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.


56: The effect of wind on exposed areas of the vessel is most noticeable when __________.


106: In relation to the turning circle of a ship, the term "kick" means the distance __________.


109: What is meant by "thieving" a petroleum cargo?


144: The lookout sights a vessel dead ahead. This should be reported on the bell with __________.

    N a. one bell
    N b. two bells
    Y c. three bells
    N d. four bells

217: The holding capability of an anchor is primarily determined by the __________.

    N a. shape of the anchor
    N b. stowage of the anchor on board
    Y c. anchor's ability to dig in
    N d. size of the vessel and its draft

218: What is the main purpose of dunnage?

    N a. To act as ballast for light vessels
    Y b. To provide ventilation and drainage for cargo
    N c. To secure the tarpaulins in place
    N d. To support weakened bulkheads

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

336: When a vessel with a single right-hand propeller backs to port the __________.

    Y a. bow falls off to starboard
    N b. vessel moves to port without changing heading
    N c. bow swings to port
    N d. vessel moves to starboard without changing heading

594: A bollard is found on the __________.

    N a. beach
    N b. deck
    Y c. pier
    N d. towed vessel

603: To reduce the amount of catenary you may __________.

    Y a. shorten the hawser or increase the tug's speed
    N b. lengthen the hawser or reduce the tug's speed
    N c. place your tug in irons
    N d. make a sharp turn

616: "Ice blink" is __________.

    N a. the dark appearance of the underside of a cloud layer due to reflection of a surface of open water
    N b. the soft light appearance on the underside of a cloud layer due to reflection from a surface of open water
    Y c. the yellowish-white glare on the underside of a cloud layer
    N d. "water sky"

692: The tow makeup that is designed to keep the catenary of the tow hawser to a minimum is called the __________.

    Y a. Christmas tree tow
    N b. tandem tow
    N c. British tow
    N d. tandem tug tow

710: Which statement is FALSE, concerning the Williamson turn?

    N a. In a large vessel (VLCC) much of the headway will be lost thereby requiring little astern maneuvering.
    N b. When the turn is completed, the vessel will be on a reciprocal course and nearly on the original track line.
    N c. The initial actions are taken at well defined points and reduce the need for individual judgment.
    Y d. The turn will return the vessel to the man's location in the shortest possible time.

795: Who certifies the safe working load of cargo booms on a vessel?

    N a. U.S. Coast Guard
    Y b. American Bureau of Shipping
    N c. Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
    N d. The Ship's Master

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

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.

1062: An IOPP Certificate on an inspected vessel is valid for what period of time?

    N a. 6 months
    N b. 12 months
    N c. 18 months
    Y d. 5 years

1091: Which of the following statements concerning the rigging and use of bosun's chairs is TRUE?

    N a. When riding a stay, make sure that the bow of the shackle passes through the becket of the bridle.
    Y b. Always have the chair hoisted manually.
    N c. The lowering hitch should always be made before getting into the chair.
    N d. Always secure the gantline to the chair with a clove hitch.

1098: During the course of a voyage, a seaman falls on the main deck and injures his ankle. The Master should submit a Report of Marine Accident, Injury or Death if the __________.

    Y a. injured is unfit for duty
    N b. injured is able to return to work
    N c. injury results in loss of life only
    N d. injury is the result of misconduct

1099: To allow for the rise or fall in tide and for change in draft of a tankship during cargo transfer, cargo hoses must be suspended with __________.

    N a. slings or saddles placed at 25-foot (8 meter) intervals
    Y b. enough slack in their bight
    N c. topping lifts and runners tied off to winches
    N d. All of the above

1138: A vessel arrives in the port of Los Angeles from a foreign port and discharges some of its inward foreign cargo. What additional manifest is required?

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

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

1208: When making a wire fast to bitts it is recommended that you __________.

    N a. use only figure eights
    N b. take 2 round turns around one bitt, then make figure eights
    Y c. take 3 round turns around both bitts, then make figure eights
    N d. alternate round turns and figure eights around both bitts

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

1326: After casting off moorings at a mooring buoy in calm weather, you should __________.

    N a. go full ahead on the engine(s)
    Y b. back away a few lengths to clear the buoy and then go ahead on the engines
    N c. go half ahead on the engines and put the rudder hard right
    N d. go half ahead on the engines and pass upstream of the buoy

1460: Weight concentration in which area will cause a vessel's bottom to be subjected to tension stresses?

    N a. Aft
    Y b. Amidships
    N c. At both ends
    N d. Forward

1471: One of the requirements for a general average act is __________.

    Y a. a successful venture
    N b. no imminent peril
    N c. no losses
    N d. All of the above

1533: What is the best splice for repairing a parted synthetic fiber mooring line?

    N a. Liverpool splice
    N b. Locking long splice
    N c. Long splice
    Y d. Short splice

1551: A majority of the crew requests a survey from the American Consul to determine a vessel's seaworthiness. The vessel is found unfit to continue her intended voyage. The Consul allows the vessel to sail to another port where deficiencies can be corrected. The crew must __________.

    N a. be discharged and given first class passage back to the original port of signing on in lieu of one month's wages
    N b. be discharged by the American Consul with additional one month's wages until repairs are made
    N c. be furnished employment on another vessel returning to the United States which is satisfactory to that crew
    Y d. comply with the judgment

1630: The fore and aft run of deck plating which strengthens the connection between the beams and the frames and keeps the beams square to the shell is called the __________.

    N a. garboard strake
    N b. limber strake
    N c. sheer strake
    Y d. stringer strake

1636: When anchoring a vessel under normal conditions, which scope of chain is recommended?

    N a. Four times the depth of water
    N b. Two and one-half times the depth of water
    Y c. Five to seven times the depth of water
    N d. Fifteen times the depth of water

1643: The splice designed to pass easily through a block is called a(n) __________.

    N a. eye splice
    N b. short splice
    Y c. long splice
    N d. block splice

1697: Using the graph shown, if the dry bulb temperature is 85°, and the wet bulb temperature is 73°, what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? (D008DG )

    N a. 42%
    Y b. 55%
    N c. 67%
    N d. 85%

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

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

1923: Disregarding friction, a twofold purchase when rove to disadvantage has a mechanical advantage of __________.

    N a. 2
    N b. 3
    Y c. 4
    N d. 5

1967: Using the graph shown, if the dry bulb temperature is 92°, and the wet bulb temperature is 85°, what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? (D008DG )

    Y a. 75%
    N b. 81%
    N c. 84%
    N d. 88%

1985: You are on a 165 foot (50.3 meters) long vessel with a draft of 9 feet (2.7 meters) and twin screws. Which statement about rescuing a survivor in the water with ship pickup is TRUE?

    N a. You should stop to windward of the man and drift down on him.
    N b. You should stop with the man on your weather beam and twist the ship up to him.
    Y c. A pickup off the weather bow gives maximum maneuverability with the least possibility of injury to the man.
    N d. Ship pick up should never be used with a shallow draft vessel.

1996: Which method should be used to secure a manila line to bitts?

    N a. A round turn on the bitt farthest from the strain and then figure eights
    Y b. A round turn on the bitt closest to 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

2058: What is NOT suitable for use in making up the towing rig for a heavy, long ocean tow?

    N a. Chain
    Y b. Ring
    N c. Solid thimble
    N d. A fishplate

2223: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 3? (DO29DG )

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

2262: Which statement about the carriage of solid hazardous materials in bulk is TRUE?

    N a. A special permit issued by the Coast Guard is required before the cargo is loaded.
    Y b. The loading of the cargo must be conducted under the direction and observation of a person employed or assigned for that purpose.
    N c. A certificate issued by ABS will be accepted as evidence that the vessel complies with all applicable loading regulations.
    N d. The shipping papers must indicate the primary hazardous characteristic or property of the material.

2344: An example of an anchor which has a stock is a __________.

    N a. Bruce anchor
    N b. Dunn anchor
    N c. Hook anchor
    Y d. Danforth anchor

2393: Determine the weight of a rectangular piece of 25.5 lbs. steel measuring 4.5 feet by 6.7 feet.

    N a. 285.6 lbs.
    N b. 329.7 lbs.
    N c. 591.2 lbs.
    Y d. 768.8 lbs.

2481: You are proceeding under NCS (Naval Control of Shipping) and wish to send a message concerning an initial enemy contact. Which precedence would you assign this message?

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

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

2494: The major components which determine the length of a catenary in a deployed anchor cable are water depth, cable weight, and __________.

    Y a. cable tension
    N b. water temperature
    N c. bottom conditions
    N d. water density

2699: The thickness of a 30.6 pound plate is __________.

    N a. 3/8"
    N b. 1/2"
    Y c. 3/4"
    N d. 1"

2708: Which statement is TRUE with respect to the load line markings shown. (D031DG )

    Y a. A vessel displaying these marks may load in the salt waters of the St. Lawrence River.
    N b. Vessels engaged solely on Great Lakes voyages are not required to show these marks.
    N c. U.S. flag vessels less than 100 feet in length and less than 200 gross tons are not required to show these marks.
    N d. U.S. flag vessels of 100 gross tons and upward must show these marks.

2709: A vessel which is being assisted by an icebreaker should indicate that she is ready to cast off the towline by __________.

    Y a. displaying code letter "Y" (Yankee)
    N b. sounding five short blasts on his whistle
    N c. displaying code numeral "5"
    N d. sounding one prolonged blast on his whistle

2729: The load line markings shown are inscribed on the vessel's __________. (D031DG )

    N a. port side
    N b. starboard side
    Y c. port and starboard sides
    N d. stern

2817: The command "meet her" means the helmsman should __________.

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

3088: A "check" line is __________.

    N a. a safety line attached to a man working over the side
    N b. used to measure water depth
    Y c. used to slow the headway of a barge
    N d. used to measure the overhead height of a bridge

3140: If the Certificate of Inspection of a damaged tank barge has expired, which certificate may be issued to allow its movement to a repair facility?

    N a. Change of employment
    Y b. Permit to proceed
    N c. Application for inspection
    N d. Temporary Certificate of Inspection

3321: By law, the maximum penalty for failing (without reasonable cause) to give aid in the case of collision is __________.

    N a. one year imprisonment or $500
    N b. two years imprisonment or $500
    Y c. two years imprisonment or $1000
    N d. two years imprisonment or $2000

3328: The vertical motion of a floating vessel is known as __________.

    N a. surge
    N b. sway
    Y c. heave
    N d. yaw

3602: What is the penalty for desertion?

    N a. Fine of not more than 2000 dollars and forfeiture of wages
    N b. Imprisonment for not more than 2 years and/or a fine of not more than 2000 dollars
    N c. Revocation of Merchant Mariner's Document (and license if applicable) and forfeiture of wages due
    Y d. Forfeiture of money and property left on the vessel, and wages due

4117: Cargo securing for Ro-Ro is based on the concept of __________.

    N a. solid packing
    Y b. rapid loading and discharge
    N c. vessel loaded full and down to her marks
    N d. palletized cargo

4179: Which of the following actions are stated in the correct order prior to loading or discharging cargo on a Ro-Ro vessel?

    N a. Raise/open stern door, lower the stern ramp, turn on ventilation for cargo holds
    N b. Turn on ventilation for cargo holds, raise/open the stern door, lower the stern ramp
    N c. Turn on ventilation for cargo holds, lower the stern ramp, raise/open the stern door
    Y d. Lower the stern ramp, raise/open the stern door, turn on ventilation for cargo holds

4443: You are signing on a deck officer, who will be designated as one of the GMDSS operators, before sailing foreign. Which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. He/she must have an STCW certificate endorsed as "Valid for Service on Vessels Operating in the GMDSS System".
    N b. He/she must present either an FCC-issued license or a Coast Guard-issued license.
    N c. You must consult the "List of Qualifications" on the reverse of his/her FCC-issued license.
    N d. His/her Merchant Mariners Document must have an added endorsement as "Radio Electronics Officer".

4875: The crane manufacturer's operating tables are posted near the __________.

    N a. crane pedestal
    N b. wire-rope locker
    N c. main deck
    Y d. crane controls