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.


27: 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 __________.


69: Ullages are measured from __________.


137: The system of valves and cargo lines in the bottom piping network of a tank barge that connects one section of cargo tanks to another section is called a __________.


284: The beam of a vessel refers to the __________.

    N a. depth between decks
    N b. internal cubic capacity
    N c. molded depth of the vessel
    Y d. width of the vessel

364: A long ton is __________.

    N a. 1,000 pounds
    N b. 2,000 pounds
    Y c. 2,240 pounds
    N d. 2,400 pounds

414: To "ease" a line means to __________.

    N a. cast off
    N b. double up so that one line does not take all the strain
    Y c. pay out line to remove most of the tension
    N d. slack it off quickly

441: The document which shows a vessel's nationality, ownership, and tonnage is the __________.

    N a. Manifest Certificate
    N b. Bill of Lading Certificate
    Y c. Certificate of Documentation
    N d. Official Logbook

450: Once a vessel has loaded packaged hazardous cargo, the cargo spaces shall be inspected. The spaces shall also be inspected at least once in every 24 hours. The only exception to daily inspection is when __________.

    Y a. a vessel is equipped with an automatic smoke or fire detecting system
    N b. the cargo hatches are of steel construction
    N c. the cargo is of a nonflammable type
    N d. there is sufficient fire protection located on the main deck adjacent to the cargo hatch

518: Which factor is MOST important in preventing sweat damage within a cargo hold?

    Y a. Dew point of the cargo hold
    N b. Dew point of the outside atmosphere
    N c. Outside air temperature
    N d. Temperature of the cargo

527: What equipment is NOT used to protect a towing hawser?

    N a. Hawser boards and chafing gear
    Y b. Halyards and snaphooks
    N c. Seizing wire, rope yarn and marline
    N d. Norman pins and tow spans

616: "Ice blink" is __________.

    N a. the dark appearance of the underside of a cloud layer due to reflection of a surface of open water
    N b. the soft light appearance on the underside of a cloud layer due to reflection from a surface of open water
    Y c. the yellowish-white glare on the underside of a cloud layer
    N d. "water sky"

694: An advantage of nylon rope over manila rope is that nylon rope __________.

    N a. can be used in conjunction with wire or spring-lay rope
    N b. can be stored on decks exposed to sunlight
    Y c. can hold a load even when a considerable amount of the yarns have been abraded
    N d. gives audible warning of overstress whereas manila does not

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

726: A common occurrence when a vessel is running into shallow water is that __________.

    N a. the wake is less pronounced
    N b. the vessel is more responsive to the rudder
    Y c. "squat" will cause a decrease in bottom clearance and an increase in draft
    N d. All of the above

780: Bilge keels are more effective at dampening rolls as the __________.

    N a. pitching increases
    N b. list increases
    Y c. rolling increases
    N d. draft decreases

781: The trim and stability booklet must be approved by the __________.

    N a. International Maritime Organization
    N b. National Cargo Bureau
    N c. Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
    Y d. United States Coast Guard

843: If the Master of a US-flag towing vessel replaces any crew member with a non-US citizen, he/she must ensure that the ___________ .

    N a. replacement holds a license or document equivalent in experience and training to a mariner holding US credentials
    N b. replacement can communicate with other crew members to the extent required by regulations
    N c. vessel is on a foreign voyage, outside US jurisdiction, and not operating above the US outer continental shelf
    Y d. all of the above

868: You are going to load bales of wool having a stowage factor of 100 in #3 lower hold which has a bale cubic of 72,000. How many tons of the wool can be stowed in the compartment, assuming 10% broken stowage?

    N a. 493
    N b. 577
    N c. 602
    Y d. 648

899: When must the owner or Master of a towing vessel retest a towline or remove it from service?

    Y a. When the record of its material condition lapses for 3 months or more.
    N b. After it jams on the towing winch.
    N c. After it drags on the bottom.
    N d. When it has not been used for over 60 days.

906: A snag or other underwater obstruction may form a __________.

    Y a. V-shaped ripple with the point of the V pointing upstream
    N b. V-shaped ripple with the point of the V pointing downstream
    N c. small patch of smooth water on a windy day
    N d. smoothing out of the vessel's wake

928: Which of the signals listed is required to be displayed during the day while bunkering?

    Y a. A red flag
    N b. A yellow flag
    N c. A red and yellow flag
    N d. A red light

966: When a boat turns broadside to heavy seas and winds, thus exposing the boat to the danger of capsizing, the boat has __________.

    Y a. broached
    N b. pitchpoled
    N c. trimmed
    N d. yawed

1045: If a hydraulic pump on a winch accidentally stops while hoisting, the load will stay suspended because __________.

    Y a. a check valve will close and prevent reverse circulation
    N b. a centrifugal counterweight counteracts the force of gravity.
    N c. the electric pump motor will cut out
    N d. the control lever will move to the stop position

1051: A vessel arrives in San Francisco from a foreign voyage. When MUST the Master make formal entry at the custom house?

    N a. Within 24 hours after arrival, Sundays and holidays excepted
    Y b. Within 48 hours after arrival, Sundays and holidays excepted
    N c. Within 48 hours and before all foreign cargo is discharged for that port
    N d. Within 24 hours after arrival

1109: Pinching of the cargo hose between the vessel and the dock should be prevented by __________.

    Y a. adjusting the hose supports
    N b. laying out an excess length of hose on deck
    N c. tying off the topping lifts and runners to winch heads
    N d. All of the above

1124: Which material makes the strongest mooring line?

    N a. Sisal
    N b. Manila
    Y c. Nylon
    N d. Polyethylene

1143: When rigging a stage, the standing part should be fastened to the horns of a stage with which of the following hitches?

    N a. Clove hitch
    N b. Timber hitch
    Y c. Marlinespike hitch
    N d. Double blackwall hitch

1158: A vessel loads 100 tons of glass jars. The mate on watch discovers that some of the cartons have been damaged and has an exception made on the Bill of Lading. What is this document called?

    N a. Damage Bill of Lading
    N b. Letter of Indemnity
    N c. Non-negotiable Bill of Lading
    Y d. Unclean Bill of Lading

1159: Which product is most likely to accumulate static electricity?

    N a. Crude oil
    N b. Hard asphalt
    Y c. Lubricating oil
    N d. Residual fuel oil

1168: A vessel has completed loading cargo in the port of San Francisco. What document is signed by the Master stating the terms that goods were delivered and received by the ship?

    N a. Bill of Goods
    Y b. Bill of Lading
    N c. Cargo Manifest
    N d. Cargo Receipt

1194: What type of line melts easiest?

    N a. Wire
    N b. Dacron
    N c. Nylon
    Y d. Polypropylene

1242: You are a watchstanding mate and have come to the bridge to relieve the watch while underway at sea. The watch should not be transferred __________.

    N a. during an engine speed change
    Y b. during a navigational course change
    N c. unless the helm is in the "hand" mode
    N d. All of the above

1290: What is NOT an advantage of double bottom ships?

    N a. The tank top forms a second skin for the vessel.
    N b. The center of gravity of a loaded bulk cargo ship may be raised to produce a more comfortable roll.
    N c. The floors and longitudinals distribute the upward push of the water on the ship's bottom.
    Y d. They are less expensive to construct because of increased access space.

1361: On a voyage charter, when a vessel is ready to load cargo, the Master should render to the charterer a __________.

    Y a. Notice of Readiness
    N b. Master Certificate of Service
    N c. Shipmasters Declaration
    N d. Vessel Utilization and Performance Report

1484: A metal eye spliced into a wire is called a __________.

    N a. cyclops
    N b. fish eye
    Y c. thimble
    N d. chip

1519: When snaking cargo into the wing of a hold with the cargo winch, the runner should be lead from the __________.

    N a. head block to a snatch block
    Y b. heel block to a snatch block
    N c. lizard to a snatch block
    N d. winch to a snatch block

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

1750: A grapnel is a __________.

    N a. device for securing a chain topping lift
    N b. hook to prevent the anchor cable from slipping
    Y c. device used to drag for a submerged cable or line
    N d. type of clam bucket used for discharging bulk cargo

1758: As operator of a 199 GT towing vessel sailing foreign, it shall be your duty to enter in the Official Logbook or other permanent record __________.

    N a. all information contained on the barge's Certificate of Inspection
    N b. the condition of all towing gear to be used
    N c. all navigational aids to be used
    Y d. the barges load line and draft readings

1881: In time of war Naval Control of Shipping Authorities may give orders concerning the __________.

    N a. cargo to be loaded
    N b. final destination
    Y c. ship's route
    N d. All of the above

1917: How many tons of salt water can be loaded into a flat-ended cylindrical tank with a diameter of 5 feet and a length of 14 feet?

    N a. 31.42
    N b. 15.71
    Y c. 7.85
    N d. 6.25

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

2172: The lower hold of your vessel has a bale cubic of 52,000 cu. ft. You will load a cargo of cases, each weighing 380 lbs. and measuring 3 ft. x 2 ft. x 2 ft. The estimated broken stowage is 15%. How many tons of cases can be loaded?

    N a. 137 tons
    N b. 161 tons
    Y c. 625 tons
    N d. 969 tons

2236: Another name for the garboard strake is the __________.

    Y a. A strake
    N b. Z strake
    N c. side keel plate
    N d. stringer plate

2257: "Cribbing" is __________.

    Y a. wooden blocks or dunnage placed between a deck load and the deck
    N b. the chains and shackles used to secure a deck cargo
    N c. a crate in which a deck cargo is packaged
    N d. cardboard separation pieces placed between deck loads to prevent chafing

2354: What is the area of a circle with a diameter of 21 feet after a sector of 72° has been removed?

    Y a. 277.09 square ft.
    N b. 149.43 square ft.
    N c. 69.27 square ft.
    N d. 52.78 square ft.

2540: In small craft terminology, all of the anchor gear between a boat and her anchor is called the __________.

    N a. stock
    N b. chock
    N c. scope
    Y d. rode

2581: How does the effect known as "bank suction" act on a single-screw vessel proceeding along a narrow channel?

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

2729: The load line markings shown are inscribed on the vessel's __________. (D031DG )

    N a. port side
    N b. starboard side
    Y c. port and starboard sides
    N d. stern

2736: Distances on the Great Lakes System are generally expressed in __________.

    N a. miles above the entrance to the St. Lawrence Seaway (MASLW)
    N b. miles above the head of the passes (AHP)
    N c. nautical miles
    Y d. statute miles

2778: Assume that your vessel has just entered Lake Erie by way of the Welland Canal and is proceeding in a southwesterly direction. Which statement about the aids to navigation you can expect to encounter along the route is TRUE?

    Y a. The characteristics of buoys and other aids are as if "returning from seaward" when proceeding in this direction.
    N b. All aids are maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, 9th Coast Guard District, Cleveland, Ohio.
    N c. All red even-numbered buoys should be kept on your port side when proceeding in this direction.
    N d. Lighted aids, fog signals, and radio beacons maintained by Canada are not included in the Great Lakes Light List.

2842: By definition, a "spar deck" is the __________.

    N a. lower most continuous deck not broken by water tight bulkheads
    N b. after most weather deck above the main strength deck
    Y c. upper or weather deck above the main strength deck
    N d. deck of light construction below the main or strength deck

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.

3054: The phenomenon known as a "seiche" is most likely to occur on Lake Erie __________.

    N a. during the passage of a rapidly moving warm front
    Y b. when strong winds from the Northeast suddenly diminish
    N c. during the months of May through August
    N d. when the Moon and Sun are in alignment

3172: The signal man assisting the crane operator has his hands clasped in front of his body. This is the signal to __________.

    Y a. dog everything
    N b. stop
    N c. stand-by
    N d. prepare for signal

3262: Fracture damage to the end links of the anchor cable, or to the Jews' harp may be eliminated by __________.

    N a. using a small diameter connecting shackle
    N b. ensuring the swivel is well lubricated and free to turn
    N c. installing the connecting shackle with the bow towards the anchor
    Y d. securing a piece of wood to the Jews' harp

3320: Which type of bottom is best suited for holding an anchor of a small boat?

    Y a. Mud and clay
    N b. Rocky
    N c. Sandy
    N d. Gravel

4022: Your vessel is being assisted through an ice field in Thunder Bay by the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Alexander Henry. The starboard lookout reports that the icebreaker has run up the code flag "N" (November). What action should you take?

    N a. Reduce speed
    Y b. Stop your engines
    N c. Reverse your engines
    N d. Stop your vessel instantly

4049: Tugs sometimes shackle a length of chain in the towline in order to __________.

    N a. take the wear should the towline drag bottom
    N b. assure that if the towline is overstressed it will part close to the bridle
    N c. prevent the towline from whipping should it part
    Y d. put spring in the towline

4274: During which condition should the operator of a pedestal crane shutdown operations?

    N a. Bunkering barge alongside
    N b. Potable water spill on deck
    Y c. Crane hydraulic hose bursts
    N d. Trim greater than 4 feet