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.


43: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "D" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )


48: Which term describes goods having a stowage factor below 40?


59: Combustible liquid is defined as any liquid having a flash point above __________.


74: The best information on the location of the blocks when dry docking a vessel is contained in the __________.

    N a. shell expansion plan
    N b. docking diagram
    Y c. ship's docking plan
    N d. general arrangement plan

213: You are the Master of a single-screw vessel. You are docking at a port which has no tugs available. You decide to drop the offshore anchor to help in docking. The amount of chain you should pay out is __________.

    N a. 5 to 7 times the depth of the water
    Y b. 1 1/2 to 2 times the depth of the water
    N c. equal to the depth of the water
    N d. you should NEVER use the anchor to help in docking

251: A seaman lost his continuous discharge book during the voyage. Upon discharge from Articles, he should be issued a __________.

    N a. letter of service on company letterhead signed and sealed by the master
    N b. Record of Entry in a Continuous Discharge Book for use in applying for a duplicate book
    Y c. Certificate of Discharge with the white copy forwarded to the Commandant
    N d. Mutual Release (CG-2119), and the articles should be annotated as to the loss

452: Where should the foundation supports for towing bitts terminate?

    N a. Forward of the towing winch
    Y b. In the frames or other substantial structural members below decks
    N c. On the deck plates in the engineroom
    N d. On deck, aft of the towing winch

527: What equipment is NOT used to protect a towing hawser?

    N a. Hawser boards and chafing gear
    Y b. Halyards and snaphooks
    N c. Seizing wire, rope yarn and marline
    N d. Norman pins and tow spans

578: When loading a container vessel, the operation is basically that of vertical loading. The important factors to be considered when loading containers are port of discharge, __________.

    N a. available dunnage, and chocking
    N b. crushability, and inherent vice
    N c. sweat, and weight
    Y d. weight, and refrigeration

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.

656: A deep draft VLCC (100,000 DWT+) navigating in a narrow channel or canal __________.

    Y a. draws more water than when underway in deep water
    N b. draws less water with an increase in speed
    N c. requires less power for a given speed
    N d. steers better under full power

668: Which statement is correct concerning the carriage of coal in bulk?

    Y a. Coal should be vented with surface ventilation only.
    N b. Because of its inherent vice, coal should not be loaded wet.
    N c. Dunnage should be placed against ship's sides and around stanchions.
    N d. Through ventilation, as well as surface ventilation, should be provided whenever possible.

739: Camphor oil is classified as a grade __________.

    N a. A
    N b. C
    Y c. D
    N d. E

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

919: A deepwell pump is a type of __________.

    N a. screw pump
    Y b. centrifugal pump
    N c. eductor
    N d. gear pump

1074: A new coil of nylon line should be opened by __________.

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

1140: In a transversely framed ship, the transverse frames are supported by all of the following EXCEPT __________.

    N a. girders
    N b. longitudinals
    N c. side stringers
    Y d. web plates

1150: In ship construction, frame spacing is __________.

    N a. greater at the bow and stern
    Y b. reduced at the bow and stern
    N c. uniform over the length of the vessel
    N d. uniform over the length of the vessel, with the exception of the machinery spaces, where it is reduced due to increased stresses

1178: A shipper of cargo aboard your vessel offers a letter of indemnity for the cargo. This is done in order to obtain a(n) __________.

    Y a. Clean Bill of Lading
    N b. Order Bill of Lading
    N c. Straight Bill of Lading
    N d. Through Bill of Lading

1220: Who certifies the safe working load of cargo cranes on a vessel?

    N a. U.S. Coast Guard
    Y b. American Bureau of Shipping
    N c. Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
    N d. National Cargo Bureau

1416: What is meant by veering the anchor chain?

    N a. Bringing the anchor to short stay
    N b. Heaving in all the chain
    N c. Locking the windlass to prevent more chain from running out
    Y d. Paying out more chain

1427: Which letter in illustration D030DG represents a plain whipping? (D030DG )

    N a. E
    N b. F
    Y c. J
    N d. V

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

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

1468: What will NOT reduce yawing of a tow?

    N a. Increasing the length of the towing hawser
    N b. Trimming the tow by the stern
    Y c. Stowing deck loads forward
    N d. Drogues put over the stern

1511: A vessel has been damaged by fire. The survey shows the cost of repairs will exceed the value of the repaired vessel. This is an example of a(n) __________.

    Y a. constructive total loss
    N b. salvage loss
    N c. actual loss
    N d. preferred loss

1515: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated ROUTINE will be delivered within __________.

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

1567: The mooring line shown as "A" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. after breast line
    N b. after spring line
    N c. onshore stern line
    Y d. offshore stern line

1577: You are the Chief Mate of a 30,000-DWT tankship. The vessel is engaged in trade with another country signatory to MARPOL 73/78. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The Certificate of Inspection serves as prima facie evidence of complying with MARPOL 73/78.
    Y b. The IOPP Certificate for an inspected vessel is valid for 5 years.
    N c. An IOPP Certificate is invalidated if the ship carries cargoes outside the classes authorized thereon.
    N d. An IOPP Certificate is renewed at each inspection for certification.

1589: Why is 6X19 class wire rope more commonly used for cargo runners than the more flexible 6X37 wire rope?

    Y a. It resists abrasion better.
    N b. It is longer.
    N c. It hugs the winch drum better.
    N d. It is less expensive.

1612: Which of the pictures in illustration DO30DG represents a stopper? (DO30DG )

    N a. E
    Y b. N
    N c. R
    N d. S

1749: A sling is rigged on a piece of pipe weighing 1000 lbs. The angle between the sling legs is 140° and the legs are of equal length. What stress is exerted on each sling leg when the pipe is lifted?

    N a. 1318 lbs.
    N b. 1366 lbs.
    N c. 1414 lbs.
    Y d. 1462 lbs.

1870: The knot lettered S is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. bowline
    Y b. blackwall hitch
    N c. half hitch
    N d. hook hitch

1878: When being towed, a fairlead is a __________.

    Y a. fabricated shape used to change the direction of a flexible member of the tow hookup
    N b. fabricated shape used to secure the tow hookup to the towed vessel
    N c. line connecting the fishplate to the bridle legs
    N d. line connecting the tow bridle to the towed vessel

1940: Nonflammable gases should have what kind of label?

    N a. Skull and crossbones
    N b. White
    Y c. Green
    N d. Red

2001: You are using tackle number 9 in illustration DO29DG to lift a weight of 120 lbs. If you include 10 percent of the weight for each sheave for friction, what is the pull on the hauling part required to lift the weight? (DO29DG )

    N a. 52 lbs.
    Y b. 39 lbs.
    N c. 30 lbs.
    N d. 27 lbs.

2076: A person who sees someone fall overboard should __________.

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

2165: The original Bill of Lading, once signed by the Master, is NOT __________.

    N a. a receipt and proof that goods have been received on board
    Y b. surrendered to the customs agency of the country where the cargo is discharged
    N c. used to transfer ownership of the cargo while the ship is enroute
    N d. proof of title or ownership of the cargo

2194: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 6? (DO29DG )

    Y a. 6
    N b. 5.5
    N c. 5
    N d. 3

2194: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 6? (DO29DG )

    Y a. 6
    N b. 5.5
    N c. 5
    N d. 3

2224: When improperly tied, which knot shown is called a granny or thief's knot? (D030DG )

    N a. F
    N b. M
    N c. R
    Y d. W

2243: You are using tackle number 4, as shown, to lift a weight. The hauling part of this tackle is bent to the weight hook of tackle number 11. What is the mechanical advantage of this rig? (DO29DG )

    N a. 4
    N b. 6
    N c. 10
    Y d. 24

2474: Generally speaking, the more destructive storms occurring on the Great Lakes usually come from the __________.

    N a. northeast or east
    Y b. southwest or west
    N c. northwest or north
    N d. southeast or south

2476: At the outbreak of war your ship is caught in an enemy port. Which statement is FALSE?

    N a. You should attempt to contact U.S. Consular officials.
    N b. You should attempt to clear for sea before your ship is interned.
    Y c. You should resist boarding by local officials.
    N d. You should try to send a Ship Hostile Action Report to the NGA (formerly NIMA).

2488: A vessel is constructed with a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The aluminum will provide greater resistance to the spread of fire by conduction.
    Y b. The aluminum structure is usually attached to a steel coaming by a method that insulates the two metals.
    N c. If the superstructure is stressed, an aluminum structure requires additional expansion joints to prevent fracture.
    N d. The steel at the area of the aluminum-to-steel connection must be closely checked for galvanic corrosion.

2616: You are in charge of a towing vessel that operates exclusively on inland waters. You regularly tow barges that provide services (cargo lighters, fuel barges, etc.) to foreign flag vessels in port. What will be accepted as proper credentials for you and your crew?

    N a. No credentials are required since you operate on inland waters only
    N b. Social Security card
    N c. State driver's license with photo ID
    Y d. Merchant Mariner's Document

2726: The lifeboats on your vessel are stowed on cradles on deck and are handled by sheath-screw boom davits. Which of the following statements about launching a boat is TRUE?

    N a. The boat should be hoisted a few inches clear of the cradle before cranking out the davits.
    N b. The inboard gripes should be cast off before the outboard gripes.
    Y c. The outboard section of the cradle must be released.
    N d. The tricing pendants will automatically bring the boat alongside at the embarkation deck.

2759: Which of the Great Lakes is most affected by short-term Lake level fluctuations?

    N a. Lake Superior
    N b. Lake Michigan
    N c. Lake Huron
    Y d. Lake Erie

2782: What is a wet cargo?

    N a. A liquid cargo carried in the deep tanks
    Y b. A canned or bottled liquid such as beer
    N c. A cargo that contains hygroscopic moisture
    N d. A cargo particularly susceptible to damage by moisture

2942: How should you signal the crane operator to move slowly?

    Y a. Use one hand to give any motion signal, and place the other hand motionless in front of the hand giving the motion signal.
    N b. Extend arm with the thumb pointing up, and flex the fingers in and out for as long as the load movement is desired.
    N c. First tap your elbow with one hand and then proceed to use regular signals.
    N d. First tap the top of your head with your fist and then proceed to use regular signals.

2944: Your ship is navigating independently in heavy ice when it becomes beset. Which statement is FALSE?

    N a. The vessel will most likely require an icebreaker to free her.
    N b. The vessel may be able to free herself by pumping ballast from side to side.
    Y c. The propeller is more susceptible to ice damage when turning slowly than when stopped.
    N d. It is advisable to clear the rudder area of ice by using ahead turns before backing down.

3103: A case received for shipment has the markings shown. Each carton measures 13" X 15" X 23". What is the total cubic capacity the entire consignment will occupy? (Ignore broken stowage.) (D043DG )

    Y a. 779 cubic feet (22 cubic meters)
    N b. 992 cubic feet (28 cubic meters)
    N c. 1,047 cubic feet (30 cubic meters)
    N d. 112,125 cubic feet (3173 cubic meters)

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

3309: Catenary as applied to tow lines denotes the __________.

    Y a. dip of the line
    N b. stretch of the line
    N c. strain on the line
    N d. length of the line

3360: On a light tow, what could you substitute for a fishplate?

    Y a. heart-shaped shackle
    N b. pelican hook
    N c. swivel
    N d. ring

3564: The angle at which the fluke penetrates the soil is called the __________.

    Y a. fluke angle
    N b. tripping angle
    N c. penetration angle
    N d. holding angle

3587: Following a serious marine incident, a device to test an individuals breath can be used by __________.

    Y a. any individual trained to conduct such tests
    N b. the marine employer
    N c. qualified medical personnel only
    N d. any USCG licensed deck officer

3790: The locking pin that joins the parts of a detachable link is held in position by __________.

    N a. a tack weld
    N b. the self-locking characteristics of its taper
    N c. a cotter pin
    Y d. a lead plug

4011: Under defense plans, operation of electronic aids may be temporarily suspended with __________.

    N a. thirty (30) day's notice
    N b. a week's notice
    N c. one day's notice
    Y d. no notice

4245: What is meant by the term "level-luffing" a crane?

    Y a. Luffing while the load remains at a constant height
    N b. Maintaining the boom at a constant height
    N c. Slewing the boom left or right in a level planet
    N d. None of the above

4262: Which statement(s) is/are TRUE concerning crane cargo operations?

    N a. Do not exceed rated load capacity of crane and container spreader or slings.
    N b. During any cargo handling operation, the safety of personnel is paramount.
    N c. Cargo handlers must be outfitted with adequate protection from personal injury.
    Y d. All the above