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.


34: Your vessel has been loaded in a sagging condition. Enroute you encounter heavy weather and notice buckling in the midships deck plating of your vessel. To relieve the strain you could __________.


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?


126: The distance a vessel moves parallel to the original course from the point where the rudder is put over to any point on the turning circle is called the __________.


153: The proper way to correct a mistake in the logbook is to __________.

    N a. erase the entry and rewrite
    N b. draw several lines through the entry, rewrite, and initial the correction
    N c. completely black out the entry, rewrite, and initial the correction
    Y d. draw one line through the entry, rewrite, and initial the correction

216: As a ship moves through the water, it drags with it a body of water called the wake. The ratio of the wake speed to the ship's speed is called __________.

    N a. propeller velocity
    N b. speed of advance
    N c. wake distribution
    Y d. wake fraction

470: A fiber towing hawser should be stowed __________.

    Y a. in an enclosed rope locker with adequate air circulation
    N b. by spooling it on the winch
    N c. by coiling it on deck
    N d. by hanging it in the engineroom

485: To clean a dirty fiber towing hawser used in ocean towing, you should __________.

    N a. use lye or other mild detergent
    Y b. wash it with fresh water, dry and store it
    N c. wash it with salt water
    N d. use cleaning fluid on nylon, dacron and other synthetic lines

549: Your vessel is taking on cargo oil when a small leak develops in the hose. You order the pumping stopped. Before you resume pumping, you should __________.

    N a. notify the terminal superintendent
    N b. place a large drip pan under the leak and plug the scuppers
    N c. repair the hose with a patch
    Y d. replace the hose

645: A vessel's Certificate of Documentation __________.

    N a. may be retained by the owner at the home port OR kept on the vessel
    N b. must be posted under transparent material in the pilothouse
    Y c. must be carried on board
    N d. must be kept on file at the corporate offices of the owner or operator

663: While towing astern, if your towing hawser becomes taut it results in __________.

    N a. more catenary in the towing hawser
    Y b. less catenary in the towing hawser
    N c. more yaw
    N d. less yaw

688: Who would normally certify that all preparations have been made and all regulations observed prior to loading a cargo of bulk grain?

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. U.S. Coast Guard
    Y c. National Cargo Bureau
    N d. Master of the vessel

722: A tow can override its tug as a result of __________.

    N a. a mechanical breakdown on the tug
    N b. adverse tidal current conditions
    N c. the tug reducing its speed
    Y d. All of the above

743: A heavy steel curved arch constructed athwartships and above the after deck on a towing vessel is sometimes called a __________.

    N a. towing arch
    N b. jockey bar
    N c. chafing bar
    Y d. Dutch tow bar

867: Who may perform as a lookout?

    N a. A member of the engineering watch
    Y b. A member of the navigational watch
    N c. A member of the Stewards Department
    N d. All of the above

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

1033: Each crewmember has an assigned firefighting station. This assignment is shown on the __________.

    N a. fire fighting plan
    N b. shipping articles
    N c. Certificate of Inspection
    Y d. muster list

1087: The turning circle of a vessel is the path followed by the __________.

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

1149: You are on anchor watch. As an aid to preventing thievery on the vessel you should __________.

    N a. show running lights, anchor lights and deck lights
    N b. only show the required anchor lights and keep the rest of the vessel darkened
    N c. maintain water on deck with firehoses led out and all-purpose nozzles attached
    Y d. show anchor lights, deck lights and cargo lights hung over the vessel's side

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

1166: You are 15 feet off a pier and docking a vessel using only a bow and stern breast line. Once the slack is out of both lines you begin to haul in on the bow breast line. What is the effect on the vessel?

    N a. The bow will come in and the stern will go out.
    N b. The whole ship moves toward the pier.
    Y c. The bow will come in and the stern will remain the same distance off the pier.
    N d. The stern will come in and the bow will remain the same distance off the pier.

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

1233: You are on watch while your vessel is entering port with a pilot conning. The pilot gives a steering command to the helmsman who fails to acknowledge it by repeating the command. You should immediately __________.

    N a. notify the Master
    N b. ask the Pilot to repeat the command since the helmsman failed to hear it
    N c. tell the helmsman to ask the Pilot to repeat any command that he fails to hear or understand
    Y d. repeat the Pilot's command and ensure that the helmsman repeats it exactly

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

1439: Which part provides for transverse control and positioning of a boom in a conventional yard and stay system?

    Y a. Guy
    N b. Shroud
    N c. Spider
    N d. Topping lift

1520: A welded joint's effectiveness is considered __________.

    N a. 48%
    N b. 90%
    Y c. 100%
    N d. 121%

1520: A welded joint's effectiveness is considered __________.

    N a. 48%
    N b. 90%
    Y c. 100%
    N d. 121%

1560: Which arrangement of shell plating is used most in modern shipbuilding?

    N a. Clinker
    Y b. Flush
    N c. In-and-Out
    N d. Joggled

1561: The Master of any vessel bound on a voyage must apply to a district court when an allegation of unseaworthiness has been made to the Master by __________.

    N a. any member of the crew of the vessel
    N b. any two officers of the vessel and a majority of the crew
    Y c. the First and Second Officers of the vessel or a majority of the crew
    N d. the First Officer of the vessel

1600: A person who sees someone fall overboard should __________.

    Y a. call for help and keep the individual in sight
    N b. immediately jump in the water to assist the individual
    N c. run to the radio room to send an emergency message
    N d. go to the bridge for the distress flares

1741: The load line regulations are administered by the __________.

    Y a. U.S. Coast Guard
    N b. Maritime Administration
    N c. Lloyd's Register of Shipping
    N d. National Cargo Bureau

1772: What is the volume in a cone with a base diameter of 32 feet and a height of 21 feet?

    N a. 8,444.60 cubic ft.
    N b. 7,732.81 cubic ft.
    Y c. 5,629.73 cubic ft.
    N d. 703.72 cubic ft.

1852: What is normally used to pass a mooring line to a dock?

    N a. Distance line
    N b. Gantline
    Y c. Heaving line
    N d. Tag line

1860: A towline should be fastened to __________.

    N a. the chocks at the bow of a towed vessel
    N b. the most forward, centermost point of a towed vessel such as a sturdy bow rail
    N c. the mast of a towed sailboat
    Y d. a secure fitting near the bow of the towed vessel

1930: The holding capabilities of an anchor are determined PRIMARILY by the __________.

    N a. design of the anchor
    N b. weight of the anchor
    Y c. scope of the anchor chain
    N d. size of the vessel

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

2014: You are using tackle number 12, as shown, to lift a weight. The hauling part of this tackle is bent to the weight hook (w) of tackle number 2. What is the mechanical advantage of this rig? (D029DG )

    N a. 9
    N b. 10
    Y c. 14
    N d. 21

2145: The fo'c'sle card __________.

    N a. is posted in the crews quarters and lists the emergency stations
    Y b. advises the crew of the conditions of employment
    N c. is also known as a Merchant Mariner's Document
    N d. designates the quarters a seaman will occupy during a voyage

2199: What is the name of tackle number 2? (DO29DG )

    N a. Whip
    N b. Onefold purchase
    N c. Single purchase
    Y d. Gun tackle

2201: When referring to dry bulk cargoes, the term "flow state" __________.

    N a. designates the state of a commodity when the ship is heeled past the angle of repose
    N b. relates to the suitability of loading a cargo by flowing down inclined chutes
    Y c. refers to the saturation of a dry bulk product with water to the point where it acts as a liquid
    N d. relates to the minimum granule size of a particular product where it will flow like a liquid at an angle of 30°

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%

2493: Your U.S. tankship is designed to carry anhydrous ammonia in bulk. The keel was laid in 1980. Which statement concerning the carriage of this cargo is TRUE?

    N a. A flammable gas detection system must be installed in each cargo pump room.
    N b. Tanks may not be located "on deck".
    N c. Carriage of this cargo is authorized by issuance of an IMO Certificate.
    Y d. Aluminum and copper alloys are prohibited from being in valve parts in contact with the cargo.

2521: The period of roll is the time difference between __________.

    N a. zero inclination to full inclination on one side
    N b. full inclination on one side to full inclination on the other side
    Y c. full inclination on one side to the next full inclination on the same side
    N d. zero inclination to the next zero inclination

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.

2599: When several salvors are on-scene at the same time to assist a vessel that has not been abandoned, which principal governs the decision as to which one's services will be accepted?

    Y a. The Master of the ship needing assistance has the absolute right to decide.
    N b. The first salvor on-scene has the prior claim providing he has adequate facilities to assist the vessel needing assistance.
    N c. The salvors must agree to a division of any salvage among themselves with the major share allotted to those doing the most work.
    N d. The first salvor on-scene has the absolute right to provide assistance; however, he is liable if the ship is lost due to his lack of experience, equipment, etc.

2601: To determine the number of inflatable liferafts required on a vessel, you should check the __________.

    N a. Load Line Certificate
    N b. SOLAS Certificate
    N c. Stability Letter
    Y d. Certificate of Inspection

2814: Your vessel is crossing a river on the Great Lakes System. A power-driven vessel is ascending the river, crossing your course from port to starboard. Which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. The vessel ascending the river has the right of way.
    N b. Your vessel has the right of way, but you are directed not to impede the other vessel.
    N c. The other vessel must hold as necessary to allow you to pass.
    N d. You are required to propose the manner of passage.

3012: Which statement about the ventilation of bulk coal is TRUE?

    N a. Coal should not be ventilated; all oxygen should be excluded from the cargo.
    N b. Coal should be through-ventilated to remove methane and reduce the heat of spontaneous combustion.
    N c. Coal should be ventilated only if temperatures in the center of the cargo exceed 125°F.
    Y d. Coal should be surface ventilated only.

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.

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.

3328: The vertical motion of a floating vessel is known as __________.

    N a. surge
    N b. sway
    Y c. heave
    N d. yaw

3350: It is not advisable to use nylon for alongside towing because it __________.

    Y a. stretches too much
    N b. is too expensive for everyday towing usage
    N c. binds on the cleats
    N d. parts too readily

3560: What should look-outs report?

    N a. Discolored water
    N b. Shoals
    N c. Floating objects
    Y d. All of the above

3606: A spreader bar is used to __________.

    N a. increase the lifting capacity
    N b. increase the lifting radius
    N c. protect the slings
    Y d. protect the upper part of a load

4070: Small floes of rough, hummocky sea ice capable of damaging a vessel __________.

    Y a. can usually be detected by radar in a smooth sea at a range of 4 to 6 kilometers
    N b. are indistinguishable from sea return on the PPI
    N c. are invisible to radar when covered with a thick layer of snow
    N d. are usually seen at night before they are close enough to provide a radar echo

4071: The head block is located___________.

    N a. at the base of the boom
    Y b. at the head of the boom
    N c. at the head of the mast
    N d. on top of the jack staff

4112: What is(are) standard operating procedure(s) used on a Ro-Ro vessel?

    N a. One engineer officer assigned to oversee the initial loading and lashing
    N b. Cargo lashings may be removed at sea for maintenance
    Y c. Periodic inspection and retensioning of lashings during the voyage
    N d. All of the above

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

4154: What should you be concerned with when loading and securing vehicles aboard a Ro-Ro vessel?

    N a. That all fuel is drained from the vehicles' tanks to prevent fire hazard
    Y b. The size, weight, and center of gravity of vehicle/cargo unit
    N c. The preferred stowage of vehicles is athwartships wherever possible
    N d. The vehicles' brakes should not be set to allow for adjusting the lashings

4258: Which statement is TRUE regarding the operation of a crane?

    Y a. The crane jib is raised and lowered by the luffing winch.
    N b. The crane jib is raised and lowered by the hoisting winch.
    N c. The cargo block is raised and lowered by the luffing winch.
    N d. The crane jib is raised and lowered by a jibing winch.

4265: Which statement(s) is/are FALSE concerning crane cargo operations?

    N a. Lifting points on all equipment must be safely checked prior to commencing a lift.
    Y b. Cargo loaded into vehicles and/or containers prior to lifting need not be secured.
    N c. Never exceed crane manufacturer’s limits concerning the safe working loads of cargo jibs.
    N d. All the above