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.


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


108: Damage to cargo caused by dust is known as __________.


162: Oil may NOT be transferred unless __________.


189: Reid vapor pressure is __________.

    N a. exerted by liquid cargo on the sides of a tank
    N b. exerted by liquid cargo on a cargo hose body
    N c. the lowest temperature and pressure that will cause a flammable liquid to give off vapors
    Y d. a measurement of the amount of flammable vapors given off by a liquid at a certain temperature

208: Your vessel has been damaged and you must shore a bulkhead. You should cut the shore __________.

    N a. approximately 1/2 inch longer than the measured length to allow for trimming
    Y b. approximately 1/2 inch shorter than the measured length to allow for wedges
    N c. approximately 1/2 inch shorter per foot of shoring to allow for wet expansion
    N d. to the same length as the measured length

356: It is possible, and sometimes necessary, to strengthen the deck of a vessel for carriage of deck cargo by __________.

    N a. placing bunker on the deck
    N b. building a stage on which to place the cargo
    N c. welding steel "feet" to the deck, on which the cargo is placed
    Y d. erecting vertical pillars under the deck to support the cargo

409: A tanker is loaded with 5,000 barrels of petroleum. The cargo was loaded at a temperature of 70°F, and the coefficient of expansion is .0004. What is the net amount in barrels of cargo loaded?

    N a. 4800
    Y b. 4980
    N c. 5020
    N d. 5200

442: "Ease the rudder" means to __________.

    N a. move the rudder slowly in the direction of the most recent rudder command
    Y b. decrease the rudder angle
    N c. bring the rudder amidships
    N d. steer the course which is your present heading

443: 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. 86.72 numeral
    N b. 89.98 numeral
    Y c. 91.40 numeral
    N d. 93.18 numeral

540: As seen from the tow, what should connect the leading ends of both towing bridle legs to the main towing hawser?

    N a. A cable clamp
    Y b. A fishplate, flounder, or towing plate
    N c. A pad eye
    N d. The towing bitts

603: To reduce the amount of catenary you may __________.

    Y a. shorten the hawser or increase the tug's speed
    N b. lengthen the hawser or reduce the tug's speed
    N c. place your tug in irons
    N d. make a sharp turn

627: Your ship is steaming at night with the gyro-pilot engaged when you notice that the vessel's course is slowly changing to the right. What action should you take FIRST?

    Y a. switch to hand steering
    N b. shift steering to the emergency steering station
    N c. call the Master
    N d. notify the engineroom

630: You are doing a Williamson turn. Your vessel has swung about 60° from the original course heading. You should __________.

    N a. put the rudder amidships and check the swing
    N b. stop the engines and prepare to maneuver to pick up the man in the water
    Y c. shift your rudder
    N d. increase to maximum speed

675: An advantage of the modified Christmas Tree towing method is to __________.

    N a. increase the towing hawser's catenary and provide more spring
    Y b. reduce catenary, allow operation in shallower water, and to release one barge without breaking up the entire tow
    N c. enable one tug and its crew without any outside assistance to make up or break down the tow
    N d. provide rapid delivery of logs from the northwestern United States to Hawaiian sawmills

870: The terms "ceiling" and "margin plate" are associated with the __________.

    N a. crew's quarters
    N b. engine room
    N c. main deck
    Y d. tank top

881: The proper way to correct a mistake in the logbook is to __________.

    N a. erase the entry and rewrite
    N b. completely black out the entry and rewrite
    Y c. draw a line through the entry, rewrite, and initial
    N d. draw several lines through the entry and rewrite

954: In order to correctly open a new coil of manila line, you should __________.

    N a. pull the tagged end from the top of the coil
    Y b. pull the tagged end through the eye of the coil
    N c. secure the outside end and unroll the coil
    N d. unreel the coil from a spool

1067: The normal and safest way for a sailor to be lowered in a bosun's chair when descending vertically is __________.

    Y a. for that sailor to feed the hauling part through a bosun's chair hitch
    N b. to lead the hauling part to a cleat on the mast and slacking the sailor down
    N c. by taking several turns of the gantline on a winch drum and then lower the sailor by backing off on the winch
    N d. by leading the bight of the hauling part to a rail and taking several turns, then slacking away with the bight

1103: What should you inspect to be sure that it is safe to go aloft in a bosun's chair?

    N a. The gantline
    N b. The tail block
    N c. The chair and bridle
    Y d. All of the above

1150: In ship construction, frame spacing is __________.

    N a. greater at the bow and stern
    Y b. reduced at the bow and stern
    N c. uniform over the length of the vessel
    N d. uniform over the length of the vessel, with the exception of the machinery spaces, where it is reduced due to increased stresses

1201: When clearing customs for a foreign voyage, which of the following is processed at the custom's house and returned to the vessel?

    Y a. Shipping Articles
    N b. Traveling Curio Manifest
    N c. Official Logbook
    N d. Cargo Gear Register

1331: The S.S. Microwave has been chartered to the Longline Steamship Company. The Longline Steamship Company agrees to pay all expenses and employ and pay the crew. Which type of contract is involved?

    Y a. Bareboat Charter Party
    N b. Lease Charter Party
    N c. Time Charter Party
    N d. Voyage Charter Party

1338: A "dangerous cargo manifest" is needed for you to carry a combustible cargo. You should obtain the shipping papers to make this "manifest" from the __________.

    N a. manufacturer
    N b. ABS
    N c. Coast Guard
    Y d. shipper

1461: While a vessel is at sea, the mate on watch discovers a fire in one of the hatches. Fire hoses are used to put the fire out and some of the cargo is damaged by water. In marine insurance terms, this partial loss by water is called __________.

    N a. an Act of God
    N b. fire and water damage
    Y c. general average
    N d. particular average

1510: The type of welding employed in shipyards is primarily __________.

    N a. brazing
    Y b. electric arc
    N c. pressure welding
    N d. thermite welding

1664: A method used to make an eye in a bight of line where it cannot be spliced is known as __________.

    N a. braiding
    N b. plaiting
    Y c. seizing
    N d. serving

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

1674: Which is NOT a type of seizing?

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

1736: Before letting the anchor go, you should check that the __________.

    N a. chain is clear
    N b. anchor is clear of obstructions
    N c. wildcat is disengaged
    Y d. All of the above

1753: To reeve a right-angle threefold purchase start with the __________.

    N a. left sheave bottom block
    N b. left sheave top block
    Y c. middle sheave top block
    N d. right sheave bottom block

1780: The term that indicates how many tons of cargo a vessel can carry is __________.

    N a. bale cubic
    Y b. deadweight
    N c. gross tonnage
    N d. loaded displacement

1793: The lines led forward from the bow and aft from the stern when a vessel is moored to the dock are __________.

    Y a. bow and stern lines
    N b. breast lines
    N c. halyards
    N d. warps

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

1944: The garboard strake is indicated by which letter? (D033DG )

    N a. A
    N b. B
    N c. G
    Y d. H

1992: While the Pilot is embarked he or she __________.

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

1992: While the Pilot is embarked he or she __________.

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

2020: To facilitate passing the end of a large rope through a block, you could use a __________.

    N a. gantline
    N b. head line
    Y c. reeving line
    N d. sail line

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

2098: Snow has obliterated surface features and the sky is covered with uniform, altostratus clouds. There are no shadows and the horizon has disappeared. What is this condition called?

    N a. Ice blink
    Y b. Whiteout
    N c. Water sky
    N d. Aurora reflection

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

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

2476: At the outbreak of war your ship is caught in an enemy port. Which statement is FALSE?

    N a. You should attempt to contact U.S. Consular officials.
    N b. You should attempt to clear for sea before your ship is interned.
    Y c. You should resist boarding by local officials.
    N d. You should try to send a Ship Hostile Action Report to the NGA (formerly NIMA).

2546: The dangerous cargo manifest does NOT indicate __________.

    N a. the stowage location of hazardous material aboard the vessel
    N b. a description of the packaging (drums, boxes, etc.)
    N c. UN identification numbers
    Y d. the net weight of each hazardous cargo

2708: Which statement is TRUE with respect to the load line markings shown. (D031DG )

    Y a. A vessel displaying these marks may load in the salt waters of the St. Lawrence River.
    N b. Vessels engaged solely on Great Lakes voyages are not required to show these marks.
    N c. U.S. flag vessels less than 100 feet in length and less than 200 gross tons are not required to show these marks.
    N d. U.S. flag vessels of 100 gross tons and upward must show these marks.

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

2782: What is a wet cargo?

    N a. A liquid cargo carried in the deep tanks
    Y b. A canned or bottled liquid such as beer
    N c. A cargo that contains hygroscopic moisture
    N d. A cargo particularly susceptible to damage by moisture

2859: An icebreaker assisting a vessel through an ice field would display a visual signal consisting of the code letter "M" (Mike) to signify that "________________".

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

2959: A metal ring on the bottom of a block, to which the standing part of a tackle is spliced, is known as a(n) __________.

    Y a. becket
    N b. loop
    N c. swivel
    N d. eye

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

3144: A tow consists of 8 barges: 6 jumbo barges made up 3 abreast and 2 long, with 2 standard barges abreast as lead barges. How long is this tow?

    N a. 525 feet
    N b. 545 feet
    Y c. 565 feet
    N d. 595 feet

3146: How should you signal the crane operator to use the main hoist?

    N a. Use one hand to give any motion signal, and place the other hand motionless in front of the hand giving the motion signal.
    N b. Extend arm with the thumb pointing up and flex the fingers in and out for as long as the load movement is desired.
    N c. First tap your elbow with one hand, and then proceed to use regular signals.
    Y d. First tap the top of your head with your fist, and then proceed to use regular signals.

3204: What term indicates the immersed body of the vessel forward of the parallel mid-body?

    N a. Run
    N b. Flare
    Y c. Entrance
    N d. Sheer

3218: The term "bollard pull" refers to a towing vessel's __________.

    N a. propulsion horsepower available
    N b. pulling ability at cruise power
    N c. towing winch capability
    Y d. pulling ability under static conditions

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

4111: What is(are) standard operating procedure(s) used on a Ro-Ro vessel?

    N a. Two deck officers assigned to oversee the initial loading and lashing
    N b. Lashings may be completed after leaving port
    Y c. Periodic inspection and retensioning of lashings as required during voyage
    N d. All of the above

4142: The advantage(s) of using wire rope lashing on vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels is that it __________.

    N a. is Lighter than chain
    N b. has a good working life
    N c. is not affected by temperature
    Y d. All of the above

4151: Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding lashing requirements to secure vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. It is NOT imperative that the securing of cargo on flats and trailers and in containers be adequate for BOTH road and sea motions.
    Y b. The generally recommended lash angle should not be greater than 45 degrees relative to the deck in any direction.
    N c. For effective securing vehicles should be stowed athwartships whenever possible.
    N d. It is not necessary to lash automobiles since setting the brakes is sufficient to keep them from moving.

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

4187: Which of the following is the stated proper sequence before commencing cargo operations aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Start ventilation, lower the ramp, notify engine room
    N b. Lower the ramp, start ventilation, notify engine room
    Y c. Notify engine room, lower the ramp, start ventilation
    N d. Start ventilation, notify engine room, lower the ramp

4383: What does item "A" refer to in this illustration of a 30-ton pedestal crane? (D045DG )

    N a. Boom luffing falls
    Y b. Cargo hoist falls
    N c. Remote block tagline system
    N d. Slewing cable