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.


8: What is NOT an advantage of filler cargo?


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


39: Combustible liquids are divided into how many grades?


71: You are the licensed Master of a 199 GT uninspected towing vessel making a 500 mile coastwise trip. You carry a deck crew of six (6). Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. There must be 3 separate watches stood.
    N b. There must be at least 5 able seamen among the deck crew.
    N c. Only the able seamen require Merchant Mariner's Documents.
    Y d. None of the above

119: Sour crude oil __________.

    Y a. contains high quantities of hydrogen sulfide
    N b. is diluted with other products for carriage
    N c. is lighter than other crudes
    N d. is less hazardous to load than other crudes

141: On a sea going towing vessel of 150 gross tons, there are six (6) seamen in the deck crew. How many certificated able seamen are required if the voyage is over 600 miles?

    N a. 1
    N b. 2
    N c. 3
    Y d. 4

148: Overcarriage is best prevented by __________.

    N a. assuring heavy cargo is stowed low in the vessel
    N b. checking the vessel's load line calculations carefully
    Y c. inspection of the hold at completion of discharge
    N d. stowing the cargo which is to be discharged last on the bottom

204: What does the helm command "shift the rudder" mean?

    Y a. Put the rudder over to the opposite side, the same number of degrees it is now.
    N b. Put the rudder amidships and hold the heading steady as she goes.
    N c. Shift the rudder control to the alternate steering method.
    N d. Stop the swing of the ship.

253: The forward movement of a vessel in one revolution of its propeller is measured by __________.

    N a. advance
    N b. head reach
    Y c. the pitch
    N d. transfer

340: Argon is classified as a __________.

    N a. corrosive
    N b. flammable gas
    N c. flammable liquid
    Y d. nonflammable gas

634: The "iron mike" is a(n) __________.

    N a. pilot
    N b. speaker
    N c. standby wheel
    Y d. automatic pilot

652: When plugging holes below the waterline you should __________.

    N a. eliminate all water entering the hole
    N b. only plug holes in machinery or other vital spaces
    Y c. reduce the entry of water as much as possible
    N d. plug the largest holes first

668: Which statement is correct concerning the carriage of coal in bulk?

    Y a. Coal should be vented with surface ventilation only.
    N b. Because of its inherent vice, coal should not be loaded wet.
    N c. Dunnage should be placed against ship's sides and around stanchions.
    N d. Through ventilation, as well as surface ventilation, should be provided whenever possible.

894: When taking a length of new manila rope from the coil, you should __________.

    N a. mount the coil so it will turn like a spool and unreel from the outside
    N b. roll the coil along the deck and allow the rope to fall off the coil
    Y c. lay the coil on end with the inside end down, then pull the inside end up through the middle of the coil
    N d. lay the coil on end with the inside end up then unwind the rope from the outside of the coil

981: When a vessel is entering or leaving a port, a record of engine speeds is kept in the __________.

    Y a. bell book
    N b. deck rough log
    N c. Official Logbook
    N d. engine rough log

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

1092: When a helmsman receives the command "Right 15 degrees rudder," the helmsman's immediate reply should be __________.

    N a. "Rudder is right 15 degrees"
    N b. "Aye Aye Sir"
    Y c. "Right 15 degrees rudder"
    N d. No reply is necessary, just carry out the order.

1102: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "B" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. after breast line
    N b. after spring line
    Y c. inshore stern line
    N d. offshore stern line

1104: Nylon line can be dangerous because it __________.

    N a. breaks down when wet
    N b. kinks when wet
    N c. is not elastic
    Y d. stretches

1129: The main function of a stripping system is to __________.

    N a. maintain the temperature of the cargo throughout the vessel
    N b. dispose of dangerous vapors within the cargo tanks
    N c. increase the loading rate of the shoreside pumps
    Y d. discharge liquid left in the cargo tanks after the main pumps have discharged the bulk

1203: Under defense plans, operation of electronic aids may be temporarily suspended with __________.

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

1233: You are on watch while your vessel is entering port with a pilot conning. The pilot gives a steering command to the helmsman who fails to acknowledge it by repeating the command. You should immediately __________.

    N a. notify the Master
    N b. ask the Pilot to repeat the command since the helmsman failed to hear it
    N c. tell the helmsman to ask the Pilot to repeat any command that he fails to hear or understand
    Y d. repeat the Pilot's command and ensure that the helmsman repeats it exactly

1282: When evacuating a seaman by helicopter lift, the vessel should be __________.

    N a. stopped with the wind dead ahead
    N b. stopped with the wind on the beam
    Y c. underway with the wind 30° on the bow
    N d. underway on a course to provide no apparent wind

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

1441: Dead freight is the charge for the __________.

    N a. carriage of demise cargo
    N b. cost of transshipment of over-carried cargo
    N c. difference in the amount of cargo loaded and the amount of cargo discharged
    Y d. difference in the amount of cargo loaded and the amount of cargo booked, through no fault of the vessel

1471: One of the requirements for a general average act is __________.

    Y a. a successful venture
    N b. no imminent peril
    N c. no losses
    N d. All of the above

1491: While underway, part of your cargo is damaged by fire. In marine insurance terms this partial loss is called __________.

    N a. absolute total loss
    N b. constructive total loss
    N c. general average
    Y d. particular average

1555: When carrying out a parallel track search pattern, the course of the search units should normally be which of the following?

    Y a. In the same direction as the anticipated drift
    N b. In the opposite direction of the anticipated drift
    N c. Perpendicular to the line of anticipated drift
    N d. Downwind

1579: What is the minimum standard for making an eye splice in a wire to be used as cargo gear?

    Y a. Make three tucks with full strands, remove half the wires from each strand, and make two more tucks.
    N b. Make four tucks in each strand, cut away every other strand, and make two more tucks with each remaining strand.
    N c. Make four tucks with each full strand.
    N d. Make six tucks with each strand, removing a few wires from each strand as each additional tuck is made.

1623: A short splice in a line __________.

    N a. decreases the size of the line
    N b. should be used if the line is going through a block
    N c. should only be used in wire rope
    Y d. doubles the size of the line

1654: Which knot should be used to bend two hawsers together for towing?

    Y a. Double carrick bend
    N b. Fisherman's bend
    N c. Heaving line bend
    N d. Rolling hitch

1783: Which mooring line is likely to undergo the most strain when docking a ship under normal conditions?

    N a. Bow line
    N b. Breast line
    Y c. Spring line
    N d. Stern line

1801: A vessel proceeding to London, England, from New York makes an unscheduled call at the port of Hamilton, Bermuda. What term is used to denote the voluntary departure from the usual course?

    N a. Alteration
    Y b. Deviation
    N c. Liberty
    N d. Unscheduled stop

1803: A snatch block is a __________.

    N a. block used only with manila rope
    N b. chock roller
    Y c. hinged block
    N d. strong block used for short, sharp pulls

1848: You are docking a vessel. Wind and current are most favorable when they are __________.

    N a. crossing your course in the same direction
    N b. crossing your course in opposite directions
    Y c. parallel to the pier from ahead
    N d. setting you on the pier

1875: A seam is indicated by which letter in illustration D033DG? (D033DG )

    Y a. E
    N b. H
    N c. L
    N d. M

1962: The maximum draft to which a vessel can legally be submerged is indicated by the __________.

    Y a. load line mark
    N b. Certificate of Inspection
    N c. Muster List ("Station Bill")
    N d. tonnage mark

2050: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "H" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

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

2058: What is NOT suitable for use in making up the towing rig for a heavy, long ocean tow?

    N a. Chain
    Y b. Ring
    N c. Solid thimble
    N d. A fishplate

2122: What is the name of tackle number 9? (DO29DG )

    N a. Single purchase
    N b. One-two tackle
    N c. Double whip
    Y d. Luff tackle

2175: Which is a negotiated charter?

    Y a. Fixture
    N b. Bill of Lading
    N c. Conference agreement
    N d. All of the above

2189: You are conducting trials to determine the maneuvering characteristics of your vessel. While making a turn you take the ranges and bearings of an isolated light with the results shown. Based on this information, what is the transfer for a turn of 75°? (D034DG )

    N a. 340 yards (306 meters)
    Y b. 280 yards (252 meters)
    N c. 230 yards (207 meters)
    N d. 190 yards (171 meters)

2345: A splice that can be used in running rigging, where the line will pass through blocks, is a __________.

    N a. short splice
    Y b. long splice
    N c. back splice
    N d. spindle splice

2460: You are operating a twin-screw vessel and lose your port engine. You continue to operate on your starboard engine only. Which action would you take to move your vessel ahead in a straight line?

    Y a. Compensate with right rudder.
    N b. Compensate with left rudder.
    N c. Surge the starboard engine.
    N d. Rudder amidships - no compensation is necessary on a twin-screw vessel.

2464: Which term describes a part of a natural fiber line?

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

2489: A post on a dock or wharf used to secure mooring lines or hawsers is called a __________.

    N a. bitt
    Y b. bollard
    N c. cleat
    N d. capstan

2493: Your U.S. tankship is designed to carry anhydrous ammonia in bulk. The keel was laid in 1980. Which statement concerning the carriage of this cargo is TRUE?

    N a. A flammable gas detection system must be installed in each cargo pump room.
    N b. Tanks may not be located "on deck".
    N c. Carriage of this cargo is authorized by issuance of an IMO Certificate.
    Y d. Aluminum and copper alloys are prohibited from being in valve parts in contact with the cargo.

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.

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

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

2896: You are proceeding against the current on a river in the Great Lakes System. You are meeting a downbound vessel. Both vessels are power-driven. The other vessel sounds one short blast. You must __________.

    N a. change course to port
    N b. hold course and speed
    N c. sound three short blasts
    Y d. sound one short blast

2914: Your vessel has been ordered to proceed to the United Grain Growers Wharf at Thunder Bay, Lake Superior, for the purpose of taking on a load of wheat. Which publication(s) would you consult for such information as the length of the wharf, the depth of the water alongside, and the loading capacity at the facility?

    N a. The Navigational Chart and Light List Vol. VII
    N b. The International Guide to Canadian Ports and Facilities
    N c. The Lake Carriers Association Facilities Directory
    Y d. The United States Coast Pilot #6

3392: What term indicates the midships portion of a vessel that has a constant cross section?

    N a. Half length
    N b. Amidships
    Y c. Middle body
    N d. Molded length

3454: For any given pedestal crane, when the boom is lengthened, the lifting capacity is __________.

    N a. unchanged
    N b. increased
    N c. eliminated
    Y d. decreased

3486: When a two-leg sling is used to lift a load, a sling 40 feet long is better than one of 30 feet because the __________.

    Y a. tension in the sling legs is less
    N b. load can be lifted higher
    N c. sling will be easier to attach
    N d. sling will be easier to remove

4026: One of the greatest hazards of pushing ahead is parting which item shown? (D024DG )

    N a. A
    N b. B
    N c. F
    Y d. I

4030: While discharging a cargo, the stripping of the tanks falls behind schedule. This would indicate the __________.

    N a. main pumps are working at a high discharge pressure
    Y b. main pumps are leaving too much oil in the tanks
    N c. stripping pump is not primed
    N d. stripping line is cross-connected to the main line

4056: The tankship Northland is loaded as shown. Use the salmon colored pages in the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the sagging numeral. (Get Table Data)

    N a. 89.75 numeral
    N b. 40.18 numeral
    N c. 28.62 numeral
    Y d. 22.44 numeral

4179: 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
    N b. Turn on ventilation for cargo holds, raise/open the stern door, lower the stern ramp
    N c. Turn on ventilation for cargo holds, lower the stern ramp, raise/open the stern door
    Y d. Lower the stern ramp, raise/open the stern door, turn on ventilation for cargo holds

4256: Which of the following statement(s) is/are FALSE regarding a twin pedestal crane set?

    N a. The cranes may be operated independently.
    N b. The cranes may be interconnected for twin operation.
    Y c. The cranes are powered by independent internal combustion power units.
    N d. All of the above