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.


178: Which can be prevented only by segregating two lots of cargo into separate holds?


245: The fitting that allows a boom to move freely both vertically and laterally is called the __________.


256: When fruit is carried as refrigerated cargo, the most frequent cause of its being infected at the discharge port is __________.


326: In order to back a right-handed, single-screw vessel in a straight line, you will probably need to use __________.

    N a. very little rudder
    N b. some left rudder
    Y c. some right rudder
    N d. full left rudder

366: When backing down with sternway, the pivot point of a vessel is __________.

    N a. at the bow
    N b. about one-third of the vessel's length from the bow
    Y c. about one-quarter of the vessel's length from the stern
    N d. aft of the propellers

372: Keeping the draft at or below the load line mark will insure that the vessel has adequate __________.

    N a. ballast
    Y b. reserve buoyancy
    N c. displacement
    N d. rolling periods

429: A tank is loaded with 9,000 barrels of gasoline. The temperature of the product is 90°F (32°C), and it has a coefficient of expansion of .0008. What is the net amount of cargo loaded?

    N a. 8856 bbls
    Y b. 8784 bbls
    N c. 8820 bbls
    N d. 9216 bbls

446: A twin-screw vessel can clear the inboard propeller and maneuver off a pier best by holding a(n) __________.

    N a. forward spring line and going slow ahead on the inboard engine
    N b. after spring line and going slow astern on the outboard engine
    N c. forward spring line and going slow ahead on both engines
    Y d. forward spring line and going slow ahead on the outboard engine

447: One reason a tug's towing bitts are located forward of the rudders is because __________.

    N a. it makes it easier to hook up the towing hawser
    N b. this is where the towhook is located
    Y c. this allows more responsive steering
    N d. it is traditional

498: When the dew point of the outside air is higher than the dew point of the air in the cargo hold, you should __________.

    N a. energize the exhaust blowers
    N b. energize the intake blowers
    Y c. not ventilate the cargo holds
    N d. ventilate the cargo holds

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

603: To reduce the amount of catenary you may __________.

    Y a. shorten the hawser or increase the tug's speed
    N b. lengthen the hawser or reduce the tug's speed
    N c. place your tug in irons
    N d. make a sharp turn

619: What is NOT a requirement for the safe and effective use of a crude oil washing system?

    N a. Strip all tanks and remove the bottom residue.
    N b. Use an inert gas system while washing tanks.
    Y c. Use portable washing machines to reach areas obscured by structural members in the tanks.
    N d. Decant one meter from the source tank for the tank cleaning machines.

625: Which statement is FALSE?

    N a. Your stern is sucked down and your draft increases when going from deep to shallow water.
    N b. Excessive speed while passing moored vessels may cause them to surge and break their moorings.
    N c. Excessive speed while passing a tow being pushed ahead or pushing a tow into an eddy too fast may break up the tow.
    Y d. None of the above

641: Which document shows the minimum required crew a vessel must have to navigate from one port in the United States to another?

    N a. Articles
    Y b. Certificate of Inspection
    N c. Crew List
    N d. Register

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

665: The catenary __________.

    N a. acts as a reserve length of towing hawser when the tug applies more power, and it dampens the surge effect of the tow
    N b. gives an approximation of the amount of strain on the towing hawser
    N c. is the dip in the towing hawser between the tug and the tow
    Y d. All of the above

670: You must evacuate a seaman by helicopter lift. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The ship should be stopped with the wind off the beam while the helicopter is hovering overhead.
    N b. The basket or stretcher must not be allowed to touch the deck.
    N c. The tending line of the litter basket should be secured to the ship beyond the radius of the helicopter blades.
    Y d. The hoist line should be slack before the basket or stretcher is hooked on.

709: The designations A,B,C,D, and E grades of cargo refer to the __________.

    N a. degrees of quality of petroleum products
    Y b. flash point range and Reid vapor pressure index of petroleum products
    N c. grades of crude oil
    N d. pour point, color, and viscosity index of petroleum products

761: The Immigration and Naturalization Service is concerned with which document on a vessel making preliminary entry into a U.S. port from a foreign port?

    N a. Cargo Manifest
    Y b. Certified Crew List
    N c. Curio List
    N d. Shipping Articles

864: During the manufacture of line, yarns are twisted together in the __________.

    Y a. opposite direction from which the fibers are twisted together to form strands
    N b. same direction the fibers are twisted to form strands
    N c. opposite direction from which the fibers are twisted together to form the line
    N d. opposite direction from which the fibers are twisted together forming cables

976: When the period of beam seas equals the natural rolling period of a vessel, what will most likely occur?

    N a. Excessive pitching
    N b. Excessive yawing
    Y c. Excessive rolling
    N d. No change should be evident

986: When running before a heavy sea, moving weights aft will affect the handling of a vessel by __________.

    N a. reducing rolling
    N b. increasing rolling
    Y c. reducing yawing
    N d. increasing yawing

1018: Which U.S. Government agency can suspend or revoke a Merchant Mariner's license for violating the load line act?

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping
    Y b. U.S. Coast Guard
    N c. U.S. Customs Service
    N d. U.S. Maritime Administration

1077: A seaman dies during a voyage. What is NOT required to be entered into the Official Log?

    Y a. Statement that the Master has taken custody of the deceased's MMD and passport
    N b. An inventory of the money and property
    N c. Statement of the wages due
    N d. Statement as to the total deductions to be made from the wages

1153: What affect does shallow water have on a vessel's stopping distance?

    N a. The stopping distance is shorter.
    Y b. The stopping distance is longer.
    N c. There is no difference in the stopping distance.
    N d. The propeller is more effective when going astern in shallow water.

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

1195: Under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act of 1936, a vessel will be liable for damage to a cargo when the damage arises from __________.

    Y a. unseaworthiness when sailing
    N b. insufficient packing
    N c. quarantine delays
    N d. mismanagement of the vessel

1218: Which is a negotiable document?

    Y a. Bill of Lading
    N b. Cargo Manifest
    N c. Export Declaration
    N d. Receiving Report

1237: You are a watchstanding mate and have come to the bridge to relieve the watch. After reviewing the chart and having been briefed by the off-going mate, you are now ready to effect the relief. The watch is officially transferred to you after __________.

    N a. you state the vessel's charted position, present course and port of destination
    N b. the mate being relieved tells you the vessel's course and speed and states that you have the watch
    Y c. you say, "I relieve you" and you state the course per gyro and magnetic compasses
    N d. the mate being relieved says, "You have the conn" and you state the ship's course

1313: Where should a vessel being towed alongside be positioned for increased maneuverability?

    N a. Stern of the towed vessel aft of the stern of the towing vessel
    N b. Stern of the towed vessel even with the stern of the towing vessel
    Y c. Stern of the towed vessel forward of the stern of the towing vessel
    N d. Bow of the towed vessel even with the bow of the towing vessel

1436: How many feet are there in 2 shots of anchor chain?

    N a. 50
    N b. 60
    Y c. 180
    N d. 360

1501: Particular average is __________.

    N a. the average distance steamed per day over the duration of the voyage
    N b. charges against all parties in a marine venture to pay for damages
    Y c. loss sustained by only one party
    N d. claimed after all liens against the vessel are settled

1537: Which is NOT a potential hazard of approaching close to an iceberg?

    Y a. The brash ice in the vicinity may clog sea intakes.
    N b. The berg may calve with the bergy bit hitting the vessel.
    N c. There may be underwater rams extending out from the berg.
    N d. The berg may suddenly tilt or capsize due to uneven melting and hit the vessel.

1581: A vessel is found to be seaworthy after a complaint in writing to the American Consul by the Chief and Second Mates. The cost of the survey is to be paid by the __________.

    N a. American Consul
    Y b. Chief and Second Mates
    N c. Vessel's agent
    N d. vessel's owners

1667: When the gyro-pilot is used for steering, what control is adjusted to compensate for varying sea conditions?

    N a. Rudder control
    N b. Sea control
    N c. Lost motion adjustment
    Y d. Weather adjustment

1903: When securing a manila line to a bitt what is the minimum number of round turns you should take before figure-eighting the line?

    N a. None
    Y b. 1
    N c. 2
    N d. 3

1910: The knot lettered J is a __________. (DO30DG )

    Y a. plain whipping
    N b. bowline
    N c. marline hitch
    N d. becket bend

2043: A mooring line that prevents a vessel from moving sideways away from the dock is a __________.

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

2113: One major advantage of the round turn maneuver in a man overboard situation is that it __________.

    Y a. is the fastest method
    N b. is easy for a single-screw vessel to perform
    N c. requires the least shiphandling skills to perform
    N d. can be used in reduced visibility

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

2152: Your vessel has the symbol shown inscribed on the side. Which statement concerning this symbol is TRUE? (DO22DG )

    N a. This represents the load line marks when engaged on a voyage upon the Great Lakes.
    N b. The line directly under the triangle is at the same level as the summer load line.
    N c. The symbol is the equivalent of a load line marking and is used by government vessels (USN, MSC, USCG) only.
    Y d. The applicable gross and net tonnage of the ship will change if this mark is submerged and the load line mark is visible.

2175: Which is a negotiated charter?

    Y a. Fixture
    N b. Bill of Lading
    N c. Conference agreement
    N d. All of the above

2233: The knot lettered N as shown is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. timber hitch
    N b. rolling bowline
    Y c. stopper
    N d. heaving line hitch

2282: Using the graph in illustration D008DG, if the dry bulb temperature is 77° and the wet bulb temperature is 69°, what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? (D008DG )

    Y a. 67%
    N b. 70%
    N c. 77%
    N d. 81%

2493: Your U.S. tankship is designed to carry anhydrous ammonia in bulk. The keel was laid in 1980. Which statement concerning the carriage of this cargo is TRUE?

    N a. A flammable gas detection system must be installed in each cargo pump room.
    N b. Tanks may not be located "on deck".
    N c. Carriage of this cargo is authorized by issuance of an IMO Certificate.
    Y d. Aluminum and copper alloys are prohibited from being in valve parts in contact with the cargo.

2708: Which statement is TRUE with respect to the load line markings shown. (D031DG )

    Y a. A vessel displaying these marks may load in the salt waters of the St. Lawrence River.
    N b. Vessels engaged solely on Great Lakes voyages are not required to show these marks.
    N c. U.S. flag vessels less than 100 feet in length and less than 200 gross tons are not required to show these marks.
    N d. U.S. flag vessels of 100 gross tons and upward must show these marks.

2772: The Coordinator Surface Search (CSS) in a SAR situation should display by night __________.

    N a. deck lights forward and aft
    N b. a white light over two red lights
    N c. a red light, white light, and blue light in a vertical line
    Y d. a distinctive signal promulgated by the CSS

2844: Naval authorities would NOT give orders about which of the following, when the vessel is under control of the Naval Control of Shipping Organization?

    N a. Visual communication at sea
    N b. Rescue operations
    N c. Diversions
    Y d. Schedules for loading cargo

3108: How should you signal the crane operator to raise the boom?

    N a. Extend arm with the thumb pointing up and flex the fingers in and out.
    N b. Place both fists in front of the body with the thumbs pointing upward.
    N c. With forearm vertical and forefinger pointing up, move hand in small horizontal circles.
    Y d. Extend arm with fingers closed and point thumb upward.

3293: You are proceeding under NCS (Naval Control of Shipping) and wish to send a message by rapid transmission which does not require a higher precedence. Which precedence would you assign this message?

    Y a. R (ROUTINE)
    N b. P (PRIORITY)
    N c. O (IMMEDIATE)
    N d. Z (FLASH)

3438: One advantage of chain over wire rope for a tow bridle is that chain __________.

    N a. is better suited for inland towing
    Y b. resists damage from chafing
    N c. handles more easily
    N d. equalizes towing forces better

3560: What should look-outs report?

    N a. Discolored water
    N b. Shoals
    N c. Floating objects
    Y d. All of the above

3564: The angle at which the fluke penetrates the soil is called the __________.

    Y a. fluke angle
    N b. tripping angle
    N c. penetration angle
    N d. holding angle

4071: The head block is located___________.

    N a. at the base of the boom
    Y b. at the head of the boom
    N c. at the head of the mast
    N d. on top of the jack staff

4107: Which of the following are considered to be "road vehicles" that can be carried on Ro-Ro vessels?

    Y a. Semi-trailer
    N b. Train
    N c. Articulated train
    N d. All of the above

4144: Which tensioning device is used with chain to secure heavy vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    Y a. Chain lever
    N b. Buckle tensioner
    N c. Adjust-a-matic tensioner
    N d. Ratchet tensioner

4171: While loading or discharging vehicles, which is the most important safety consideration aboard a Ro-Ro vessel?

    Y a. Preventing the asphyxiation of personnel below decks
    N b. Notifying the engine room prior to completing operations
    N c. Calling out the deck department for all hands periodically
    N d. Ensuring that a fuel barge cannot come alongside

4210: Pedestal cranes have limit switches to restrict the movement of which function?

    N a. Luff rate limits
    Y b. Slew travel limits
    N c. Swivel power limits
    N d. Slew rate limits

4232: The 30 ton capacity pedestal cranes shown in the illustration can lift a maximum weight of how many tons in the twin mode? (D049DG )

    N a. 15 tons
    N b. 30 tons
    Y c. 60 tons
    N d. 120 tons