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.


240: The best way to lift many small articles aboard your vessel is with a __________.


292: Stress on the topping lift of a swinging boom can be reduced by __________.


315: A vessel must have one approved ring life buoy on board if its length is over how many feet?


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

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

404: A vessel's "quarter" is that section which is __________.

    N a. abeam
    N b. dead astern
    N c. just aft of the bow
    Y d. on either side of the stern

593: To lead the towing hawser over the center of the stern when not under a strain you could __________.

    N a. fairlead it through a stern roller chock
    N b. lead it through the Norman pins
    N c. hold it in the median position by a gob rope or lizard stopper
    Y d. All of the above when so equipped

740: The extension of the after part of the keel in a single- screw vessel upon which the stern post rests is called the __________.

    N a. boss
    N b. knuckle
    Y c. skeg
    N d. strut

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

790: Which statement is TRUE of centrifugal pumps aboard tank vessels?

    N a. They are positive displacement pumps.
    Y b. They are gravity-fed.
    N c. They produce a pulsating flow.
    N d. They require more maintenance than a reciprocating pump.

810: In nautical terminology a "dog" is a __________.

    N a. crow bar
    Y b. device to force a water tight door against the frame
    N c. heavy steel beam
    N d. wedge

845: The terminology "able to understand any order spoken by the officers" refers to all of the following situations EXCEPT __________ .

    N a. in response to a fire
    N b. directing the use of lifesaving equipment
    Y c. for deck department crew members to understand the terminology used in the engine room
    N d. in response to a man overboard

1169: Static electricity may be built up by the __________.

    N a. spraying or splashing of petroleum
    N b. settling of solids or water in petroleum
    N c. flow of petroleum through pipes
    Y d. All of the above

1194: What type of line melts easiest?

    N a. Wire
    N b. Dacron
    N c. Nylon
    Y d. Polypropylene

1198: The most probable position of the object of a search at any given time is the __________.

    Y a. datum position
    N b. incident position
    N c. reported position
    N d. dead-reckoning position

1224: Which is NOT a recommended practice when handling nylon line?

    N a. Nylon lines which become slippery because of oil or grease should be scrubbed down.
    Y b. Manila line stoppers should be used for holding nylon hawsers.
    N c. When easing out nylon line, keep an extra turn on the bitt to prevent slipping.
    N d. Iced-over nylon lines should be thawed and drained before stowing.

1251: What is NOT a primary function of the freight forwarder?

    N a. To book cargo space in advance
    N b. To execute, approve, and submit all shipping documents necessary to the particular shipment
    Y c. To provide financial assistance to the shipper when required
    N d. Clear the goods through customs

1361: On a voyage charter, when a vessel is ready to load cargo, the Master should render to the charterer a __________.

    Y a. Notice of Readiness
    N b. Master Certificate of Service
    N c. Shipmasters Declaration
    N d. Vessel Utilization and Performance Report

1392: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "H" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

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

1399: Which part of a cargo boom has the greatest diameter?

    N a. Head
    Y b. Middle
    N c. Heel
    N d. It has the same diameter along its complete length.

1424: A wire rope for a 10-ton boom on a vessel shows signs of excessive wear and must be replaced. What safety factor should be used when ordering a new wire?

    N a. 4
    Y b. 5
    N c. 6
    N d. 7

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

1576: Using a scope of five, determine how many shots of chain you should put out to anchor in 5 fathoms of water?

    N a. 1
    Y b. 2
    N c. 3
    N d. 5

1702: Your containership has a container displaying a hazardous cargo placard. The placard has the number 2282 on it. This indicates that it is carrying what cargo?

    N a. Isoheptene
    N b. Phosphine
    N c. Furan
    Y d. Hexanols

1718: A combustible liquid with a flash point of 90°F would be grade __________.

    N a. B
    N b. C
    Y c. D
    N d. E

1720: Your vessel is to dock bow first at a pier. Which line will be the most useful when maneuvering the vessel alongside the pier?

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

1810: Using the graph shown, if the dry bulb temperature is 98°, and the wet bulb temperature is 87°, what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? (D008DG )

    N a. 87%
    N b. 84%
    N c. 79%
    Y d. 65%

1872: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated FLASH will be delivered within __________.

    N a. 3 hours to start of business the following day
    N b. 1 to 6 hours
    N c. 30 minutes to 1 hour
    Y d. less than 10 minutes

1886: The knot lettered R is a __________. (DO30DG )

    Y a. double becket bend
    N b. bowline
    N c. fisherman's bend
    N d. round turn and two half hitches

1888: How many legs does the bridle for an ocean tow have?

    N a. One
    Y b. Two
    N c. Three
    N d. Four

1949: Using a scope of 5, determine how many feet of cable you should put out to anchor in 5 fathoms of water.

    N a. 100 feet
    Y b. 150 feet
    N c. 200 feet
    N d. 250 feet

2045: When relieving the helm, the new helmsman will find it helpful to know the __________.

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

2084: A copy of the Articles of Agreement, less the signatures, is required to be posted. This document is called the __________.

    Y a. Fo'c'sle Card
    N b. Articles Copy
    N c. Voyage Agreement
    N d. Shipping Articles

2094: A large basin cut into the shore, closed off by a caisson, and used for dry docking of ships is known as a __________.

    N a. slipway
    Y b. graving dock
    N c. ground warp
    N d. caisson dock

2114: All handling and stowage of packaged hazardous materials on board a domestic vessel engaged in foreign trade shall be done under the supervision of __________.

    N a. a U.S. Coast Guard Marine Inspector
    Y b. an officer assigned to the vessel
    N c. the American Bureau of Shipping
    N d. the National Cargo Bureau

2131: If you carry packaged hazardous cargoes on a break bulk vessel bound foreign, you must __________.

    N a. stow the hazardous cargoes on deck available for jettisoning if necessary
    N b. remove the hazardous cargo labels from a portable tank after the tank is emptied
    Y c. have the shipping papers indicate the proper shipping name and the technical name of n.o.s. cargoes
    N d. log the receipt of hazardous cargoes in the Official Logbook

2150: The vessel shown has broken down and you are going to take her in tow. The wind is coming from her starboard beam. You are making more leeway than she. Where should you position your vessel when you start running lines? (DO25DG )

    Y a. A
    N b. B
    N c. C
    N d. D

2152: Your vessel has the symbol shown inscribed on the side. Which statement concerning this symbol is TRUE? (DO22DG )

    N a. This represents the load line marks when engaged on a voyage upon the Great Lakes.
    N b. The line directly under the triangle is at the same level as the summer load line.
    N c. The symbol is the equivalent of a load line marking and is used by government vessels (USN, MSC, USCG) only.
    Y d. The applicable gross and net tonnage of the ship will change if this mark is submerged and the load line mark is visible.

2157: You are in a fresh water port loading logs with gear rated at 5 tons, and suspect the weight of the logs exceeds the SWL of the gear. The logs are floating in the water alongside the vessel and have 95% of their volume submerged. The average length of the logs is 15 feet and the average diameter is 4.4 feet. What is the nearest average weight of the logs, based on these average measurements?

    N a. 5.5 tons
    Y b. 6.0 tons
    N c. 7.7 tons
    N d. 24.1 tons

2163: What is the name of tackle number 7? (DO29DG )

    Y a. Runner
    N b. Inverted whip
    N c. Whip
    N d. Single purchase

2169: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 8? (DO29DG )

    Y a. 3
    N b. 1.5
    N c. 1
    N d. 0.5

2288: What will cause wire rope to fail?

    N a. Operating the winch too fast
    N b. Using a sheave 9 times the wire's diameter
    N c. Kinking
    Y d. All of the above

2336: The maneuver which will return your vessel in the shortest time to a person who has fallen overboard is __________.

    N a. engine(s) crash astern, no turn
    N b. two 180°Turns
    N c. a Williamson Turn
    Y d. a single turn with hard rudder

2488: A vessel is constructed with a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The aluminum will provide greater resistance to the spread of fire by conduction.
    Y b. The aluminum structure is usually attached to a steel coaming by a method that insulates the two metals.
    N c. If the superstructure is stressed, an aluminum structure requires additional expansion joints to prevent fracture.
    N d. The steel at the area of the aluminum-to-steel connection must be closely checked for galvanic corrosion.

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

2549: An example of a modern anchor which has a stock is a(n) __________.

    N a. articulated anchor
    N b. Flipper Delta anchor
    N c. Baldt anchor
    Y d. Danforth anchor

2549: An example of a modern anchor which has a stock is a(n) __________.

    N a. articulated anchor
    N b. Flipper Delta anchor
    N c. Baldt anchor
    Y d. Danforth anchor

2557: Which Naval Control of Shipping publication should be aboard your vessel?

    Y a. ATP-2 Vol. II - Allied Control of Shipping Manual
    N b. NWP-II - Underway Replenishment Guide
    N c. Warship Recognition Cards
    N d. ATP-1 - Allied Tactical Signals

2688: What would have the greatest affect on a vessel's longitudinal strength?

    N a. Collision damage to the bow, forward of the collision bulkhead
    Y b. Grounding damage to the bilge strake, just aft of midships
    N c. Extensive corrosion to the centerline deck plating
    N d. Damage to the side shell, midway between the bilge and the stringer plate

2744: An icebreaker assisting a vessel through an ice field would display a visual signal consisting of the code letter "I" (India) to signify that "___________________".

    N a. I am altering my course to starboard
    Y b. I am altering my course to port
    N c. I am operating astern propulsion
    N d. My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water

2748: The Lake Carriers Association and the Canadian Shipowners Association prescribe separation routes for upbound and downbound vessels on the Great Lakes. The recommended courses for these routes are shown on the Great Lakes Charts in the form of __________.

    Y a. red or magenta figures over a segmented course line track
    N b. red figures over a solid course line track
    N c. black figures over a segmented course line track
    N d. green figures over a solid course line track

2784: Which of the Great Lakes generally has the shortest navigation season?

    N a. Lake Erie
    N b. Lake Huron
    N c. Lake Michigan
    Y d. Lake Superior

2924: You are on a large vessel fitted with a right-handed controllable-pitch propeller set at maximum forward pitch. Which statement about reversing is TRUE?

    N a. When the pitch is reversed, the stern will slew to port even with headway.
    N b. The vessel will respond to the rudder until sternway is developed, then the stern will slew to starboard.
    Y c. There will probably be a loss of steering control.
    N d. The vessel will have full rudder control throughout the speed change from ahead to astern.

3039: What is NOT a problem when carrying coal?

    Y a. The requirement for through-ventilation
    N b. The corrosion some types of coal will cause to the ship
    N c. Spontaneous heating
    N d. Generation of methane gas

3652: You are lifting a one-ton weight with a swinging boom. When comparing the stresses in the rig with the boom at 20° to the horizontal to the stresses when the boom is at 60° to the horizontal, which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The stress on the topping lift is greater at 60°.
    N b. The thrust on the boom is greater at 20°.
    N c. The stress on the heel block is less at 20°.
    Y d. The stress on the masthead fairlead for the topping lift is greater at 20°.

3694: Your enrolled vessel is bound from Baltimore, MD, to Norfolk, VA, via Chesapeake Bay. Which statement about the required pilot is TRUE?

    N a. The pilot must be licensed by Virginia or Maryland.
    N b. The Pilot must be licensed by either Virginia or Maryland.
    N c. The Pilot must be licensed by Virginia, Maryland and the Coast Guard.
    Y d. The Pilot need only by licensed by the Coast Guard.

3719: Besides saving distance along the track line, another advantage of the Scharnow Turn over the Williamson Turn in a man overboard situation is because __________.

    Y a. it is faster
    N b. it can be used in both the immediate action and the delayed action situations
    N c. in fog, if the turn is started as soon as the man goes over, the vessel will be at the point where he went over when the turn is completed
    N d. it returns the vessel to the original track line on a reciprocal course

4010: You have completed a crude oil wash. What action should be taken with the oil in the lines running to the washing machines?

    Y a. Open a COW nozzle forward and one aft and drain the line into the after tank by gravity
    N b. Blow the line out using compressed air
    N c. Pull a suction using the supply line pump
    N d. Close off all valves in the system and leave the oil in the line primed for the next crude oil wash

4060: You are arriving in port and are assigned to anchor in anchorage circle B-4. It has a diameter of 550 yards and your vessel's LOA is 449 feet. If you anchor in 9 fathoms at the center of the circle, what is the maximum number of shots of chain you can use and still remain in the circle?

    N a. 6 shots
    N b. 5 shots
    Y c. 4 shots
    N d. 3 shots

4233: The 30 ton capacity pedestal cranes shown in the illustration can lift a maximum weight of how many tons when two cranes are married together in twin with the other pair of cranes at the opposite end of the hatch? (D051DG )

    N a. 30 tons
    N b. 60 tons
    N c. 90 tons
    Y d. 120 tons