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.


69: Ullages are measured from __________.


69: Ullages are measured from __________.


87: A set of interior steps on a ship leading up to a deck from below is know as __________.


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

    N a. Siphoning off a few barrels of petroleum for shipboard use
    Y b. Determining the amount of water (if any) in each cargo tank
    N c. Adjusting the cargo figures to coincide with the draft
    N d. Reducing the gross cargo calculations to net amounts

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

270: The disadvantage of using a heaving line to pass a towline is that __________.

    N a. it increases the likelihood of collision between the towing vessel and the disabled vessel
    Y b. recreational boaters tend to make the heaving line fast to the towed vessel as if it were the towline
    N c. the monkey fist may injure someone
    N d. it may reduce the catenary and increase yawing

281: Which action will take place if a crew member is replaced in a U.S. port after foreign articles have been signed, and the ship proceeds foreign?

    N a. The Master will remove the replaced man's name from the Certified Crew List but not from the articles.
    Y b. The name of the new man is added to the articles but not to the Certified Crew List.
    N c. The U.S. Consul will remove the replaced man's name from the Certified Crew List.
    N d. The U.S. Consul will add the new man's name to the Certified Crew List.

380: The (auto)ignition temperature is that temperature at which_______.

    Y a. no spark or flame is required to ignite gas or vapor
    N b. a fuel begins to give off explosive vapors
    N c. a fuel if ignited will continue to burn
    N d. a 1% mixture of the fuel with air will explode

394: The rope which is rove from the truck to be used with a bos'n's chair is called a __________.

    Y a. gantline
    N b. life line
    N c. strop
    N d. whip

394: The rope which is rove from the truck to be used with a bos'n's chair is called a __________.

    Y a. gantline
    N b. life line
    N c. strop
    N d. whip

633: A tug is best positioned for towing and maneuvering on rivers and other restricted waters where wave action is limited when __________.

    Y a. directly astern and pushing the tow
    N b. towing on a hawser
    N c. towing alongside and parallel to the vessel it is towing
    N d. towing on the hip

640: Which factor(s) can affect the performance of a river towboat?

    N a. The draft of the towboat and the draft of the barges under tow
    N b. The placement of the barges within the tow
    N c. The presence of flanking rudders and Kort nozzles
    Y d. All of the above

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

774: The strongest of the natural fibers is __________.

    N a. cotton
    N b. hemp
    Y c. manila
    N d. sisal

838: You are going to load bales of wool having a stowage factor of 110 in #3 lower hold which has a bale cubic of 72,000. If broken stowage is figured at 15%, how many tons of the wool can be stowed?

    Y a. 556
    N b. 654
    N c. 752
    N d. 770

843: If the Master of a US-flag towing vessel replaces any crew member with a non-US citizen, he/she must ensure that the ___________ .

    N a. replacement holds a license or document equivalent in experience and training to a mariner holding US credentials
    N b. replacement can communicate with other crew members to the extent required by regulations
    N c. vessel is on a foreign voyage, outside US jurisdiction, and not operating above the US outer continental shelf
    Y d. all of the above

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

1024: A natural fiber rope can be ruined by dampness because it may __________.

    Y a. rot
    N b. shrink
    N c. stretch
    N d. unlay

1034: You are the licensed operator of a 100 GT towing vessel sailing coastwise. What percentage of the deck crew must be able to understand the language commonly used onboard the vessel?

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

1059: You are cleaning the tanks after carrying a cargo of crude oil. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. Washing water should be recirculated if possible because it has the same electric potential as the cargo tank being cleaned.
    N b. The hoses to portable cleaning machines should be disconnected before the machines are removed from the tank.
    N c. The principal hazard with steaming cargo tanks is raising the ambient temperature above the flame point of the cargo residue.
    Y d. Steam cleaning and water washing are both capable of generating electrostatic charges within a tank.

1123: On a transpacific voyage, you receive a message from your vessel's operators saying that your vessel has been consigned to Naval Control of Shipping. Further information is contained in __________.

    N a. the Light List
    N b. the Coast Pilot
    N c. the International Code of Signals (PUB 102)
    Y d. Radio Aids to Navigation (PUB 117)

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

1322: The American Consul has asked the Master of a vessel bound for a port in the U.S. to transport a destitute seaman back to the U.S. Which action may the Master take?

    N a. He may refuse to take the seaman if the ship will not stop at a U.S. port within 30 days.
    N b. He is required to accept the seaman only if the seaman is medically unfit.
    Y c. He may refuse to take the seaman if the seaman has a contagious disease.
    N d. He is required to take the seaman under any circumstance.

1381: The Master of a vessel may tender a Notice of Readiness to the charterer when the vessel __________.

    N a. has completed the terms of the charter party
    Y b. is in all respects ready to load
    N c. is in all respects ready to sail
    N d. is safely moored or at a suitable anchorage

1452: The helm command "Check her" means __________.

    N a. test the steering control
    N b. read the compass heading
    N c. stop the swing using hard over rudder
    Y d. slow the swing using moderate rudder

1505: The supplement to the IOPP Certificate contains what type of data?

    N a. The grades of cargo that an oil tanker is permitted to carry.
    Y b. A checklist of the equipment installed for controlling the discharge of oil.
    N c. The trade routes upon which the vessel may operate.
    N d. A list of the underwriters who will assume financial responsibility in the event of an oil spill.

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

1708: For the purpose of regulating tank vessels, flammable liquids are liquids which will __________.

    Y a. give off flammable vapors at or below 80°F (27°C)
    N b. have a Reid vapor pressure of 18 pounds or more
    N c. give off flammable vapors only above 80°F (27°C)
    N d. sustain combustion at a temperature at or below 100°F (38°C)

1839: When relieving the helm, the new helmsman should find it handy to know the __________.

    N a. leeway
    N b. variation in the area
    Y c. amount of helm carried for a steady course
    N d. deviation on that heading

1896: 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?

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

2008: When towing another vessel, the length of the towing line should be __________.

    N a. as long as possible
    N b. as short as possible under the circumstances and not over two wave lengths
    N c. such that one vessel will be on a crest while the other is in a trough
    Y d. such that the vessels will be in step

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

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

2141: You are Master of a vessel that is sold in a foreign country after discharge of cargo. What is your responsibility to the crew in regards to return to the United States?

    N a. You must provide air transportation to the nearest port of entry in the United States.
    Y b. You must provide passage to the port of original engagement.
    N c. There is no requirement for return to the United States provided the voyage has exceeded 4 weeks duration.
    N d. The crew can be employed on another United States vessel, but only if it is returning to the port of original engagement.

2184: The lashings on a stack of containers with interlocking fittings restrain the forces that cause __________.

    N a. toppling
    Y b. racking
    N c. buckling
    N d. crushing

2201: When referring to dry bulk cargoes, the term "flow state" __________.

    N a. designates the state of a commodity when the ship is heeled past the angle of repose
    N b. relates to the suitability of loading a cargo by flowing down inclined chutes
    Y c. refers to the saturation of a dry bulk product with water to the point where it acts as a liquid
    N d. relates to the minimum granule size of a particular product where it will flow like a liquid at an angle of 30°

2209: Certain cargoes must be segregated because of their __________.

    Y a. inherent characteristics
    N b. weight
    N c. destination
    N d. danger to humans

2228: 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. Based on this data what is the transfer for a turn of 60°? (D035DG )

    Y a. 140 yards (126 meters)
    N b. 180 yards (162 meters)
    N c. 225 yards (203 meters)
    N d. 270 yards (243 meters)

2350: A temporary wire eye splice made with three wire rope clamps will hold approximately what percentage of the total rope strength?

    N a. 20%
    N b. 50%
    Y c. 80%
    N d. 99%

2365: A six-strand composite rope made up of alternate fiber and wire strands around a fiber core is called __________.

    Y a. spring lay
    N b. lang lay
    N c. cable lay
    N d. alternate lay

2392: Determine the weight of a rectangular piece of 12.75 lbs. steel measuring 5 feet by 8 feet.

    Y a. 510.00 lbs.
    N b. 255.00 lbs.
    N c. 198.89 lbs.
    N d. 165.75 lbs.

2689: After riveting is completed, the joints on the shell of a vessel are generally made watertight by __________.

    N a. faying
    Y b. caulking
    N c. felt or canvas packing
    N d. red lead

2791: What is the period of validity of a Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate?

    N a. 72 months
    Y b. 60 months
    N c. 48 months
    N d. 42 months

2842: By definition, a "spar deck" is the __________.

    N a. lower most continuous deck not broken by water tight bulkheads
    N b. after most weather deck above the main strength deck
    Y c. upper or weather deck above the main strength deck
    N d. deck of light construction below the main or strength deck

2940: A vessel reduces speed without backing. The rate that her speed through the water decreases depends primarily on the __________.

    N a. vessel's horsepower
    N b. sea state
    N c. number of propellers
    Y d. vessel's displacement

3044: When you have a tow alongside, your stern should extend aft of the tow in order to __________.

    N a. avoid obscuring your stern light
    N b. provide a better lead for your lines
    Y c. obtain better steering control
    N d. let the barge deflect floating objects from your propeller

3079: What is a solid at ambient temperature?

    N a. Aniline
    N b. Formic acid
    N c. Methyl chloride
    Y d. Napthalene

3110: The number or name of a tank barge shall be __________.

    N a. displayed in at least 4 different positions on the barge
    N b. carved on a wooden board and attached to the barge's hull
    N c. displayed as close to the navigation lights as possible
    Y d. displayed at the highest point of the barge's hull such that it can be seen from either side

3192: How should you signal the crane operator to hoist?

    Y a. With forearm vertical and forefinger pointing up, move hand in small horizontal circles.
    N b. With arm extended downwards and forefinger pointing down, move hand in small horizontal circles.
    N c. Extend arm with fingers closed and thumb pointing upward.
    N d. Place both fists in front of body with the thumbs pointing upward.

3210: A licensed Master of Towing Vessels may NOT serve as the person in charge of which towing vessel?

    N a. 99 GRT towing vessel operating on Chesapeake Bay
    N b. 199 GRT towing vessel operating in the Gulf of Alaska
    N c. 500 GRT towboat operating on the Western Rivers
    Y d. 349 GRT towing vessel operating between Florida and Puerto Rico

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

3450: Kort nozzles are installed around the propellers of some vessels to __________.

    Y a. increase the thrust of the propeller
    N b. protect the propeller from striking sawyers
    N c. prevent the propeller from striking barges towed on the hip
    N d. prevent the propeller from touching bottom in low water

3520: A situation has occurred where it becomes necessary for you to be towed. What action should be taken to prevent your vessel from yawing?

    N a. Shift weight to the bow
    N b. Shift weight to the center of the boat
    Y c. Shift weight to the stern
    N d. Throw excess weight overboard

4011: Under defense plans, operation of electronic aids may be temporarily suspended with __________.

    N a. thirty (30) day's notice
    N b. a week's notice
    N c. one day's notice
    Y d. no notice

4046: Which statement about tunnel bow thrusters fitted to large vessels is TRUE?

    N a. They are effective on most vessels at speeds up to 10 knots.
    N b. Because of their location, most modern installations have as much power as a tug.
    N c. They are fully effective at all drafts.
    Y d. When going astern at slow speed, they provide effective steering control.

4092: To reconnect a broken tow line, it is better to use a polypropylene messenger line because it __________.

    N a. has great strength
    N b. is very supple
    Y c. floats
    N d. absorbs shock by stretching

4128: Which of the following lashing materials would be used in securing heavy vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    Y a. Chain lever or turnbuckle
    N b. Webbing
    N c. Buckle or ratchet tensioner
    N d. All of the above

4155: Which factor(s) should be considered when loading vehicles or trailers aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Layout of decks
    N b. Vertical clearances
    N c. Tie-down and lashing
    Y d. All of the above

4182: Which lashing gear used aboard Ro-Ro vessels should be painted or soaked in oil when not in use?

    Y a. Chain
    N b. Wire rope
    N c. Webbing
    N d. All of the above

4258: Which statement is TRUE regarding the operation of a crane?

    Y a. The crane jib is raised and lowered by the luffing winch.
    N b. The crane jib is raised and lowered by the hoisting winch.
    N c. The cargo block is raised and lowered by the luffing winch.
    N d. The crane jib is raised and lowered by a jibing winch.