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.


38: A cargo that has a stowage factor over 40 is known as a __________.


39: Combustible liquids are divided into how many grades?


129: Which knot is suitable for hoisting an unconscious person?


139: A "barrel" is a unit of liquid measure equivalent to __________.

    N a. 40 U.S. gallons at 50°F
    Y b. 42 U.S. gallons at 60°F
    N c. 43 U.S. gallons at 65°F
    N d. 45 U.S. gallons at 75°F

166: The distance gained in the direction of the original course when you are making a turn is known as __________.

    Y a. advance
    N b. drift
    N c. tactical diameter
    N d. transfer

234: The helm command "shift your rudder" means __________.

    N a. double your rudder angle or go to full rudder
    N b. bring your rudder amidships
    Y c. change from right rudder to left rudder, or vice versa, an equal number of degrees
    N d. check the swing of the vessel

384: A "strongback" refers to a __________.

    Y a. bar securing a cargo port
    N b. centerline vertical bulkhead
    N c. deep beam
    N d. spanner stay

424: Faking a line means to __________.

    Y a. arrange it on deck in long bights
    N b. coil it down on deck
    N c. put a whipping on it
    N d. stow it below

472: On a long ocean tow, the bridle should be made up of two equal lengths of __________.

    Y a. chain
    N b. wire
    N c. nylon
    N d. manila

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

542: Which best describes a "fishplate" used in towing?

    Y a. A triangular-shaped heavy steel plate with a round hole inset from each corner
    N b. A steel plate in the shape of a flat fish
    N c. A rectangular-shaped piece of heavy steel plate with four holes
    N d. A circular piece of heavy steel with three holes forming an equilateral triangle

621: Which document shows details of a tank vessel, cargoes it may carry, manning and safety equipment required?

    N a. Safety Construction Certificate
    N b. Cargo Gear Certificate
    Y c. Certificate of Inspection
    N d. Declaration of Inspection

629: You are planning to use a crude oil washing system. What precaution must be taken with the source tank for the washing machines?

    Y a. At least one meter must be decanted from the source tank.
    N b. The oil in the source tank must be sampled for compatibility.
    N c. The source tank must have been crude oil washed at least once in the past 150 days.
    N d. The inert gas system must lower the oxygen content in the source tank to a maximum of 12%.

794: "White Line" is made from __________.

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

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

896: A V-shaped ripple with the point of the V pointing upstream in a river may indicate a __________.

    N a. submerged rock, not dangerous to navigation
    N b. sunken wreck, not dangerous to navigation
    Y c. towed-under buoy
    N d. All of the above

908: You must load as much of a large shipment of case goods as possible into a hold which has 24,400 cubic feet of space. Each case measures 2 feet by 2 feet by 4 feet and weighs 448 pounds. If you allow for broken stowage of 15%, how many long tons can be loaded?

    N a. 54
    N b. 207
    Y c. 259
    N d. 351

913: When commencing cargo operations on a container ship, one cell at a hatch is generally discharged completely (to the bottom of the ship) before removing any containers from the adjoining cells to ____________.

    N a. remove an existing list that would slow down cargo operations
    Y b. initiate loading in conjunction with unloading at the hatch
    N c. improve stability during cargo operations
    N d. allow longshoremen easy access to the hatch

938: The deck load capacity of a compartment into which you intend to load a cargo of soft brick is 380 lbs. per sq. ft. The stowage factor of the brick is 21.3. Disregarding broken stowage, what is the maximum height the brick may be stacked without endangering the structure?

    N a. 1.7 feet
    Y b. 3.6 feet
    N c. 5.0 feet
    N d. 7.1 feet

1042: Your vessel has the symbol shown inscribed on the sides amidships. Which statement is TRUE? (D022DG )

    N a. This line represents the load line mark for a Great Lakes voyage.
    Y b. The gross and net tonnage of the ship will change if this mark is submerged and the load line is visible.
    N c. The line directly under the triangle is at the same level as the summer load line.
    N d. This is the equivalent of a load line marking for government (CofE, NOAA, MSC) vessels.

1104: Nylon line can be dangerous because it __________.

    N a. breaks down when wet
    N b. kinks when wet
    N c. is not elastic
    Y d. stretches

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

1235: You are on watch entering port while the pilot has the conn. The pilot gives a steering command to the helmsman who partially repeats the command. You should immediately __________.

    Y a. repeat the Pilot's command and ensure that the helmsman repeats it completely
    N b. ask the Pilot to repeat the command since the helmsman failed to hear it completely
    N c. observe the helmsman's wheel action to be sure that it complies with the Pilot's command
    N d. ignore the helmsman's response as long as it was close to what the Pilot ordered

1286: The anchors should be dropped well out from the pier while at a Mediterranean moor to __________.

    N a. eliminate navigational hazards by allowing the chain to lie along the harbor bottom
    N b. increase the anchor's reliability by providing a large catenary in the chain
    Y c. permit the ship to maneuver in the stream while weighing anchors
    N d. prevent damage to the stern caused by swinging against the pier in the approach

1348: Preparation of muster lists and signing of same is the responsibility of the __________.

    N a. Chief Officer of the vessel
    N b. owner of the vessel
    Y c. Master of the vessel
    N d. United States Coast Guard

1420: Tensile stress is a result of two forces acting in __________.

    Y a. opposite directions on the same line, tending to pull the material apart
    N b. opposite directions on the same line, tending to compress the object
    N c. opposite directions along parallel lines
    N d. the same direction along parallel lines

1422: A U.S. vessel engaged in foreign trade must be __________.

    N a. classed
    N b. enrolled
    N c. licensed
    Y d. registered

1430: A vessel's bottom will be subjected to tension when weight is concentrated __________.

    Y a. amidships
    N b. aft
    N c. at both ends of the vessel
    N d. forward

1452: The helm command "Check her" means __________.

    N a. test the steering control
    N b. read the compass heading
    N c. stop the swing using hard over rudder
    Y d. slow the swing using moderate rudder

1481: A fire has damaged 20 bales of cotton on a freighter loaded with general cargo. This claim would come under __________.

    N a. constructive total loss
    N b. general average
    Y c. particular average
    N d. total loss of a part

1488: What does the term "end-for-end" refer to in regard to a wire towing hawser?

    N a. Cutting off the bitter and towing ends of the wire rope
    N b. Splicing two wire ropes together
    Y c. Removing the wire rope from the drum and reversing it so that the towing end becomes the bitter end
    N d. Removing the wire rope from the drum and turning it over so that the wire bends in the opposite direction when rolled on a drum

1579: What is the minimum standard for making an eye splice in a wire to be used as cargo gear?

    Y a. Make three tucks with full strands, remove half the wires from each strand, and make two more tucks.
    N b. Make four tucks in each strand, cut away every other strand, and make two more tucks with each remaining strand.
    N c. Make four tucks with each full strand.
    N d. Make six tucks with each strand, removing a few wires from each strand as each additional tuck is made.

1646: What is the normal length of anchor cable used to anchor a vessel?

    N a. An amount equal to the depth of the water
    N b. Two times the depth of water
    N c. Three to four times the depth of water
    Y d. Five to seven times the depth of water

1734: Which knot reduces the strength of a line by the LEAST amount?

    N a. Bowline
    N b. Clove hitch
    N c. Sheet bend
    Y d. Two half hitches

1762: What is the perimeter of a circle with a radius of 2.5 feet?

    N a. 7.86 ft
    Y b. 15.71 ft
    N c. 19.63 ft
    N d. 22.71 ft

1883: The most common method of securing a line to a cleat is a __________.

    N a. half hitch, then round turns
    Y b. round turn, then figure eights
    N c. figure eight, then round turns
    N d. figure eight, then half hitches

1929: 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 10 feet?

    N a. 22.44 T
    N b. 11.22 T
    N c. 7.48 T
    Y d. 5.61 T

1931: You are using tackle number 12 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. 80 lbs.
    Y b. 69 lbs.
    N c. 55 lbs.
    N d. 50 lbs.

2075: The knot lettered E is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. stopper hitch
    N b. blackwall hitch
    Y c. timber and half hitch
    N d. bowline on a bight

2111: You are anchoring in 16 fathoms of water. On a small to medium size vessel, the __________.

    N a. anchor may be dropped from the hawsepipe
    Y b. anchor should be lowered to within 2 fathoms of the bottom before being dropped
    N c. scope should always be at least ten times the depth of the water
    N d. scope should always be less than 5 times the depth of the water

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

2207: After an explosion, repair of emergency machinery and services should be accomplished __________.

    Y a. after control of fire, flooding, and structural repairs
    N b. immediately, before the emergency is under control
    N c. after control of fire, but before control of flooding
    N d. after stability is restored

2392: Determine the weight of a rectangular piece of 12.75 lbs. steel measuring 5 feet by 8 feet.

    Y a. 510.00 lbs.
    N b. 255.00 lbs.
    N c. 198.89 lbs.
    N d. 165.75 lbs.

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.

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.

3044: When you have a tow alongside, your stern should extend aft of the tow in order to __________.

    N a. avoid obscuring your stern light
    N b. provide a better lead for your lines
    Y c. obtain better steering control
    N d. let the barge deflect floating objects from your propeller

3111: While the Pilot is maneuvering the vessel to a dock, what is the PRIMARY responsibility of the watch officer?

    Y a. Insure that helm and throttle orders given by the Pilot are correctly executed.
    N b. Judge the appropriateness of the Pilot's orders and countermand them if necessary.
    N c. Supervise the signaling and flag etiquette.
    N d. Record the bells and their times in the bell book.

3324: What descriptive term indicates that the dimension is measured from the inner face of the shell or deck plating?

    Y a. Molded
    N b. Register
    N c. Tonnage
    N d. Effective

3519: Strengthening damaged bulkheads by using wood or steel is called __________.

    N a. bracing
    N b. battening
    N c. blocking
    Y d. shoring

3584: The tripping palm is indicated by which letter? (D038DG )

    N a. F
    Y b. G
    N c. H
    N d. J

3588: Conventional anchors are least likely to hold in a bottom consisting of __________.

    N a. soft clay
    N b. hard mud
    N c. sand
    Y d. rock

3740: Instructions to the crew in the use of all the ship's lifesaving equipment shall be completed __________.

    N a. before sailing
    N b. within one week of sailing
    N c. in one month and repeated quarterly
    Y d. within any two month period

4034: The signal man assisting the crane operator has his arm extended downwards, forefinger pointing down, and moves his hand in small horizontal circles. This is the signal to __________.

    Y a. lower
    N b. swing
    N c. hoist
    N d. extend

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

4052: You are arriving in port and are assigned to anchor in anchorage circle B-4. It has a diameter of 700 yards and your vessel's LOA is 600 feet. If you anchor in 11 fathoms at the center of the circle, what is the maximum number of shots of chain can use and still remain in the circle?

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

4150: Which of the following is/are TRUE regarding lashing requirements to secure vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. The securing of cargo on flats and trailers and in containers must be adequate to withstand both road and sea motions
    N b. The generally recommended lash angle cannot be greater than 45 degrees relative to the deck in any direction.
    N c. It is necessary for an adequate number of securing points on the vehicles themselves in order that lashings may be properly and safely utilized.
    Y d. All the above

4162: 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 3.5 tons and 20 tons, when carried on Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. One
    Y b. Two
    N c. Three
    N d. None of the above

4175: Which of the following is NOT necessary, prior to loading or discharging cargo on a Ro-Ro vessel?

    N a. Turn on ventilation for cargo holds.
    N b. Lower the stern ramp.
    Y c. Turn on the red cargo light.
    N d. Raise/open the stern door.

4181: Which lashing gear used aboard Ro-Ro vessels should be painted or soaked in oil when not in use?

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

4222: What does item "C" refer to in this illustration of a 30-ton pedestal crane? (D045DG )

    N a. Equalizing beam
    N b. Hoist fall spreader
    Y c. Rider block
    N d. Block/hook assembly