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.


57: 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 __________.


90: You are on a multiple-product chemical tanker. The loading plan includes cargoes of diethylenetriamine and formamide. Which statement concerning the stowage of these cargoes is TRUE?


98: A hygroscopic cargo is defined as a cargo __________.


167: You are on a large merchant vessel entering a U.S. port. There is a Pilot on board and he has the conn. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The Pilot is solely responsible for the safe maneuvering of the ship only if he is required to be on board by law.
    Y b. The Master is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship and the Pilot is employed for his local knowledge.
    N c. The Pilot is solely responsible for the internal working of the ship.
    N d. The Pilot becomes solely responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel only if the Master relinquishes the conn.

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

267: Which statement is NOT true concerning the stowage of class 1 explosives?

    N a. Class 1.1 explosives may be stowed with class 9 dangerous substances
    N b. Class 1.4 explosives must be "separated from" a stow of class 5.1 oxidizing materials.
    Y c. Class 1.4 explosives may not be stowed in the same hold with class 6.1 poisons.
    N d. Class 1.4 explosives must be "separated from" a stow of class 8 corrosive materials.

370: Cottonseed oil is classed as a __________.

    Y a. combustible liquid
    N b. flammable liquid
    N c. flammable solid
    N d. poison B

417: When inspecting wire rope that has been in use for some time, one must look for __________.

    N a. fishhooks
    N b. kinks
    N c. worn spots
    Y d. All of the above

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

    N a. 86.72 numeral
    N b. 89.98 numeral
    Y c. 91.40 numeral
    N d. 93.18 numeral

461: Where is the best location to install a towing hook?

    N a. Forward of the towing bitts
    N b. On the fantail
    N c. Near the Norman Pins
    Y d. Just aft of amidships

495: Which space(s) is (are) deducted from gross tonnage to derive net tonnage?

    Y a. Boatswain's stores
    N b. Companions and booby hatches
    N c. Passenger spaces
    N d. All of the above

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

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

619: What is NOT a requirement for the safe and effective use of a crude oil washing system?

    N a. Strip all tanks and remove the bottom residue.
    N b. Use an inert gas system while washing tanks.
    Y c. Use portable washing machines to reach areas obscured by structural members in the tanks.
    N d. Decant one meter from the source tank for the tank cleaning machines.

661: The number of certificated lifeboatmen required for a vessel is found on the __________.

    Y a. Certificate of Inspection
    N b. Muster List ("Station Bill")
    N c. lifeboats
    N d. Register or Enrollment

697: What imminent danger results from tripping?

    N a. A crew member being knocked over the side
    Y b. Capsizing your tug
    N c. Your tug being pulled backwards by your tow
    N d. The tow being thrown off course

725: By law, a user of marijuana shall be subject to __________.

    N a. loss of pay during the period of such use
    N b. reprimand by the US Coast Guard
    Y c. revocation of license or certificate
    N d. termination of employment

759: The equipment used to control, protect and connect a towline is called ___________ .

    N a. cat head
    Y b. terminal gear
    N c. level wind
    N d. poured socket

764: Roundline is a __________.

    N a. four-stranded, left- or right-handed line
    Y b. three-stranded, right-handed line
    N c. three-stranded, left-handed line
    N d. small tarred hempline of three strands laid left-handed

786: You are on a single-screw vessel with a right-handed propeller, and you are making headway. When you enter shallow water, __________.

    N a. you will have better rudder response
    N b. your speed will increase without a change in your throttle
    Y c. your rudder response will become sluggish
    N d. your vessel will tend to ride higher

811: When oily ballast has been pumped overboard, an entry must be made in the __________.

    Y a. Oil Record Book
    N b. Official Logbook
    N c. deck rough log
    N d. engine rough log

811: When oily ballast has been pumped overboard, an entry must be made in the __________.

    Y a. Oil Record Book
    N b. Official Logbook
    N c. deck rough log
    N d. engine rough log

876: You intend to overtake a vessel in a narrow channel. As you approach the other vessel's stern __________.

    N a. you will gain speed
    N b. both vessels will gain speed
    Y c. the vessels will drift together
    N d. the vessels will drift apart

877: On which vessels may licensed individuals be required to stand watch under the two-watch system, on voyages of more than 600 miles in length?

    Y a. Uninspected towing vessels
    N b. Offshore supply vessels
    N c. Cargo ships
    N d. Tank vessels

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

915: What is the period of validity of a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate?

    N a. 6 months
    N b. 12 months
    N c. 24 months
    Y d. 60 months

961: Which log includes a statement of the conduct, ability, and character of each crew member on the completion of a voyage?

    Y a. Official Logbook
    N b. Department Logbook
    N c. Crew Logbook
    N d. Smooth Logbook

1059: You are cleaning the tanks after carrying a cargo of crude oil. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. Washing water should be recirculated if possible because it has the same electric potential as the cargo tank being cleaned.
    N b. The hoses to portable cleaning machines should be disconnected before the machines are removed from the tank.
    N c. The principal hazard with steaming cargo tanks is raising the ambient temperature above the flame point of the cargo residue.
    Y d. Steam cleaning and water washing are both capable of generating electrostatic charges within a tank.

1076: You are underway in heavy weather and your bow is into the seas. To prevent pounding, you should __________.

    N a. change course, in order to take the seas at an 85 degree angle from the bow
    Y b. decrease speed
    N c. increase speed
    N d. secure all loose gear

1117: The knot used to form the bridle at the standing part of a gantline rigged to a stage is a __________.

    N a. sheet bend
    N b. carrick bend
    N c. fisherman's bend
    Y d. bowline

1174: Compared to manila line, size for size, nylon line __________.

    N a. has less strength than manila line
    Y b. has more strength than manila line
    N c. is equivalent to manila line
    N d. will rot quicker than manila line

1179: The most likely time for oil pollution while bunkering is when __________.

    Y a. final topping off is occurring
    N b. first starting to receive fuel
    N c. hoses are being blown down
    N d. hoses are disconnected and being capped

1193: The main advantage of a Chinese stopper over the one line stopper is that it __________.

    Y a. will not jam on the mooring line
    N b. is stronger
    N c. is easier to use when under heavy tension
    N d. is safer to use when under heavy tension

1268: The S.S. Ossel Hitch arrives in Capetown, South Africa, and the Master affects a note of protest with the U.S. Consul. Why would the Master affect this document?

    N a. Crew misconduct
    N b. Inability of vessel to comply with voyage charter
    N c. Suspicion of cargo pilferage by crew
    Y d. Suspicion of heavy weather damage to vessel or cargo

1435: Which letter shown represents a clove hitch? (DO30DG )

    Y a. X
    N b. U
    N c. T
    N d. R

1536: When anchoring, it is a common rule of thumb to use a length of chain __________.

    Y a. five to seven times the depth of water
    N b. seven to ten times the depth of water
    N c. twice the depth of water
    N d. twice the depth of water plus the range of tide

1667: When the gyro-pilot is used for steering, what control is adjusted to compensate for varying sea conditions?

    N a. Rudder control
    N b. Sea control
    N c. Lost motion adjustment
    Y d. Weather adjustment

1756: When anchoring a vessel, it is best to release the anchor when __________.

    N a. going full astern
    N b. going full ahead
    Y c. going slow astern
    N d. dead in the water

1951: A case received for shipment is marked as shown. The portion of the symbol indicated by the letter A is _______ . (D043DG )

    Y a. a stowage sequence marking
    N b. the consignee's marking
    N c. a stowage mark, showing the top of the case
    N d. the symbol for toxic contents

1959: A vessel is involved in a casualty. The cost of property damage includes the __________.

    N a. damage claims awarded to individuals or companies involved in the casualty, up to a maximum of $50,000
    N b. loss of revenue while the vessel is being repaired, up to a maximum of $50,000
    Y c. cost of labor and material to restore the vessel to the service condition which existed before the casualty
    N d. All of the above

1988: When towing, what is the main reason for using a chain bridle on a wire hawser?

    N a. It makes for an easy connection.
    Y b. It gives a spring effect to cushion the shock.
    N c. It eliminates the necessity of a swivel.
    N d. It does not chafe.

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

2015: During a period of "whiteout", you should expect which of the following?

    N a. Snowfall or blowing snow
    Y b. Lack of ability to estimate distance
    N c. Harsh contrast between sun-illuminated snow cover and the background
    N d. Hazy horizons with extensive mirage effects

2051: The tankship Northland is loaded as shown. Use the salmon colored pages in the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the sagging numeral. (Get Table Data)

    N a. 81.79 numeral
    N b. 85.02 numeral
    N c. 89.68 numeral
    Y d. 91.92 numeral

2057: While assigned to a 106 GRT vessel, you are required to sign "foreign" articles on a voyage from San Francisco to which port?

    N a. Mazatlan, Mexico (west coast)
    N b. Vera Cruz, Mexico (east coast)
    Y c. New York, NY
    N d. Vancouver, Canada (west coast)

2063: A "spring line" is __________.

    N a. any wire rope used for mooring
    N b. a fire-warp
    Y c. a mooring line running diagonally to the keel
    N d. a mooring line perpendicular to the keel

2171: The order of importance in addressing damage control is __________.

    N a. control flooding, control fire, repair structural damage
    N b. restore vital services, control fire, control flooding
    N c. control fire, restore vital services, control flooding
    Y d. control fire, control flooding, repair structural damage

2356: "Hard right rudder" means __________.

    N a. jam the rudder against the stops
    N b. meet a swing to the right, then return to amidships
    Y c. put the rudder over to the right all the way
    N d. put the rudder over quickly to 15 degrees right rudder

2472: A "liner" in riveted construction of a vessel is a(n) __________.

    Y a. small plate which fills the aperture between riveted strakes and the vessel framing
    N b. backing plate which is used to level the strakes while riveting, and then removed
    N c. internal frame to which the side shell is riveted
    N d. seam that is welded after riveting is completed

2578: According to regulations when, if ever, may cargo hatches on Great Lakes vessels, with more than 6 feet of freeboard, be left uncovered or open while the vessel is being navigated?

    N a. If a Mate deems it necessary for ship's maintenance
    Y b. At the discretion of the Master, for reasonable purposes
    N c. On the authority of the Bosun
    N d. The hatch may never be uncovered

2656: What is an example of the term "Restraint of Rulers, Princes, or Peoples" in a marine insurance policy?

    Y a. A prohibition from loading a cargo from a country when the cargo may be a carrier of infectious diseases.
    N b. Arrest of a vessel by legal authorities to satisfy claims through exercise of a maritime lien.
    N c. Damage caused by riot of the population of a port.
    N d. Losses caused by fines from polluting the harbor after malfunction of a piping system.

2922: A long pole with a hook at one end, used to reach for lines, is known as a __________.

    Y a. pike pole
    N b. jack staff
    N c. line rod
    N d. hooker

2948: An icebreaker assisting a vessel through an ice field would display a visual signal consisting of the code letter "S" (Sierra) to signify that "________________".

    N a. I am altering my course to starboard
    N b. I am altering my course to port
    Y c. I am operating astern propulsion
    N d. My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water

2990: When cutting regular-lay wire rope, what is the minimum number of seizings to be placed on each side of the cut?

    N a. One
    N b. Two, and three on rope diameters over 1 inch
    Y c. Three, and more on larger diameter wire ropes
    N d. Four

3126: Your tankship is carrying a cargo of styrene. Which of the following is NOT a requirement for carriage of this cargo?

    Y a. P/V valves with galvanized parts must be replaced.
    N b. Authorization to carry styrene must be endorsed on the Certificate of Inspection.
    N c. You must have a "Certificate of Inhibition" provided by the shipper.
    N d. The cargo tank heating coils must be blanked off.

3132: What may prevent a tug from tripping or capsizing when towing a large vessel?

    N a. Surge lines
    Y b. Norman Pins
    N c. Under riders
    N d. Safety shackles

3180: A license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard for Master of Towing Vessels is valid for __________.

    N a. 2 years and must be renewed
    N b. 3 years and must be renewed
    Y c. 5 years and must be renewed
    N d. life and need not be renewed

3248: The rope which is the lightest is __________.

    N a. manila
    N b. nylon
    Y c. polypropylene
    N d. dacron

3514: Which type of anchor is depicted? (D038DG )

    N a. Stock
    N b. Danforth
    Y c. Patent
    N d. Old-fashioned

3682: The boom indicator tells the operator at what angle the boom is compared to the __________.

    Y a. horizontal position of the boom
    N b. vertical position of the boom
    N c. horizontal position of the load being lifted
    N d. vertical position of the load being lifted

4127: Which lashing device(s) would be used in securing heavy vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Buckle or ratchet tensioner
    N b. Webbing
    Y c. Chain
    N d. All of the above