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.


4: Considering manning requirements for US flag vessels, your 2 watch cargo vessel has a deck crew of 20 people, exclusive of officers. How many of these people do the manning regulations require to be able seamen?


25: The turning circle of a vessel making a turn over 360 degrees is the path followed by the __________.


97: Chafing gear should be placed __________.


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

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

126: The distance a vessel moves parallel to the original course from the point where the rudder is put over to any point on the turning circle is called the __________.

    Y a. advance
    N b. drift angle
    N c. pivoting point
    N d. transfer

155: You are transporting dangerous cargo on your vessel. You must inspect this cargo __________.

    Y a. daily
    N b. daily, at sea only
    N c. after encountering rough weather
    N d. after loading and prior to arrival in port only

256: When fruit is carried as refrigerated cargo, the most frequent cause of its being infected at the discharge port is __________.

    N a. leaks in the ship's refrigeration system
    Y b. improper cleaning of the cargo spaces
    N c. carriage at the wrong temperature
    N d. improper precooling of the cargo spaces

266: The distance that a ship moves forward with each revolution of its propeller, if there is no slip, is called __________.

    N a. advance
    N b. head reach
    Y c. pitch
    N d. transfer

416: While moving ahead, a twin-screw ship has an advantage over a single-screw ship because __________.

    N a. correct trim will be obtained more easily
    N b. drag effect will be cancelled out
    Y c. side forces will be eliminated
    N d. speed will be increased

478: The moisture equilibrium chart can be used to determine the __________.

    N a. absolute moisture content of the air surrounding a hygroscopic cargo when moisture equilibrium exists
    Y b. dew point temperature that the air surrounding a hygroscopic commodity will have when in moisture equilibrium with that commodity
    N c. enthalpy of the air surrounding a hydroscopic cargo which is in moisture equilibrium with the cargo
    N d. temperature at which moisture equilibrium will occur in a cargo hold containing a hygroscopic cargo

487: One method of removing kinks from fiber rope is to __________.

    N a. coil the line against the lay
    Y b. tow the line astern until it straightens
    N c. stretch the line until it reaches its elastic limit
    N d. cut out each kink and splice

561: Which space cannot be deducted from gross tonnage when calculating net tonnage?

    N a. Crew messroom
    Y b. Forepeak ballast tank
    N c. Master's cabin
    N d. Chain locker

572: A vessel is entering port "A" for the first time and has a Pilot conning the vessel. The Master is unsure that the Pilot is taking sufficient action to prevent a collision. What should the Master do?

    N a. Nothing; The Pilot is required by law and is solely responsible for the safety of the vessel.
    N b. State his concerns to the Pilot but do not interfere with the handling of the vessel.
    N c. Direct the Pilot to stop the vessel and anchor if necessary until the situation clears.
    Y d. Recommend an alternative action and if not followed relieve the Pilot.

651: Fire fighting equipment requirements for a particular vessel may be found on the __________.

    Y a. 4Certificate of Inspection
    N b. Certificate of Seaworthiness
    N c. Classification Certificate
    N d. Certificate of Registry

695: A tug is "in irons" when held in a fixed position by __________.

    N a. the weight of its tow, its being anchored, or grounded
    Y b. the weight of its towing hawser on the bottom
    N c. an adverse current
    N d. lack of power or an engine breakdown

699: Under which condition is a tug likely to be tripped?

    N a. When the tow "jumps" on the line
    N b. While making up to tow a large oil rig
    Y c. When the towing hawser leads forward of the quarter
    N d. When the tug exerts maximum bollard pull with the tow close astern

733: Before leaving port on an ocean tow, a tug captain should assure himself of all the following EXCEPT __________.

    N a. the towing hawser can be released quickly in an emergency
    N b. the correct navigation lights are rigged and operable on the tug and tow
    Y c. an insurance underwriter has prepared a pre-sailing survey
    N d. a pick-up wire has been rigged on the tow in case of a breakaway.

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

842: When can the US citizenship requirement for the Master of a US-flag uninspected towing vessel be waived?

    N a. When US-licensed Masters are not readily available
    N b. When it costs too much to hire a US-licensed Master
    N c. When the towing vessel operates shoreward of the boundary line
    Y d. Never, under any circumstances

850: Panting frames are located in the __________.

    N a. after double bottoms
    N b. centerline tanks on tankships
    Y c. fore and after peaks
    N d. forward double bottoms

865: A nylon line is rated at 15,000 lbs. breaking strain. Using a safety factor of 5, what is the safe working load (SWL)?

    Y a. 3,000 lbs
    N b. 5,000 lbs
    N c. 15,000 lbs
    N d. 65,000 lbs

985: You have the "conn" at the time the helmsman who is steering by hand reports that the rudder is not responding to the wheel. Your FIRST action should be to __________.

    N a. call the engineroom and report that you have lost steering
    N b. signal the engineroom to stop the engines
    Y c. shift the selector switch to the other steering system
    N d. call the Master

1077: A seaman dies during a voyage. What is NOT required to be entered into the Official Log?

    Y a. Statement that the Master has taken custody of the deceased's MMD and passport
    N b. An inventory of the money and property
    N c. Statement of the wages due
    N d. Statement as to the total deductions to be made from the wages

1147: You are on watch and the pilot has just anchored the vessel. The next thing that you should do after the anchor has been let go is to __________.

    N a. stop the engines
    N b. escort the pilot to the accommodation ladder
    Y c. plot the vessel's position on the chart
    N d. make a round of the weather decks

1224: Which is NOT a recommended practice when handling nylon line?

    N a. Nylon lines which become slippery because of oil or grease should be scrubbed down.
    Y b. Manila line stoppers should be used for holding nylon hawsers.
    N c. When easing out nylon line, keep an extra turn on the bitt to prevent slipping.
    N d. Iced-over nylon lines should be thawed and drained before stowing.

1270: When a man who is conscious has fallen overboard is being picked up by a lifeboat, the boat should approach with the wind __________.

    N a. astern and the victim just off the bow
    N b. ahead and the victim just off the bow
    N c. just off the bow and the victim to windward
    Y d. just off the bow and the victim to leeward

1424: A wire rope for a 10-ton boom on a vessel shows signs of excessive wear and must be replaced. What safety factor should be used when ordering a new wire?

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

1505: The supplement to the IOPP Certificate contains what type of data?

    N a. The grades of cargo that an oil tanker is permitted to carry.
    Y b. A checklist of the equipment installed for controlling the discharge of oil.
    N c. The trade routes upon which the vessel may operate.
    N d. A list of the underwriters who will assume financial responsibility in the event of an oil spill.

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

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

1638: On a twin-screw, twin-rudder vessel, the most effective way to turn in your own water, with no way on, is to put __________.

    Y a. one engine ahead and one engine astern, with full rudder
    N b. one engine ahead and one engine astern, with rudders amidships
    N c. both engines ahead, with full rudder
    N d. both engines astern, with full rudder

1655: Which knot represents a double blackwall hitch? (DO30DG )

    N a. F
    N b. G
    Y c. L
    N d. R

1662: Under defense plans, operation of electronic aids to navigation may be temporarily suspended with __________.

    N a. one day's notice
    N b. thirty (30) days notice
    Y c. no notice
    N d. a week's notice

1697: Using the graph shown, if the dry bulb temperature is 85°, and the wet bulb temperature is 73°, what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? (D008DG )

    N a. 42%
    Y b. 55%
    N c. 67%
    N d. 85%

1791: Which factor does NOT affect the required freeboard of a cargo vessel?

    N a. Season of the year
    N b. Geographic zone of operation
    N c. Density of the water
    Y d. Condition of trim in normal operation

1840: You are approaching a steamer that is broken down and are preparing to take her in tow. BEFORE positioning your vessel to pass the towline, you must __________.

    Y a. compare the rate of drift between the ships
    N b. install chafing gear on the towline
    N c. secure the bitter end of the towing hawser to prevent loss if the tow is slipped
    N d. have traveling lizards rigged to guide the towline while it is paid-out

1844: A wooden float placed between a ship and a dock to prevent damage to both is called a __________.

    Y a. camel
    N b. dolphin
    N c. rat guard
    N d. wedge

1879: What is the mechanical advantage of a threefold purchase when rove to disadvantage and neglecting friction?

    N a. 3
    N b. 4
    N c. 5
    Y d. 6

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

2018: When towing astern, one way to reduce yawing of the tow is to __________.

    Y a. trim the tow by the stern
    N b. trim the tow by the head
    N c. have the tow on an even keel
    N d. list the tow on the side it is yawing

2059: You are handling a mooring line and are instructed to "Check the line". What should you do?

    N a. Ensure the bight is not fouled by taking up slack.
    N b. Pay out the line smartly and keep it free for running.
    N c. Secure the line by adding more turns.
    Y d. Surge the line so it maintains a strain without parting.

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

2157: You are in a fresh water port loading logs with gear rated at 5 tons, and suspect the weight of the logs exceeds the SWL of the gear. The logs are floating in the water alongside the vessel and have 95% of their volume submerged. The average length of the logs is 15 feet and the average diameter is 4.4 feet. What is the nearest average weight of the logs, based on these average measurements?

    N a. 5.5 tons
    Y b. 6.0 tons
    N c. 7.7 tons
    N d. 24.1 tons

2219: You are using tackle number 5 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 )

    N a. 50 lbs.
    N b. 75 lbs.
    Y c. 90 lbs.
    N d. 112 lbs.

2240: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 1? (DO29DG )

    N a. 0.5
    Y b. 1
    N c. 1.5
    N d. 2

2266: Your vessel has been damaged and is partially flooded. The first step to be taken in attempting to save the vessel is to __________.

    Y a. establish flooding boundaries and prevent further spread of flood water
    N b. plug the hole(s) in the outer shell
    N c. pump out the water inside the vessel
    N d. calculate the free surface effect and lost buoyancy to determine the vessel's stability

2582: What is usually NOT required in preparing a hold for reception of a bulk grain cargo?

    N a. Remove residue of previous cargo.
    N b. Remove loose rust and scale.
    Y c. Steam clean areas obstructed by structural members.
    N d. Spray or fumigate any insect colonies.

2674: You operate a harbor craft on inland waters exclusively. If you regularly service or contact foreign flag vessels in the course of business, which statement is TRUE?

    N a. Your vessel must be inspected.
    Y b. Your crew must have identification credentials.
    N c. A customs official must be on board when contacting a foreign flag vessel.
    N d. All contacts with a foreign flag vessel must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard.

2699: The thickness of a 30.6 pound plate is __________.

    N a. 3/8"
    N b. 1/2"
    Y c. 3/4"
    N d. 1"

2761: A short ton is a unit of weight consisting of __________.

    N a. 1,000 pounds
    Y b. 2,000 pounds
    N c. 2,205 pounds
    N d. 2,240 pounds

3008: A list signal of one white light indicates that the vessel is __________.

    N a. on an even keel
    Y b. listing about 1° to the side the light is displayed on
    N c. listing over 5°With the light displayed on the high side
    N d. listing, and the chutes should be directed to the side where the light is displayed

3066: A list man would expect to see any of the following light signals EXCEPT __________.

    N a. two red lights
    N b. one green light
    N c. one white light
    Y d. one amber light

3092: Item A is the __________. (D024DG )

    Y a. lashing
    N b. drag wire
    N c. scissor wire
    N d. tandem wire

3095: You are standing the wheelwatch when you hear the cry, "Man overboard starboard side". You should instinctively __________.

    N a. give full left rudder
    N b. put the rudder amidships
    Y c. give full right rudder
    N d. throw a life ring to mark the spot

3176: The part of the anchor indicated by the letter G is the __________. (D038DG )

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

3250: You are operator of a towing vessel which collides with a buoy and drags it off station. What should you do if the damage to your vessel is not serious?

    N a. If the buoy is afloat, no action is necessary.
    N b. Wait one week and submit form GG-2692 to the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Inspection Office.
    Y c. Immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Inspection Office and no further action is necessary.
    N d. Immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Inspection Office and then submit form CG-2692.

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

4091: The turning circle of a vessel making a turn of over 360 degrees is the path followed by the __________.

    N a. bow
    Y b. center of gravity
    N c. centerline
    N d. bridge

4113: What is(are) standard operating procedure(s) used on a Ro-Ro vessel?

    Y a. Periodic inspection and retensioning of lashings as required during voyage
    N b. Lashings may be completed after the vessel leaves port
    N c. One QMED assigned to oversee the initial loading and lashing
    N d. All of the above

4213: What does a jib refer to on a crane?

    Y a. Boom
    N b. Topping lift
    N c. Control cab
    N d. Liftline

4239: Which safety precaution(s) should be observed during crane operations?

    N a. Checking for proper lifting from beneath the load during cargo operations
    Y b. Using the proper slings or other lifting devices during cargo operations
    N c. Relaying communications to port agents on the pier during cargo hoists
    N d. All of the above