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.


185: Before a Master relieves a Pilot of the conn, the __________.


237: The latch of a safety hook __________.


345: What does the helm command "shift the rudder" mean?


371: In the United States, the load line markings are set by the __________.

    Y a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. Coast Guard
    N c. Federal Maritime Board
    N d. IMO

422: Which method should be used to secure a synthetic fiber line to two bitts?

    Y a. Two round turns on the bitt closest to the strain and then figure eights
    N b. Two round turns on the bitt farthest from 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

435: The amount of force a tug can exert on a stationary pull is called its __________.

    N a. brake horsepower
    N b. indicated horsepower
    N c. shaft horsepower
    Y d. bollard pull

468: Sweat damage in a hatch full of canned goods in cartons will occur when the __________.

    N a. air temperature is higher than the temperature of the cargo
    N b. air temperature is lower than the temperature of the cargo
    Y c. dew point is higher than the temperature of the cargo
    N d. dew point is lower than the temperature of the cargo

482: A lot of special cargo of similar cartons is to be loaded aboard your vessel. You examine one of the cartons of the lot shown. What is the total cubic space the consignment will occupy? (Assume no broken stowage.) (D042DG )

    N a. 51 cubic feet (1.5 cubic meters)
    Y b. 58 cubic feet (1.7 cubic meters)
    N c. 336 cubic feet (10 cubic meters)
    N d. 700 cubic feet (21 cubic meters)

498: When the dew point of the outside air is higher than the dew point of the air in the cargo hold, you should __________.

    N a. energize the exhaust blowers
    N b. energize the intake blowers
    Y c. not ventilate the cargo holds
    N d. ventilate the cargo holds

669: Which statement describes the motion of a yawing tow?

    N a. The tow twists, sometimes violently, astern of the tug
    N b. The tow sheers to one side behind the tug and maintains a position in a line diagonal to the tug's forward movement
    N c. The tow snakes behind the tug
    Y d. All of the above

716: Your vessel is proceeding along a narrow channel. The effect called bank cushion has which effect on the vessel?

    Y a. Forces the bow away from the bank
    N b. Forces the stern away from the bank
    N c. Forces the entire vessel bodily away from the bank
    N d. Decreases the draft at the bow

738: How many board feet of dunnage are there in a draft 3 feet wide, 1-1/2 feet high, and 14 feet long?

    N a. 526
    Y b. 756
    N c. 876
    N d. 906

741: A vessel has sustained damage in a collision with another vessel. It is necessary to have a Seaworthy Certificate before the vessel sails. Who will issue this certificate?

    N a. American Consul
    Y b. Classification Society
    N c. Captain of the Port
    N d. Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection

747: When carrying a cargo of asphalt or molten sulfur, which are carried at temperatures of over 300°F, one of the biggest dangers is __________.

    N a. inadequate ullage space
    N b. having the cargo too cool
    N c. explosion of vapors after discharge
    Y d. having to breathe the fumes

760: The connection to the towline must be secured with a ____________ .

    N a. galvanized screw-pin shackle
    N b. hardened steel thimble
    Y c. shackle secured a nut and cotter pin
    N d. shackle fitted with a swivel piece

761: The Immigration and Naturalization Service is concerned with which document on a vessel making preliminary entry into a U.S. port from a foreign port?

    N a. Cargo Manifest
    Y b. Certified Crew List
    N c. Curio List
    N d. Shipping Articles

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

831: The Oil Record Book on a vessel NOT engaged on a foreign voyage shall be maintained on board for not less than __________.

    N a. 12 months
    N b. 24 months
    Y c. 36 months
    N d. 48 months

847: When towing astern what equipment should be stowed ready for use near the towline?

    N a. First aid kit
    Y b. Axe or cutting torch
    N c. Fire extinguisher
    N d. Chafing gear

861: Every entry required to be made in the Official Logbook shall be signed by the __________.

    N a. Mate on watch
    Y b. Master and Chief Mate or other member of the crew
    N c. Master only
    N d. Purser, one of the Mates, and some other member of the crew

1015: The tankship Northland is loaded as shown. Use the salmon colored pages in the Stability Data Reference to determine the sagging numeral. (Get Table Data)

    N a. 71.07 numeral
    N b. 74.95 numeral
    N c. 77.56 numeral
    Y d. 78.29 numeral

1052: A term used to describe the dip in a towline that acts as a shock absorber is __________.

    Y a. catenary
    N b. step
    N c. shock dip
    N d. bight

1156: The best time to work a boat into a slip is __________.

    N a. when the wind is against you
    N b. with the current setting against you
    Y c. at slack water
    N d. with a cross current

1178: A shipper of cargo aboard your vessel offers a letter of indemnity for the cargo. This is done in order to obtain a(n) __________.

    Y a. Clean Bill of Lading
    N b. Order Bill of Lading
    N c. Straight Bill of Lading
    N d. Through Bill of Lading

1298: A Master should file a marine note of protest if __________.

    N a. cargo was received at ship side which was damaged in land transit
    N b. longshore labor went on strike in the port causing undue vessel delay
    N c. portions of his vessel's cargo were illegally impounded in a foreign port
    Y d. the vessel encountered heavy weather which might have caused cargo damage

1310: Which statement is TRUE concerning protection of double bottom tanks against excessive pressure?

    N a. Each vent for the tank must be equal to the area of the tank filling line.
    N b. The tanks must be protected by overflows.
    Y c. The total area of the vents or the overflow shall be at least 125% of the area of the fill line.
    N d. There must be twice as much vent area as the area of the fill line.

1314: A wire rope rove through two single blocks with two parts at the moving block is used for a boat fall. The weight of the 100-person boat is 5 tons. Compute the required breaking strain. Safety Factor - 6, weight per person - 165 lbs., 10% friction per sheave (2 sheaves).

    N a. 18.30 tons B.S.
    N b. 20.29 tons B.S.
    Y c. 22.27 tons B.S.
    N d. 24.31 tons B.S.

1367: Under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act of 1936, a vessel will be liable for damage to cargo when the damage arises out of __________.

    N a. poor stowage of cargo in a container
    N b. fire caused by lightning
    Y c. overloading
    N d. inherent vice

1471: One of the requirements for a general average act is __________.

    Y a. a successful venture
    N b. no imminent peril
    N c. no losses
    N d. All of the above

1508: While towing, sudden shock-loading caused during heavy weather can be reduced by __________.

    N a. using a short tow hawser
    N b. using a nonelastic type hawser
    Y c. using a heavier hawser
    N d. decreasing the catenary in the hawser

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

1555: When carrying out a parallel track search pattern, the course of the search units should normally be which of the following?

    Y a. In the same direction as the anticipated drift
    N b. In the opposite direction of the anticipated drift
    N c. Perpendicular to the line of anticipated drift
    N d. Downwind

1564: What is the main reason to slush a wire rope?

    N a. Keep the wire soft and manageable
    Y b. Lubricate the inner wires and prevent wear
    N c. Prevent kinking
    N d. Prevent rotting

1573: Which statement about splices is TRUE?

    N a. A back splice is used to permanently connect two lines together.
    Y b. A long splice is used to connect two lines that will pass through narrow openings.
    N c. A short splice is used to temporarily connect two lines.
    N d. In splicing fiber rope, you would splice with the lay of the line.

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

1974: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated PRIORITY will be delivered within __________.

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

1975: The knot lettered F in illustration DO30DG is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. becket bend
    N b. square knot
    N c. fisherman's bend
    Y d. round turn and two half hitches

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

2080: A Contract of Affreightment covering the movement of a particular cargo from one designated port to another at a specified rate for each ton of goods loaded is called a __________.

    N a. bareboat charter party
    N b. demise charter party
    N c. time charter party
    Y d. voyage charter party

2185: You are using tackle number 7 to lift a weight of 100 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. 200 lbs.
    N b. 150 lbs.
    N c. 110 lbs.
    Y d. 55 lbs.

2238: What is the area of a circle with a radius of 12 feet after a sector of 60° has been removed?

    N a. 18.85 square feet
    N b. 75.40 square feet
    N c. 94.25 square feet
    Y d. 376.99 square feet

2303: You are proceeding under NCS (Naval Control of Shipping) and wish to send a message warning of a hurricane. Which precedence would you assign this message?

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

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

2390: Determine the weight of a rectangular piece of 20.4 lb. steel measuring 4 feet by 6 feet.

    N a. 204.0 lbs.
    Y b. 489.6 lbs.
    N c. 734.4 lbs.
    N d. 979.2 lbs.

2400: The turning circle of a vessel is the path followed by the __________.

    N a. bow
    N b. outermost part of the ship while making the circle
    Y c. center of gravity
    N d. tipping center

2461: In writing up the logbook at the end of your watch, you make an error in writing an entry. What is the proper way of correcting this error?

    N a. Carefully and neatly erase the entry and rewrite it correctly.
    Y b. Cross out the error with a single line, write the correct entry, and initial it.
    N c. Blot out the error completely and rewrite the entry correctly.
    N d. Remove this page of the log book and rewrite all entries on a clean page.

2471: To determine the number of able seamen required on an inspected vessel, you should check the __________.

    N a. Load Line Certificate
    N b. operations manual
    N c. Safety of Life at Sea Certificate
    Y d. Certificate of Inspection

2499: Single hull vessels operating exclusively on the Great Lakes must be dry docked at intervals not to exceed __________.

    N a. 12 months
    N b. 24 months
    N c. 48 months
    Y d. 60 months

2716: A channel is stated as having a controlling depth of 38 feet. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. At least 80% of the channel is cleared to the charted depth.
    N b. At least 50% of the channel is cleared to the charted depth.
    Y c. 100% of the channel width is clear to 38 feet.
    N d. The sides of the channel conform to at least 50% of the controlling depth.

2759: Which of the Great Lakes is most affected by short-term Lake level fluctuations?

    N a. Lake Superior
    N b. Lake Michigan
    N c. Lake Huron
    Y d. Lake Erie

2763: When a merchant vessel is under the Naval Control of Shipping Organization in wartime, naval authorities may give orders pertaining to __________.

    N a. minimum manning standards
    Y b. regulations about darkening ship
    N c. the stowage of explosives
    N d. the types of cargoes permitted on board

2994: Nearly half of all storms that enter the Great Lakes Basin during the period from October through May come from __________.

    N a. highs which originate in the east and east central USA
    N b. lows which originate in north central and western Canada
    N c. highs which originate in north eastern and eastern Canada
    Y d. lows which originate in the central and western USA

3108: How should you signal the crane operator to raise the boom?

    N a. Extend arm with the thumb pointing up and flex the fingers in and out.
    N b. Place both fists in front of the body with the thumbs pointing upward.
    N c. With forearm vertical and forefinger pointing up, move hand in small horizontal circles.
    Y d. Extend arm with fingers closed and point thumb upward.

3452: A drift lead indicates that the vessel is dragging anchor when the line is __________.

    Y a. taut and leading forward
    N b. slack
    N c. leading out perpendicular to the centerline
    N d. leading under the hull

3491: You are the licensed Master of a towing vessel operating between New York and Tampa, Florida. If you carry four (4) deckhands onboard, how many must be able seamen?

    N a. 4
    Y b. 3
    N c. 2
    N d. 1

3576: Heave is motion along the __________.

    N a. longitudinal axis
    N b. transverse axis
    Y c. vertical axis
    N d. centerline axis

3820: When making a Scharnow turn, the __________.

    N a. rudder must be put over towards the side the man went over
    N b. initial turn direction is away from the side the man went over
    Y c. rudder is put hard over and the initial turn is maintained until about 240° from the original course
    N d. man overboard must be not more than 300 feet astern when starting the turn

4026: One of the greatest hazards of pushing ahead is parting which item shown? (D024DG )

    N a. A
    N b. B
    N c. F
    Y d. I

4092: To reconnect a broken tow line, it is better to use a polypropylene messenger line because it __________.

    N a. has great strength
    N b. is very supple
    Y c. floats
    N d. absorbs shock by stretching

4110: Which standard operating procedure(s) should be adhered to on a Ro-Ro vessel?

    Y a. Periodic inspection and retensioning of lashings as required during voyage
    N b. Battery cables must be disconnected to prevent fire hazard
    N c. One deck engine mechanic assigned to oversee the initial loading and lashing
    N d. All of the above