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.


14: Damaged bulkheads often take a permanent set which is independent of the panting or bulge caused by water pressure. To control this, you should __________.


32: The explosive range of a fuel lies between the lower explosive limit and the __________.


64: Which statement about damage control is TRUE?


69: Ullages are measured from __________.

    N a. the tank ceiling
    N b. the tank top bushing
    N c. the thievage mark
    Y d. an above deck datum

206: In stopping distances of vessels, "head reach" can best be described as the __________.

    N a. difference between the vessel's speed through the water at any instant and the new speed ordered on the telegraph
    N b. distance the vessel has actually run through the water since a change of speed was ordered
    Y c. distance the vessel will run between taking action to stop her and being stationary in the water
    N d. speed at which a vessel should proceed to ensure that she will run a predetermined distance, once her engines have been stopped

244: "Hard right rudder" means __________.

    Y a. put the rudder over to the right all the way
    N b. jam the rudder against the stops
    N c. meet a swing to the right, then return to amidships
    N d. put the rudder over quickly to 15° right rudder

252: You have orders to load cargoes of carbon disulfide, diisopropylamine and pyridine on your multi-product tankship. Which statement is true?

    N a. Carbon disulfide may be carried in NOS. 1 and 2 center tanks and diisopropylamine in NOS. 1 and 2 wing tanks.
    Y b. Pyridine and diisopropylamine may not be carried in tanks having a common header vent.
    N c. Pyridine must be separated from carbon disulfide by two barriers (cofferdams, voids, empty tanks, etc.).
    N d. A tank of diisopropylamine may be used to separate a tank of pyridine from a tank of carbon disulfide.

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

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

453: What purpose does a tow hook serve?

    Y a. To quickly connect or release the towing hawser
    N b. To help pick up the towing hawser from the water
    N c. To prevent the towing hawser from fouling the propeller
    N d. To recover the towing hawser from a barge

455: A vessel having continuous closely spaced transverse strength members is __________.

    N a. longitudinally framed
    Y b. transversely framed
    N c. cellular framed
    N d. web framed

469: With an increase in temperature the volume of flammable and combustible liquids __________.

    Y a. expands
    N b. contracts
    N c. remains constant
    N d. remains constant if pressure remains constant

600: You are on a containership. Which statement about the stowage of hazardous materials in containers is TRUE?

    N a. The containers provide automatic segregation of hazardous materials except for class A explosives.
    N b. All packages within a container must be marked "This End Up" to indicate the correct stowage.
    Y c. A refrigerated container with a fuel tank containing a flammable liquid must be stowed on deck.
    N d. Packages of liquids within a container should be stowed on top of packages of solids to prevent crushing.

613: A lookout can leave his station __________.

    N a. at the end of the watch
    Y b. only when properly relieved
    N c. at any time
    N d. 15 minutes before the end of the watch

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

705: A tug may be in danger of tripping when __________.

    N a. towed sideways by an overwhelming force on the towline
    N b. her tow moves parallel to and forward on either side of the tug
    N c. the tow is no longer directly astern but moves up on her quarter
    Y d. All of the above

731: A Deratization Exemption Certificate is valid for a period of __________.

    N a. no time limit so long as Certificate of Sanitation is valid
    N b. no time limit so long as no evidence of rodents aboard
    N c. 1 year
    Y d. 6 months

800: A Kort nozzle is a(n) __________.

    Y a. hollow tube surrounding the propeller used to improve thrust
    N b. nozzle attached to a firefighting hose
    N c. intake valve on a diesel engine
    N d. piston cylinder on a diesel engine

818: Your vessel has a deadweight capacity of 5000 tons and a cubic capacity of 300,000 cu. ft. You are to load lead, with a stowage factor of 18, and cotton, with a stowage factor of 80. If you load full and down, how much cotton should you load?

    N a. 1613 tons
    N b. 2190 tons
    N c. 2810 tons
    Y d. 3387 tons

818: Your vessel has a deadweight capacity of 5000 tons and a cubic capacity of 300,000 cu. ft. You are to load lead, with a stowage factor of 18, and cotton, with a stowage factor of 80. If you load full and down, how much cotton should you load?

    N a. 1613 tons
    N b. 2190 tons
    N c. 2810 tons
    Y d. 3387 tons

837: When may foreign licensed or documented personnel be employed on a US-flag towing vessel?

    Y a. While on a foreign voyage and outside US jurisdiction, in order to meet manning requirements
    N b. While operating above the US outer continental shelf
    N c. On vessels operating on domestic voyages only
    N d. Never, under any circumstances

848: You are loading a cargo of canned goods with a stowage factor of 65. If you allow 15% for broken stowage, how many tons can be loaded in a space of 55,000 cubic feet?

    N a. 687
    Y b. 719
    N c. 846
    N d. 973

994: Manila lines in which the strands are right-hand laid __________.

    Y a. should be coiled in a clockwise direction
    N b. should be coiled in a counterclockwise direction
    N c. may be coiled either clockwise or counterclockwise
    N d. should never be coiled

1008: When anyone voluntarily deposits his/her license or document with a Coast Guard investigating officer __________.

    N a. he/she permanently gives up rights to the license or document
    Y b. it may be for reasons of mental or physical incompetence
    N c. it must be for reason of addiction to narcotics
    N d. All of the above

1031: Which certificate is NOT issued by the Coast Guard?

    N a. Award of official number
    N b. Certificate of Inspection
    Y c. Classification of Hull and Machinery
    N d. Safety Equipment Certificate

1080: The "inner bottom" is the __________.

    Y a. tank top
    N b. compartment between the tank top and shell of the vessel
    N c. inner side of the vessel's shell
    N d. space between two transverse bottom frames

1202: Under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act of 1936, a vessel will be liable for damage to cargo when the damage arises from __________.

    N a. an act of war
    Y b. lack of ventilation in transit
    N c. perils of the sea
    N d. an error in navigation

1252: Control of flooding should be addressed __________.

    N a. first
    Y b. following control of fire
    N c. following restoration of vital services
    N d. only if a threat exists

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

1356: If your vessel is dragging her anchor in a strong wind, you should __________.

    N a. shorten the scope of anchor cable
    Y b. increase the scope of anchor cable
    N c. put over the sea anchor
    N d. put over a stern anchor

1458: The catenary in a towline is __________.

    N a. a short bridle
    Y b. the downward curvature of the hawser
    N c. another name for a pelican hook
    N d. used to hold it amidships

1516: The length of a standard "shot" of chain is __________.

    N a. 12 fathoms
    Y b. 15 fathoms
    N c. 18 fathoms
    N d. 20 fathoms

1538: Your vessel is being towed and you are using a tripping rope. A tripping rope of fiber or wire is used to __________.

    N a. give added strength to the main tow hawser
    N b. retrieve the main tow hawser
    Y c. retrieve the outboard legs of the bridle where they are connected to the fishplate
    N d. open the pelican hook at the fishplate

1546: What is the best guide for determining the proper scope of anchor chain to use for anchoring in normal conditions?

    N a. One shot of chain for every ten feet of water
    Y b. One shot of chain for every fifteen feet of water
    N c. One shot of chain for every thirty feet of water
    N d. One shot of chain for every ninety feet of water

1552: Which picture represents a stopper hitch? (DO30DG )

    N a. M
    Y b. N
    N c. R
    N d. L

1604: Which knot would serve best as a safety sling for a person working over the side?

    N a. Bowline on a bight
    Y b. French bowline
    N c. Jug sling
    N d. Lifting hitch

1715: Which statement concerning a 298 GRT inspected tug engaged in towing from Seattle, WA, to Alaska is TRUE?

    Y a. Each crew member must be issued a certificate of discharge at the time of discharge.
    N b. No able seamen are required.
    N c. Crew must be signed on before a Shipping Commissioner.
    N d. A licensed Master of Towing Vessels may serve as Master.

1781: Which organization usually assigns load lines to U.S. vessels?

    N a. National Load-Line Agency
    N b. National Shipping Bureau
    Y c. American Bureau of Shipping
    N d. American Regulations Council

2007: The helm command "shift your rudder" means __________.

    N a. double your rudder angle or go to full rudder
    Y b. change from right rudder to left rudder an equal number of degrees
    N c. bring your rudder amidships
    N d. check the swing of the vessel

2030: Safety equipment on board vessels must be approved by the __________.

    Y a. U.S. Coast Guard
    N b. Safety Standards Bureau
    N c. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
    N d. National Safety Council

2207: After an explosion, repair of emergency machinery and services should be accomplished __________.

    Y a. after control of fire, flooding, and structural repairs
    N b. immediately, before the emergency is under control
    N c. after control of fire, but before control of flooding
    N d. after stability is restored

2230: What is the name of tackle number 1? (D029DG )

    Y a. Whip
    N b. One-fold purchase
    N c. Gun tackle
    N d. Runner

2235: You are conducting trials to determine the maneuvering characteristics of your vessel. While making a turn, you take ranges and bearings of an isolated light with the results as shown. Based on this information, what is the advance for a turn of 75°? (D034DG )

    Y a. 800 yards (720 meters)
    N b. 860 yards (774 meters)
    N c. 910 yards (819 meters)
    N d. 955 yards (860 meters)

2249: Which knot should be used to secure a line to a spar when the pull is parallel to the spar? (DO30DG )

    N a. G
    N b. F
    Y c. P
    N d. Q

2342: How many tons of salt water can be loaded into a flat ended cylindrical tank with a diameter of 3 feet and a length of 8 feet?

    Y a. 1.62
    N b. 1.98
    N c. 3.23
    N d. 6.46

2348: You are on a multiple-product chemical tanker and will carry cargoes of allyl alcohol, benzene, and propanolamine. Which of the following is true?

    N a. All of these cargoes are mutually compatible.
    N b. Benzene may not be carried in a tank adjacent to either of the other two cargoes.
    Y c. Allyl alcohol is incompatible with propanolamine but both are compatible with benzene.
    N d. Propanolamine is compatible with allyl alcohol but must be segregated from benzene.

2502: A tow of 9 barges is made up three abreast by three long. The towboat is faced up to the last barge of the center string. The outer two strings of barges are the __________.

    N a. port and starboard strings
    N b. outer strings
    Y c. drag strings
    N d. side strings

2608: Most very large ocean going vessels, such as bulk carriers and large tankers, tend to squat __________.

    Y a. by the bow
    N b. by the stern
    N c. at the end nearest the bottom
    N d. evenly fore and aft

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

3078: Another name for coal naphtha that would appear on a dangerous cargo manifest is __________.

    Y a. benzene
    N b. tar
    N c. middle oil
    N d. toluene

3078: Another name for coal naphtha that would appear on a dangerous cargo manifest is __________.

    Y a. benzene
    N b. tar
    N c. middle oil
    N d. toluene

3081: A seaman is entitled by law to a release from Foreign Articles when __________.

    N a. intoxicated
    N b. deductions are made from wages
    N c. injured
    Y d. the vessel is overloaded

3152: The danger of a towing vessel tripping is increased the closer the towline is secured to __________.

    N a. the stern
    Y b. amidships
    N c. the bow
    N d. the quarter

3681: While you are on watch entering port, the Master gives the helmsman a rudder command which conflicts with a rudder command from the Pilot. You should make sure the helmsman __________.

    N a. obeys the Pilot
    Y b. obeys the Master
    N c. asks you for instructions
    N d. brings the rudder to a point midway between the two conflicting positions

4048: You are arriving in port and are assigned to anchor in anchorage circle B-4. It has a diameter of 600 yards and your vessel's LOA is 525 feet. If you anchor in 10 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?

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

4058: Your vessel is equipped with mechanical davits. When stowing the lifeboat after a drill while underway, you should __________.

    N a. leave the tricing pendants slack
    Y b. ensure the falls are taut
    N c. leave the outboard part of the cradle in the down position
    N d. secure the inboard gripes only

4178: Which of the following actions are stated in the correct order prior to loading or discharging cargo on a Ro-Ro vessel?

    Y a. Lower the stern ramp, raise/open the stern door, 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
    N d. Raise/open the stern door, lower the stern ramp, turn on ventilation for cargo holds

4180: 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
    Y b. Lower the stern ramp, raise/open stern door, turn on ventilation for cargo holds
    N c. Turn on ventilation for cargo holds, lower the stern ramp, raise/open stern door
    N d. Turn on ventilation for cargo holds, raise/open stern door, lower the stern ramp

4203: Which of the following statements is/are FALSE concerning cranes being installed on the centerline of vessels?

    N a. One crane is able to work both sides of the ship.
    N b. One crane is able to work one end of two adjacent hatches.
    Y c. A centerline crane can never work more than one hatch.
    N d. All of the above

4228: Which of the following is/are the component(s) of a twin crane set as shown? (D047DG )

    N a. Boom assembly
    N b. Hook block assembly
    N c. Operator's cab
    Y d. All of the above

4260: Which statement(s) is/are TRUE regarding the operation of a crane?

    Y a. The load is handled by the hoisting winch and cargo block.
    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. All the above