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.


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?


58: Odorous cargoes are those that __________.


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


167: You are on a large merchant vessel entering a U.S. port. There is a Pilot on board and he has the conn. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The Pilot is solely responsible for the safe maneuvering of the ship only if he is required to be on board by law.
    Y b. The Master is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship and the Pilot is employed for his local knowledge.
    N c. The Pilot is solely responsible for the internal working of the ship.
    N d. The Pilot becomes solely responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel only if the Master relinquishes the conn.

177: The measurement of the amount of force a towing vessel is capable of applying to a motionless tow is called __________.

    N a. shaft horsepower
    N b. delivered horsepower
    Y c. bollard pull
    N d. towrope pull

305: What is considered a Serious Marine Incident?

    N a. an allision that results in $500 damage to a boat dock
    Y b. an injury to a crewmember, passenger, or other person which requires professional medical treatment beyond first aid
    N c. grounding of a vessel on a sandbar that does not result in injuries and/or any damage to the vessel
    N d. None of the above

424: Faking a line means to __________.

    Y a. arrange it on deck in long bights
    N b. coil it down on deck
    N c. put a whipping on it
    N d. stow it below

478: The moisture equilibrium chart can be used to determine the __________.

    N a. absolute moisture content of the air surrounding a hygroscopic cargo when moisture equilibrium exists
    Y b. dew point temperature that the air surrounding a hygroscopic commodity will have when in moisture equilibrium with that commodity
    N c. enthalpy of the air surrounding a hydroscopic cargo which is in moisture equilibrium with the cargo
    N d. temperature at which moisture equilibrium will occur in a cargo hold containing a hygroscopic cargo

566: The BEST way to steer a twin-screw vessel if you lose your rudder is by using __________.

    N a. one engine and a steering oar
    N b. both engines at the same speed
    N c. one engine at a time
    Y d. one engine running at reduced speed and controlling the vessel with the other

628: Before loading bulk grain, bilge wells must be covered to __________.

    N a. add strength to the bilge well strainer
    N b. permit rapid flow of water to the bilge wells
    Y c. prevent cargo sifting into the bilge wells
    N d. prevent oil, water, or other liquid from reaching the cargo

744: When using natural-fiber rope, you should NEVER __________.

    N a. dry the line before stowing it
    N b. reverse turns on winches periodically to keep out kinks
    Y c. try to lubricate the line
    N d. use chafing gear

765: The owner or Master of a vessel pushing ahead or towing alongside must ensure that each of the following is appropriate for the vessel's horsepower and tow arrangement EXCEPT _________ .

    Y a. hydraulic couplings
    N b. face wires
    N c. push gear
    N d. spring lines

868: You are going to load bales of wool having a stowage factor of 100 in #3 lower hold which has a bale cubic of 72,000. How many tons of the wool can be stowed in the compartment, assuming 10% broken stowage?

    N a. 493
    N b. 577
    N c. 602
    Y d. 648

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

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

942: The damage to a vessel is over $25,000. Who must notify the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Marine Inspection Office as soon as possible?

    Y a. The Master of the vessel
    N b. The Radio Officer
    N c. The Chief Officer
    N d. All of the above

957: Your vessel has completed an inspection for certification and is issued a Temporary Certificate of Inspection. The Temporary Certificate __________.

    Y a. has the full force of the regular Certificate of Inspection
    N b. expires six months after it is issued
    N c. must be exchanged for a regular Certificate of Inspection within 3 months
    N d. is retained in the custody of the Master

959: A relief valve for a cargo pump is generally installed __________.

    N a. after the discharge valve
    Y b. between the pump and discharge valve
    N c. after the suction valve
    N d. between the pump and suction valve

1061: A vessel arrives at the port of San Francisco from Yokohama, Japan. The passengers fill out the Baggage Declaration and Entry form. A passenger has baggage arriving on another vessel. How must this baggage be handled for U.S. Customs purposes?

    N a. It need not be declared at this time.
    Y b. It must be declared on the same form and marked "Unaccompanied Baggage".
    N c. It must be declared on another form entitled "Continuation Sheet".
    N d. It must be declared only if the other vessel's name is known.

1093: When rigging a bosun's chair, a tail block or lizard is used to __________.

    N a. guide the bosun's chair down a stay when applying a protective coating
    N b. run paint or tools up to a sailor in a chair with a heaving line
    N c. keep a bosun's chair from swinging with the ship's motion
    Y d. reeve the gantline through

1128: The most accurate account of cargo on board will be found in the __________.

    N a. Manifest
    N b. charter party
    Y c. Bill of Lading
    N d. Portage Bill

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

1144: Which rope has the greatest breaking strength?

    N a. Manila
    Y b. Nylon
    N c. Polyethylene
    N d. Polypropylene

1167: A vessel will "squat" when it proceeds underway __________.

    N a. only in deep water
    N b. only in shallow water
    Y c. in all depths of water
    N d. only in narrow channels

1172: You are making a sharp turn in a channel and using a buoy four points on the bow to gauge your rate of turn. If you observe the buoy moving aft relative to you, what should you do?

    Y a. Increase the rate of turn
    N b. Decrease the rate of turn
    N c. Maintain a constant rate of turn
    N d. Decrease speed

1260: The function of the bilge keel is to __________.

    Y a. reduce the rolling of the vessel
    N b. serve as the vessel's main strength member
    N c. add strength to the bilge
    N d. protect the vessel's hull when alongside a dock

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

1513: Which knot is suitable for hoisting an unconscious person?

    N a. Bowline in a bight
    Y b. French bowline
    N c. Fisherman's loop
    N d. Spider hitch

1570: What is NOT an advantage of ship construction methods using welded butt joints in the shell plating?

    N a. Keeps practically 100% of tensile strength at the joints
    N b. Reduces frictional resistance
    Y c. Reduces plate stress
    N d. Reduces weight

1674: Which is NOT a type of seizing?

    N a. Flat seizing
    N b. Racking seizing
    N c. Throat seizing
    Y d. Tube seizing

1820: If a drill required by regulations is not completed, the Master or person in charge must __________.

    N a. report this immediately to the Commandant of the Coast Guard
    Y b. log the reason for not completing the drill
    N c. conduct two of the required drills at the next opportunity
    N d. All of the above

1993: The usual method of arranging a line on deck so that it will run out easily without kinking or fouling is __________.

    N a. coiling the line
    Y b. faking down the line
    N c. flemishing the line
    N d. racking the line

1995: The single turn method of returning to a man overboard should be used ONLY if __________.

    N a. the man is reported missing rather than immediately seen as he falls overboard
    Y b. the vessel is very maneuverable
    N c. the conning officer is inexperienced
    N d. a boat will be used to recover the man

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

2107: What is the name of the mark indicated by the letter A? (D003DG )

    N a. Winter North Atlantic load line
    N b. Fresh Water load line
    Y c. Deck line
    N d. Plimsoll line

2124: You are on watch aboard a vessel heading NW, with the wind from dead ahead, in heavy seas. You notice a man fall overboard from the starboard bow. Which action would NOT be appropriate?

    N a. Hard right rudder
    N b. Throw a lifebuoy to the man, if possible
    N c. Send a man aloft
    Y d. Get the port boat ready

2186: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 7? (DO29DG )

    N a. 0
    N b. 0.5
    N c. 1
    Y d. 2

2234: Keeping certain cargoes separated because of their inherent characteristics is known as __________.

    N a. overstowage
    Y b. segregation
    N c. spot loading
    N d. cargo typing

2251: The letter I indicates the keel. Which of the following plates is NOT part of the keel? (D033DG )

    N a. Center vertical keel
    N b. Rider plate
    Y c. Longitudinal girder
    N d. Flat plate keel

2257: "Cribbing" is __________.

    Y a. wooden blocks or dunnage placed between a deck load and the deck
    N b. the chains and shackles used to secure a deck cargo
    N c. a crate in which a deck cargo is packaged
    N d. cardboard separation pieces placed between deck loads to prevent chafing

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

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

2496: Which statement about the dangerous cargo manifest is FALSE?

    N a. The manifest must be made up by the carrier, agents, and any person designated for this purpose.
    Y b. Shipments of hazardous and non-hazardous cargoes may be listed on the manifest if they are destined for the same consignee.
    N c. The manifest must be kept in a designated holder on or near the bridge.
    N d. The hazard class of each cargo must be indicated.

2569: When discharging an oil cargo, the first consideration is to __________.

    Y a. get the bow up
    N b. discharge from the wings first
    N c. discharge from the centerline tanks first
    N d. discharge from amidships first

2578: According to regulations when, if ever, may cargo hatches on Great Lakes vessels, with more than 6 feet of freeboard, be left uncovered or open while the vessel is being navigated?

    N a. If a Mate deems it necessary for ship's maintenance
    Y b. At the discretion of the Master, for reasonable purposes
    N c. On the authority of the Bosun
    N d. The hatch may never be uncovered

2624: The certificate of loading required by each vessel carrying grain in bulk is issued by the __________.

    N a. owner or charterer of the vessel
    N b. American Bureau of Shipping
    N c. shipper of the cargo
    Y d. National Cargo Bureau

2672: The term "scantlings" refers to the __________.

    N a. draft of a vessel
    Y b. measurements of structural members
    N c. requirements for ship's gear
    N d. placement of a vessel's load line

2694: When relieving the helm, the new helmsman should know the __________.

    N a. gyro error
    Y b. course per magnetic steering compass
    N c. variation
    N d. maximum rudder angle previously used

2762: Which vessel is exempt from the load line and marking requirements for vessels operating on the Great Lakes System?

    N a. A 300 GT tank barge operating exclusively on Lake Michigan
    N b. A 200 GT passenger vessel operating between Duluth, MN and Munising, MI
    N c. A 79-foot, 150 GT pleasure craft operating on the St. Lawrence River
    Y d. A 500 GT dry cargo river barge operated continuously between Calumet Hbr Chicago, IL and Burns Hbr, IN

2809: The fitting at the end of a cargo line in a tank that allows suction to be taken close to the bottom of a tank is a __________.

    N a. suction end
    N b. strainer
    Y c. bell-mouth
    N d. vacuum valve

2814: Your vessel is crossing a river on the Great Lakes System. A power-driven vessel is ascending the river, crossing your course from port to starboard. Which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. The vessel ascending the river has the right of way.
    N b. Your vessel has the right of way, but you are directed not to impede the other vessel.
    N c. The other vessel must hold as necessary to allow you to pass.
    N d. You are required to propose the manner of passage.

2944: Your ship is navigating independently in heavy ice when it becomes beset. Which statement is FALSE?

    N a. The vessel will most likely require an icebreaker to free her.
    N b. The vessel may be able to free herself by pumping ballast from side to side.
    Y c. The propeller is more susceptible to ice damage when turning slowly than when stopped.
    N d. It is advisable to clear the rudder area of ice by using ahead turns before backing down.

3026: Which type of fog is the most dense and widely spread of those that occur on the Great Lakes?

    N a. Steam fog
    Y b. Advection fog
    N c. Radiation fog
    N d. Lake effect fog

3070: What is an advantage of a gate valve over a butterfly valve?

    Y a. Less frequent maintenance
    N b. Faster operation
    N c. Cheaper
    N d. More compact

3142: Why are stern towing bitts placed well forward of the rudder when hawser towing?

    N a. To keep the hawser from fouling the rudder
    N b. To keep the towing bitts as far away as possible from the tugs pivoting point
    Y c. To allow the stern to swing more freely when using rudder
    N d. To have as much of the towing hawser in use as possible

3252: The signal man assisting the crane operator has his arm extended and is pointing his finger in the direction to move the boom. This is the signal to __________.

    N a. extend
    N b. lower
    N c. hoist
    Y d. swing

3352: The signal man assisting the crane operator has his arm extended, his fingers closed, and his thumb pointing downward. This is the signal to __________.

    N a. hoist the load
    N b. raise the boom
    Y c. lower the boom
    N d. lower the load

3404: The signal man assisting the crane operator first taps the top of his head with his fist and then proceeds to use regular signals. This is the signal to __________.

    N a. use the whip line
    Y b. use the main hoist
    N c. use the auxiliary line
    N d. proceed slowly

3434: The Scharnow turn should be used in a man overboard situation only when __________.

    N a. the man can be kept in sight from the bridge while maneuvering
    N b. the turn is started immediately when the man goes over
    Y c. there has been sufficient time elapsed since the man went over to complete the maneuver
    N d. the vessel has twin screws to assist in making the turn

3689: The wildcat is linked to the central drive shaft on most windlasses by __________.

    N a. an electromagnetic brake
    N b. a hydraulic coupling
    N c. aligning the keyways on both and inserting a key
    Y d. a mechanical coupling where lugs engage detents

4107: Which of the following are considered to be "road vehicles" that can be carried on Ro-Ro vessels?

    Y a. Semi-trailer
    N b. Train
    N c. Articulated train
    N d. All of the above

4211: Pedestal cranes have limit switches to restrict movement of which function(s)?

    N a. Hoist upper & lower limits
    N b. Luff travel limits
    N c. Rider block hoist upper & lower limits
    Y d. All of the above