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.


27: Under title 46 of the United States Code, the person in charge of a documented vessel who fails to report a complaint of a sexual offense may be __________.


50: A vessel is entering port and has a Pilot conning the vessel. The Master is unsure that the Pilot is taking sufficient action to prevent a collision. What should the Master do?


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


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

    N a. 40°F ( 4°C)
    Y b. 80°F (27°C)
    N c. 110°F (43°C)
    N d. 150°F (66°C)

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

229: Which refers to the depth of a petroleum product in a tank?

    N a. Outage
    N b. Ullage
    N c. Thievage
    Y d. Innage

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.

294: Displacement refers to the __________.

    N a. cubic capacity of a vessel
    N b. deadweight carrying capacity of a vessel
    N c. gross tonnage of a vessel
    Y d. number of long tons of water displaced by a vessel afloat

310: Operators of Uninspected Passenger Vessels are required to keep their Coast Guard License aboard __________.

    N a. only when operating more than one mile from shore
    N b. only when operating at night
    Y c. only when carrying passengers for hire
    N d. At all times

410: You are loading a cargo tank on your container ship. The tank displays the red label shown. Which statement is TRUE? (D023DG )

    Y a. The tank contains propylene.
    N b. The tank's volume is 1077 cubic feet.
    N c. There are three tanks in the shipment.
    N d. The tank contains an oxidizing material.

577: You are signing on a crew. A man presents a Merchant Mariner's Document that you suspect has been tampered with. Which action should you take?

    N a. Confiscate the document and deliver it to the Coast Guard.
    N b. Sign the man on and notify the Coast Guard at the first U.S. port of call.
    Y c. Refuse to sign the man on articles until authorized by the Coast Guard.
    N d. Refuse to sign the man on and notify the FBI of unauthorized use of a federal document.

628: Before loading bulk grain, bilge wells must be covered to __________.

    N a. add strength to the bilge well strainer
    N b. permit rapid flow of water to the bilge wells
    Y c. prevent cargo sifting into the bilge wells
    N d. prevent oil, water, or other liquid from reaching the cargo

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

882: The owner or Master of a towing vessel that tows astern must keep records of the towline(s) that include all of the following information EXCEPT _____________ .

    N a. the towline's initial minimum breaking strength as determined by the manufacturer
    Y b. an invoice showing the cost of the towline
    N c. the towline's nautical miles of use or time in service
    N d. the history of loading of the towline

915: What is the period of validity of a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate?

    N a. 6 months
    N b. 12 months
    N c. 24 months
    Y d. 60 months

1044: Using a safety factor of 6, determine the safe working load of a line with a breaking strain of 30,000 pounds.

    N a. 4,000 lbs.
    Y b. 5,000 lbs.
    N c. 20,000 lbs.
    N d. 100,000 lbs.

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.

1066: If your propeller is racing in rough weather, you should __________.

    Y a. decrease your engine speed
    N b. ignore it
    N c. increase your engine speed
    N d. stop your engine until the rough weather passes

1119: A single fitting installed in a pipeline that either blanks off the pipe or allows a full flow passage of a liquid through the pipe is referred to as a __________.

    N a. blind flange
    N b. pivot coupling
    N c. quick-release coupling
    Y d. spectacle flange

1200: Your vessel's operators send a message that your vessel has been consigned to Voluntary Naval Control of Shipping. The message will refer you to __________.

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

1375: A chain stripper is used to __________.

    Y a. prevent chain from clinging to the wildcat
    N b. clean the marine debris from the chain
    N c. flake chain from a boat's chain locker
    N d. clean chain prior to an x-ray inspection

1430: A vessel's bottom will be subjected to tension when weight is concentrated __________.

    Y a. amidships
    N b. aft
    N c. at both ends of the vessel
    N d. forward

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

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

1637: Which statement about a vessel's stability while dry-docking is TRUE?

    Y a. Every ton of weight bearing on the blocks acts as if a ton of weight was removed at keel level.
    N b. When the ship touches the blocks, the beam for stability purposes increases to the beam of the dry-dock.
    N c. The stability of the vessel increases as a dock is pumped out due to the support of the keel blocks.
    N d. As the dock begins to support the weight of the vessel, stability calculations are based on the ship and dock as a single unit.

1709: The force acting on a single cargo runner which is vertically lifting or lowering a load is greatest when __________.

    Y a. decelerating when lowering the load
    N b. decelerating when raising the load
    N c. lowering the load at constant speed
    N d. raising the load at constant speed

1730: A disk with a horizontal line through its center, equivalent to the summer load line, is called the __________.

    N a. deadrise mark
    N b. maximum allowable draft mark
    Y c. Plimsoll mark
    N d. tonnage mark

1816: Which picture shown represents a square knot? (DO30DG )

    Y a. W
    N b. R
    N c. P
    N d. H

1820: If a drill required by regulations is not completed, the Master or person in charge must __________.

    N a. report this immediately to the Commandant of the Coast Guard
    Y b. log the reason for not completing the drill
    N c. conduct two of the required drills at the next opportunity
    N d. All of the above

1916: Using the graph shown, if the dry bulb temperature is 68°, and the wet bulb temperature is 65°, what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? ( D008DG )

    N a. 66%
    N b. 74%
    Y c. 82%
    N d. 90%

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

1973: Which statement is TRUE about placing the eyes of two mooring lines on the same bollard?

    N a. Put one line at the low point and one at the high point of the bollard so they don't touch.
    Y b. Take the eye of the second line up through the eye of the first line before putting the second line on the bollard.
    N c. Never put two mooring lines on the same bollard.
    N d. The mooring line forward should be put on the bollard first.

2011: The structural member indicated by the letter K is a __________. (D033DG )

    N a. longitudinal frame
    N b. stringer
    N c. girder
    Y d. floor

2041: Which tackle arrangement has the LEAST mechanical advantage?

    Y a. Single whip
    N b. Gun tackle
    N c. Luff tackle
    N d. Twofold purchase

2122: What is the name of tackle number 9? (DO29DG )

    N a. Single purchase
    N b. One-two tackle
    N c. Double whip
    Y d. Luff tackle

2126: You have anchored in a mud and clay bottom. The anchor appears to be dragging in a storm. What action should you take?

    N a. Shorten the scope of the cable.
    N b. Veer cable to the anchor.
    N c. Drop the other anchor underfoot.
    Y d. Drop the second anchor, veer to a good scope, then weigh the first anchor.

2137: The securing systems for containers were developed to prevent container movement during which ship motion?

    N a. Surge
    Y b. Roll
    N c. Sway
    N d. Yaw

2185: You are using tackle number 7 to lift a weight of 100 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. 200 lbs.
    N b. 150 lbs.
    N c. 110 lbs.
    Y d. 55 lbs.

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

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

2265: You are conducting trials to determine the maneuvering characteristics of your vessel. While making a turn, you take ranges and bearings of an isolated light with the results shown. Based on this information, what is the transfer for a turn of 45°? (D034DG )

    Y a. 130 yards
    N b. 165 yards
    N c. 195 yards
    N d. 230 yards

2398: How many tons of salt water can be loaded into a flat-ended cylindrical tank with a diameter of 4.5 feet and a length of 8 feet?

    N a. 1.82
    Y b. 3.64
    N c. 7.27
    N d. 14.54

2398: How many tons of salt water can be loaded into a flat-ended cylindrical tank with a diameter of 4.5 feet and a length of 8 feet?

    N a. 1.82
    Y b. 3.64
    N c. 7.27
    N d. 14.54

2530: Your vessel has gone aground in waters where the tide is falling. The BEST action you can take is to __________.

    Y a. set out a kedge anchor
    N b. shift the vessel's load aft and repeatedly surge the engine(s) astern
    N c. shift the vessel's load forward and wait until the next high tide
    N d. slowly bring the engine(s) to full speed astern

2579: Where are the test certificates, for wire rope used as cargo runners, and loose gear certificates usually maintained?

    Y a. With the Cargo Gear Register on the ship
    N b. In the Official Log
    N c. At the Coast Guard Marine Safety Office with the vessel's inspection records
    N d. At the central records center of the agency testing the cargo gear

2618: Due to the nature of a vessel's construction for a particular trade, it does not fully comply with the provisions of SOLAS. Where will this be indicated?

    Y a. On the Exemption Certificate
    N b. On the reverse of the particular SOLAS certificate affected
    N c. On the face of the Certificate of Inspection
    N d. Nowhere; the vessel must comply to engage in international trade.

2794: The Great Lakes Edition of the Notice to Mariners is published __________.

    Y a. weekly by the 9th Coast Guard District
    N b. monthly by the Army Corps of Engineers
    N c. monthly by the Naval Oceanographic office
    N d. biweekly by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard

2939: A vessel operating on the Great Lakes, and whose position is south of an approaching eastward-moving storm center, would NOT experience __________.

    N a. a falling barometer
    N b. lowering clouds and drizzle
    Y c. a southwest to west wind
    N d. rain or snow

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

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)

3124: You attach a line to a stationary barge lying off your starboard beam in order to maneuver it into position to make up tow. The line used to do this is a __________.

    N a. jockey line
    N b. fore and aft line
    N c. check line
    Y d. swing line

3370: In astern towing, a tow span, also called the "tow bar" or "towing arch", is used to __________.

    N a. insure that the hawser leads directly aft as it passes over the stern of the towing vessel
    N b. increase the stability of the towing vessel by raising the hawser off the deck
    N c. reduce chafing of the towing hawser
    Y d. prevent fouling of the hawser on deck gear located on the stern of the towing vessel

3372: The lead of a tow bridle is usually redirected with a __________.

    N a. bollard
    Y b. chock
    N c. pad eye
    N d. devil's claw

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

3540: While on duty as a look-out, which other duty may you perform?

    N a. Sweep down the fo'c'sle
    N b. Paint any area near your station
    N c. Overhaul a block, as long as it is at your look-out station
    Y d. None of the above

3562: The signal man assisting a crane operator has his arm extended with his fingers closed and thumb pointing upward. This is the signal to __________.

    Y a. raise the boom
    N b. raise the hook
    N c. raise the boom and hook
    N d. check the boom stop

3616: A tug in irons is __________.

    N a. rudder bound
    N b. being tripped by the towline
    Y c. unable to maneuver
    N d. broached

3690: The part of the anchor indicated by the letter I is the __________. (D038DG )

    N a. tripping palm
    Y b. fluke
    N c. bill
    N d. stock

4247: Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding crane operations?

    N a. Radio communications allow the crane operator to disregard the use of hand signals.
    Y b. The crane operators and signalman must be familiar with the correct hand signals.
    N c. The forward cranes can be operated from the bridge.
    N d. The aft cranes can be operated from the aft steering station.

4271: Which immediate action should the operator of a pedestal crane take if crane control is lost?

    N a. Sound the general alarm.
    Y b. Return the control levers to the neutral positions.
    N c. Notify port security.
    N d. Hold the control levers all the way down.

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.