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.


26: The pivoting point of a fully loaded vessel with normal trim proceeding ahead at sea speed is __________.


164: A look-out should report objects sighted using __________.


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


260: You receive a package, for shipment aboard your vessel, containing Class 1 explosives. The package is damp, moldy and stained. You must __________.

    N a. have the U.S.C.G. Captain of the Port approve the shipment
    N b. note an exception on the Bill of Lading
    N c. repair or replace the packaging before stowage
    Y d. seek the shipper's advice with regard to withdrawal, repair, or replacement

311: The Shipping Articles shall be signed by each seaman and the __________.

    Y a. Master of the vessel
    N b. Shipping Commissioner
    N c. U.S. Coast Guard
    N d. U.S. Customs Service

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

511: All U.S. Flag vessels engaged in foreign trade are required to have a(n) __________.

    N a. enrollment
    N b. license
    Y c. registry
    N d. sea letter

552: Which type of bridle is the most effective for a heavy ocean tow?

    N a. Nylon because of its strength
    N b. Polypropylene because it floats and is easier to handle
    Y c. Stud link anchor chain for chafe resistance and strength
    N d. Wire rope for flexibility and strength

565: When the pilot is embarked he or she __________.

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

674: Stuffer-braid rope has __________.

    Y a. a yarn core
    N b. no core
    N c. three strands
    N d. 12 threads

678: Prior to being able to sail, each vessel that carries grain in bulk must have a certificate of loading issued by the __________.

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. Lloyds of London
    Y c. National Cargo Bureau
    N d. U.S. Salvage

715: The term "overriding" or "overrunning" when applied to towing, implies that __________.

    N a. there is more crew on board than required
    Y b. the tow has overtaken its tug
    N c. the towing hawser comes out of the water
    N d. the Norman pins are not effective

829: In terms of vessel manning, a watch is the ____________ .

    Y a. direct performance of deck or engine operations in a scheduled and fixed rotation
    N b. performance of maintenance work necessary for the vessel's safe operation, on a daily basis
    N c. performance of lookout duties
    N d. direct performance of cargo loading and discharge operations only

896: A V-shaped ripple with the point of the V pointing upstream in a river may indicate a __________.

    N a. submerged rock, not dangerous to navigation
    N b. sunken wreck, not dangerous to navigation
    Y c. towed-under buoy
    N d. All of the above

909: What is the purpose of the relief valve of a cargo pump?

    N a. Provides for the removal of vapors
    N b. Allows two or more tanks to be filled at the same time
    N c. Provides for the emergency shutdown of the pump
    Y d. Permits the return of cargo to the suction side of the pump

910: The purpose of sheer in ship construction is to __________.

    Y a. allow the ship to ride waves with drier decks
    N b. eliminate the need for butt straps
    N c. eliminate the need for margin plates
    N d. give greater strength at the deck edge

935: The scuppers had been plugged as required at the time an oil spill occurs on deck. After shutting down the transfer, the engineroom should first be informed and then __________.

    N a. rig a fire hose and call for water on deck
    Y b. spread an absorbent material, such as sawdust
    N c. remove the plugs from the scuppers
    N d. sound the general alarm

948: Twenty-five hundred (2500) tons of iron ore with a stowage factor of 17 is stowed in a cargo hold. The dimensions of the hold are 55 feet long and 45 feet wide and 35 feet high. What is the height of the center of gravity of the ore above the bottom of the hold?

    N a. 7.8 feet
    Y b. 8.6 feet
    N c. 17.1 feet
    N d. 34.6 feet

984: To coil a right-laid rope, you should coil the line in __________.

    Y a. a clockwise direction
    N b. a counterclockwise direction
    N c. alternating clockwise and counterclockwise directions
    N d. either a clockwise or counterclockwise directions

1044: Using a safety factor of 6, determine the safe working load of a line with a breaking strain of 30,000 pounds.

    N a. 4,000 lbs.
    Y b. 5,000 lbs.
    N c. 20,000 lbs.
    N d. 100,000 lbs.

1064: Which factor is most likely to impair the strength and durability of synthetic line?

    N a. Dry rot
    N b. Mildew
    Y c. Sunlight
    N d. Washing with mild soap

1170: Transverse frames are more widely spaced on a ship that is designed with the __________.

    N a. centerline system of framing
    N b. isometric system of framing
    Y c. longitudinal system of framing
    N d. transverse system of framing

1179: The most likely time for oil pollution while bunkering is when __________.

    Y a. final topping off is occurring
    N b. first starting to receive fuel
    N c. hoses are being blown down
    N d. hoses are disconnected and being capped

1192: A person has fallen overboard and is being picked up with a lifeboat. If the person appears in danger of drowning, the lifeboat should make __________.

    N a. an approach from leeward
    N b. an approach from windward
    Y c. the most direct approach
    N d. an approach across the wind

1275: The tension on an anchor cable increases so that the angle of the catenary to the seabed at the anchor reaches 10°. How will this affect the anchor in sandy soil?

    N a. It will have no effect.
    N b. It will increase the holding power.
    Y c. It will reduce the holding power.
    N d. It will cause the anchor to snag.

1276: When moored with a Mediterranean moor, the ship should be secured to the pier by having __________.

    Y a. a stern line and two quarter lines crossing under the stern
    N b. a stern line, 2 bow lines, and 2 quarter lines leading aft to the pier
    N c. all regular lines leading to the pier in opposition to the anchor
    N d. two bow lines and two midship lines leading aft to the pier

1477: Under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act of 1936, a vessel will be liable for damage to a cargo when the damage arises out of __________.

    N a. delays due to seizure of the vessel
    N b. fire caused by fault of the carrier
    N c. strikes or lockouts
    Y d. improper stowage

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

1523: When making a short splice in wire rope __________.

    Y a. all tucks go against the lay
    N b. all tucks go with the lay
    N c. the first three wires are tucked against the lay and the last three go with the lay
    N d. the first three wires are tucked with the lay and the last three go against the lay

1525: The term "shift the rudder" means __________.

    N a. use right or left rudder
    Y b. change from right (left) to left (right) rudder an equal amount
    N c. check, but do not stop the vessel from swinging
    N d. put the rudder amidships

1643: The splice designed to pass easily through a block is called a(n) __________.

    N a. eye splice
    N b. short splice
    Y c. long splice
    N d. block splice

1688: Grade E combustible liquids have a flash point of __________.

    N a. 80°F to 150°F
    Y b. 150°F or above
    N c. 60°F to 100°F
    N d. 90°F to 120°F

1816: Which picture shown represents a square knot? (DO30DG )

    Y a. W
    N b. R
    N c. P
    N d. H

1878: When being towed, a fairlead is a __________.

    Y a. fabricated shape used to change the direction of a flexible member of the tow hookup
    N b. fabricated shape used to secure the tow hookup to the towed vessel
    N c. line connecting the fishplate to the bridle legs
    N d. line connecting the tow bridle to the towed vessel

1956: Which lien against a vessel would be settled FIRST?

    N a. Maintenance and cure
    N b. Vessel mortgage
    Y c. Salvage lien
    N d. Ship repairer's lien

1969: If you shorten the scope of anchor cable, your anchor's holding power __________.

    Y a. decreases
    N b. increases
    N c. remains the same
    N d. has no relation to the scope

2100: The primary purpose of a load line is to establish required __________.

    Y a. minimum freeboard
    N b. GM
    N c. transverse stability
    N d. fresh water allowances

2197: You are signing on crew members. The minimum number of people required aboard, and the qualifications of each, is listed on the __________.

    N a. Crew list
    N b. fo'c'sle card
    Y c. Certificate of Inspection
    N d. Articles of Agreement

2253: What is the area of a circle with a radius of 17 feet after a sector of 57° has been removed?

    Y a. 764.17 sq. ft
    N b. 190.66 sq. ft
    N c. 145.27 sq. ft
    N d. 36.85 sq. ft

2360: Splices made in nylon should __________.

    N a. be long splices only
    Y b. have extra tucks taken
    N c. be short splices only
    N d. be around a thimble

2479: Which type of weld testing can be used to detect internal flaws?

    N a. Magnetic particle
    N b. Dye penetrant
    Y c. Ultrasonic
    N d. Chemical reaction

2509: What is the purpose of cant frames in steel vessels?

    N a. To support the overhang of the stern
    Y b. To provide strength to shell plating at the stern
    N c. To add strength to the deck beams which support the weather decks
    N d. To support the plating of a cylindrical tank

2534: Great Lakes vessels, using liferafts, must have sufficient liferaft capacity on each side of the vessel to accommodate at least __________.

    N a. 50% of the persons on board
    Y b. 100% of the persons on board
    N c. 100% of the persons normally assigned to those spaces
    N d. 150% of the crew

2978: An icebreaker assisting a vessel through an ice field would display a visual signal consisting of the code letter "E" (Echo) to signify that "________________".

    Y a. I am altering my course to starboard
    N 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

3016: To obtain better steering control when you are towing alongside, your vessel should be positioned with its __________.

    N a. bow extending forward of the tow
    N b. stern amidships of the tow
    Y c. stern extending aft of the tow
    N d. bow even with the bow of the tow

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

3070: What is an advantage of a gate valve over a butterfly valve?

    Y a. Less frequent maintenance
    N b. Faster operation
    N c. Cheaper
    N d. More compact

3148: The part of the anchor indicated by the letter H is the __________. (D038DG )

    N a. fluke
    N b. shank
    N c. tripping palm
    Y d. crown

3370: In astern towing, a tow span, also called the "tow bar" or "towing arch", is used to __________.

    N a. insure that the hawser leads directly aft as it passes over the stern of the towing vessel
    N b. increase the stability of the towing vessel by raising the hawser off the deck
    N c. reduce chafing of the towing hawser
    Y d. prevent fouling of the hawser on deck gear located on the stern of the towing vessel

3382: The signal man assisting the crane operator first taps his elbow with one hand and then proceeds to use regular signals. This is the signal to __________.

    N a. use the main hoist
    N b. proceed slowly
    N c. increase speed
    Y d. use the whip line

3604: The Jews' harp is indicated by which letter? (D038DG )

    Y a. K
    N b. J
    N c. H
    N d. F

4145: Which tensioning device is used with webbing to secure light vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Chain lever
    N b. Turnbuckle
    N c. Adjust-a-matic tensioner
    Y d. Ratchet tensioner

4153: What should you be concerned with when loading and securing vehicles on a Ro-Ro?

    Y a. Number, position and angle of lashes
    N b. Number of axles
    N c. Disconnecting the battery cables to prevent fire hazard
    N d. Minor air pressure changes in the tires

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

4225: What does item "G" refer to in this illustration of a 30-ton pedestal crane? (D045DG )

    N a. Mast
    N b. Pillar
    Y c. Turntable
    N d. Pedestal

4230: Which of the following is/are the optional component(s) of a twin crane set as shown? (D047DG )

    N a. Boom assembly
    N b. Hook block assembly
    N c. Crane house assembly
    Y d. Rider block tagline system

4275: During which condition should the operator of a pedestal crane shutdown operations?

    N a. Lightning
    N b. High winds
    N c. Fire aboard
    Y d. All of the above

4278: Which wire rope purchase(s) is/are optional with a 30-Ton pedestal crane?

    N a. Hoist
    N b. Luff
    Y c. Rider block
    N d. All of the above

4278: Which wire rope purchase(s) is/are optional with a 30-Ton pedestal crane?

    N a. Hoist
    N b. Luff
    Y c. Rider block
    N d. All of the above

4282: Which statement is TRUE concerning a tagline as used with a 30-ton pedestal crane?

    N a. Taglines are wire rope purchases that raise and lower the jib.
    N b. Taglines can be fastened to the corners of the jib when lifting containers.
    Y c. The crane might not have taglines installed in its rigging system.
    N d. The taglines are wire rope purchases that raise and lower the topping lift.