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.


3: A stopper used in securing the ground tackle for sea that consists of a grab attached to a turnbuckle is a __________.


24: A crack in the deck plating of a vessel may be temporarily prevented from increasing in length by __________.


130: You are on a vessel carrying liquefied butadiene in bulk. Which document is NOT required to be either in the wheelhouse or easily accessible to the person on watch while underway?


146: When turning a ship in restricted space with a strong wind, it is normally best to __________.

    N a. go ahead on both engines with the rudder hard to one side, if on a twin-screw vessel
    N b. back down with the rudder hard to one side, if on a single-screw vessel
    N c. take advantage of the tendency to back to port, if on a twin-screw vessel
    Y d. turn so that the tendency to back into the wind can be used, if on a single-screw vessel

191: An alien crewmember with a D-1 permit leaves the vessel in a U.S. port and fails to return. The first report you make should be to the __________.

    N a. Customs Service
    Y b. Immigration Service
    N c. local police
    N d. OCMI

277: Allied Naval Control of Shipping (NCS) has been established. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The Naval Control of Shipping Organization of each nation will serve their own ships only.
    N b. Allied ships, which are at sea when an emergency is declared, will all be controlled by a central authority.
    N c. The conduct of US-flag ships in an allied port will be controlled by US NCS authorities.
    Y d. After Naval Control of Shipping has been established, permission to sail must come from local naval authorities or consular officers.

330: You have completed a Dangerous Cargo Manifest for dangerous cargoes loaded on board. It should be kept in a conspicuous location __________.

    N a. in the radio room
    N b. in the ship's office
    Y c. on or near the bridge
    N d. outside the Captain's stateroom

374: Holes in the bulwark, which allow deck water to drain into the sea, are __________.

    N a. doggers
    N b. fidleys
    Y c. freeing ports
    N d. swash ports

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.

444: A metal object on the pier resembling a tree stump and made to receive mooring lines is a __________.

    N a. bight
    Y b. bollard
    N c. chock
    N d. camel

472: On a long ocean tow, the bridle should be made up of two equal lengths of __________.

    Y a. chain
    N b. wire
    N c. nylon
    N d. manila

500: What would NOT require that a detailed report of the release of hazardous cargo be made to the Department of Transportation?

    N a. The valve on an empty portable tank that contained acetone is accidentally opened and some of the residue escapes to the open sea.
    N b. A carboy of nitric acid is broken on deck while loading and is flushed overboard with no injury or damage.
    Y c. Part of your deck cargo of five gallon cans of paint is damaged and leaking so you jettison them to eliminate the fire hazard.
    N d. Heavy weather causes damage to packages of a hazardous liquid that is subsequently pumped out at sea through the bilge pumping system.

504: Anchors are prevented from running out when secured by the __________.

    N a. brake
    N b. devil's claw
    N c. pawls
    Y d. All of the above

538: Using the graph shown, if the dry bulb temperature is 80°F (27°C) and the wet bulb temperature is 70°F (21°C), what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? (D008DG )

    N a. 45%
    N b. 52%
    Y c. 58%
    N d. 65%

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

598: What is NOT an advantage of containership operations over conventional break-bulk operations?

    Y a. Flexibility of operation
    N b. Greater operational safety
    N c. Lower stevedoring costs
    N d. Reduction of cargo damage

649: Before a tank is to be crude oil washed, the oxygen content in the tank must be measured at a position __________.

    N a. immediately above the level of the oil
    N b. at the top of the tank
    N c. in the vent riser
    Y d. one meter from the deck

794: "White Line" is made from __________.

    Y a. cotton
    N b. hemp
    N c. manila
    N d. sisal

846: A vessel proceeding along the bank of a river or channel has the tendency to __________.

    N a. continue in line with the bank
    N b. hug the bank
    Y c. sheer away from the bank
    N d. increase speed

902: The number of able seamen required on board is stated in the __________.

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping code
    N b. Solas Certificate
    N c. Classification Certificate
    Y d. Certificate of Inspection

1007: When using the term "limber system" one is referring to a __________.

    N a. cleaning system
    Y b. drainage system
    N c. strengthening system
    N d. weight reduction system

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.

1087: The turning circle of a vessel is the path followed by the __________.

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

1246: When a tug is pulling on a hawser at right angles to the ship, and the pilot wants to come ahead or astern on the ship's engine, care must be taken that the pilot __________.

    N a. does not break the towline
    Y b. does not get too much way on the vessel
    N c. keeps a steady course so the towline will remain tight
    N d. turns the ship toward the direction of pull

1268: The S.S. Ossel Hitch arrives in Capetown, South Africa, and the Master affects a note of protest with the U.S. Consul. Why would the Master affect this document?

    N a. Crew misconduct
    N b. Inability of vessel to comply with voyage charter
    N c. Suspicion of cargo pilferage by crew
    Y d. Suspicion of heavy weather damage to vessel or cargo

1384: The wire rope used for cargo handling on board your vessel has a safe working load of eight tons. It shall be able to withstand a breaking test load of __________.

    N a. 32 tons
    Y b. 40 tons
    N c. 48 tons
    N d. 64 tons

1594: What is the breaking strain of steel wire rope with a 5/8" diameter?

    N a. 1.0 tons
    N b. 6.6 tons
    Y c. 9.6 tons
    N d. 15.6 tons

1625: All inspected vessels on unrestricted ocean routes must have equipment on board for testing an individual's __________.

    N a. blood
    Y b. breath
    N c. urine
    N d. All of the above

1696: Mooring with two bow anchors has which major advantage over anchoring with one bow anchor?

    N a. The vessel will not reverse direction in a tidal current.
    Y b. The radius of the vessel's swing will be shortened.
    N c. A mooring approach may be made from any direction.
    N d. The vessel will not swing with a change in wind.

1734: Which knot reduces the strength of a line by the LEAST amount?

    N a. Bowline
    N b. Clove hitch
    N c. Sheet bend
    Y d. Two half hitches

1852: What is normally used to pass a mooring line to a dock?

    N a. Distance line
    N b. Gantline
    Y c. Heaving line
    N d. Tag line

1883: The most common method of securing a line to a cleat is a __________.

    N a. half hitch, then round turns
    Y b. round turn, then figure eights
    N c. figure eight, then round turns
    N d. figure eight, then half hitches

1999: When shoring a damaged bulkhead, effort should be taken to spread the pressure over the __________.

    Y a. maximum possible area
    N b. minimum possible area
    N c. nearest watertight door
    N d. nearest longitudinal girder

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

2098: Snow has obliterated surface features and the sky is covered with uniform, altostratus clouds. There are no shadows and the horizon has disappeared. What is this condition called?

    N a. Ice blink
    Y b. Whiteout
    N c. Water sky
    N d. Aurora reflection

2108: You are the Master signing on a crew. In completing the articles, who should sign in the various places indicated for the Shipping Commissioner's signature?

    N a. After sign on, the articles are presented at the nearest Marine Inspection/Safety Office for signature.
    N b. The space is left blank.
    N c. A marine notary public must sign after sign on is complete.
    Y d. The Master.

2241: The letter M indicates a(n) __________. (D033DG )

    Y a. web frame
    N b. intercostal
    N c. stringer
    N d. cant frame

2291: Before a Master relieves a Pilot of the conn, the __________.

    N a. Master must first request the Pilot to take corrective action
    N b. Master should agree to sign a release of liability form
    Y c. Master should foresee any danger to the vessel on the present course
    N d. vessel must be in extremis

2346: What is the volume of a sphere with a radius of 11 feet?

    N a. 506.75 cubic ft.
    N b. 696.78 cubic ft.
    Y c. 5,575.28 cubic ft.
    N d. 44,593.82 cubic ft.

2360: Splices made in nylon should __________.

    N a. be long splices only
    Y b. have extra tucks taken
    N c. be short splices only
    N d. be around a thimble

2492: When a tug makes up to a large vessel, the spring line should lead from the forwardmost part of the tug so that __________.

    N a. friction on the spring line is minimized
    N b. the length of the spring line is minimized
    N c. the head line and spring line can be worked simultaneously
    Y d. the tug can pivot freely

2688: What would have the greatest affect on a vessel's longitudinal strength?

    N a. Collision damage to the bow, forward of the collision bulkhead
    Y b. Grounding damage to the bilge strake, just aft of midships
    N c. Extensive corrosion to the centerline deck plating
    N d. Damage to the side shell, midway between the bilge and the stringer plate

2768: Which of the Great Lakes lies entirely within the United States?

    N a. Lake Ontario
    N b. Lake St. Clair
    Y c. Lake Michigan
    N d. Lake Superior

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.

2976: Which statement is TRUE with respect to shiphandling procedures in ice?

    N a. Never go "full astern" at any time while in ice.
    Y b. Go astern in ice with extreme care - always with rudder amidships.
    N c. Enter ice at medium speeds to reduce impact.
    N d. The presence of a snow cover on the ice assists a vessel's progress through an ice field.

3024: How should you signal the crane operator to dog everything?

    N a. Place both fists in front of your body with thumbs pointing toward each other.
    Y b. Clasp hands in front of your body.
    N c. Extend arm with the palm down and hold this position rigidly.
    N d. Extend arm with the thumb pointing up, and flex the fingers in and out.

3050: Which characteristic is an advantage of a butterfly valve as compared to a gate valve?

    N a. Precise control over cargo flow
    Y b. Quick operation
    N c. No resistance to cargo flow when open
    N d. Less maintenance required

3152: The danger of a towing vessel tripping is increased the closer the towline is secured to __________.

    N a. the stern
    Y b. amidships
    N c. the bow
    N d. the quarter

3167: Which statement concerning a 298 GRT inspected tug engaged in towing from Seattle, WA, to Alaska is TRUE?

    N a. No able seamen are required.
    Y b. Each crew member must be issued a certificate of discharge at the time of discharge.
    N c. A licensed Master of Towing Vessels may serve as Master.
    N d. Crew must be signed on before a Shipping Commissioner.

3269: What provides little or no indication that a vessel is dragging anchor?

    Y a. Changing range to an object abeam
    N b. Drift lead with the line tending forward
    N c. The cable alternates between slack and heavy tension
    N d. Changing bearing to a fixed distant object abeam

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

3378: The part of the anchor indicated by the letter F is the __________. (D038DG )

    Y a. shank
    N b. bar
    N c. stock
    N d. shot

3414: You are lifting a 3-ton weight with a single whip rove on a swinging boom set at an angle 20° to the horizontal. Use the formula for the size of a shackle with a safe working load and determine the minimum size shackle that should be used to secure the head block to the boom.

    Y a. 1 3/8 inch
    N b. 1 1/2 inch
    N c. 1 5/8 inch
    N d. 1 3/4 inch

3491: You are the licensed Master of a towing vessel operating between New York and Tampa, Florida. If you carry four (4) deckhands onboard, how many must be able seamen?

    N a. 4
    Y b. 3
    N c. 2
    N d. 1

3491: You are the licensed Master of a towing vessel operating between New York and Tampa, Florida. If you carry four (4) deckhands onboard, how many must be able seamen?

    N a. 4
    Y b. 3
    N c. 2
    N d. 1

3693: When the Pilot is embarked he or she __________.

    N a. relieves the Master of his duties
    N b. is solely responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel
    Y c. is a specialist hired for his or her local navigational knowledge
    N d. relieves the officer of the watch

4060: You are arriving in port and are assigned to anchor in anchorage circle B-4. It has a diameter of 550 yards and your vessel's LOA is 449 feet. If you anchor in 9 fathoms at the center of the circle, what is the maximum number of shots of chain you can use and still remain in the circle?

    N a. 6 shots
    N b. 5 shots
    Y c. 4 shots
    N d. 3 shots

4133: What is used when securing light vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Chain lever or turnbuckle
    N b. Chain
    N c. Wire
    Y d. None of these

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

4379: When relieving the helm, the new helmsman should know the __________.

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