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.


7: The mooring line labeled "F" is called a __________. (D044DG )


27: Under title 46 of the United States Code, the person in charge of a documented vessel who fails to report a complaint of a sexual offense may be __________.


27: Under title 46 of the United States Code, the person in charge of a documented vessel who fails to report a complaint of a sexual offense may be __________.


51: You are the licensed Master of a 100 GT towing vessel sailing coastwise. What percentage of the deck crew must be able to understand any order spoken by the officers?

    N a. 50%
    N b. 65%
    Y c. 75%
    N d. 100%

84: The ceiling is __________.

    N a. the overhead in berthing compartments
    Y b. a wooden protection placed over the tank top
    N c. material driven into seams or cracks to prevent leaking
    N d. None of the above are correct

290: What is NOT a form used by ice support services to disseminate information?

    N a. Ice Analyses
    N b. Ice Forecasts
    N c. Ice Outlooks
    Y d. Ice Bulletins

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

339: Oil product samples should be taken from the __________.

    N a. dock riser
    N b. ship's cargo tanks
    N c. shore tank discharge
    Y d. All of the above

451: What is official proof of a vessel's ownership?

    Y a. Certificate of Documentation
    N b. Bill of Lading
    N c. Transfer Certificate
    N d. Logbook

515: When compared to a fiber towing hawser, what is NOT an advantage of a wire towing hawser?

    N a. Wire is easy to handle when properly spooled on the drum of a towing winch.
    Y b. Wire has more spring and shock resistance than fiber.
    N c. Wire can be used to tow heavier loads because of its smaller diameter and more manageable size.
    N d. Wire is subject to less deterioration if properly maintained.

542: Which best describes a "fishplate" used in towing?

    Y a. A triangular-shaped heavy steel plate with a round hole inset from each corner
    N b. A steel plate in the shape of a flat fish
    N c. A rectangular-shaped piece of heavy steel plate with four holes
    N d. A circular piece of heavy steel with three holes forming an equilateral triangle

565: When the pilot is embarked he or she __________.

    N a. relieves the officer of the watch
    N b. relieves the Master of his duties
    N c. is solely responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel
    Y d. is a specialist hired for his or her local navigational knowledge

611: The Certificate of Inspection for a containership __________.

    Y a. is issued by the Coast Guard and is usually valid for 2 years
    N b. must be posted under transparent material near the officers' licenses
    N c. lists all of the stability limitations and conditions imposed on the vessel
    N d. shows the due date of the quadrennial test of the cargo gear

749: Butadiene, inhibited, is labeled as a __________.

    N a. combustible liquid
    Y b. flammable gas
    N c. flammable liquid
    N d. flammable solid

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

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

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

1075: You are standing wheelwatch on entering port, and the Master gives you a rudder command that conflicts with a rudder command from the Pilot. What should you do?

    N a. Obey the Pilot
    Y b. Obey the Master
    N c. Ask the Pilot for guidance
    N d. Bring the rudder to midships

1087: The turning circle of a vessel is the path followed by the __________.

    Y a. center of gravity
    N b. outermost part of the ship while making the circle
    N c. bow
    N d. tipping center

1108: In which casualty case is it UNNECESSARY to notify the local Coast Guard Marine Safety Office?

    N a. A seaman is injured and in the hospital for four days.
    N b. Nylon mooring line parts while the vessel is tied up and kills a harbor worker who was on the pier.
    N c. Your vessel is backing from a dock and runs aground, but is pulled off by tugs in 30 minutes.
    Y d. Your vessel strikes a pier and does $1,500 damage to the pier but none to the vessel.

1114: What type of stopper would you use on a nylon mooring line?

    N a. Chain
    Y b. Nylon
    N c. Manila
    N d. Wire

1411: The time allowed for loading and discharging cargo in a charter party is referred to as __________.

    N a. charter hire
    N b. demurrage
    N c. dispatch
    Y d. lay days

1492: Which of the pictures in illustration DO30DG represents a fisherman's bend? (DO30DG )

    N a. F
    Y b. G
    N c. K
    N d. L

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

1616: In moderate wind and current what should be the length of chain with a single anchor?

    Y a. 5 times the depth of the water in good holding ground
    N b. 10 times the depth of the water in shallow water
    N c. 2 times the depth of the water in poor holding ground
    N d. 8 times the depth of the water in deep water

1618: A twin-screw vessel is easier to maneuver than a single-screw vessel because the twin-screw vessel __________.

    N a. permits the rudder to move faster
    N b. generates more power
    Y c. can turn without using her rudder
    N d. can suck the water away from the rudder

1666: While anchoring your vessel, the best time to let go the anchor is when the vessel is __________.

    N a. dead in the water
    Y b. moving slowly astern over the ground
    N c. moving fast ahead over the ground
    N d. moving fast astern over the ground

1845: 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. O (IMMEDIATE)
    N b. P (PRIORITY)
    Y c. Z (FLASH)
    N d. R (ROUTINE)

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

2068: You intend to tow a barge with one tug and expect continuous high winds from the north. To reduce the yaw of your tow, you should __________.

    N a. reduce the draft of the barge
    Y b. shorten one leg of the bridle
    N c. place bulky deck loads as far aft as possible
    N d. trim the barge down by the bow

2117: When a vessel is involved in a casualty. The cost of property damage includes the __________.

    Y a. cost of labor and material to restore the vessel to the service condition which existed before the casualty
    N b. loss of revenue while the vessel is being repaired, up to a maximum of $50,000
    N c. damage claims awarded to individuals or companies involved in the casualty
    N d. All of the above

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).

2176: The tankship Northland is loaded as shown. Use the salmon colored pages in the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the hogging numeral. (Get Table Data)

    N a. 91.42 numeral
    N b. 85.60 numeral
    Y c. 79.23 numeral
    N d. 74.73 numeral

2218: If reefer spaces are not properly cleaned prior to loading cargo, it will most likely cause __________.

    Y a. mold to develop on commodities
    N b. malfunction of the refrigeration equipment
    N c. contamination of the insulation in the space
    N d. All of the above

2247: The knot lettered M in illustration DO30DG is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. stopper
    N b. lashing
    N c. becket bend
    Y d. carrick bend

2247: The knot lettered M in illustration DO30DG is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. stopper
    N b. lashing
    N c. becket bend
    Y d. carrick bend

2268: The helm command "shift your rudder" means __________.

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

2284: In determining the scope of anchor line to pay out when anchoring a small boat, one must consider the __________.

    N a. charted depth of water only
    Y b. depth of water, including tidal differences
    N c. type of line being used for the anchor rope
    N d. type of anchor being used

2292: The biggest problem encountered when towing bridle legs are too short is __________.

    N a. retrieval
    N b. adjusting tension
    Y c. excessive strain
    N d. hookup to main towline

2302: What is NOT required to be approved or certified by the U.S. Coast Guard before being used on inspected vessels?

    N a. Lifesaving equipment that is in excess of the regulatory minimum
    N b. Ship's stores that are Class A poisons or Class A explosives
    Y c. Steel plate used in hull construction
    N d. EPIRBs

2356: "Hard right rudder" means __________.

    N a. jam the rudder against the stops
    N b. meet a swing to the right, then return to amidships
    Y c. put the rudder over to the right all the way
    N d. put the rudder over quickly to 15 degrees right rudder

2397: Determine the area of a triangle with a base of 6.7 feet and a height of 9.1 feet.

    N a. 61.0 square ft.
    Y b. 30.5 square ft.
    N c. 22.9 square ft.
    N d. 15.8 square ft.

2462: Which term describes a part of a natural fiber line?

    N a. Twines
    Y b. Fibers
    N c. Lays
    N d. Lacings

2639: A wooden plug fitted tightly in the vent of a damaged tank may prevent the tank from __________.

    Y a. filling completely
    N b. developing free surface
    N c. developing free surface moment
    N d. collapsing

2684: Which statement about bilge keels is CORRECT?

    N a. They are critical strength members and require careful design consideration.
    Y b. They increase resistance to rolling.
    N c. They attach to a low stress area.
    N d. They provide support when the vessel is dry docked.

2804: Which publication is NOT carried on board U.S. merchant vessels operating under Naval Control of Shipping?

    N a. Allied Control of Shipping Manual - Guide to Masters
    N b. Communications Supplement
    Y c. Tactical Control and Routing of Merchant Vessels
    N d. All of the above are carried on board

2922: A long pole with a hook at one end, used to reach for lines, is known as a __________.

    Y a. pike pole
    N b. jack staff
    N c. line rod
    N d. hooker

2933: Your vessel is to dock bow first at a pier. Which line will be the most useful when maneuvering the vessel alongside the pier?

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

2981: When the anchor is brought to and holding, the horizontal component of anchor cable tensions should equal the __________.

    N a. displacement tonnage
    N b. weight forces
    N c. buoyancy forces
    Y d. environmental forces

3016: To obtain better steering control when you are towing alongside, your vessel should be positioned with its __________.

    N a. bow extending forward of the tow
    N b. stern amidships of the tow
    Y c. stern extending aft of the tow
    N d. bow even with the bow of the tow

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.

3143: You are the person in charge of a 199 GRT uninspected towing vessel engaged in coastwise towing from the Gulf of Mexico to the New York area, a distance in excess of 600 miles. Which statement is FALSE?

    N a. The deckhands shall be divided into 3 watches.
    Y b. Certificates of Discharge are not required to be issued.
    N c. Able seamen are required in the deck crew.
    N d. All crew members shall have Merchant Mariner's Documents.

3293: You are proceeding under NCS (Naval Control of Shipping) and wish to send a message by rapid transmission which does not require a higher precedence. Which precedence would you assign this message?

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

3438: One advantage of chain over wire rope for a tow bridle is that chain __________.

    N a. is better suited for inland towing
    Y b. resists damage from chafing
    N c. handles more easily
    N d. equalizes towing forces better

3514: Which type of anchor is depicted? (D038DG )

    N a. Stock
    N b. Danforth
    Y c. Patent
    N d. Old-fashioned

3556: The choice of length of tow bridle legs is governed by the __________.

    N a. expected towing forces
    N b. capability of retrieving gear
    N c. freeboard of the unit being towed
    Y d. need to reduce yaw

4066: What is the MOST irritating to the skin?

    N a. Carbon disulfide
    N b. Ethyl alcohol
    N c. Isoprene
    Y d. Oleum

4070: Small floes of rough, hummocky sea ice capable of damaging a vessel __________.

    Y a. can usually be detected by radar in a smooth sea at a range of 4 to 6 kilometers
    N b. are indistinguishable from sea return on the PPI
    N c. are invisible to radar when covered with a thick layer of snow
    N d. are usually seen at night before they are close enough to provide a radar echo

4071: The head block is located___________.

    N a. at the base of the boom
    Y b. at the head of the boom
    N c. at the head of the mast
    N d. on top of the jack staff

4118: Which factor(s) affect lashing requirements aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    Y a. Ship’s characteristics and motion in a seaway
    N b. Trim of the vessel
    N c. Wide variations of air temperature
    N d. All of the above

4180: 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
    Y b. Lower the stern ramp, raise/open stern door, turn on ventilation for cargo holds
    N c. Turn on ventilation for cargo holds, lower the stern ramp, raise/open stern door
    N d. Turn on ventilation for cargo holds, raise/open stern door, lower the stern ramp