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.


72: You are in the process of loading 465,000 barrels of cargo oil. At 1030, on 5 November, you gauge the vessel and find that you have loaded 203,000 barrels. At 1200 you find that you have loaded 218,000 barrels. If you continue loading at the same rate, you will finish at approximately __________.


73: Aboard ship, vertical flat plates running transversely and connecting the vertical keel to the margin plates are called __________.


200: Which statement concerning a 298 GRT inspected tug engaged in towing from Seattle, WA, to Alaska is TRUE?


220: The best method to secure a towline to bitts is to __________.

    N a. take a round turn on the bitt farthest from the pull and use figure-eights
    Y b. take a round turn on the bitt closest to the pull and use figure-eights
    N c. use figure-eights and take a round turn at the top of the bitts
    N d. use only figure-eights

241: If there are any changes in the crew in a foreign port, the changes will be made by __________.

    N a. the Master on the Certified Crew List
    Y b. the Master on the Shipping Articles
    N c. U.S. Consul on the Certified Crew List
    N d. U.S. Consul on the Shipping Articles

246: The force exerted by a propeller which tends to throw the stern right or left is called __________.

    N a. slip
    Y b. sidewise force
    N c. rotational force
    N d. thrust

378: In preparation for receiving chilled reefer cargo, the reefer space has been precooled for over twenty-four hours. Loading may begin when the space has been cooled to a temperature between __________.

    N a. -10°F (-23°C) and +10°F (-12°C)
    N b. 12°F (-11°C) and 20°F (-7°C)
    Y c. 28°F (-2°C) and 40°F ( 4°C)
    N d. 42°F (6°C) and 55°F (13°C)

386: You are maneuvering a vessel with a right-hand propeller. The rudder is amidships. The vessel will generally back __________.

    Y a. to port
    N b. to starboard
    N c. in a straight line directly astern
    N d. downstream, the stern going in the direction of the current

492: You are the Master of a 500-gross ton passenger vessel operating on rivers. Your vessel accidentally runs aground. Under the regulations for passenger vessels, you must notify the __________.

    N a. Coast Guard, only if the grounding results in injury to personnel
    N b. Coast Guard, only if the grounding results in damage to property in excess of $(SA)25,000
    Y c. nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Marine Inspection Office as soon as possible
    N d. Coast Guard, only if the grounding results in loss of life

583: Which factor(s) must you consider when making up a towing bridle?

    N a. The horsepower of the tug
    N b. The desired amount of swing in the tow hook up
    N c. The weight of the tow
    Y d. All of the above

641: Which document shows the minimum required crew a vessel must have to navigate from one port in the United States to another?

    N a. Articles
    Y b. Certificate of Inspection
    N c. Crew List
    N d. Register

683: Barges and vessels are ballasted before departure to __________.

    Y a. improve their stability
    N b. avoid polluting waters where liquid ballast may not be discharged
    N c. prevent free surface effects
    N d. allow movement of liquids within the barge for tank cleaning

716: Your vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel. The effect called bank cushion has which effect on the vessel?

    Y a. Forces the bow away from the bank
    N b. Forces the stern away from the bank
    N c. Forces the entire vessel bodily away from the bank
    N d. Decreases the draft at the bow

725: By law, a user of marijuana shall be subject to __________.

    N a. loss of pay during the period of such use
    N b. reprimand by the US Coast Guard
    Y c. revocation of license or certificate
    N d. termination of employment

742: Lighter longitudinal stiffening frames on the vessel's side plating are called __________.

    Y a. stringers
    N b. side frames
    N c. side stiffeners
    N d. intercostals

754: Which method is used to detect rot in manila lines?

    N a. Feeling the surface of the line for broken fibers
    N b. Measuring the reduction in circumference of the line
    N c. Observing for the appearance of mildew on the outer surface
    Y d. Opening the strands and examining the inner fibers

759: The equipment used to control, protect and connect a towline is called ___________ .

    N a. cat head
    Y b. terminal gear
    N c. level wind
    N d. poured socket

831: The Oil Record Book on a vessel NOT engaged on a foreign voyage shall be maintained on board for not less than __________.

    N a. 12 months
    N b. 24 months
    Y c. 36 months
    N d. 48 months

858: The lower hold of your vessel has a bale capacity of 60,000 cubic feet. How many tons of cotton in bales having a stowage factor of 85 can be stowed in the lower hold, assuming a broken stowage factor of 20%?

    N a. 141
    Y b. 565
    N c. 706
    N d. 847

893: Considering the manning requirements for U.S. vessels, your three watch cargo vessel has a deck crew of 20 people, exclusive of the officers. How many of these people do the manning regulations require to be Able Seamen?

    Y a. 13
    N b. 10
    N c. 7
    N d. 5

970: What is the difference between net tonnage and gross tonnage?

    Y a. Net tonnage is the gross tonnage less certain deductions for machinery and other areas.
    N b. Net tonnage is tonnage of cargo compared to tonnage of whole ship.
    N c. Net tonnage is the net weight of the ship.
    N d. There is no difference.

993: Your vessel is docking, but not yet alongside. Which line will be the most useful when maneuvering the vessel alongside the pier?

    N a. Bow breast line
    Y b. Bow spring line
    N c. Inshore head line
    N d. Offshore head line

1040: A well in the uppermost deck of a shelter deck vessel which has only a temporary means of closing for the purpose of gaining an exemption from tonnage measurement is called a(n) __________.

    N a. exemption space
    N b. tonnage deck
    N c. cofferdam
    Y d. tonnage opening

1076: You are underway in heavy weather and your bow is into the seas. To prevent pounding, you should __________.

    N a. change course, in order to take the seas at an 85 degree angle from the bow
    Y b. decrease speed
    N c. increase speed
    N d. secure all loose gear

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

1155: In the context of shiphandling, what would be the definition of shallow water?

    Y a. Water depth of less than twice a vessel's draft
    N b. Water depth of less than 1½ times a vessel's draft
    N c. Under keel clearance of twice a vessel's draft
    N d. Under keel clearance of less than 10 feet

1184: A new coil of nylon line should be opened by __________.

    N a. pulling the end up through the eye of the coil
    N b. uncoiling from the outside with the coil standing on end
    N c. taking a strain on both ends
    Y d. unreeling from a spool

1276: When moored with a Mediterranean moor, the ship should be secured to the pier by having __________.

    Y a. a stern line and two quarter lines crossing under the stern
    N b. a stern line, 2 bow lines, and 2 quarter lines leading aft to the pier
    N c. all regular lines leading to the pier in opposition to the anchor
    N d. two bow lines and two midship lines leading aft to the pier

1300: Tonnage openings must be closed by means of __________.

    N a. press board
    N b. steel hatch boards
    Y c. steel plates
    N d. wooden hatch boards

1329: A pelican hook __________.

    Y a. can be released while under strain
    N b. is used for boat falls
    N c. is used for extra heavy loads
    N d. is used for light loads only

1340: The usual depth of a beam bracket is __________.

    Y a. 2 1/2 times the depth of the beam
    N b. 5 times the depth of the beam
    N c. 10 times the depth of the beam
    N d. same depth as the beam

1365: A person who sees someone fall overboard should __________.

    Y a. call for help and keep the individual in sight
    N b. run to the radio room to send an emergency message
    N c. immediately jump in the water to assist the individual
    N d. go to the bridge for the distress flares

1366: The best method to stop a vessel from dragging anchor in a sand bottom is to __________.

    N a. reduce the length of the cable
    Y b. pay out more anchor cable
    N c. back the engines
    N d. swing the rudder several times to work the anchor into the bottom

1503: Which knot should be used to send a man over the side when he may have to use both hands?

    N a. Bowline
    Y b. French bowline
    N c. Bowline on a bight
    N d. Running bowline

1590: A thirty pound plate would be __________.

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

1693: What is the stress on the hauling part when lifting a 4900 lbs. weight using a twofold purchase rove to least advantage? (Allow 10 percent of the weight per sheave for friction.)

    N a. 980 lbs.
    N b. 1225 lbs.
    Y c. 1715 lbs.
    N d. 1837 lbs.

1908: When towing astern, increased catenary will __________.

    N a. increase control of the tow
    N b. prevent the towing vessel from going in irons
    N c. make the towing vessel less maneuverable
    Y d. reduce shock stress on the towing hawser

2086: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 11? (DO29DG )

    N a. 7
    Y b. 6
    N c. 5.5
    N d. 5

2137: The securing systems for containers were developed to prevent container movement during which ship motion?

    N a. Surge
    Y b. Roll
    N c. Sway
    N d. Yaw

2171: The order of importance in addressing damage control is __________.

    N a. control flooding, control fire, repair structural damage
    N b. restore vital services, control fire, control flooding
    N c. control fire, restore vital services, control flooding
    Y d. control fire, control flooding, repair structural damage

2212: You have determined the maneuvering characteristics of your vessel by taking the radar ranges and bearings of an isolated light while making a turn. The results are listed in illustration D035DG. Based on this data what is the advance for a turn of 30°? (D035DG )

    N a. 380 yards
    N b. 420 yards
    Y c. 470 yards
    N d. 525 yards

2479: Which type of weld testing can be used to detect internal flaws?

    N a. Magnetic particle
    N b. Dye penetrant
    Y c. Ultrasonic
    N d. Chemical reaction

2480: A Danforth lightweight anchor does NOT hold well in which type of bottom?

    N a. Mud
    Y b. Grass
    N c. Sand
    N d. Clay

2572: A tug would NOT assist a ship to steer if the tug is made up to the large vessel __________.

    N a. by a tow line ahead of the vessel
    N b. forward on either bow of the vessel
    Y c. approximately amidships of the vessel
    N d. on the vessel's quarter

2582: What is usually NOT required in preparing a hold for reception of a bulk grain cargo?

    N a. Remove residue of previous cargo.
    N b. Remove loose rust and scale.
    Y c. Steam clean areas obstructed by structural members.
    N d. Spray or fumigate any insect colonies.

2608: Most very large ocean going vessels, such as bulk carriers and large tankers, tend to squat __________.

    Y a. by the bow
    N b. by the stern
    N c. at the end nearest the bottom
    N d. evenly fore and aft

2622: You must shore up the collision bulkhead due to solid flooding forward. The bulkhead approximates an inverted triangle. The center of pressure of the shores on the bulkhead should be located __________.

    N a. evenly over the surface of the bulkhead
    Y b. approximately two-thirds of the way up the bulkhead
    N c. approximately halfway up the bulkhead
    N d. at the bottom of the bulkhead

2860: How are riveted lap joints made watertight?

    N a. The faying surfaces are coated with white lead (or similar product) before the rivets are set.
    N b. A sealing weld bead of 1/8" or less pitch is run along the plate edge.
    Y c. The plate edge is split close to an adjacent plate and mechanically forced into contact with the adjacent plate.
    N d. A properly riveted joint will be watertight; any leakage is stopped by setting up on the rivets.

2870: A single-screw vessel going ahead tends to turn more rapidly to port because of propeller __________.

    N a. discharge current
    N b. suction current
    Y c. sidewise force
    N d. thrust

2912: When tank cleaning with a portable machine, the weight of the machine is suspended from __________.

    N a. solid iron bars clamped to the Butterworth opening
    Y b. the supply hose
    N c. the suspension line, usually manila or natural fiber line
    N d. a wire rope suspension line

2942: How should you signal the crane operator to move slowly?

    Y a. Use one hand to give any motion signal, and place the other hand motionless in front of the hand giving the motion signal.
    N b. Extend arm with the thumb pointing up, and flex the fingers in and out for as long as the load movement is desired.
    N c. First tap your elbow with one hand and then proceed to use regular signals.
    N d. First tap the top of your head with your fist and then proceed to use regular signals.

2956: 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?

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

3010: The piping that routes an oil cargo from the manifold directly to a cargo tank and serves only one tank is known as a __________.

    N a. cargo fill
    N b. filler line
    Y c. tank drop
    N d. branch line

3068: While loading a cargo of grain, your vessel develops a list to starboard. This will be corrected by __________.

    N a. the compensating tanks on the high side
    Y b. the list man changing the discharge location of the chutes
    N c. allowing the grain to level itself as the hold fills to the spar deck level
    N d. trimming the final loading cone by hand

3082: Which statement is FALSE with regards to the Great Lakes Light List?

    Y a. The Light List does not contain information on any of the navigational aids maintained by Canada.
    N b. Volume VII does not include information on Class III private aids to navigation.
    N c. The Light List does not include Coast Guard mooring buoys, special purpose buoys, or buoys marking fish net areas.
    N d. The Light List should be corrected each week from the appropriate Notice to Mariners.

3083: You are signing on crew members. The minimum number of people required aboard, and the qualifications of each, is listed on the __________.

    N a. fo'c'sle card
    N b. Crew list
    N c. Articles of Agreement
    Y d. Certificate of Inspection

3338: What is used to prevent wear on towlines that bear on hard surfaces?

    Y a. Chafing gear
    N b. Chocks
    N c. Grease
    N d. Boots

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

4121: The lashings used on Ro-Ro vessels should be capable of withstanding the forces of __________.

    N a. rolling
    N b. pitching
    N c. heaving
    Y d. All of the above

4238: Most pedestal crane power is provided by __________.

    Y a. Electro-hydraulic units
    N b. Steam units
    N c. Independent internal combustion power units
    N d. All of the above