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.


56: The effect of wind on exposed areas of the vessel is most noticeable when __________.


188: Which cargoes require strips of common building lathe as dunnage in order to carry away heat generated by the cargo?


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


265: Which statement is TRUE about hooks and shackles?

    N a. Hooks are stronger than shackles of the same diameter.
    Y b. Shackles are stronger than hooks of the same diameter.
    N c. Hooks and shackles of the same diameter are of equal strength.
    N d. All the above may be true, depending on the hook's or shackle's overall length.

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

511: All U.S. Flag vessels engaged in foreign trade are required to have a(n) __________.

    N a. enrollment
    N b. license
    Y c. registry
    N d. sea letter

548: Using the graph shown, if the dry bulb temperature is 55°F (13°C) and the wet bulb is 50°F (10°C), what is the relative humidity? (D008DG )

    N a. 55%
    Y b. 70%
    N c. 75%
    N d. 82%

569: In order to reduce the accumulation of static electricity while loading petroleum products, you should __________.

    N a. start to load at maximum pressure
    Y b. start to load slowly
    N c. increase the air flow into the tank
    N d. use the overall method of loading only

613: A lookout can leave his station __________.

    N a. at the end of the watch
    Y b. only when properly relieved
    N c. at any time
    N d. 15 minutes before the end of the watch

675: An advantage of the modified Christmas Tree towing method is to __________.

    N a. increase the towing hawser's catenary and provide more spring
    Y b. reduce catenary, allow operation in shallower water, and to release one barge without breaking up the entire tow
    N c. enable one tug and its crew without any outside assistance to make up or break down the tow
    N d. provide rapid delivery of logs from the northwestern United States to Hawaiian sawmills

682: The mooring line labeled "H" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. forward breast line
    Y b. offshore bow line
    N c. offshore spring line
    N d. onshore bow line

701: The Safety Equipment Certificate shows that the vessel conforms to the standards of the __________.

    N a. U.S. Coast Guard
    N b. American Bureau of Shipping
    N c. American Salvage Association
    Y d. S.O.L.A.S. Convention

865: A nylon line is rated at 15,000 lbs. breaking strain. Using a safety factor of 5, what is the safe working load (SWL)?

    Y a. 3,000 lbs
    N b. 5,000 lbs
    N c. 15,000 lbs
    N d. 65,000 lbs

886: Two vessels are abreast of each other and passing port to port in a confined waterway. What should you expect as your bow approaches the screws of the other vessel?

    N a. Your speed will significantly increase.
    N b. Your draft will significantly decrease.
    Y c. Your bow will sheer towards the other vessel.
    N d. Your bow will sheer away from the other vessel.

912: You are aboard vessel "A" in a narrow channel and the pilot is approaching vessel "B" as shown. The reason he has not previously changed course to the starboard side of the channel is __________. (DIAGRAM 37 )

    N a. to avoid vessel squat in the shallower water near the bank
    Y b. to avoid the effects of bank cushion and bank suction
    N c. because there is less chance of striking submerged objects in mid-channel
    N d. because the current has less eddies in mid-channel

939: What is the purpose of pressure-vacuum relief valves?

    N a. Regulation of discharge pressure from cargo pumps
    N b. Maintaining constant velocity in cargo lines
    N c. Regulation of suction head on cargo pumps
    Y d. To maintain a tank or void at atmospheric pressure

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

977: An ocean tow is sinking in deep water. Attempts to sever the towing hawser are unsuccessful. Which action should now be taken?

    N a. Abandon the towing vessel.
    N b. Radio for emergency assistance.
    Y c. Slip the towline and allow it to run off the drum.
    N d. Secure all watertight openings on the towing vessel.

995: The maneuver which will return your vessel in the shortest time to a person who has fallen overboard is __________.

    Y a. a single turn with hard rudder
    N b. engine(s) crash astern, no turn
    N c. a Williamson Turn
    N d. two 180° turns

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.

1064: Which factor is most likely to impair the strength and durability of synthetic line?

    N a. Dry rot
    N b. Mildew
    Y c. Sunlight
    N d. Washing with mild soap

1131: U.S. Customs, upon boarding a vessel desiring entry into a U.S. port, would inspect which document?

    N a. Cargo Manifest
    N b. Certified Crew List
    N c. Stores List
    Y d. All of the above

1143: When rigging a stage, the standing part should be fastened to the horns of a stage with which of the following hitches?

    N a. Clove hitch
    N b. Timber hitch
    Y c. Marlinespike hitch
    N d. Double blackwall hitch

1188: An implied warranty of seaworthiness on the part of the vessel's owner lies in the __________.

    N a. Cargo Manifest
    N b. Certificate of Inspection
    N c. Classification Certificate
    Y d. contract of carriage, i.e. Bill of Lading

1196: You are landing a single-screw vessel, with a right-hand propeller, starboard side to the dock. When you have approached the berth and back the engine, you would expect the vessel to __________.

    N a. lose headway without swinging
    Y b. turn her bow toward the dock
    N c. turn her bow away from the dock
    N d. head into the wind, regardless of the side the wind is on

1307: Which type of ice is a hazard to navigation?

    N a. Ice rind
    N b. Pancake ice
    N c. Frazil ice
    Y d. Growlers

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

1628: You are going ahead on twin engines when you want to make a quick turn to port. Which actions will turn your boat the fastest?

    Y a. Reverse port engine; apply left rudder
    N b. Reverse port engine; rudder amidships
    N c. Reverse starboard engine; apply left rudder
    N d. Reverse starboard engine; rudder amidships

1723: What is meant by the term "two-blocked"?

    Y a. The bottom block touches the top block.
    N b. The line has jumped the sheaves.
    N c. There are turns in the fall.
    N d. You have two blocks.

1765: The annual survey for endorsement of a Load Line Certificate must be held within __________.

    N a. the three month period immediately following the certificate's anniversary date
    N b. the three month period immediately preceding the certificate's anniversary date
    Y c. three months either way of the certificate's anniversary date
    N d. the three month period centered on the certificate's anniversary date

1827: What is the volume in a cone with a base diameter of 8 feet and a height of 6 feet?

    Y a. 100.53 Cu. Ft
    N b. 131.39 Cu. Ft
    N c. 172.72 Cu. Ft
    N d. 197.39 Cu. Ft

1854: The structural member indicated by the letter F is known as a(n) __________. (D033DG )

    N a. erection
    Y b. pillar
    N c. girder
    N d. deck support

1893: A block and tackle is "rove to advantage". This means that the __________.

    N a. blocks have been overhauled
    N b. hauling parts of two tackles are attached
    Y c. hauling part leads through the movable block
    N d. hauling part leads through the standing block

1972: Payment of penalty for a ship's delay after the expiration of lay days due to some fault of the charterer or his agent is known as __________.

    Y a. demurrage
    N b. late fee
    N c. miscibility
    N d. volatility

1978: When towing, the least amount of tension will be on each bridle leg when the two legs __________.

    N a. form a large angle with each other
    Y b. form a small angle with each other
    N c. are of unequal length
    N d. are joined by a fishplate

1979: What is a proper size block to use with a 3-inch circumference Manila line?

    N a. At least a 12-inch sheave
    Y b. 9-inch cheek, 6-inch sheave
    N c. 8-inch cheek, any size sheave
    N d. 6-inch cheek, 4-inch sheave

2009: A cargo of canned foodstuffs is packed in cartons. Each carton is 36 cubic feet and weighs 380 pounds. What is the stowage factor of the cargo?

    N a. 9.5
    N b. 62
    Y c. 212
    N d. 237

2048: The MINIMUM acceptable size for a towing bridle would be that size in which the safe working load (SWL) of each leg of the bridle is equal to __________.

    N a. one-half the SWL of the main towing hawser
    N b. three-fourths the SWL of the main towing hawser
    Y c. that of the main towing hawser
    N d. twice that of the main towing hawser

2064: While underway in thick fog you are on watch and hear the cry "man overboard". Which type of maneuver should you make?

    N a. figure eight turn
    N b. Round turn
    N c. Racetrack turn
    Y d. Williamson turn

2088: You have been towing astern and have just let go the tow. Your deckhands are pulling in and faking the towline by hand on the stern. The most dangerous action to take is to __________.

    N a. continue ahead at slow speed
    N b. continue ahead at half speed
    N c. stop your engines
    Y d. back down on your engines

2196: You are using tackle number 10 to lift a weight. The hauling part of this tackle is bent to the weight hook (w) of tackle number 4. What is the mechanical advantage of this rig? (DO29DG )

    N a. 24
    Y b. 20
    N c. 13
    N d. 9

2271: You are signing on a crew. You can determine the minimum number and qualifications of the crew that you are required to carry by consulting which document?

    N a. Crew list
    Y b. Certificate of Inspection
    N c. Articles of Agreement
    N d. fo'c'sle card

2321: Your vessel has run aground and is touching bottom for the first one-quarter of its length. What is the LEAST desirable method from the standpoint of stability to decrease the bottom pressure?

    N a. Discharge forward deck cargo.
    Y b. Pump out the forepeak tank.
    N c. Shift deck cargo aft.
    N d. Flood an after double-bottom tank.

2400: The turning circle of a vessel is the path followed by the __________.

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

2490: The best method of protecting that portion of a fiber anchor line nearest the anchor from chafing on the bottom is by __________.

    N a. using a small scope ratio
    Y b. replacing that portion with a short length of chain
    N c. using a hockle to keep that portion of the anchor line off the bottom
    N d. using a synthetic line

2496: Which statement about the dangerous cargo manifest is FALSE?

    N a. The manifest must be made up by the carrier, agents, and any person designated for this purpose.
    Y b. Shipments of hazardous and non-hazardous cargoes may be listed on the manifest if they are destined for the same consignee.
    N c. The manifest must be kept in a designated holder on or near the bridge.
    N d. The hazard class of each cargo must be indicated.

2574: You are proceeding down a channel and lose the engine(s). You must use the anchors to stop the ship. Which statement is true?

    N a. Pay out all of the cable before setting up on the brake to insure the anchors dig in and hold.
    N b. For a mud, mud and clay, or sandy bottom pay out a scope of 5 to 7 times the depth before setting up on the brake.
    Y c. Use one or both anchors with a scope of twice the depth before setting the brake.
    N d. Drop the anchor to short stay and hold that scope.

2694: When relieving the helm, the new helmsman should know the __________.

    N a. gyro error
    Y b. course per magnetic steering compass
    N c. variation
    N d. maximum rudder angle previously used

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

3234: Rolling is angular motion of the vessel about what axis?

    Y a. Longitudinal
    N b. Transverse
    N c. Vertical
    N d. Centerline

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

4034: The signal man assisting the crane operator has his arm extended downwards, forefinger pointing down, and moves his hand in small horizontal circles. This is the signal to __________.

    Y a. lower
    N b. swing
    N c. hoist
    N d. extend

4040: When towing another vessel astern, the length of the towline should be __________.

    N a. as long as possible
    N b. such that one vessel will be on a crest while the other is in a trough
    Y c. such that the vessels will be "in step"
    N d. not over two wave lengths in seas up to 10 feet

4122: The lashings used on Ro-Ro vessels should be capable of withstanding the forces of __________.

    N a. pitching and heaving
    N b. rolling
    N c. any force of gravity acting on the lashes
    Y d. All of the above

4141: What is/are the advantage(s) of using web lashing on light vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Good working life
    N b. Light and easy to handle
    N c. Flexible
    Y d. All of the above

4185: How could lashing gear used aboard Ro-Ro vessels be stowed when not in use?

    N a. Drape along brackets
    N b. Hang vertically in a sheltered area
    N c. Stow in bins at hatch coming side
    Y d. All of the above

4222: What does item "C" refer to in this illustration of a 30-ton pedestal crane? (D045DG )

    N a. Equalizing beam
    N b. Hoist fall spreader
    Y c. Rider block
    N d. Block/hook assembly

4255: Which of the following statement(s) is/are TRUE regarding a twin pedestal crane set?

    N a. The cranes may be operated independently.
    N b. The cranes may be interconnected for twin operation.
    N c. When twinned, the crane rotation on the foundation assembly is unlimited.
    Y d. All of the above

4261: Who should be notified prior to starting up a crane?

    N a. The pumpman
    N b. The stevedore foreman
    Y c. The engine room
    N d. All the above

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