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 __________.


116: In relation to the turning circle of a ship, the term "transfer" means the distance __________.


290: What is NOT a form used by ice support services to disseminate information?


306: You are aboard a single-screw vessel with a right-handed propeller. The vessel is dead in the water and the rudder is amidships. If you reverse your engine you would expect your vessel to __________.

    Y a. kick its stern to port
    N b. kick its stern to starboard
    N c. move astern without swinging
    N d. swing its stern to starboard, then to port

319: Static electricity may be built up by the __________.

    N a. flow of petroleum through pipes
    N b. spraying or splashing of petroleum
    N c. settling of solids or water in petroleum
    Y d. All of the above

332: The helm command "Meet her" means __________.

    N a. steer more carefully
    Y b. use rudder to check the swing
    N c. decrease the existing rudder angle
    N d. note the course and steady on that heading

366: When backing down with sternway, the pivot point of a vessel is __________.

    N a. at the bow
    N b. about one-third of the vessel's length from the bow
    Y c. about one-quarter of the vessel's length from the stern
    N d. aft of the propellers

445: Where are the towing bitts best placed for towing purposes?

    N a. Near the centerline and over the rudders
    N b. On each side of the vessel near the stern
    Y c. Forward of the rudder post and close to the tug's center of pivot
    N d. As far aft as possible

451: What is official proof of a vessel's ownership?

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

465: Which structural members improve a towing vessel's chance of surviving punctured shell plating?

    N a. Stringers
    N b. Longitudinals
    Y c. Transverse watertight bulkheads
    N d. The rake

524: The purpose of the stripping bar on an anchor windlass is to __________.

    N a. clean off any mud that may have accumulated on the chain
    N b. engage or disengage the wildcat
    N c. fairlead the chain from the hawsepipe to the wildcat
    Y d. prevent the chain from fouling the wildcat

552: Which type of bridle is the most effective for a heavy ocean tow?

    N a. Nylon because of its strength
    N b. Polypropylene because it floats and is easier to handle
    Y c. Stud link anchor chain for chafe resistance and strength
    N d. Wire rope for flexibility and strength

603: To reduce the amount of catenary you may __________.

    Y a. shorten the hawser or increase the tug's speed
    N b. lengthen the hawser or reduce the tug's speed
    N c. place your tug in irons
    N d. make a sharp turn

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.

A dark appearance of the sky: A yellowish glare in the sky

    Y a. The presence of seals or certain type birds
    N b.
    N c.
    N d.

659: You are planning to use the crude oil washing system on your tankship. What is required to prevent electrostatic buildup in the tanks?

    N a. The portable machines must be set at the proper drop for the first wash before the fixed machines are used.
    Y b. The source tank for the tank cleaning machines must have least one meter decanted from it.
    N c. The inert gas system must reduce the oxygen content in the tanks to a maximum of 18%.
    N d. The fixed machines must be operated simultaneously with the portable machines to equalize the electrostatic potential.

671: A Permit to Proceed is issued by the __________.

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. National Cargo Bureau
    Y c. U.S. Coast Guard
    N d. U.S. Department of Labor

673: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "C" is called a __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. shore line
    Y b. breast line
    N c. spring line
    N d. stern line

774: The strongest of the natural fibers is __________.

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

837: When may foreign licensed or documented personnel be employed on a US-flag towing vessel?

    Y a. While on a foreign voyage and outside US jurisdiction, in order to meet manning requirements
    N b. While operating above the US outer continental shelf
    N c. On vessels operating on domestic voyages only
    N d. Never, under any circumstances

874: Which type of line would have the LEAST resistance to mildew and rot?

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

891: A seaman assaults the Second Mate and injures him with a beer bottle while the ship is at sea. The incident is logged in the Official Logbook. In subsequent suspension and revocation proceedings against the seaman, according to the regulations, __________.

    N a. the Second Mate and the Master must testify as to the facts of the assault
    N b. the case will be dismissed if the logbook entries are improperly made
    Y c. the logbook entry is prima facie evidence of the facts if it complies with the law
    N d. the logbook is inadmissible if the logbook entries do not conform to the law

922: You are on watch at sea at night, and a fire breaks out in #3 hold. What would you NOT do immediately?

    N a. Shut down the cargo hold ventilation.
    N b. Sound the fire alarm signal to rouse out all hands.
    N c. Call the Master.
    Y d. Proceed to the space and inspect the extent of the fire.

949: Cargo pump relief valves are piped to the __________.

    N a. cargo pump pressure gauges
    N b. crossover lines interconnecting two pumps
    Y c. suction side of pumps
    N d. atmosphere through pump vents

952: You have orders to load cargoes of carbon disulfide, diisopropylamine and pyridine on your multi-product tankship. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. Carbon disulfide may be carried in NOS. 1 and 2 center tanks and diisopropylamine in NOS. 1 and 2 wing tanks.
    N b. Pyridine and diisopropylamine may be carried in tanks having a common header vent.
    Y c. Pyridine need not be separated from carbon disulfide by two barriers (cofferdams, voids, empty tanks, etc.).
    N d. A tank of carbon disulfide may be used to separate a tank of pyridine from a tank of diisopropylamine.

1003: You are on a containership. The cargo includes a container of small arms ammunition, a container of lead-acid storage batteries and a container of methyl acetylene bottles. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The storage batteries must be stowed on deck away from the ammunition.
    N b. The storage batteries must be at least ten horizontal feet away from the methyl acetylene.
    N c. The ammunition must be separated from the methyl acetylene by at least one hold.
    Y d. No separation is required because freight containers are exempted.

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

1151: The term used in levying customs duties when such are fixed at rates proportioned to estimated value of goods concerned is __________.

    Y a. ad valorem
    N b. infinite
    N c. secure
    N d. specific

1155: In the context of shiphandling, what would be the definition of shallow water?

    Y a. Water depth of less than twice a vessel's draft
    N b. Water depth of less than 1½ times a vessel's draft
    N c. Under keel clearance of twice a vessel's draft
    N d. Under keel clearance of less than 10 feet

1421: The charterer has completed loading the vessel in 3 days instead of the 5 days agreed to in the charter party. As a result of this, the __________.

    N a. shipowner may charge for two lay days
    Y b. charterer may receive dispatch money
    N c. stevedore may collect demurrage
    N d. consignee may be required to pay a ceaser fee

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

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

1528: You are being towed by one tug. As you lengthen the bridle legs you __________.

    N a. increase your chances of breaking the towing hawser
    Y b. reduce the yawing of your vessel
    N c. reduce the spring effect of the tow connection
    N d. increase your chances of breaking the bridle legs

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.

1672: You are to load a consignment of lumber. Each piece measures 2-inches thick, 10-inches wide and 16-feet long. There are 30,000 pieces in the shipment. How many board feet would be listed on the Bill of Lading?

    Y a. 800,000
    N b. 1,200,000
    N c. 1,440,000
    N d. 14,400,000

1679: Manila slings should not be used to load __________.

    N a. cotton
    N b. lumber
    Y c. steel
    N d. tires

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.

1784: The "rolling hitch" could be used to __________.

    N a. join two lines of different sizes
    N b. join two lines of equal sizes
    N c. add strength to a weak spot in a line
    Y d. act as a stopper to transfer a line under strain

1818: When comparing twin screw tug to single-screw tugs, which statement about a twin-screw tug is FALSE?

    N a. If one engine fails, you do not lose control of the tow.
    N b. It is more maneuverable.
    Y c. It develops more bollard pull for the same horsepower.
    N d. It is generally subject to more propeller damage from debris in the water.

1822: What is the principal danger in attempting to swing a barge on a hawser in order to slow the barge's speed?

    N a. Dangerous wakes may result from the swinging barge and capsize the tug.
    N b. The barge may swing too quickly and run over the tug.
    N c. Free surface effect of liquid inside the barge may rupture the barge bulkheads if the turn is too quick.
    Y d. The barge may pass under the hawser and capsize the tug.

1841: If a tow sinks in shallow water, you should __________.

    N a. release it immediately
    N b. attempt to beach it before it goes under
    Y c. pay out cable until it's on the bottom and place a buoy on the upper end
    N d. shorten cable to keep it off the bottom

1887: A small light tackle with blocks of steel or wood that is used for miscellaneous small jobs is called a __________.

    N a. snatch block
    N b. threefold purchase
    Y c. handy-billy
    N d. chockablock

2045: When relieving the helm, the new helmsman will find it helpful to know the __________.

    N a. deviation on that heading
    N b. variation in the area
    N c. leeway
    Y d. amount of helm carried for a steady course

2114: All handling and stowage of packaged hazardous materials on board a domestic vessel engaged in foreign trade shall be done under the supervision of __________.

    N a. a U.S. Coast Guard Marine Inspector
    Y b. an officer assigned to the vessel
    N c. the American Bureau of Shipping
    N d. the National Cargo Bureau

2149: When anchoring in a clay bottom, what is one hazard that may cause the anchor to drag?

    N a. The flukes may dig in unevenly and capsize the anchor when under stress.
    N b. The flukes may not dig in.
    Y c. The anchor may get shod with clay and not develop full holding power.
    N d. The anchor will tend to dig in and come to rest near the vertical.

2151: Many dangerous cargoes are stowed on deck because of the __________.

    N a. danger to crew and cargo
    N b. necessity of periodic inspection
    N c. possible need to jettison
    Y d. All of the above

2231: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 2? (DO29DG )

    N a. 0.5
    N b. 1
    Y c. 2
    N d. 3

2300: In the stowage of deck cargo, "cribbing" is __________.

    Y a. placed on deck to support the cargo
    N b. separation pieces used to keep cylinders upright and steady
    N c. shims for stowing baled cargo
    N d. nets placed across the hatch opening to keep the cargo from falling in the hatch

2342: How many tons of salt water can be loaded into a flat ended cylindrical tank with a diameter of 3 feet and a length of 8 feet?

    Y a. 1.62
    N b. 1.98
    N c. 3.23
    N d. 6.46

2347: What is an advantage of having wire rope with a fiber core over that of a wire rope of the same size with a wire core?

    N a. Fiber core rope offers greater strength.
    Y b. Fiber core rope offers greater flexibility.
    N c. Fiber core rope can be used at higher operating temperatures.
    N d. Fiber core rope is the only type authorized for cargo runners.

2494: The major components which determine the length of a catenary in a deployed anchor cable are water depth, cable weight, and __________.

    Y a. cable tension
    N b. water temperature
    N c. bottom conditions
    N d. water density

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

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

2745: While standing look-out at night, a dim light on the horizon will be seen quickest by looking __________.

    Y a. a little above the horizon
    N b. directly towards the light
    N c. a little below the horizon
    N d. quickly above then quickly below the horizon

2783: The effect of ocean current is usually more evident on a tug and tow than on a tug navigating independently because the __________.

    Y a. speed of the tug and tow is less
    N b. towline catches the current
    N c. current causes yawing
    N d. current will offset the tow

2918: What is the period of validity of a De-Rat certificate?

    N a. Specific voyage
    Y b. 6 months
    N c. 1 year
    N d. 2 years

3494: Nylon rope is often used in the makeup of a towline because it __________.

    N a. floats
    Y b. stretches
    N c. handles easily
    N d. resists rot

3520: A situation has occurred where it becomes necessary for you to be towed. What action should be taken to prevent your vessel from yawing?

    N a. Shift weight to the bow
    N b. Shift weight to the center of the boat
    Y c. Shift weight to the stern
    N d. Throw excess weight overboard

4133: What is used when securing light vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Chain lever or turnbuckle
    N b. Chain
    N c. Wire
    Y d. None of these

4208: What is the purpose of the equalizing beam aboard a crane vessel?

    N a. It allows for rotation of the hook in the single mode.
    Y b. It is required to "twin-up" 30-ton pedestal cranes.
    N c. It is used to pick up light loads.
    N d. It is used to rigidly connect two cranes.

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".