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.


46: Which statement concerning the handling characteristics of a fully loaded vessel as compared with those of a light vessel is FALSE?


89: Ullage measurements are taken from the top of the liquid to __________.


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?


143: Why are most break bulk vessels built with the transverse framing system rather than the longitudinal system?

    N a. The transverse system is more resistant to hog and sag stresses.
    N b. The numerous longitudinal frames cause excessive broken stowage.
    N c. The transverse system provides better support to the varying cargo densities on a break bulk vessel.
    Y d. The deep web frames interfere with the stowage of break bulk cargo.

200: 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.
    N b. Crew must be signed on before a Shipping Commissioner.
    N c. A licensed Master of Towing Vessels may serve as Master.
    Y d. Each crew member must be issued a certificate of discharge at the time of discharge.

282: The owner, agent, Master or person-in-charge of a "T-Boat" involved in a marine casualty causing injury that requires professional medical treatment must __________.

    N a. immediately notify the nearest USCG MSO, MIO, or Group Office
    N b. keep all voyage records and make them available to Coast Guard investigators
    N c. file a written report (CG2692) of the casualty within five days
    Y d. All of the above

301: You are signing on a crew. Which person is presenting a Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD) that you should suspect as being invalid?

    N a. An AB with an endorsement of "Any unlicensed rating in the deck department including Able Seaman"
    Y b. A seaman with an MMD only endorsed as "Bosun"
    N c. A Purser with an MMD only endorsed "See certificate of registry"
    N d. A Chief Steward with an MMD only endorsed as "Steward's Dept. (FH)"

408: What is the meaning of the term tare weight?

    N a. Pounds of force necessary to damage a container
    N b. Total weight of a container and contents
    Y c. Weight of a container
    N d. Weight of the contents of a container

518: Which factor is MOST important in preventing sweat damage within a cargo hold?

    Y a. Dew point of the cargo hold
    N b. Dew point of the outside atmosphere
    N c. Outside air temperature
    N d. Temperature of the cargo

576: In twin-screw engine installations while going ahead, maneuvering qualities are most effective when the tops of the propeller blades both turn __________.

    N a. to starboard
    Y b. outboard from the center
    N c. to port
    N d. inboard toward the center

581: The Certificate of Inspection for your tankship authorizes the carriage of grade A and lower products. Which chemical may NOT be carried unless it is specifically endorsed on the Certificate of Inspection?

    N a. Amylene
    N b. Diisobutyl Phthalate
    N c. Oleic acid
    Y d. Vinyl acetate

593: To lead the towing hawser over the center of the stern when not under a strain you could __________.

    N a. fairlead it through a stern roller chock
    N b. lead it through the Norman pins
    N c. hold it in the median position by a gob rope or lizard stopper
    Y d. All of the above when so equipped

597: Wages due a seaman may be attached by the court for the __________.

    N a. payment of monthly bills
    N b. payment of creditors
    Y c. support of a minor child
    N d. All of the above

631: At least one reinspection shall be made on each vessel holding a Certificate of Inspection valid for two years. This inspection shall be held between the tenth and fourteenth months of the duration period of the certificate and shall be __________.

    N a. at the discretion of the inspector, but in no greater detail than required for original certification
    N b. at the discretion of the inspector, but in no lesser detail than required for original certification
    Y c. generally similar in scope to the inspection required for certification, but in less detail
    N d. equivalent to the inspection required for certification

654: A rope made of a combination of wire and fiber is known as __________.

    N a. independent
    N b. lang lay
    N c. preformed
    Y d. spring lay

816: Water may boil up around the stern of a vessel in a channel due to __________.

    N a. slack water when upbound
    Y b. shallow water
    N c. a cross current
    N d. a head current

867: Who may perform as a lookout?

    N a. A member of the engineering watch
    Y b. A member of the navigational watch
    N c. A member of the Stewards Department
    N d. All of the above

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

1067: The normal and safest way for a sailor to be lowered in a bosun's chair when descending vertically is __________.

    Y a. for that sailor to feed the hauling part through a bosun's chair hitch
    N b. to lead the hauling part to a cleat on the mast and slacking the sailor down
    N c. by taking several turns of the gantline on a winch drum and then lower the sailor by backing off on the winch
    N d. by leading the bight of the hauling part to a rail and taking several turns, then slacking away with the bight

1079: The system of valves and cargo lines in the bottom piping network of a tanker that connects one section of cargo tanks to another section is called a __________.

    N a. come-along
    Y b. crossover
    N c. manifold
    N d. runaround

1192: A person has fallen overboard and is being picked up with a lifeboat. If the person appears in danger of drowning, the lifeboat should make __________.

    N a. an approach from leeward
    N b. an approach from windward
    Y c. the most direct approach
    N d. an approach across the wind

1247: You are on watch and the Pilot has the conn. The Master has temporarily gone below. The Pilot orders a course change which you are certain will put the vessel into imminent danger. Your first action should be to __________.

    Y a. countermand the order and immediately notify the Master
    N b. make an appropriate entry in the deck log concerning the Pilot's order
    N c. immediately call the Master and await further orders from him
    N d. immediately sound a short ring on the general alarm

1258: While your vessel is docked port side to a wharf, a sudden gale force wind causes the vessel's stern lines to part. The stern begins to fall away from the dock, and no tugs are immediately available. Which measure(s) should you take FIRST?

    N a. Notify the engineroom of the need for propulsion.
    Y b. Shut down any cargo transfer that's in progress.
    N c. Let go the port anchor and veer to a short scope of chain.
    N d. Obtain assistance from the terminal to put new stern lines out.

1286: The anchors should be dropped well out from the pier while at a Mediterranean moor to __________.

    N a. eliminate navigational hazards by allowing the chain to lie along the harbor bottom
    N b. increase the anchor's reliability by providing a large catenary in the chain
    Y c. permit the ship to maneuver in the stream while weighing anchors
    N d. prevent damage to the stern caused by swinging against the pier in the approach

1439: Which part provides for transverse control and positioning of a boom in a conventional yard and stay system?

    Y a. Guy
    N b. Shroud
    N c. Spider
    N d. Topping lift

1478: What does "in step" refer to in regards to towing?

    N a. The towed vessel follows exactly in the wake of the towing vessel.
    N b. There is no catenary in the towing hawser.
    N c. When turning, both the towed and towing vessels turn at the same time.
    Y d. Both the towed and towing vessels reach a wave crest or trough at the same time.

1571: As Chief Officer of a vessel underway, it comes to your attention that the vessel is, in some manner, unseaworthy. Under such circumstances the Master is required to take action upon receiving __________.

    N a. information of such condition from yourself
    Y b. notification of such condition from yourself and the Second Officer
    N c. notification of such condition from yourself and any other member of the crew
    N d. notification of such condition from yourself or the Second Officer

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

1722: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated PRIORITY will be delivered within __________.

    N a. 3 hours to start of business the following day
    Y b. 1 to 6 hours
    N c. 30 minutes to 1 hour
    N d. 10 minutes if possible

1938: Towing a structure using two tugs approximately side by side, each using one hawser, is referred to as a __________.

    N a. tandem tow
    N b. Honolulu tow
    Y c. breasted tug tow
    N d. tandem tug tow

1991: Using the graph shown, if the dry bulb temperature is 91°, and the wet bulb temperature is 87°, what is the relative humidity in a cargo hold? (D008DG )

    N a. 79%
    Y b. 85%
    N c. 91%
    N d. 98%

2008: When towing another vessel, the length of the towing line should be __________.

    N a. as long as possible
    N b. as short as possible under the circumstances and not over two wave lengths
    N c. such that one vessel will be on a crest while the other is in a trough
    Y d. such that the vessels will be in step

2025: What is the chief hazard encountered when surging synthetic mooring lines on the gypsyhead during operations?

    N a. If there is sudden strain, the man tending the line may be pulled into the gypsyhead.
    N b. The lines may jam and then jump off the gypsyhead.
    N c. The lines' surging may cause the vessel to surge.
    Y d. The heat generated may cause the lines to temporarily fuse to the gypsyhead.

2047: Progressive flooding is controlled by securing watertight boundaries and __________.

    N a. transferring water ballast
    N b. jettisoning cargo
    Y c. pumping out flooded compartments
    N d. abandoning ship

2162: A crew has signed on for a 3-month voyage. Fourteen days into the voyage a seaman is improperly discharged at the first port of call. How much pay is he entitled to receive?

    N a. 14 days
    N b. 1 month's
    Y c. 14 days and one month's extra
    N d. double wages (28 days)

2167: Which statement concerning sweat damage in containers is TRUE?

    N a. Sweat damage in containers is unusual due to the small enclosed volume of air.
    N b. In general, containerized hygroscopic cargoes are the only ones subject to sweat damage.
    Y c. Containers should be ventilated, dehumidified, or the contents physically protected against sweat damage.
    N d. Sweat damage is not a problem except in insulated and refrigerated containers.

2180: The weight of the container and its contents is supported on deck by what part(s)?

    Y a. Four lower corner castings
    N b. Bottom, side, and end rails
    N c. Bottom flooring, side, and end rails
    N d. Bottom flooring only

2256: 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 as shown. Based on this information, what is the transfer for a turn of 180°? (D034DG )

    N a. 875 yards
    Y b. 910 yards
    N c. 975 yards
    N d. 1015 yards

2496: Which statement about the dangerous cargo manifest is FALSE?

    N a. The manifest must be made up by the carrier, agents, and any person designated for this purpose.
    Y b. Shipments of hazardous and non-hazardous cargoes may be listed on the manifest if they are destined for the same consignee.
    N c. The manifest must be kept in a designated holder on or near the bridge.
    N d. The hazard class of each cargo must be indicated.

2589: The angle at which the anchor flukes penetrate the soil is the __________.

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

2602: As you hold a piece of manila line vertically in front of you, the strands run from the lower right to the upper left. Which type of line is this?

    N a. Plain-laid
    N b. Shroud-laid
    Y c. Left-hand laid
    N d. Water-laid

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.

2804: Which publication is NOT carried on board U.S. merchant vessels operating under Naval Control of Shipping?

    N a. Allied Control of Shipping Manual - Guide to Masters
    N b. Communications Supplement
    Y c. Tactical Control and Routing of Merchant Vessels
    N d. All of the above are carried on board

2814: Your vessel is crossing a river on the Great Lakes System. A power-driven vessel is ascending the river, crossing your course from port to starboard. Which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. The vessel ascending the river has the right of way.
    N b. Your vessel has the right of way, but you are directed not to impede the other vessel.
    N c. The other vessel must hold as necessary to allow you to pass.
    N d. You are required to propose the manner of passage.

2838: A U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker, while escorting ships in ice, may sound four short and one long blasts on the whistle to indicate that the icebreaker __________.

    Y a. has become beset in fast ice
    N b. is increasing speed; watch for broken ice
    N c. has its engines full astern
    N d. is increasing the distance between vessels

2980: What is a step in attaching a poured metal socket to a wire rope?

    Y a. Etch the wire with acid.
    N b. Install a wire seizing on the wire that will be inside the socket.
    N c. Ensure the fiber core is well lubricated.
    N d. Pour molten babbitt metal into the socket.

3110: The number or name of a tank barge shall be __________.

    N a. displayed in at least 4 different positions on the barge
    N b. carved on a wooden board and attached to the barge's hull
    N c. displayed as close to the navigation lights as possible
    Y d. displayed at the highest point of the barge's hull such that it can be seen from either side

3321: By law, the maximum penalty for failing (without reasonable cause) to give aid in the case of collision is __________.

    N a. one year imprisonment or $500
    N b. two years imprisonment or $500
    Y c. two years imprisonment or $1000
    N d. two years imprisonment or $2000

3459: The pea is indicated by which letter? (D038DG )

    Y a. J
    N b. H
    N c. G
    N d. F

3466: What is a spill pipe?

    N a. A drainage pipe that carries rain or spray from an upper deck to a lower deck
    Y b. A pipe under the anchor windlass leading to the chain locker
    N c. A chute, usually over the stern, to lead dumped garbage clear of the hull
    N d. An opening in the deck leading outside the hull

3476: The strongest method of forming an eye in wire rope is using __________.

    N a. three wire rope clamps
    N b. an eye splice with four or five tucks
    N c. a thimble fastened with four or five tucks
    Y d. a wire rope socket attached with zinc

3694: Your enrolled vessel is bound from Baltimore, MD, to Norfolk, VA, via Chesapeake Bay. Which statement about the required pilot is TRUE?

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

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

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.

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.

4230: Which of the following is/are the optional component(s) of a twin crane set as shown? (D047DG )

    N a. Boom assembly
    N b. Hook block assembly
    N c. Crane house assembly
    Y d. Rider block tagline system

4235: What describes a twin crane lift?

    N a. Single crane hoisting 30 tons
    Y b. Two cranes on a single pedestal hoisting 60 tons
    N c. Two sets of twin cranes hoisting 120 tons
    N 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

4248: Which of the following statements is/are TRUE regarding crane operations?

    Y a. The crane operator and signalman must be familiar with hand signals.
    N b. The cranes can be operated from shoreside.
    N c. The cranes can be operated from the bridge.
    N d. All of the above

4269: Which action(s) should the operator of a pedestal crane take if crane control is lost?

    N a. Let go of both control levers and return to neutral position.
    N b. Press the emergency stop.
    N c. Notify the mate on watch.
    Y d. All of the above