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.


101: You can safely step in the bight of a line __________.


113: During the course of a voyage, a seaman falls on the main deck and injures his ankle. The Master should submit a Report of Marine Accident, Injury or Death if the __________.


158: A claim for cargo damages may be held against the ship owner if such damage is the result of failure of the ship's officers to __________.


257: The distance between the surface of the liquid and the tank top in a cargo tank is called __________.

    N a. thievage
    N b. innage
    Y c. ullage
    N d. tankage

268: When a deck cargo is secured with chain or wire lashings and grab (pear) links, which statement is FALSE?

    Y a. The amount of take-up is limited by the length of the turnbuckle.
    N b. At the grab (pear) link, the slack end of chain should be led back and secured to the chain above the link.
    N c. The lashings should be inspected each day and any slack taken up.
    N d. The turnbuckle should be secured with a stick or lock nuts.

415: A person is found operating a vessel while intoxicated. He/she is liable for __________.

    N a. imprisonment for up to one year
    N b. a civil penalty of not more than $1,000
    N c. a fine of not more than $2,000
    Y d. a civil penalty of not more than $5,000

433: When a tow is trimmed by the stern it is said to __________.

    N a. hog
    N b. sag
    Y c. drag
    N d. list

497: Which type of fiber towing hawser is preferred for towing astern?

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

515: When compared to a fiber towing hawser, what is NOT an advantage of a wire towing hawser?

    N a. Wire is easy to handle when properly spooled on the drum of a towing winch.
    Y b. Wire has more spring and shock resistance than fiber.
    N c. Wire can be used to tow heavier loads because of its smaller diameter and more manageable size.
    N d. Wire is subject to less deterioration if properly maintained.

531: Spring loaded towing hooks are used in towing to __________.

    N a. absorb and cushion the shock of towing
    N b. prevent whiplash
    Y c. trip and release when the pull of the towing hawser exceeds a predetermined limit
    N d. make it easier to attach and release the tow

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

588: Because of the arrangement of the cell guides, the MOST important factor while loading containers is the __________.

    N a. contents of the container
    Y b. list of the vessel
    N c. size of the shoreside crane
    N d. weight of the container

592: When a helmsman receives the command "Right 15 degrees rudder," the helmsman's immediate reply should be __________.

    Y a. "Right 15 degrees rudder"
    N b. "Aye Aye Sir"
    N c. "Rudder is right 15 degrees"
    N d. No reply is necessary, just carry out the order.

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

750: On a single-screw vessel the stern frame _____________,

    Y a. furnishes support to the rudder, propeller shaft, and transom frame
    N b. provides foundations for after mooring winches
    N c. provides foundations for the main propulsion engines
    N d. transfers the driving force of the propeller to the hull

778: What is the stowage factor of a commodity whose density is 15 pounds per cubic foot?

    N a. 15
    N b. 45
    N c. 133
    Y d. 149

981: When a vessel is entering or leaving a port, a record of engine speeds is kept in the __________.

    Y a. bell book
    N b. deck rough log
    N c. Official Logbook
    N d. engine rough log

1180: The regulations require that inspected vessels on an international voyage, other than small passenger vessels, must carry which of the following distress signals on or near the navigating bridge?

    N a. 12 hand red flares
    Y b. 12 rocket parachute flares
    N c. 12 hand combination flares and orange smoke signals
    N d. 6 hand red flares, and 6 hand orange smoke signals

1184: A new coil of nylon line should be opened by __________.

    N a. pulling the end up through the eye of the coil
    N b. uncoiling from the outside with the coil standing on end
    N c. taking a strain on both ends
    Y d. unreeling from a spool

1223: The organization that certifies the safe working load of cargo cranes on a vessel is the __________.

    Y a. classification society
    N b. National Cargo Bureau
    N c. U.S. Coast Guard
    N d. none of the above

1250: The floors in a vessel's hull structure are kept from tripping, or folding over, by __________.

    N a. face plates
    Y b. bottom longitudinals
    N c. longitudinal deck beams
    N d. transverse deck beams

1278: The document that establishes the facts of a casualty and is the prima facie relief from liability for the damage is the __________.

    N a. adjuster's report
    N b. insurance policy
    N c. invoice
    Y d. Master's protest

1288: A document used to indicate suspected cargo damage caused by rough weather would be the __________.

    N a. cargo report
    N b. hull damage report
    Y c. Master's Note of Protest
    N d. Unseaworthy Certificate

1324: The forecastle card is a(n) __________.

    Y a. copy of the shipping agreement
    N b. quarters allocation
    N c. Muster List ("Station Bill")
    N d. unlicensed shipping card from the union

1393: Your vessel's operators send a message that your vessel has been consigned to Naval Control of Shipping. The message will refer you to __________.

    N a. the Light List
    Y b. Radio Aids to Navigation (PUB 117)
    N c. the International Code of Signals (PUB 102)
    N d. the Coast Pilot

1466: When dropping anchor, you are stationed at the windlass brake. The most important piece(s) of gear is(are) __________.

    N a. a hard hat
    N b. a long sleeve shirt
    N c. gloves
    Y d. goggles

1512: 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. R (ROUTINE)
    N b. Z (FLASH)
    Y c. O (IMMEDIATE)
    N d. P (PRIORITY)

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

1609: For vessels fitted with cargo gear, an initial test of the units under a proof load shall be conducted. Subsequent tests and exams of the same nature shall be carried out at what time interval?

    N a. 1 year
    N b. 3 years
    N c. 4 years
    Y d. 5 years

1627: A claim for cargo damages may be held against the shipowner if such damage is the result of failure of the ship's officers to __________.

    Y a. ensure the fitness and safety of cargo spaces
    N b. ensure adequate packaging of the cargo
    N c. prevent delays due to quarantine restrictions
    N d. correct all defects in the ship's construction

1632: In which casualty case is it UNNECESSARY to notify the local Coast Guard Marine Safety Office?

    Y a. Your vessel strikes a pier and does $1,500 damage to the pier but none to the vessel.
    N b. A nylon mooring line parts while the vessel is tied up and kills a harbor worker who was on the pier.
    N c. A seaman is injured and in the hospital for four days.
    N d. Your vessel is backing from a dock and runs aground, but is pulled off by tugs in 30 minutes.

1696: Mooring with two bow anchors has which major advantage over anchoring with one bow anchor?

    N a. The vessel will not reverse direction in a tidal current.
    Y b. The radius of the vessel's swing will be shortened.
    N c. A mooring approach may be made from any direction.
    N d. The vessel will not swing with a change in wind.

1714: A "sheepshank" is used to __________.

    N a. keep a line from fraying
    N b. join lines of unequal size
    N c. stop off a line
    Y d. shorten a line

1714: A "sheepshank" is used to __________.

    N a. keep a line from fraying
    N b. join lines of unequal size
    N c. stop off a line
    Y d. shorten a line

1991: Using the graph shown, if the dry bulb temperature is 91°, and the wet bulb temperature is 87°, what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? (D008DG )

    N a. 79%
    Y b. 85%
    N c. 91%
    N d. 98%

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

2284: In determining the scope of anchor line to pay out when anchoring a small boat, one must consider the __________.

    N a. charted depth of water only
    Y b. depth of water, including tidal differences
    N c. type of line being used for the anchor rope
    N d. type of anchor being used

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%

2629: Each open lifeboat carried on a vessel on an international voyage must have __________.

    N a. hand-propelling gear
    Y b. a davit span with at least 2 lifelines
    N c. a mast and a sail
    N d. a motor

2632: The horizontal flat surfaces where the upper stock joins the rudder are the __________.

    N a. rudder keys
    Y b. rudder palms
    N c. lifting flanges
    N d. shoes of the rudder

2722: "Limber" is a term associated with __________.

    N a. emergency gear
    Y b. drainage
    N c. deck cargo storage
    N d. securing gear

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

2862: What is used to prevent accidental flooding of a double bottom or peak tanks in the event of a pipe rupture due to collision?

    N a. Separate lines are provided for filling and pumping these tanks.
    N b. Pipe lines must run vertically from the tank to a point above the margin line before turning fore or aft towards the pump.
    N c. All tanks must be served by the fewest possible number of pipes to reduce the possibility of rupture.
    Y d. Suction lines are fitted with a non-return valve

2862: What is used to prevent accidental flooding of a double bottom or peak tanks in the event of a pipe rupture due to collision?

    N a. Separate lines are provided for filling and pumping these tanks.
    N b. Pipe lines must run vertically from the tank to a point above the margin line before turning fore or aft towards the pump.
    N c. All tanks must be served by the fewest possible number of pipes to reduce the possibility of rupture.
    Y d. Suction lines are fitted with a non-return valve

2869: When more than one vessel is being assisted by an icebreaker, distances between vessels should be constant. Which signal should be given by a vessel which is ahead of another and whose speed suddenly begins to drop?

    N a. Four short blast on the whistle
    N b. A flag hoist consisting of the code figure "4"
    Y c. A flag hoist consisting of the code figure "5"
    N d. A flag hoist consisting of the code letters "FE" (Foxtrot-Echo)

2924: You are on a large vessel fitted with a right-handed controllable-pitch propeller set at maximum forward pitch. Which statement about reversing is TRUE?

    N a. When the pitch is reversed, the stern will slew to port even with headway.
    N b. The vessel will respond to the rudder until sternway is developed, then the stern will slew to starboard.
    Y c. There will probably be a loss of steering control.
    N d. The vessel will have full rudder control throughout the speed change from ahead to astern.

3085: Naval Control of Shipping (NCS) publications should be __________.

    N a. in the Master's custody
    N b. safely stowed
    N c. turned over to the relieving Master
    Y d. All of the above

3270: A vessel is tide rode when it is __________.

    N a. carrying extra rudder to compensate for the current
    N b. necessary to adjust the course steered to allow for the current
    Y c. at anchor and stemming the current
    N d. being forced off of a pier by the hydraulic effect of the current

3291: The riding pawl is __________.

    N a. a safety interlock in a cargo winch that prevents the runner from overspeeding
    Y b. a stopper that prevents the anchor cable from running free if the cable jumps the wildcat
    N c. the device that locks the deck lashings of the Peck and Hale system
    N d. the lug that rides on the eccentric rib and engages the locking ring on the windlass

3439: Horizontal fore or aft motion of a vessel is known as __________.

    N a. pitch
    Y b. surge
    N c. sway
    N d. roll

3565: The safety stopper that prevents the anchor cable from running free if the cable jumps the wildcat is the __________.

    Y a. riding pawl
    N b. devil's claw
    N c. buckler plate
    N d. spill pipe

3631: The number of certificated able seamen and lifeboatmen required on board is listed in the __________.

    Y a. Certificate of Inspection
    N b. American Bureau of Shipping code
    N c. Muster List ("Station Bill")
    N d. Safety of Life at Sea Convention

3691: On the cargo manifest, the gross weight of a box containing cargo is the weight of the __________.

    N a. cargo
    N b. box
    Y c. cargo and box
    N d. rate weight

3710: A new crewman reports on board. He must be trained in the use of the ship's lifesaving appliances within what time period?

    N a. 2 months
    N b. 1 month
    Y c. 2 weeks
    N d. Before sailing

4012: The purpose of item G is to __________. (D024DG )

    N a. distribute the vessel's thrust over a wider area
    N b. prevent the towboat from capsizing if item I should part
    Y c. prevent the knee from shifting when the rudder is put hard over
    N d. keep the barges from shifting fore and aft

4115: Entries should be made in a Ro-Ro vessel’s cargo-securing device record book for __________.

    N a. procedures for accepting cargo securing devices
    N b. procedures for maintaining and repairing cargo-securing devices
    N c. record of cargo securing device inspections
    Y d. All of the above

4233: The 30 ton capacity pedestal cranes shown in the illustration can lift a maximum weight of how many tons when two cranes are married together in twin with the other pair of cranes at the opposite end of the hatch? (D051DG )

    N a. 30 tons
    N b. 60 tons
    N c. 90 tons
    Y d. 120 tons

4267: Which statement is TRUE concerning the tandem working arrangement of pedestal cranes when completing a quad lift?

    Y a. The discharge is slow due to the size of the cargo and all the cranes working together.
    N b. The cargo discharge can be accomplished with controlled pendulation.
    N c. The cargo discharge can be performed in port or at anchor.
    N d. The cranes enable the handling of heavy cargos without shoreside assistance.

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

4443: You are signing on a deck officer, who will be designated as one of the GMDSS operators, before sailing foreign. Which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. He/she must have an STCW certificate endorsed as "Valid for Service on Vessels Operating in the GMDSS System".
    N b. He/she must present either an FCC-issued license or a Coast Guard-issued license.
    N c. You must consult the "List of Qualifications" on the reverse of his/her FCC-issued license.
    N d. His/her Merchant Mariners Document must have an added endorsement as "Radio Electronics Officer".