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.


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


106: In relation to the turning circle of a ship, the term "kick" means the distance __________.


114: You are on watch at sea on course 090°T. A man falls overboard on your starboard side. You immediately start a Williamson Turn. Which step is NOT a part of a Williamson Turn?


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

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

217: The holding capability of an anchor is primarily determined by the __________.

    N a. shape of the anchor
    N b. stowage of the anchor on board
    Y c. anchor's ability to dig in
    N d. size of the vessel and its draft

264: The total weight of cargo, fuel, water, stores, passengers and crew, and their effects, that a ship can carry, is the __________.

    N a. bale cubic
    Y b. deadweight
    N c. gross tonnage
    N d. loaded displacement

361: The strictest load line regulations apply to __________.

    N a. gas carriers
    N b. freighters (break-bulk)
    Y c. passenger ships
    N d. tankers

389: When hooking up a cargo hose to your vessel's manifold, you should use a(n)______________.

    N a. international shore connection
    Y b. insulating flange or single length of non-conducting hose
    N c. self-contained breathing apparatus
    N d. oxygen analyzer

542: Which best describes a "fishplate" used in towing?

    Y a. A triangular-shaped heavy steel plate with a round hole inset from each corner
    N b. A steel plate in the shape of a flat fish
    N c. A rectangular-shaped piece of heavy steel plate with four holes
    N d. A circular piece of heavy steel with three holes forming an equilateral triangle

725: By law, a user of marijuana shall be subject to __________.

    N a. loss of pay during the period of such use
    N b. reprimand by the US Coast Guard
    Y c. revocation of license or certificate
    N d. termination of employment

730: In a Williamson turn, the rudder is put over full until the __________.

    N a. vessel has turned 90°From her original course
    Y b. vessel has turned 60°From her original course
    N c. vessel is on a reciprocal course
    N d. emergency turn signal sounds

904: In order to help protect a natural fiber rope from rotting, the line must be __________.

    Y a. dried, and stowed in a place with adequate ventilation
    N b. stowed in a hot, moist compartment
    N c. stowed on deck at all times
    N d. stowed in any compartment

917: What is the period of validity of a Safety Management Certificate?

    Y a. 60 months
    N b. 48 months
    N c. 42 months
    N d. 36 months

975: The "Mode" selector switch on the autopilot steering stand is used to select any of the following with the EXCEPTION of __________.

    N a. automatic pilot steering
    N b. hand-electric steering
    N c. non-followup steering
    Y d. rudder adjustment

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.

1010: When the longitudinal strength members of a vessel are continuous and closely spaced, the vessel is __________.

    N a. transversely framed
    Y b. longitudinally framed
    N c. intermittently framed
    N d. web framed

1082: A lashing used to secure two barges side by side, lashed in an "X" fashion, is called a __________.

    N a. backing wire
    Y b. scissor wire
    N c. face wire
    N d. breast wire

1102: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "B" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. after breast line
    N b. after spring line
    Y c. inshore stern line
    N d. offshore stern line

1125: The pivoting point of a vessel going ahead is __________.

    Y a. about one-third of the vessel's length from the bow
    N b. about two-thirds of the vessel's length from the bow
    N c. at the hawsepipe
    N d. near the stern

1140: In a transversely framed ship, the transverse frames are supported by all of the following EXCEPT __________.

    N a. girders
    N b. longitudinals
    N c. side stringers
    Y d. web plates

1162: How does a vessel's rate of turn change when entering shallow water?

    N a. It is faster.
    N b. It is slower.
    Y c. There is no change.
    N d. It remains constant for varying propeller revolutions.

1175: You have arrived at your anchorage location. You have put the engines astern prior to letting go the anchor. How will you know when the vessel has stopped making way?

    N a. The ship's Doppler log reads zero
    Y b. The backwash of the propeller reaches amidships
    N c. An azimuth bearing on the beam remains steady
    N d. All of the above

1226: You are docking a vessel starboard side to with the assistance of two tugs. You are attempting to hold the vessel off by operating both tugs at right angles to the vessel and at full power. You must ensure that __________.

    N a. steerageway is not taken off
    N b. the bow doesn't close the dock first
    N c. the bow closes the dock first
    Y d. the ship has no headway at the time

1243: You are on watch at sea and find it prudent to call the Master to the bridge due to traffic congestion. The moment that the Master officially relieves you of the conn is whenever __________.

    N a. a watchstander announces "Captain's on the bridge"
    N b. you call the Captain to the bridge in a traffic situation
    Y c. the Master specifically informs you that he has the conn
    N d. the Captain states the course being steered

1289: What would you use to adjust the height of a cargo boom?

    N a. Lizard
    N b. Spanner guy
    Y c. Topping lift
    N d. Working guy

1448: Nylon line is better suited than manila for __________.

    N a. towing alongside
    Y b. towing astern
    N c. holding knots and splices
    N d. resisting damage from chemicals

1451: The implied condition(s) with respect to the doctrine of deviation in a marine insurance policy is(are) __________.

    N a. that the cargo be discharged from the vessel with customary dispatch
    N b. that the voyage be commenced in a reasonable time
    N c. that the voyage be pursued over the usual and direct route
    Y d. All of the above

1484: A metal eye spliced into a wire is called a __________.

    N a. cyclops
    N b. fish eye
    Y c. thimble
    N d. chip

1596: Using a scope of five, determine how many feet of chain you should put out to anchor in 12 fathoms of water.

    N a. 60 feet (18 meters)
    N b. 72 feet (22 meters)
    Y c. 360 feet (110 meters)
    N d. 450 feet (137 meters)

1630: The fore and aft run of deck plating which strengthens the connection between the beams and the frames and keeps the beams square to the shell is called the __________.

    N a. garboard strake
    N b. limber strake
    N c. sheer strake
    Y d. stringer strake

1657: What is the perimeter of a circle with a radius of 5.1 feet?

    N a. 81.71 ft
    N b. 64.08 ft
    N c. 40.85 ft
    Y d. 32.04 ft

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

1793: The lines led forward from the bow and aft from the stern when a vessel is moored to the dock are __________.

    Y a. bow and stern lines
    N b. breast lines
    N c. halyards
    N d. warps

1801: A vessel proceeding to London, England, from New York makes an unscheduled call at the port of Hamilton, Bermuda. What term is used to denote the voluntary departure from the usual course?

    N a. Alteration
    Y b. Deviation
    N c. Liberty
    N d. Unscheduled stop

1802: Which picture represents a bowline? (DO30DG )

    N a. G
    N b. H
    N c. L
    Y d. Q

2033: A spring line leads __________.

    Y a. fore and aft from the ship's side
    N b. to the dock at a right angle to the vessel
    N c. through the bull nose or chock at the bow
    N d. through the chock at the stern

2129: The exact and complete identification of all cargo on board must be found on the __________.

    Y a. Cargo Manifest
    N b. Mate's Receipt
    N c. Hatch Report
    N d. Loading List

2132: Which statement concerning dual-tonnage vessels is TRUE?

    N a. The dual-tonnage mark is always marked above the load line marks.
    N b. The tonnages referred to are the displacement tonnage and gross tonnage.
    Y c. A single-deck vessel may not be assigned dual tonnages.
    N d. The dual-tonnage mark must never be submerged beyond the freshwater allowance.

2136: Your enrolled vessel is bound from Baltimore, MD, to Norfolk, VA, via Chesapeake Bay. Which statement about the required pilot is TRUE?

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

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

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

2365: A six-strand composite rope made up of alternate fiber and wire strands around a fiber core is called __________.

    Y a. spring lay
    N b. lang lay
    N c. cable lay
    N d. alternate lay

2459: Tripping defects in anchors frequently occur in __________.

    N a. deep water
    N b. shallow water
    N c. stiff soils
    Y d. soft soils

2471: To determine the number of able seamen required on an inspected vessel, you should check the __________.

    N a. Load Line Certificate
    N b. operations manual
    N c. Safety of Life at Sea Certificate
    Y d. Certificate of Inspection

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.

2512: Ultrasonic testing is used to determine the thickness of a vessel's shell plating and to __________.

    N a. provide tail shaft clearances
    Y b. test welds for subsurface defects
    N c. check the wear of the rudder carrier bearing
    N d. test the links of the anchor cables while being ranged

2548: What is the accepted standard for wire rope falls used in connection with the lifeboat gear?

    N a. Six by seven galvanized wire rope
    N b. Six by twenty-four improved plow steel wire rope
    N c. Six by thirty-seven preformed fiber-core wire rope
    Y d. Six by nineteen regular-lay filler wire rope

2608: Most very large ocean going vessels, such as bulk carriers and large tankers, tend to squat __________.

    Y a. by the bow
    N b. by the stern
    N c. at the end nearest the bottom
    N d. evenly fore and aft

2810: Which document lists all the lifesaving equipment required for a vessel?

    Y a. Certificate of Inspection
    N b. American Bureau of Shipping Classification Certificate
    N c. International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Certificate
    N d. Certificate of Registry

2855: A 150-meter vessel is proceeding down the course of a narrow channel in the Great Lakes System. A 60-meter vessel is starting to cross the channel. Which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. If the smaller vessel is engaged in fishing, he shall not impede the passage of the other vessel.
    N b. The crossing vessel has the right of way.
    N c. The vessel in the channel must slow to her steerageway.
    N d. The larger vessel is considered to be a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver.

3012: Which statement about the ventilation of bulk coal is TRUE?

    N a. Coal should not be ventilated; all oxygen should be excluded from the cargo.
    N b. Coal should be through-ventilated to remove methane and reduce the heat of spontaneous combustion.
    N c. Coal should be ventilated only if temperatures in the center of the cargo exceed 125°F.
    Y d. Coal should be surface ventilated only.

3052: How should you signal the crane operator to lower the boom?

    Y a. With arm extended and fingers closed, point thumb downward.
    N b. With arm extended downwards and forefinger pointing down, move hand in small horizontal circles.
    N c. Extend arm with the palm down, and hold this position rigidly.
    N d. With hands clasped in front of your body.

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.

3180: A license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard for Master of Towing Vessels is valid for __________.

    N a. 2 years and must be renewed
    N b. 3 years and must be renewed
    Y c. 5 years and must be renewed
    N d. life and need not be renewed

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

4018: The BEST holding ground for conventional anchors is __________.

    Y a. sand
    N b. very soft mud
    N c. shale
    N d. rock

4163: According to the IMO Code, what are the minimum number of securing points that should be on each side of a "road vehicle", whose gross vehicle mass is between 20 tons and 30 tons, when carried on Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. One
    N b. Two
    Y c. Three
    N d. None of the above

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

4246: What does "level-luffing" accomplish during crane operations?

    N a. It prevents the load from swinging when the boom level is adjusted.
    N b. Less power is needed when topping the boom with a load on the hook.
    N c. It maintains the height of the load above the deck.
    Y d. All of the above

4270: Which immediate action should the operator of a pedestal crane take if crane control is lost?

    Y a. Let go of both control levers and return to neutral position.
    N b. Call the engine room.
    N c. Disconnect the power to the pedestal.
    N d. Call the electrician.