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.


54: Your vessel has grounded on a bar. What should you do?


124: Bilge soundings indicate __________.


142: What is NOT an advantage of centrifugal pumps over reciprocating pumps?


187: You are standing the wheel watch on entering port and the Master gives you a rudder command which conflicts with a rudder command from the Pilot. What should you do?

    N a. Ask the Pilot if he relinquishes control.
    N b. Obey the Pilot.
    Y c. Obey the Master.
    N d. Bring the rudder to a position midway between the two conflicting positions.

206: In stopping distances of vessels, "head reach" can best be described as the __________.

    N a. difference between the vessel's speed through the water at any instant and the new speed ordered on the telegraph
    N b. distance the vessel has actually run through the water since a change of speed was ordered
    Y c. distance the vessel will run between taking action to stop her and being stationary in the water
    N d. speed at which a vessel should proceed to ensure that she will run a predetermined distance, once her engines have been stopped

222: A lot of special cargo of similar cartons, as shown, is to be loaded. What is the weight of the consignment? (D042DG )

    N a. 50 pounds
    N b. 1100 pounds
    N c. 1200 pounds
    Y d. 1250 pounds

356: It is possible, and sometimes necessary, to strengthen the deck of a vessel for carriage of deck cargo by __________.

    N a. placing bunker on the deck
    N b. building a stage on which to place the cargo
    N c. welding steel "feet" to the deck, on which the cargo is placed
    Y d. erecting vertical pillars under the deck to support the cargo

380: The (auto)ignition temperature is that temperature at which_______.

    Y a. no spark or flame is required to ignite gas or vapor
    N b. a fuel begins to give off explosive vapors
    N c. a fuel if ignited will continue to burn
    N d. a 1% mixture of the fuel with air will explode

441: The document which shows a vessel's nationality, ownership, and tonnage is the __________.

    N a. Manifest Certificate
    N b. Bill of Lading Certificate
    Y c. Certificate of Documentation
    N d. Official Logbook

506: With rudders amidships and negligible wind, a twin-screw vessel moving astern with both engines backing will back __________.

    N a. to port
    N b. to starboard
    Y c. in a fairly straight line
    N d. in a circular motion

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%

623: When hugging a bank in a narrow channel, you should take precautions against_______________.

    N a. bank suction, squat and the effects of vessels passing close aboard
    N b. clogged sea chests, plugged sea strainers and overheated machinery
    N c. striking underwater obstructions close to the bank
    Y d. All of the above

623: When hugging a bank in a narrow channel, you should take precautions against_______________.

    N a. bank suction, squat and the effects of vessels passing close aboard
    N b. clogged sea chests, plugged sea strainers and overheated machinery
    N c. striking underwater obstructions close to the bank
    Y d. All of the above

658: When carrying a full or nearly full load of bulk ore in a general cargo type vessel which has engine spaces amidships, the cargo in each hold should be trimmed so that the bulk of the cargo lies __________.

    N a. along the centerline
    N b. toward the forward bulkhead of the forward holds and toward the after bulkhead of the after holds
    Y c. toward the after bulkhead of the forward holds and the forward bulkhead of the after holds
    N d. toward the after bulkhead of all holds

675: An advantage of the modified Christmas Tree towing method is to __________.

    N a. increase the towing hawser's catenary and provide more spring
    Y b. reduce catenary, allow operation in shallower water, and to release one barge without breaking up the entire tow
    N c. enable one tug and its crew without any outside assistance to make up or break down the tow
    N d. provide rapid delivery of logs from the northwestern United States to Hawaiian sawmills

690: A rescue helicopter's hoist area should have a radius of at least __________.

    N a. 6 feet of clear deck
    N b. 10 feet of clear deck
    N c. 25 feet of clear deck
    Y d. 50 feet of clear deck

744: When using natural-fiber rope, you should NEVER __________.

    N a. dry the line before stowing it
    N b. reverse turns on winches periodically to keep out kinks
    Y c. try to lubricate the line
    N d. use chafing gear

859: To insure proper seating when closing a valve on a tank, the valve should be __________.

    N a. closed against the stop and the locking pin inserted
    Y b. closed, opened a half turn, and then closed again
    N c. set up as tight as possible by hand
    N d. set up tight using a valve wrench

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

939: What is the purpose of pressure-vacuum relief valves?

    N a. Regulation of discharge pressure from cargo pumps
    N b. Maintaining constant velocity in cargo lines
    N c. Regulation of suction head on cargo pumps
    Y d. To maintain a tank or void at atmospheric pressure

961: Which log includes a statement of the conduct, ability, and character of each crew member on the completion of a voyage?

    Y a. Official Logbook
    N b. Department Logbook
    N c. Crew Logbook
    N d. Smooth Logbook

973: The "weather adjustment" control on an autopilot steering stand is used to __________.

    N a. allow leeway according to the weather conditions
    N b. proportionally set the number of degrees of rudder response per degree of course error
    Y c. set the null band or dead zone signal before actuating the rudder
    N d. set the speed at which the rudder responds

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.

1098: During the course of a voyage, a seaman falls on the main deck and injures his ankle. The Master should submit a Report of Marine Accident, Injury or Death if the __________.

    Y a. injured is unfit for duty
    N b. injured is able to return to work
    N c. injury results in loss of life only
    N d. injury is the result of misconduct

1159: Which product is most likely to accumulate static electricity?

    N a. Crude oil
    N b. Hard asphalt
    Y c. Lubricating oil
    N d. Residual fuel oil

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

1319: In relation to cargo gear, what does "SWL" mean?

    Y a. Safe working load
    N b. Ship's working lift
    N c. Starboard wing lift
    N d. Stress, weight, load

1348: Preparation of muster lists and signing of same is the responsibility of the __________.

    N a. Chief Officer of the vessel
    N b. owner of the vessel
    Y c. Master of the vessel
    N d. United States Coast Guard

1400: The half-breadth plan is __________.

    N a. an endwise view of the ship's molded form
    N b. a plan with the forebody to right of centerline and afterbody to the left of centerline
    N c. a longitudinal side elevation
    Y d. usually drawn for the port side only

1603: Which weakens a line the LEAST?

    N a. Clove hitch
    N b. Long splice
    Y c. Short splice
    N d. Square knot

1605: The pivoting point of a vessel going ahead is __________.

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

1636: When anchoring a vessel under normal conditions, which scope of chain is recommended?

    N a. Four times the depth of water
    N b. Two and one-half times the depth of water
    Y c. Five to seven times the depth of water
    N d. Fifteen times the depth of water

1759: The amount of strain on each runner of a married fall system lifting 2000 lbs. when the angle made by the legs is 90° would be __________.

    N a. 1000 lbs.
    N b. 1154 lbs.
    Y c. 1414 lbs.
    N d. 2000 lbs.

1800: The figure obtained by dividing the total volume of the ship in cubic feet (after omission of exempted spaces) by 100 is the __________.

    N a. bale cubic
    Y b. gross tonnage
    N c. light displacement
    N d. net tonnage

1854: The structural member indicated by the letter F is known as a(n) __________. (D033DG )

    N a. erection
    Y b. pillar
    N c. girder
    N d. deck support

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%

1972: Payment of penalty for a ship's delay after the expiration of lay days due to some fault of the charterer or his agent is known as __________.

    Y a. demurrage
    N b. late fee
    N c. miscibility
    N d. volatility

2003: Chafing gear is used to __________.

    N a. anchor the boat
    N b. pick up heavy loads
    Y c. protect fiber rope from abrasion
    N d. strengthen mooring lines

2046: The structural member indicated by the letter I is the __________. (D033DG )

    N a. garboard strake
    N b. center pillar
    Y c. keel
    N d. girder

2214: 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 advance for a turn of 90°? (D034DG )

    N a. 820 yards
    Y b. 870 yards
    N c. 930 yards
    N d. 975 yards

2222: The lower seam of the strake indicated by the letter B is sometimes riveted. This is done to __________. (D033DG )

    N a. increase the strength in a highly stressed area
    N b. provide the flexibility inherent in a riveted seam
    Y c. serve as a crack arrestor and prevent hull girder failure
    N d. reduce construction costs

2240: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 1? (DO29DG )

    N a. 0.5
    Y b. 1
    N c. 1.5
    N d. 2

2242: What is the area of a circle with a radius of 21 feet after a sector of 120° has been removed?

    N a. 115.45 sq. ft
    N b. 230.91 sq. ft
    N c. 461.81 sq. ft
    Y d. 923.63 sq. ft

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

2588: Rivets are usually made of __________.

    N a. wrought-iron
    N b. aluminum
    N c. high-tensile steel
    Y d. mild steel

2696: You are on a power-driven vessel proceeding down a channel, with the current, on a river on the Great Lakes System. If you meet another power-driven vessel who is upbound, your responsibilities include __________.

    N a. backing down to get out of the way of the other vessel
    N b. waiting for the other vessel to signal her intentions, and then answering promptly
    Y c. proposing a safe way to pass
    N d. All of the above

2769: You will be advised of any hazardous areas due to the fallout of a nuclear explosive by a message with the code word __________.

    Y a. MERWARN
    N b. NUCLEAR
    N c. FALLOUT
    N d. FALLWARN

2789: Your vessel is approaching the International Bridge on the St. Marys River. If the gage on the bridge, read from top to bottom, indicates 124 ft. and the IGLD (1955) is 600 ft., determine the actual vertical clearances between the existing water level and the lowest point of the bridge over the channel.

    Y a. 124 feet
    N b. 476 feet
    N c. 724 feet
    N d. 840 feet

2894: The term "Great Lakes", as defined by the Inland Rules of the Road, includes part of the __________.

    N a. Calumet River
    N b. Chicago River
    N c. St. Lawrence River
    Y d. All of the above

2935: You are proceeding under NCS (Naval Control of Shipping) when it becomes necessary to send a distress message. Which precedence would you assign this message?

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

3164: How should you signal the crane operator to lower the boom and raise the load?

    N a. Extend arm and point finger in the direction to move the boom.
    Y b. Extend arm with thumb pointing downward and flex fingers in and out.
    N c. With forearm vertical and forefinger pointing up, move hand in small horizontal circles.
    N d. With arm extended downwards and forefinger pointing down, move hand in small horizontal circles.

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

3244: The shank is indicated by which letter? (D038DG )

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

3456: The vertical movement of a vessel in the water is called __________.

    N a. pitch
    N b. sway
    Y c. heave
    N d. roll

3462: Under U.S. law, what is the penalty for assaulting the Master?

    N a. Fine of not more than $1000
    N b. Fine of not more than $500 and/or imprisonment for not more than 1 year
    Y c. Imprisonment for not more than 2 years
    N d. Revocation of the Merchant Mariner's Document (and license if applicable)

3472: You are the Master of a 500 gross ton passenger vessel operating on rivers. Your vessel accidentally runs aground. Under the regulations for passenger vessels, you must notify the __________.

    Y a. nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Marine Inspection Office as soon as possible
    N b. Coast Guard only if the grounding results in damage to property in excess of $(SA)25,000
    N c. Coast Guard only if the grounding results in a loss of life
    N d. Coast Guard only if the grounding results in injury to personnel

4036: When a cargo boom or crane is rated at varying capacities, there will be a table at the controls which relates safe working load to __________.

    N a. winch speed
    N b. boom strength
    Y c. load radius
    N d. cable strength

4092: To reconnect a broken tow line, it is better to use a polypropylene messenger line because it __________.

    N a. has great strength
    N b. is very supple
    Y c. floats
    N d. absorbs shock by stretching

4120: Which of the following is considered auxiliary securing equipment that provides extra reliability to lashing in Ro-Ro transport operations?

    N a. Trailer trestles
    N b. Pedestals
    N c. Wheel chocks
    Y d. All of the above

4181: Which lashing gear used aboard Ro-Ro vessels should be painted or soaked in oil when not in use?

    N a. Wire rope.
    Y b. Chain
    N c. Webbing
    N d. All of the above