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.


22: A wildcat is a __________.


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


51: You are the licensed Master of a 100 GT towing vessel sailing coastwise. What percentage of the deck crew must be able to understand any order spoken by the officers?


76: Leeway is the __________.

    N a. difference between the true course and the compass course
    N b. momentum of a vessel after her engines have been stopped
    Y c. lateral movement of a vessel downwind of her intended course
    N d. displacement of a vessel multiplied by her speed

121: You are the Master of an uninspected diesel towing vessel of 190 GT operating on a regular run from New York to the Gulf of Mexico. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. Able Seamen are not required in the deck crew.
    N b. Sailors may stand watch for 6 hours on and 6 hours off.
    N c. A licensed Chief Engineer is required.
    Y d. All crew members must have Merchant Mariner's Documents.

165: You must notify the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety Office as soon as possible after your vessel has been damaged in excess of __________.

    Y a. $25,000
    N b. $10,000
    N c. $1,500
    N d. $1,000

224: The term "Shift the Rudder" means __________.

    N a. put the rudder amidships
    N b. use right or left rudder
    N c. check, but do not stop the vessel from swinging
    Y d. change from right to left or left or right

235: Which ending is NOT acceptable in a wire rope that is free to rotate when hoisting?

    N a. Poured socket
    Y b. Liverpool eye splice
    N c. Eye formed with a pressure clamped sleeve
    N d. Eye formed by clips

392: Which statement is TRUE concerning insulating flanges?

    Y a. They should be inspected and tested periodically to ensure that the insulation is clean and in good condition.
    N b. Switching off a cathodic protection system may be substituted for using an insulating flange
    N c. The measured resistance value after installation should be less than 1,000 ohms.
    N d. After the insulating flange is installed, hot work may be performed on deck.

418: On a vessel proceeding from a very cold to a warm climate with a cargo of a nonhygroscopic nature in the holds, which is TRUE?

    N a. Danger of heavy ship sweat exists; constant and vigorous ventilation is required.
    Y b. There is danger of heavy cargo sweat if outside air is introduced by ventilation.
    N c. There is little danger of ship's sweat, slight possibility of cargo sweat; moderate ventilation is needed.
    N d. The possibility of any sweat problem, either cargo or ship, is remote.

491: A change of a documented vessel's name can only be made by the __________.

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. Commissioner of Customs
    N c. Treasury Department
    Y d. Coast Guard

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

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

601: Your vessel has completed an inspection for certification and is issued a temporary certificate. This __________.

    N a. expires six months after it is issued
    N b. must be exchanged for a regular Certificate of Inspection before going foreign or out of state
    Y c. has the full force of a regular Certificate of Inspection
    N d. must be posted in the vicinity of the officers' licenses

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."

651: Fire fighting equipment requirements for a particular vessel may be found on the __________.

    Y a. 4Certificate of Inspection
    N b. Certificate of Seaworthiness
    N c. Classification Certificate
    N d. Certificate of Registry

661: The number of certificated lifeboatmen required for a vessel is found on the __________.

    Y a. Certificate of Inspection
    N b. Muster List ("Station Bill")
    N c. lifeboats
    N d. Register or Enrollment

684: Right-laid line should be coiled __________.

    Y a. clockwise
    N b. counterclockwise
    N c. either clockwise or counterclockwise
    N d. on a reel

824: The larger sizes of manila line are measured by their __________.

    N a. radius
    N b. diameter
    Y c. circumference
    N d. weight per foot

863: When underway with a tow, you are required to notify the Coast Guard in which casualty situation?

    N a. Damage to property amounting to $12,500
    Y b. Accidental stranding or grounding
    N c. Loss of bridge-to-bridge radio capability
    N d. An injury requiring first aid treatment

932: When bunkering at a dock which of the following signals must be displayed?

    N a. A yellow flag by day, red light by night
    Y b. A red flag by day, red light by night
    N c. A green flag by day, green light by night
    N d. A red flag by day, a blue light by night

959: A relief valve for a cargo pump is generally installed __________.

    N a. after the discharge valve
    Y b. between the pump and discharge valve
    N c. after the suction valve
    N d. between the pump and suction valve

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

1105: You are rigging a stage over the ship's side to serve as a working platform. For stability of the stage, the downhaul to one end of the stage and the downhaul to the other end, which are used for lowering the stage, should be led __________.

    N a. both to the inboard side of the stage
    N b. both to the outboard side of the stage
    Y c. one to the inboard and the other to the outboard
    N d. either both to the inboard or both to the outboard side of the stage

1185: As shown, the mooring line labeled "C" is called a __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. stern line
    N b. spring line
    Y c. breast line
    N d. shore line

1187: You are taking the bow line from the port bow of a large vessel that is underway when the stern of your tug comes in contact with the vessel. The forward motion of both vessels causes your tug to be turned toward the other vessel and contact the stem thereby being "stemmed". You should immediately __________.

    N a. stop engines and the vessel's wake will push you clear of the bow
    Y b. go full astern with rudder amidships
    N c. go full ahead with the rudder hard over to starboard
    N d. go full ahead with the rudder amidships

1210: To rigidly fasten together the peak frames, the stem, and the outside framing, a horizontal plate is fitted across the forepeak of a vessel. This plate is known as a(n) __________.

    N a. apron plate
    Y b. breasthook
    N c. intercostal plate
    N d. joiner

1244: Nylon line is NOT suitable for __________.

    N a. towing
    Y b. lashings
    N c. stoppers
    N d. mooring lines

1411: The time allowed for loading and discharging cargo in a charter party is referred to as __________.

    N a. charter hire
    N b. demurrage
    N c. dispatch
    Y d. lay days

1514: A 6x12, two-inch wire rope has __________.

    N a. 12 strands and a two-inch diameter
    N b. 12 strands and a two-inch circumference
    Y c. 6 strands and a two-inch diameter
    N d. 6 strands and a two-inch circumference

1563: Which statement about two lines spliced together is TRUE?

    N a. Splicing is used to increase the circumference of each line.
    Y b. Splicing two lines together is stronger than knotting two lines together.
    N c. Splicing is used to increase the overall strength of the line.
    N d. Splicing is used to prevent rotting of the lines bitter end.

1570: What is NOT an advantage of ship construction methods using welded butt joints in the shell plating?

    N a. Keeps practically 100% of tensile strength at the joints
    N b. Reduces frictional resistance
    Y c. Reduces plate stress
    N d. Reduces weight

1579: What is the minimum standard for making an eye splice in a wire to be used as cargo gear?

    Y a. Make three tucks with full strands, remove half the wires from each strand, and make two more tucks.
    N b. Make four tucks in each strand, cut away every other strand, and make two more tucks with each remaining strand.
    N c. Make four tucks with each full strand.
    N d. Make six tucks with each strand, removing a few wires from each strand as each additional tuck is made.

1610: The joint formed when two steel shell plates are placed longitudinally side to side is called a __________.

    N a. bevel
    N b. bond
    N c. strake
    Y d. seam

1704: Whipping the bitter end of a fiber rope __________.

    N a. increases the circumference of the rope
    N b. makes for easier handling
    Y c. prevents fraying of the bitter end
    N d. prevents moisture from entering the bitter end

1752: Your containership has a container displaying a hazardous cargo placard. The placard has the number 2199 on it. This indicates that it is carrying what cargo?

    N a. Furan
    Y b. Phosphine
    N c. Adiponitrile
    N d. Xylenol

1821: While towing, what is the principal danger in attempting to swing a barge on a short hawser in order to slow the barge's speed?

    N a. The barge may capsize from the sharp turn.
    Y b. The barge may swing too quickly and run over the tug.
    N c. Free surface effect of liquid inside the barge may rupture the barge bulkheads when turning too quickly.
    N d. Dangerous wakes may result from the swinging barge and capsize the tug.

1915: A butt is indicated by which letter? (D033DG )

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

1962: The maximum draft to which a vessel can legally be submerged is indicated by the __________.

    Y a. load line mark
    N b. Certificate of Inspection
    N c. Muster List ("Station Bill")
    N d. tonnage mark

1969: If you shorten the scope of anchor cable, your anchor's holding power __________.

    Y a. decreases
    N b. increases
    N c. remains the same
    N d. has no relation to the scope

2166: A ballasted vessel sinks enroute to a dry dock. Under these circumstances, the vessel's owner can claim __________.

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

2257: "Cribbing" is __________.

    Y a. wooden blocks or dunnage placed between a deck load and the deck
    N b. the chains and shackles used to secure a deck cargo
    N c. a crate in which a deck cargo is packaged
    N d. cardboard separation pieces placed between deck loads to prevent chafing

2273: What is the area of a circle with a radius of 4 feet after a sector of 111° has been removed?

    N a. 3.90 sq. ft
    N b. 8.67 sq. ft
    Y c. 34.77 sq. ft
    N d. 50.27 sq. ft

2392: Determine the weight of a rectangular piece of 12.75 lbs. steel measuring 5 feet by 8 feet.

    Y a. 510.00 lbs.
    N b. 255.00 lbs.
    N c. 198.89 lbs.
    N d. 165.75 lbs.

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.

2564: The major components which determine the length of catenary in a deployed anchor cable are water depth, cable tension, and __________.

    N a. environmental forces
    N b. bottom conditions
    Y c. cable weight
    N d. water density

2809: The fitting at the end of a cargo line in a tank that allows suction to be taken close to the bottom of a tank is a __________.

    N a. suction end
    N b. strainer
    Y c. bell-mouth
    N d. vacuum valve

2859: An icebreaker assisting a vessel through an ice field would display a visual signal consisting of the code letter "M" (Mike) to signify that "________________".

    N a. I am altering my course to starboard
    N b. I am altering my course to port
    N c. I am operating astern propulsion
    Y d. my vessel is stopped and making no way through the water

2926: Many sheath-screw davits have markings to indicate the maximum angle to which they should be cranked out. If the angle is exceeded, the davit __________.

    N a. may jam against the stops
    N b. will not automatically position the boat at the embarkation station
    Y c. screw may come out of the sheath
    N d. will chafe against the falls and may cause their failure

3039: What is NOT a problem when carrying coal?

    Y a. The requirement for through-ventilation
    N b. The corrosion some types of coal will cause to the ship
    N c. Spontaneous heating
    N d. Generation of methane gas

3396: A tow that veers to the side on the end of the towline is said to __________.

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

3434: The Scharnow turn should be used in a man overboard situation only when __________.

    N a. the man can be kept in sight from the bridge while maneuvering
    N b. the turn is started immediately when the man goes over
    Y c. there has been sufficient time elapsed since the man went over to complete the maneuver
    N d. the vessel has twin screws to assist in making the turn

3645: Conventional anchors are least likely to hold in a bottom consisting of __________.

    N a. soft clay
    N b. hard mud
    Y c. very soft mud
    N d. sand

3710: A new crewman reports on board. He must be trained in the use of the ship's lifesaving appliances within what time period?

    N a. 2 months
    N b. 1 month
    Y c. 2 weeks
    N d. Before sailing

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

4026: One of the greatest hazards of pushing ahead is parting which item shown? (D024DG )

    N a. A
    N b. B
    N c. F
    Y d. I

4042: You are on a 120,000 DWT loaded bulk carrier. What is the maximum safe docking speed when coming alongside?

    N a. 0.1 foot per second (0.06 knot)
    Y b. 0.2 foot per second (0.12 knot)
    N c. 0.5 foot per second (0.30 knot)
    N d. 0.75 foot per second (0.44 knot)

4119: The securing of passenger cars on a Ro-Ro vessel requires __________.

    N a. simple and lightweight equipment
    N b. low labor intensive equipment
    N c. specially designed equipment to avoid vehicle damage
    Y d. All of the above

4140: The disadvantage(s) of using web lashing on light vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels is that it __________.

    N a. deteriorates in sunlight
    N b. cuts on sharp edges
    N c. is vulnerable to damage and pilferage
    Y d. All of the above

4208: What is the purpose of the equalizing beam aboard a crane vessel?

    N a. It allows for rotation of the hook in the single mode.
    Y b. It is required to "twin-up" 30-ton pedestal cranes.
    N c. It is used to pick up light loads.
    N d. It is used to rigidly connect two cranes.

4242: What is the advantage of the tandem working arrangement of pedestal cranes when operating cargo?

    N a. The cranes enable the handling of heavy cargos without shoreside assistance
    N b. The cargo discharge can be accomplished with controlled pendulation
    N c. The cargo discharge can be performed in port or at anchor
    Y d. All of the above