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.


65: Under title 46 of the United States Code, the person in charge of a documented vessel who fails to report a complaint of a sexual offense may be __________.


110: What is NOT required as special safety equipment on a tankship carrying hazardous cargoes in bulk?


123: When patching holes in the hull, pillows, bedding, and other soft materials can be used as __________.


217: The holding capability of an anchor is primarily determined by the __________.

    N a. shape of the anchor
    N b. stowage of the anchor on board
    Y c. anchor's ability to dig in
    N d. size of the vessel and its draft

280: Your ship is in a neutral port when full Naval Control of Shipping is established. You may expect to be boarded and instructed by a(n) __________.

    N a. U.S. Naval Control of Shipping Officer
    N b. allied Naval Control of Shipping Officer
    N c. Consular Shipping Advisors (CONSA)
    Y d. Any of the above

293: Which space(s) is(are) NOT exempt when measuring gross tonnage?

    N a. Auxiliary machinery spaces above the deck
    N b. Steering gear room
    Y c. Cargo holds
    N d. Galley in a deckhouse

320: Containers of flammable solids should be conspicuously labeled by the shipper with a __________.

    N a. green label
    Y b. red and white label
    N c. orange label
    N d. yellow label

375: The best line for towing small vessels is __________.

    N a. three strand nylon
    Y b. double-braided nylon
    N c. polypropylene
    N d. manila

479: Your tank vessel is loaded down to her marks, and you find that she has too much trim by the stern. To adjust the trim you may __________.

    N a. add ballast forward
    N b. load more cargo forward
    Y c. shift bunkers forward
    N d. All of the above

544: If the winch should fail while you are hauling in the anchor, what prevents the anchor cable from running out?

    N a. Chain stopper
    N b. Devil's claw
    N c. Hawse ratchet
    Y d. Riding pawl

774: The strongest of the natural fibers is __________.

    N a. cotton
    N b. hemp
    Y c. manila
    N d. sisal

844: Using a safety factor of five, determine the safe working load of a line with a breaking strain of 20,000 pounds.

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

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.

1110: One function of a bulwark is to __________.

    Y a. help keep the deck dry
    N b. prevent stress concentrations on the stringer plate
    N c. protect against twisting forces exerted on the frame of the vessel
    N d. reinforce the side stringers

1128: The most accurate account of cargo on board will be found in the __________.

    N a. Manifest
    N b. charter party
    Y c. Bill of Lading
    N d. Portage Bill

1145: You are on watch at night in clear visibility and the vessel has just been anchored. The first thing that you should do after the anchor has been let go is to __________.

    N a. stop the engines
    Y b. take bearings to obtain ship's position
    N c. turn off the running lights and turn on the anchor lights
    N d. lower the accommodation ladder and illuminate it

1167: A vessel will "squat" when it proceeds underway __________.

    N a. only in deep water
    N b. only in shallow water
    Y c. in all depths of water
    N d. only in narrow channels

1384: The wire rope used for cargo handling on board your vessel has a safe working load of eight tons. It shall be able to withstand a breaking test load of __________.

    N a. 32 tons
    Y b. 40 tons
    N c. 48 tons
    N d. 64 tons

1434: In the manufacture of wire rope, if the wires are shaped to conform to the curvature of the finished rope before they are laid up, the rope is called __________.

    N a. composite
    N b. left-lay
    N c. improved
    Y d. preformed

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

1517: Which picture represents a timber hitch? (DO30DG )

    Y a. E
    N b. F
    N c. N
    N d. U

1563: Which statement about two lines spliced together is TRUE?

    N a. Splicing is used to increase the circumference of each line.
    Y b. Splicing two lines together is stronger than knotting two lines together.
    N c. Splicing is used to increase the overall strength of the line.
    N d. Splicing is used to prevent rotting of the lines bitter end.

1614: Which bend or knot is used to tie a small line to a larger one?

    Y a. Becket bend
    N b. Bowline
    N c. Clove hitch
    N d. Lark's head

1732: Which picture in illustration D030DG represents a half hitch? (D030DG )

    Y a. U
    N b. S
    N c. K
    N d. H

1790: Which space(s) is(are) exempt when measuring gross tonnage?

    N a. Auxiliary machinery spaces above the uppermost continuous deck
    N b. Steering gear room
    N c. Part of the wheelhouse used to control vessel
    Y d. All of the above

2139: You are proceeding to the area of reported distress. When you arrive at the reported position, the vessel in distress is not sighted. What type of search should be conducted?

    N a. Sector search
    Y b. Expanding square
    N c. Track crawl
    N d. Parallel track search

2155: A case received for shipment has the markings shown. Each carton measures 13" X 15" X 23". What is the total cubic capacity the entire consignment will occupy if you assume 10% broken stowage? (D043DG )

    N a. 779 cubic feet (22 cubic meters)
    Y b. 857 cubic feet (24 cubic meters)
    N c. 1047 cubic feet (30 cubic meters)
    N d. 112,125 cubic feet (3173 cubic meters)

2158: You are proceeding under NCS (Naval Control of Shipping) when you wish to send a message concerning your ships diversion. Which precedence would you assign this message?

    N a. O (IMMEDIATE)
    N b. R (ROUTINE)
    Y c. P (PRIORITY)
    N d. Z (FLASH)

2174: A vessel puts into the port of Kobe, Japan to discharge cargo. While awaiting completion of the cargo operation, the vessel contracts with a local shipyard to have the hull chipped, scaled, and painted. How is the cost of this maintenance handled with the Collector of Customs?

    Y a. A declaration is required and duty is involved on the total cost.
    N b. No declaration is required since this is considered routine maintenance.
    N c. A declaration is made and duty is charged on the materials only.
    N d. A declaration is made, but duty is charged on the labor only.

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

2206: You are using tackle number 6 in illustration DO29DG to lift a weight of 300 lbs. If you include 10 percent of the weight for each sheave for friction, what is the pull on the hauling part required to lift the weight? (DO29DG )

    Y a. 80 lbs.
    N b. 69 lbs.
    N c. 55 lbs.
    N d. 50 lbs.

2208: Under normal weather and sea conditions when securing a stack of containers with twist locks, lashings are required when the tier exceeds what height?

    N a. Lashings are always required
    N b. One container
    Y c. Two containers
    N d. Three containers

2214: 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 90°? (D034DG )

    N a. 820 yards
    Y b. 870 yards
    N c. 930 yards
    N d. 975 yards

2221: You are using tackle number 5 to lift a weight. The hauling part of this tackle is bent to the weight hook (w) of tackle number 8. What is the mechanical advantage of this rig? (DO29DG )

    N a. 20
    Y b. 15
    N c. 10
    N d. 5

2227: You are using tackle number 4 in illustration DO29DG to lift a weight of 120 lbs. If you include 10 percent of the weight for each sheave for friction, what is the pull on the hauling part required to lift the weight? (DO29DG )

    N a. 20 lbs.
    N b. 30 lbs.
    Y c. 42 lbs.
    N d. 57 lbs.

2299: You are on a multiple-product chemical tanker and will carry cargoes of isophorone, ethylenediamine, and creosote. Which of the following is TRUE?

    Y a. All of these cargoes are compatible.
    N b. Isophorone is incompatible with ethylenediamine but may be stowed adjacent to creosote.
    N c. All of these cargoes are incompatible.
    N d. Ethylenediamine is compatible with isophorone but both are incompatible with creosote.

2302: What is NOT required to be approved or certified by the U.S. Coast Guard before being used on inspected vessels?

    N a. Lifesaving equipment that is in excess of the regulatory minimum
    N b. Ship's stores that are Class A poisons or Class A explosives
    Y c. Steel plate used in hull construction
    N d. EPIRBs

2305: Which will cause a wire rope to fail?

    N a. Using a medium graphite grease as a lubricant
    N b. Operating a winch too slow
    Y c. Using a sheave with an undersized throat
    N d. A sheave diameter of 24 times the wire's diameter

2462: Which term describes a part of a natural fiber line?

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

2481: You are proceeding under NCS (Naval Control of Shipping) and wish to send a message concerning an initial enemy contact. Which precedence would you assign this message?

    N a. P (PRIORITY)
    Y b. Z (FLASH)
    N c. R (ROUTINE)
    N d. O (IMMEDIATE)

2510: Mooring lines should be turned end-for-end occasionally. This is because __________.

    N a. a line is weakened by constantly pulling on it in one direction
    Y b. normal wear on the line is thus distributed to different areas
    N c. it prevents the line from kinking or unlaying
    N d. it prevents permanent misalignment of the line's internal strands

2646: Which statement is true concerning repairs on the hull of a vessel which is to be riveted and welded?

    N a. Riveting must be completed before welding begins.
    N b. Riveting and welding should be done alternately.
    Y c. Welding must be completed before the riveting begins.
    N d. It does not matter in what order the operations are done.

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

2883: 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. brings the rudder to a point midway between the two conflicting positions
    N b. obeys the Pilot
    N c. asks you for instructions
    Y d. obeys the Master

2889: What is the minimum size required before a vessel can be documented?

    Y a. 5 net tons
    N b. 100 gross tons
    N c. 26 feet length
    N d. 65 feet length

2918: What is the period of validity of a De-Rat certificate?

    N a. Specific voyage
    Y b. 6 months
    N c. 1 year
    N d. 2 years

2957: Your vessel is to dock bow in at a pier without the assistance of tugboats. Which line will be the most useful when maneuvering the vessel alongside the pier?

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

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

3060: Which characteristic is an advantage of a butterfly valve as compared to a gate valve?

    N a. Precise adjustment of cargo flow
    N b. Faster rate of cargo flow
    Y c. Easier operation
    N d. Less chance of leaks

3061: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated IMMEDIATE will be delivered within __________.

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

3130: What is NOT required on an uninspected towing vessel?

    N a. Certificate of Documentation
    Y b. Certificate of Inspection
    N c. Operators Merchant Marine license
    N d. FCC Station License

3219: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated PRIORITY will be delivered within __________.

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

3321: By law, the maximum penalty for failing (without reasonable cause) to give aid in the case of collision is __________.

    N a. one year imprisonment or $500
    N b. two years imprisonment or $500
    Y c. two years imprisonment or $1000
    N d. two years imprisonment or $2000

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

3631: The number of certificated able seamen and lifeboatmen required on board is listed in the __________.

    Y a. Certificate of Inspection
    N b. American Bureau of Shipping code
    N c. Muster List ("Station Bill")
    N d. Safety of Life at Sea Convention

3693: When the Pilot is embarked he or she __________.

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

4160: According to the IMO Code, what are the minimum number of securing points that should be on each side of a "road vehicle", whose gross vehicle mass is between 20 tons and 30 tons, when carried on Ro-Ro vessels?

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

4177: Which of the following actions are stated in the correct order prior to loading or discharging cargo on a Ro-Ro vessel?

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

4242: What is the advantage of the tandem working arrangement of pedestal cranes when operating cargo?

    N a. The cranes enable the handling of heavy cargos without shoreside assistance
    N b. The cargo discharge can be accomplished with controlled pendulation
    N c. The cargo discharge can be performed in port or at anchor
    Y d. All of the above

4243: What is/are the advantage(s) of cranes over conventional cargo booms?

    N a. Cranes are able to pick up and drop loads over a greater spotting area
    N b. Increased safety because the deck is clear of running and standing rigging
    N c. Simplicity of operation of the crane by its operator
    Y d. All of the above