessels over 1600 gross tons certificated for service solely on the Great Lakes?

    N a. They must have magnetic compasses.
    N b. They must have gyro compasses.
    Y c. They must carry a deep-sea hand lead.
    N d. All of the above statements are TRUE.

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

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

3168: Which item is rigged to transmit the thrust from one barge to another when backing down? (D024DG )

    N a. I
    N b. H
    Y c. C
    N d. B

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

3390: When towing, a tow hook is used to __________.

    Y a. provide quick release of the hawser
    N b. pull a tow alongside
    N c. attach a hawser to a tow which has no bitts or pad eyes
    N d. join two hawsers for lengthening a tow

3454: For any given pedestal crane, when the boom is lengthened, the lifting capacity is __________.

    N a. unchanged
    N b. increased
    N c. eliminated
    Y d. decreased

3460: You would NOT secure a line to a __________.

    N a. kevel
    Y b. stand pipe
    N c. button
    N d. timber head

3614: While you are on watch, you learn that a crewman has not been seen on board for the past three hours. Which type of turn is best in this man-overboard situation?

    N a. Round
    Y b. Scharnow
    N c. Racetrack
    N d. Single turn of 180°

3631: The number of certificated able seamen and lifeboatmen required on board is listed in the __________.

    Y a. Certificate of Inspection
    N b. American Bureau of Shipping code
    N c. Muster List ("Station Bill")
    N d. Safety of Life at Sea Convention

3684: In towing, heaving lines are used for __________.

    N a. passing a tow bridle to the tug
    Y b. passing a messenger line
    N c. heaving in the tow bridle
    N d. service lines with rocket line throwers

4137: A disadvantage of using chain lashing on heavy vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels is that it is __________.

    Y a. heavy
    N b. easily damaged
    N c. affected by temperature
    N d. costly relative to the strength ratio

4233: The 30 ton capacity pedestal cranes shown in the illustration can lift a maximum weight of how many tons when two cranes are married together in twin with the other pair of cranes at the opposite end of the hatch? (D051DG )

    N a. 30 tons
    N b. 60 tons
    N c. 90 tons
    Y d. 120 tons

4235: What describes a twin crane lift?

    N a. Single crane hoisting 30 tons
    Y b. Two cranes on a single pedestal hoisting 60 tons
    N c. Two sets of twin cranes hoisting 120 tons
    N d. All of the above

4246: What does "level-luffing" accomplish during crane operations?

    N a. It prevents the load from swinging when the boom level is adjusted.
    N b. Less power is needed when topping the boom with a load on the hook.
    N c. It maintains the height of the load above the deck.
    Y d. All of the above