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.


42: The vapor pressure of a substance __________.


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


99: What is meant by "thieving" a petroleum cargo?


177: The measurement of the amount of force a towing vessel is capable of applying to a motionless tow is called __________.

    N a. shaft horsepower
    N b. delivered horsepower
    Y c. bollard pull
    N d. towrope pull

179: The minimum temperature required to ignite gas or vapor without a spark or flame being present is called __________.

    N a. flash point
    N b. fire point
    Y c. autoignition temperature
    N d. lower explosive limit

228: Securing cargo by running timbers from an upper support down to the cargo, either vertically or at an angle, is called __________.

    N a. braces
    N b. dunnage
    N c. shores
    Y d. toms

262: Mousing a cargo hook with marline or small line __________.

    N a. increases the lifting capacity of the hook
    N b. protects the hook from the sling ring
    Y c. prevents the sling ring from coming out of the hook
    N d. All of the above

274: What is the difference between net tonnage and gross tonnage?

    Y a. Net tonnage is the gross tonnage less certain deductible spaces.
    N b. Net tonnage is tonnage of cargo compared to tonnage of whole ship.
    N c. Net tonnage is gross tonnage minus engine and bunker spaces.
    N d. Net tonnage is the net weight of the ship.

392: Which statement is TRUE concerning insulating flanges?

    Y a. They should be inspected and tested periodically to ensure that the insulation is clean and in good condition.
    N b. Switching off a cathodic protection system may be substituted for using an insulating flange
    N c. The measured resistance value after installation should be less than 1,000 ohms.
    N d. After the insulating flange is installed, hot work may be performed on deck.

457: You are the operator of an uninspected diesel towing vessel of 190 GT operating on a regular run from New York to the Gulf of Mexico. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. Deck watches may be 6 and 6.
    N b. Able seamen are not required in the deck crew.
    Y c. All crew members must have Merchant Mariner's Documents.
    N d. A licensed Chief Engineer is required.

557: A report of casualty to a vessel must include __________.

    N a. the estimated cost of damage
    N b. an evaluation of who was at fault
    N c. the amount of ballast on board
    Y d. the name of the owner or agent of the vessel

672: When towing alongside (breasted tow), more forward movement will be imparted to the tow by __________.

    N a. increasing the angle of line pull to the keel axis of the tow
    Y b. reducing the angle of line pull to the keel axis of the tow
    N c. positioning the towing vessel on the forward end of the tow
    N d. shortening the length of the tow line

706: How does the effect known as "bank suction" act on a single-screw vessel proceeding along a narrow channel?

    N a. It pulls the bow toward the bank.
    Y b. It pulls the stern toward the bank.
    N c. It pushes the entire vessel away from the bank.
    N d. It heels the vessel toward the bank.

724: Using a safety factor of five, determine what is the safe working load for 3-1/2 inch manila line with a breaking stress of 4.9 tons.

    N a. 0.82 ton
    Y b. 0.98 ton
    N c. 2.45 tons
    N d. 12.25 tons

762: A towing winch, that handles a wire towline, must have all of the following EXCEPT a ____________ .

    N a. device that evenly spools and tightly winds the towline
    N b. brake with holding power appropriate for the vessel's horsepower or bollard pull
    N c. brake that can be operated when there is no power available to drive the winch
    Y d. source of emergency power to operate the winch

764: Roundline is a __________.

    N a. four-stranded, left- or right-handed line
    Y b. three-stranded, right-handed line
    N c. three-stranded, left-handed line
    N d. small tarred hempline of three strands laid left-handed

799: Temporary Certificates of Inspection are effective until the __________.

    N a. Solas Certificate is issued
    N b. Load Line Certificate is renewed
    N c. classification society approval is issued
    Y d. permanent Certificate of Inspection is issued

815: A U.S. or foreign flag vessel that does not comply with the Officers Competency Certificates Convention of 1936 may be detained by certain designated officials. These officials include all of the following EXCEPT a/an ___________ .

    Y a. State Police officer
    N b. Coast Guard officer
    N c. Coast Guard petty officer
    N d. officer of the U.S. Customs Service

826: In order to reduce your wake in a narrow channel you should __________.

    N a. apply enough rudder to counter the effect of the current
    N b. change your course to a zigzag course
    Y c. reduce your speed
    N d. shift the weight to the stern

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

1105: You are rigging a stage over the ship's side to serve as a working platform. For stability of the stage, the downhaul to one end of the stage and the downhaul to the other end, which are used for lowering the stage, should be led __________.

    N a. both to the inboard side of the stage
    N b. both to the outboard side of the stage
    Y c. one to the inboard and the other to the outboard
    N d. either both to the inboard or both to the outboard side of the stage

1173: You are making a sharp turn in a channel and using a buoy four points on the bow to gauge your rate of turn. If you observe the buoy moving forward relative to you, what should you do?

    N a. Increase the rate of turn
    Y b. Decrease the rate of turn
    N c. Maintain a constant rate of turn
    N d. Increase speed

1226: You are docking a vessel starboard side to with the assistance of two tugs. You are attempting to hold the vessel off by operating both tugs at right angles to the vessel and at full power. You must ensure that __________.

    N a. steerageway is not taken off
    N b. the bow doesn't close the dock first
    N c. the bow closes the dock first
    Y d. the ship has no headway at the time

1228: A cargo exception would appear on __________.

    Y a. a Bill of Lading
    N b. the cargo manifest
    N c. the Export Declaration
    N d. a Letter of Indemnity

1266: You are docking a vessel in a slip which has its entrance athwart the tide. You land the ship across the end of the pier, stemming the tide, preparatory to breaking the ship around the corner. You have one tug to assist. Where would you generally tie up the tug?

    N a. Have her on a hawser from the stern.
    N b. Tie her up on the inshore bow to hold the ship off the end.
    Y c. Tie her up on the offshore bow.
    N d. Tie her up on the inshore quarter to lift the stern.

1312: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "D" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. stern line
    N b. forward spring line
    Y c. after spring line
    N d. waist breast line

1330: Beams are cambered to __________.

    N a. increase their strength
    Y b. provide drainage from the decks
    N c. relieve deck stress
    N d. All of the above

1467: The type of carrier required to file a copy of freight tariffs would be the __________.

    Y a. common carrier
    N b. tramp
    N c. public vessel
    N d. bulk carrier

1494: After splicing an eye in a piece of wire rope, the splice should be parceled and served to __________.

    N a. strengthen the line
    N b. increase its efficiency
    Y c. prevent hand injury by covering loose ends
    N d. make the line more flexible

1515: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated ROUTINE will be delivered within __________.

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

1530: Shell plating is __________.

    N a. the galvanizing on steel
    N b. a hatch cover
    Y c. the outer plating of a vessel
    N d. synonymous with decking

1536: When anchoring, it is a common rule of thumb to use a length of chain __________.

    Y a. five to seven times the depth of water
    N b. seven to ten times the depth of water
    N c. twice the depth of water
    N d. twice the depth of water plus the range of tide

1571: As Chief Officer of a vessel underway, it comes to your attention that the vessel is, in some manner, unseaworthy. Under such circumstances the Master is required to take action upon receiving __________.

    N a. information of such condition from yourself
    Y b. notification of such condition from yourself and the Second Officer
    N c. notification of such condition from yourself and any other member of the crew
    N d. notification of such condition from yourself or the Second Officer

1647: Under Naval Control of Shipping who is responsible for routing and diverting ships and convoys?

    N a. The Maritime Defense Zone Sector
    Y b. The Operational Control Authority
    N c. The National Shipping Authority
    N d. Any Navy Command

1648: When steaming through an anchorage, a shipmaster should __________.

    N a. avoid crossing close astern of the anchored ships
    Y b. avoid crossing close ahead of the anchored ships
    N c. keep the ship moving at a good speed to reduce set
    N d. transit only on a flood tide

1716: Which is the correct procedure for anchoring a small to medium size vessel in deep water?

    N a. Let the anchor fall free from the hawsepipe, but apply the brake at intervals to check the rate of fall.
    N b. Back the anchor slowly out of the hawsepipe a few feet, and then let it fall in the normal fashion.
    N c. Let the anchor fall off the brake right from the hawsepipe, but keep a slight strain on the brake.
    Y d. Under power, back the anchor out until it is near, but clear, of the bottom before letting it fall.

1768: As a rule, ships of most configurations, when drifting in calm water with negligible current, will lie __________.

    N a. bow to the wind
    Y b. beam to the wind
    N c. stern to the wind
    N d. with the wind on the quarter

1807: When evacuating a seaman by helicopter lift, which statement is TRUE?

    N a. Evacuation should be from an area forward of the bridge.
    N b. The vessel should be slowed to bare steerageway.
    N c. If the hoist is at the stern, booms extending aft at the stern should be cradled with the topping lifts hove taut.
    Y d. The litter should not be touched until it has been grounded.

1996: Which method should be used to secure a manila line to bitts?

    N a. A round turn on the bitt farthest from the strain and then figure eights
    Y b. A round turn on the bitt closest to the strain and then figure eights
    N c. Figure eights and then a round turn at the top of both bitts
    N d. Only figure eights are necessary on both bitts

2078: While towing, bridle legs of unequal lengths may cause __________.

    N a. the bridle to foul
    Y b. the shorter leg to fail
    N c. chafing on the fairlead or bitts
    N d. a bent swivel

2084: A copy of the Articles of Agreement, less the signatures, is required to be posted. This document is called the __________.

    Y a. Fo'c'sle Card
    N b. Articles Copy
    N c. Voyage Agreement
    N d. Shipping Articles

2173: What is the name of tackle number 5? (DO29DG )

    N a. 3-2 purchase
    Y b. Double luff tackle
    N c. Two-fold purchase
    N d. Four-fold whip

2264: When you "end for end" a wire rope, you __________.

    N a. cut off the free end and bitter end of the rope
    N b. splice two wire ropes together
    Y c. remove the wire rope from the drum and reverse it so that the free end becomes the bitter end
    N d. remove the wire rope from the drum and turn it over, so the wire bends in the opposite direction

2350: A temporary wire eye splice made with three wire rope clamps will hold approximately what percentage of the total rope strength?

    N a. 20%
    N b. 50%
    Y c. 80%
    N d. 99%

2470: Which type of bottom provides most anchors with the best holding ability?

    N a. Clay and rocks
    N b. Soft mud
    Y c. Sandy mud
    N d. Soft sand

2528: Which entry on a dangerous cargo manifest concerning the classification of a cargo is correct?

    Y a. Class 8
    N b. Class 3 - flammable liquid
    N c. Division 2.2 - nonflammable gas
    N d. All of the above are correct

2636: When riveted joints occur at the ends of plating they are called __________.

    N a. trailers
    N b. terminals
    N c. seams
    Y d. butts

2921: The process of lowering a boom to a horizontal position and onto its deck support is called __________.

    N a. spotting a boom
    N b. collaring a boom
    Y c. cradling a boom
    N d. toppling a boom

2928: How should you signal the crane operator to raise the boom and lower the load?

    N a. Extend arm with the palm down and hold this position rigidly.
    N b. Place both fists in front of your body with thumbs pointing toward each other.
    N c. Clasp hands in front of your body.
    Y d. Extend arm with the thumb pointing up, and flex the fingers in and out for as long as the load movement is desired.

2960: When cutting wire rope, seizings are put on each side of the cut. The seizings prevent the wire from unlaying and also __________.

    Y a. maintain the original balance of the tension in the wires and strands
    N b. prevent moisture from entering between the wires at the cut end
    N c. forces lubricant from the core to protect the raw, cut end
    N d. All of the above

3028: The term "inland waters", as defined in the Rules of the Road, includes __________.

    N a. the Great Lakes in their entirety
    Y b. the Mississippi River System
    N c. U.S. waters out to three miles offshore
    N d. the St. Lawrence River to Anticosti Island

3242: What term indicates the line drawn at the top of the flat plate keel?

    Y a. Base line
    N b. Molded line
    N c. Designer's waterline
    N d. Keel line

3724: What part of the ground tackle is the most likely to develop fractures due to extensive anchor use?

    N a. Anchor shank
    N b. Swivel
    Y c. Jews' harp
    N d. Fluke

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

4036: When a cargo boom or crane is rated at varying capacities, there will be a table at the controls which relates safe working load to __________.

    N a. winch speed
    N b. boom strength
    Y c. load radius
    N d. cable strength

4120: Which of the following is considered auxiliary securing equipment that provides extra reliability to lashing in Ro-Ro transport operations?

    N a. Trailer trestles
    N b. Pedestals
    N c. Wheel chocks
    Y d. All of the above

4183: Which of the following lashing gear used aboard Ro-Ro vessels should be maintained when not in use?

    N a. Chain
    N b. Wire rope
    N c. Webbing
    Y d. All of the above

4188: The most important safety consideration during loading or discharge aboard a Ro-Ro vessel is __________.

    N a. having all crewmembers and longshoremen wear hard hats
    Y b. the thorough ventilation of all cargo spaces
    N c. ensuring that visitors cannot come aboard
    N d. having the outboard anchor down

4210: Pedestal cranes have limit switches to restrict the movement of which function?

    N a. Luff rate limits
    Y b. Slew travel limits
    N c. Swivel power limits
    N d. Slew rate limits

4227: Which of the following is/are the component(s) of a twin crane set as shown? (D047DG )

    N a. Foundation assembly
    N b. Turntable assembly
    N c. Crane house assembly
    Y d. All of the above