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.


62: You are in the process of loading 465,000 barrels of cargo oil. At 1030, on 5 November, you gauge the vessel and find that you have loaded 203,000 barrels. At 1200, you find that you have loaded 219,000 barrels. If you continue loading at the same rate, you will finish at approximately __________.


85: The wooden planking that protects the tank top from cargo loading is called __________.


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


236: As the propeller turns, voids are formed on the trailing and leading edges of the propeller blades causing a loss of propulsive efficiency, pitting of the blades, and vibration. These voids are known as __________.

    N a. advance
    Y b. cavitation
    N c. edging
    N d. slip

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.

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

558: A heated bulkhead has the effect on a hygroscopic commodity of __________.

    N a. causing moisture to accumulate against the bulkhead
    N b. lowering the vapor pressure of the commodity
    N c. lowering the dew point of the air
    Y d. raising the vapor pressure of the commodity

567: Your enrolled vessel is bound from Baltimore, MD, to Norfolk, VA, via Chesapeake Bay. Which statement about the required Pilot is TRUE?

    N a. The Pilot must be licensed by Virginia and Maryland.
    N b. The Pilot must be licensed by either Virginia or Maryland.
    Y c. The Pilot need only be licensed by the Coast Guard.
    N d. The Pilot must be licensed by Virginia, Maryland and the Coast Guard.

576: In twin-screw engine installations while going ahead, maneuvering qualities are most effective when the tops of the propeller blades both turn __________.

    N a. to starboard
    Y b. outboard from the center
    N c. to port
    N d. inboard toward the center

593: To lead the towing hawser over the center of the stern when not under a strain you could __________.

    N a. fairlead it through a stern roller chock
    N b. lead it through the Norman pins
    N c. hold it in the median position by a gob rope or lizard stopper
    Y d. All of the above when so equipped

596: Before entering an ice area, the ship should be __________.

    N a. either trimmed by the head or the stern
    N b. on an even keel
    N c. trimmed down by the head
    Y d. trimmed down by the stern

658: When carrying a full or nearly full load of bulk ore in a general cargo type vessel which has engine spaces amidships, the cargo in each hold should be trimmed so that the bulk of the cargo lies __________.

    N a. along the centerline
    N b. toward the forward bulkhead of the forward holds and toward the after bulkhead of the after holds
    Y c. toward the after bulkhead of the forward holds and the forward bulkhead of the after holds
    N d. toward the after bulkhead of all holds

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

678: Prior to being able to sail, each vessel that carries grain in bulk must have a certificate of loading issued by the __________.

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. Lloyds of London
    Y c. National Cargo Bureau
    N d. U.S. Salvage

698: Which agency issues a certificate of loading that is evidence that the rules and regulations concerning bulk grain cargoes have been observed?

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. Department of Agriculture
    Y c. National Cargo Bureau
    N d. Public Health Service

836: River currents tend to __________.

    N a. pick up speed where the channel widens
    N b. run slower in the center of the channel
    N c. hug the inside of a bend
    Y d. cause the greatest depth of water to be along the outside of a bend

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.

871: In writing up the logbook at the end of your watch, you make an error in writing an entry. What is the proper means of correcting this error?

    Y a. Cross out the error with a single line, and write the correct entry, then initial it.
    N b. Carefully and neatly erase the entry and rewrite it correctly.
    N c. Remove this page of the log book, and rewrite all entries on a clean page.
    N d. Blot out the error completely and rewrite the entry correctly.

941: Which logbook is required to be submitted to the Coast Guard?

    Y a. Official Log
    N b. Smooth log
    N c. Rough log
    N d. Bell log

962: You are the person in charge of a 199-GT uninspected towing vessel engaged in towing from New York to Mexico and then returning, a distance in excess of 600 miles. Which statement is FALSE?

    Y a. The crew members are required to sign articles.
    N b. All deck crew members are to have a Merchant Mariner's Document.
    N c. Able seamen are required in the deck crew.
    N d. The sailors shall be divided into three watches.

962: You are the person in charge of a 199-GT uninspected towing vessel engaged in towing from New York to Mexico and then returning, a distance in excess of 600 miles. Which statement is FALSE?

    Y a. The crew members are required to sign articles.
    N b. All deck crew members are to have a Merchant Mariner's Document.
    N c. Able seamen are required in the deck crew.
    N d. The sailors shall be divided into three watches.

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

    Y a. Net tonnage is the gross tonnage less certain deductions for machinery and other areas.
    N b. Net tonnage is tonnage of cargo compared to tonnage of whole ship.
    N c. Net tonnage is the net weight of the ship.
    N d. There is no difference.

1008: When anyone voluntarily deposits his/her license or document with a Coast Guard investigating officer __________.

    N a. he/she permanently gives up rights to the license or document
    Y b. it may be for reasons of mental or physical incompetence
    N c. it must be for reason of addiction to narcotics
    N d. All of the above

1062: An IOPP Certificate on an inspected vessel is valid for what period of time?

    N a. 6 months
    N b. 12 months
    N c. 18 months
    Y d. 5 years

1094: Which statement is TRUE with respect to the elasticity of nylon mooring lines?

    N a. Nylon can stretch over forty percent without being in danger of parting.
    N b. Nylon can be elongated by one-hundred percent before it will part.
    N c. Nylon will part if it is stretched any more than twenty percent.
    Y d. Under load, nylon will stretch and thin out but will return to normal size when free of tension.

1173: You are making a sharp turn in a channel and using a buoy four points on the bow to gauge your rate of turn. If you observe the buoy moving forward relative to you, what should you do?

    N a. Increase the rate of turn
    Y b. Decrease the rate of turn
    N c. Maintain a constant rate of turn
    N d. Increase speed

1292: The Articles of Agreement __________.

    N a. is also known as a Merchant Mariner's Document
    N b. designates the quarters a seaman will occupy during a voyage
    Y c. advises the crew of the conditions of employment
    N d. are signed by each crewmember at the end of the voyage

1393: Your vessel's operators send a message that your vessel has been consigned to Naval Control of Shipping. The message will refer you to __________.

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

1481: A fire has damaged 20 bales of cotton on a freighter loaded with general cargo. This claim would come under __________.

    N a. constructive total loss
    N b. general average
    Y c. particular average
    N d. total loss of a part

1496: The purpose of a devil's claw is to __________.

    Y a. act as a chain stopper
    N b. prevent the windlass from engaging
    N c. prevent the chain from fouling on deck
    N d. control the wildcat

1622: What is NOT an indication that pack ice may be nearby?

    Y a. The presence of icebergs
    N b. Ice blink
    N c. Absence of wave motion
    N d. Sighting a walrus in the Arctic

1662: Under defense plans, operation of electronic aids to navigation may be temporarily suspended with __________.

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

1683: "Herringbone" is a term associated with __________.

    N a. anchoring
    N b. mooring
    Y c. sewing
    N d. splicing

1708: For the purpose of regulating tank vessels, flammable liquids are liquids which will __________.

    Y a. give off flammable vapors at or below 80°F (27°C)
    N b. have a Reid vapor pressure of 18 pounds or more
    N c. give off flammable vapors only above 80°F (27°C)
    N d. sustain combustion at a temperature at or below 100°F (38°C)

1718: A combustible liquid with a flash point of 90°F would be grade __________.

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

1758: As operator of a 199 GT towing vessel sailing foreign, it shall be your duty to enter in the Official Logbook or other permanent record __________.

    N a. all information contained on the barge's Certificate of Inspection
    N b. the condition of all towing gear to be used
    N c. all navigational aids to be used
    Y d. the barges load line and draft readings

1908: When towing astern, increased catenary will __________.

    N a. increase control of the tow
    N b. prevent the towing vessel from going in irons
    N c. make the towing vessel less maneuverable
    Y d. reduce shock stress on the towing hawser

1993: The usual method of arranging a line on deck so that it will run out easily without kinking or fouling is __________.

    N a. coiling the line
    Y b. faking down the line
    N c. flemishing the line
    N d. racking the line

2049: While the Pilot is maneuvering the vessel to a dock, what is the PRIMARY responsibility of the watch officer?

    N a. Supervise the signaling and flag etiquette.
    N b. Record the bells and their times in the bell book.
    N c. Judge the appropriateness of the Pilot's orders and countermand them if necessary.
    Y d. Insure that helm and throttle orders given by the Pilot are correctly executed.

2060: In polar regions you should NOT expect to see __________.

    N a. mirage effects
    N b. sea smoke
    Y c. extensive snowfall
    N d. false horizons

2117: When a vessel is involved in a casualty. The cost of property damage includes the __________.

    Y a. cost of labor and material to restore the vessel to the service condition which existed before the casualty
    N b. loss of revenue while the vessel is being repaired, up to a maximum of $50,000
    N c. damage claims awarded to individuals or companies involved in the casualty
    N d. All of the above

2221: You are using tackle number 5 to lift a weight. The hauling part of this tackle is bent to the weight hook (w) of tackle number 8. What is the mechanical advantage of this rig? (DO29DG )

    N a. 20
    Y b. 15
    N c. 10
    N d. 5

2389: What is the area of a circle with a diameter of 17 feet after a sector of 111° has been removed?

    N a. 36.94 square ft.
    Y b. 156.99 square ft.
    N c. 226.98 square ft.
    N d. 627.47 square ft.

2689: After riveting is completed, the joints on the shell of a vessel are generally made watertight by __________.

    N a. faying
    Y b. caulking
    N c. felt or canvas packing
    N d. red lead

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

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

3032: Ice is often strong enough to halt navigation through the St. Lawrence Seaway by mid- __________.

    N a. October
    N b. November
    Y c. December
    N d. January

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)

3166: The American Consul has asked the Master of a vessel bound for a port in the U.S. to transport a destitute seaman back to the U.S. Which action may the Master take?

    N a. He must always take the seaman.
    N b. He is required to accept the seaman only if the seaman is medically unfit.
    Y c. He may refuse the seaman if the seaman has a contagious disease.
    N d. He may refuse to take the seaman if he is being held by shore authorities.

3440: The circular steel structure installed around the propeller of a towboat is the __________.

    Y a. nozzle
    N b. shroud
    N c. strut
    N d. hood

3500: Small hull leaks can be temporarily repaired by __________.

    N a. parceling
    N b. parbuckling
    Y c. caulking
    N d. seizing

3692: What provides little or no indication that a vessel is dragging anchor?

    N a. Increasing radar range to a fixed object ahead
    Y b. Drift lead with the line leading perpendicular to the centerline
    N c. Vibrations felt by placing a hand on the anchor cable
    N d. Changing bearings to distant fixed objects abeam

4066: What is the MOST irritating to the skin?

    N a. Carbon disulfide
    N b. Ethyl alcohol
    N c. Isoprene
    Y d. Oleum

4092: To reconnect a broken tow line, it is better to use a polypropylene messenger line because it __________.

    N a. has great strength
    N b. is very supple
    Y c. floats
    N d. absorbs shock by stretching

4150: Which of the following is/are TRUE regarding lashing requirements to secure vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. The securing of cargo on flats and trailers and in containers must be adequate to withstand both road and sea motions
    N b. The generally recommended lash angle cannot be greater than 45 degrees relative to the deck in any direction.
    N c. It is necessary for an adequate number of securing points on the vehicles themselves in order that lashings may be properly and safely utilized.
    Y d. All the above

4203: Which of the following statements is/are FALSE concerning cranes being installed on the centerline of vessels?

    N a. One crane is able to work both sides of the ship.
    N b. One crane is able to work one end of two adjacent hatches.
    Y c. A centerline crane can never work more than one hatch.
    N d. All of the above

4215: The electrical components for each single crane are installed in its __________.

    N a. crane house
    N b. machinery base
    N c. turntable
    Y d. All of the above

4221: What does item "D" refer to in this illustration of a 30-ton pedestal crane? (D045DG )

    N a. Heel block
    N b. Gin block
    N c. Rider block
    Y d. Hook block

4223: What does item "A" refer to in this illustration of a 30-ton pedestal crane? (D045DG )

    N a. Boom luffing falls
    Y b. Cargo hoist falls
    N c. Remote block tagline system
    N d. Slewing cable

4281: Which statement is TRUE concerning a tagline as used with a 30-ton pedestal crane?

    N a. Taglines are wire rope purchases that raise and lower the jib.
    N b. Taglines are wire ropes payed-out or taken-in for positioning the crane pedestal.
    Y c. Taglines can be fastened to the corners of vehicles or containers during cargo operations.
    N d. Taglines are wire rope purchases that raise and lower the topping lift.