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.


93: A lookout can leave his station __________.


180: Your tank vessel is loading a hazardous cargo. The allowance for expansion is based on ambient temperatures of what maximum range?


228: Securing cargo by running timbers from an upper support down to the cargo, either vertically or at an angle, is called __________.


274: What is the difference between net tonnage and gross tonnage?

    Y a. Net tonnage is the gross tonnage less certain deductible spaces.
    N b. Net tonnage is tonnage of cargo compared to tonnage of whole ship.
    N c. Net tonnage is gross tonnage minus engine and bunker spaces.
    N d. Net tonnage is the net weight of the ship.

327: You are on a multiple product tankship and carrying methyl acrylate, diethanolamine, and triethylamine. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. Methyl acrylate may be loaded in a tank adjacent to diethanolamine but not triethylamine.
    Y b. The heating coils to the cargo tank loaded with methyl acrylate must be blanked off.
    N c. Valve components made of aluminum, copper, or zinc may not be in contact with the cargoes.
    N d. Each crew member working on deck must have an emergency escape breathing apparatus.

390: A package contains nitric acid solution and is radioactive. The radiation level at the package surface is .36 millirems per hour. How should this package be labeled?

    N a. Radioactive II and oxidizer
    N b. Radioactive II and poison
    Y c. Radioactive I and corrosive
    N d. Fissile class I

620: You are on a container vessel. What concerning the handling and stowage of containerized hazardous materials is TRUE?

    Y a. Open-bed containers may be used to transport hazardous materials if the cargo is properly secured.
    N b. A portable cargo tank of a flammable, cryogenic liquid may not be in transit for a period exceeding its marked rated holding time unless the liquid is inhibited.
    N c. A portable cargo tank containing a cryogenic liquid must be shipped on deck unless forced ventilation is provided to the decks-decks.
    N d. A container loaded with packages of tear gas would display a placard reading "Irritant."

670: You must evacuate a seaman by helicopter lift. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The ship should be stopped with the wind off the beam while the helicopter is hovering overhead.
    N b. The basket or stretcher must not be allowed to touch the deck.
    N c. The tending line of the litter basket should be secured to the ship beyond the radius of the helicopter blades.
    Y d. The hoist line should be slack before the basket or stretcher is hooked on.

700: A tug is approaching a broken down steamer in moderately heavy weather preparing to take it in tow. In most cases the __________.

    N a. steamer will drift stern downwind
    N b. tug will drift faster than the steamer
    N c. tug should approach stern to
    Y d. tug should approach from downwind

709: The designations A,B,C,D, and E grades of cargo refer to the __________.

    N a. degrees of quality of petroleum products
    Y b. flash point range and Reid vapor pressure index of petroleum products
    N c. grades of crude oil
    N d. pour point, color, and viscosity index of petroleum products

718: How many board feet of dunnage would you estimate to be in a pile 5 feet wide, 1 foot high and 14 feet long?

    N a. 70
    Y b. 840
    N c. 960
    N d. 1080

738: How many board feet of dunnage are there in a draft 3 feet wide, 1-1/2 feet high, and 14 feet long?

    N a. 526
    Y b. 756
    N c. 876
    N d. 906

756: A licensed Master of Towing Vessels may NOT serve as the Captain of which towing vessel?

    N a. 99 GRT towing vessel operating on Chesapeake Bay
    N b. 199 GRT towing vessel operating in the Gulf of Alaska
    N c. 400 GRT towboat operating on the Western Rivers
    Y d. 375 GRT towing vessel operating between Texas and Puerto Rico

851: Your vessel (185 GT) is on a voyage between New York and San Francisco. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The maintenance of an Official Logbook is optional.
    N b. The vessel must be on foreign articles.
    N c. This is considered a coastwise voyage.
    Y d. An Official Logbook must be maintained.

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

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

883: The size and material used for towline(s) must meet all of the following requirements, EXCEPT ____________ .

    N a. be appropriate to the vessel's horsepower or bollard pull
    N b. be strong enough to handle any static or dynamic loads expected during its service life
    Y c. fit any spare wire clips carried on board the vessel for repair purposes
    N d. be suitable for exposure to the marine environment

954: In order to correctly open a new coil of manila line, you should __________.

    N a. pull the tagged end from the top of the coil
    Y b. pull the tagged end through the eye of the coil
    N c. secure the outside end and unroll the coil
    N d. unreel the coil from a spool

955: In which case is the IOPP Certificate of an inspected vessel NOT invalidated?

    Y a. The required oily-water separator malfunctions.
    N b. The ship is transferred to Liberian registry.
    N c. An annual survey is conducted fifteen months after the date of certificate issuance.
    N d. A 15 ppm oily-water separator is replaced by a 100 ppm oily-water separator.

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

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

1163: When piloting a vessel, how are visual references used to establish a constant rate of turn?

    Y a. Fixed objects that stay on the same relative bearing when the ship is turning indicate a constant rate of turn.
    N b. Visual references cannot be used to maintain a constant rate of turn.
    N c. Begin the turn when the fixed object is on the beam.
    N d. Keep the fixed object's relative relative bearing opening, for a constant rate of turn.

1330: Beams are cambered to __________.

    N a. increase their strength
    Y b. provide drainage from the decks
    N c. relieve deck stress
    N d. All of the above

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

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

1494: After splicing an eye in a piece of wire rope, the splice should be parceled and served to __________.

    N a. strengthen the line
    N b. increase its efficiency
    Y c. prevent hand injury by covering loose ends
    N d. make the line more flexible

1549: On your vessel, a wire rope for the cargo gear shows signs of excessive wear and must be replaced. In ordering a new wire for this 10-ton boom, what safety factor should you use?

    N a. Three
    Y b. Five
    N c. Six
    N d. Seven

1611: On a transpacific voyage, you receive a message from your vessel's operators saying that your vessel has been consigned to Naval Control of Shipping. Further information is contained in __________.

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

1649: What is required to be stenciled at the heel of a cargo boom?

    N a. Maximum angle of elevation permitted
    N b. Date of the last quadrennial test
    Y c. Safe working load
    N d. Maximum load when doubled up

1674: Which is NOT a type of seizing?

    N a. Flat seizing
    N b. Racking seizing
    N c. Throat seizing
    Y d. Tube seizing

1687: What is the perimeter of a circle with a radius of 4.2 feet?

    Y a. 26.39 ft
    N b. 21.19 ft
    N c. 17.81 ft
    N d. 13.20 ft

1732: Which picture in illustration D030DG represents a half hitch? (D030DG )

    Y a. U
    N b. S
    N c. K
    N d. H

1872: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated FLASH will be delivered within __________.

    N a. 3 hours to start of business the following day
    N b. 1 to 6 hours
    N c. 30 minutes to 1 hour
    Y d. less than 10 minutes

1918: Which statement is TRUE concerning hawser towing?

    N a. The catenary in a hawser should be sufficient so that the hawser just touches the bottom.
    N b. The hawser is of sufficient length for towing when taut between tug and tow.
    N c. Increasing speed usually increases the catenary in the hawser.
    Y d. Shortening the tow hawser generally decreases the maneuverability of the tug.

1950: You are proceeding to a distress site and expect large numbers of people in the water. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. You should stop to windward of the survivors in the water and only use the ship's boats to recover the survivors.
    N b. If the survivors are in inflatable rafts you should approach from windward to create a lee for the survivors.
    Y c. An inflatable liferaft secured alongside can be an effective boarding station for transfer of survivors from the boats.
    N d. Survivors in the water should never be permitted alongside due to the possibility of injury from the vessel.

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.

1998: When towing in an open seaway, it is important to use a towing line __________.

    N a. made only of wire rope, due to possible weather conditions
    N b. that will have the tow on a crest while your vessel is in a trough
    Y c. that will have the tow on a crest while your vessel is on a crest
    N d. with little dip to gain maximum control of the tow

2123: Your vessel is required to have a slop chest. Which of the following articles is NOT required by law to be carried in the slop chest?

    N a. Foul weather clothing
    Y b. Candy
    N c. Tobacco products
    N d. Blankets

2178: Segregation of cargoes refers to __________.

    Y a. separating cargoes so that the inherent characteristics of one cannot damage the other
    N b. separating cargoes by destination
    N c. classifying cargoes according to their toxicity
    N d. listing the cargoes in order of their flammability

2184: The lashings on a stack of containers with interlocking fittings restrain the forces that cause __________.

    N a. toppling
    Y b. racking
    N c. buckling
    N d. crushing

2246: Cargoes that might leak from containers are known as __________.

    N a. dirty cargoes
    N b. caustic cargoes
    Y c. wet cargoes
    N d. bulk cargoes

2291: Before a Master relieves a Pilot of the conn, the __________.

    N a. Master must first request the Pilot to take corrective action
    N b. Master should agree to sign a release of liability form
    Y c. Master should foresee any danger to the vessel on the present course
    N d. vessel must be in extremis

2510: Mooring lines should be turned end-for-end occasionally. This is because __________.

    N a. a line is weakened by constantly pulling on it in one direction
    Y b. normal wear on the line is thus distributed to different areas
    N c. it prevents the line from kinking or unlaying
    N d. it prevents permanent misalignment of the line's internal strands

2516: Which statement about the dangerous cargo manifest, carried on a ship, is TRUE?

    N a. The manifest must be made up by the Master or other designated ship's officer.
    N b. Shipments of hazardous and non-hazardous cargo may be listed on the manifest if they are destined for the same consignee.
    Y c. The manifest must be kept in a designated holder on or near the bridge.
    N d. The type of label(s) required for each cargo must be indicated.

2533: You should attach a towline to a trailer eye bolt using a(n)______________.

    N a. eye splice
    Y b. bowline
    N c. towing hitch
    N d. square knot

2551: What welding pattern is NOT used to permanently attach a stiffener to a plate?

    N a. Chain intermittent
    Y b. Tack
    N c. Continuous
    N d. Staggered intermittent

2590: Which method of adjusting mooring lines is MOST useful for leaving a boat free to rise and fall with the tide?

    Y a. Crossing the spring lines
    N b. Slacking all forward running lines while keeping all after running lines taut
    N c. Doubling up on spring or breast lines
    N d. Slacking bow and stern lines

2603: Which situation requires you to furnish a notice of marine casualty to the Coast Guard?

    Y a. Your vessel is at anchor and grounds at low tide with no apparent damage.
    N b. You collide with a buoy and drag it off station with no apparent damage to the vessel or the buoy.
    N c. A seaman slips on ice on deck and sprains his ankle, requiring an ace bandage.
    N d. Storm damage to the cargo winch motors requires repairs costing $19,000.

2795: The York-Antwerp Rules relate to the __________.

    N a. minimum required number of officers and crew
    Y b. settlement of general average claims
    N c. ship owner's responsibilities to provide a well-found vessel in a charter party
    N d. navigation regulations that apply in the English Channel

2921: The process of lowering a boom to a horizontal position and onto its deck support is called __________.

    N a. spotting a boom
    N b. collaring a boom
    Y c. cradling a boom
    N d. toppling a boom

2960: When cutting wire rope, seizings are put on each side of the cut. The seizings prevent the wire from unlaying and also __________.

    Y a. maintain the original balance of the tension in the wires and strands
    N b. prevent moisture from entering between the wires at the cut end
    N c. forces lubricant from the core to protect the raw, cut end
    N d. All of the above

3018: When turning a vessel in shallow water, which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The rate of turn is increased.
    N b. The rate of turn is decreased.
    Y c. The turning diameter increases.
    N d. The turning diameter remains the same.

3095: You are standing the wheelwatch when you hear the cry, "Man overboard starboard side". You should instinctively __________.

    N a. give full left rudder
    N b. put the rudder amidships
    Y c. give full right rudder
    N d. throw a life ring to mark the spot

3098: A weight of 1,000 short tons is equivalent to __________.

    N a. 1,500 foot-pounds
    N b. 2,240 long tons
    N c. 2,000 pounds
    Y d. 2,000 kips

3138: When pushing ahead, wires leading from the quarters of the after outboard barges to the bow of a towboat __________.

    N a. prevent the towboat from sliding when the rudder is moved
    Y b. prevent the barges from spreading out when backing down
    N c. hold the towboat securely to the barges
    N d. prevent the sidewise movement of the face barges

3220: If you are guilty of failure to properly perform your duties as Master of Uninspected Towing Vessels, which of the following actions may NOT be taken?

    N a. Issuance of a letter of warning
    N b. Suspension of your license
    N c. Revocation of your license
    Y d. A fine placed against your license

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

4010: You have completed a crude oil wash. What action should be taken with the oil in the lines running to the washing machines?

    Y a. Open a COW nozzle forward and one aft and drain the line into the after tank by gravity
    N b. Blow the line out using compressed air
    N c. Pull a suction using the supply line pump
    N d. Close off all valves in the system and leave the oil in the line primed for the next crude oil wash

4210: Pedestal cranes have limit switches to restrict the movement of which function?

    N a. Luff rate limits
    Y b. Slew travel limits
    N c. Swivel power limits
    N d. Slew rate limits

4263: Which statement(s) is/are TRUE concerning crane cargo operations?

    N a. Lifting points on all equipment must be safely checked prior to commencing a lift.
    N b. Cargo loaded into vehicles and/or containers prior to lifting needs to be properly secured so as to prevent shifting during transport.
    N c. Never exceed crane manufacturer’s limits concerning the safe working loads of cargo jibs.
    Y d. All the above

4280: Which statement is FALSE concerning a tagline as used with a 30-ton pedestal crane?

    Y a. Taglines are wire rope purchases that raise and lower the jib.
    N b. Taglines are wire ropes for horizontal positioning of the rider block.
    N c. Taglines can be fastened to corners of vehicles or containers.
    N d. The crane might not have taglines installed in its rigging system.