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.


80: You are on a cargo vessel carrying portable tanks of dangerous cargoes in bulk. Which statement is TRUE?


121: You are the Master of an uninspected diesel towing vessel of 190 GT operating on a regular run from New York to the Gulf of Mexico. Which statement is TRUE?


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


233: A vessel brought alongside should be fended off the towing vessel by __________.

    N a. crew members using their arms
    N b. a boat hook
    Y c. fenders
    N d. No fending is necessary due to the rugged construction of most towing vessels.

323: You are transporting dangerous cargo on your vessel. The regulations require you to __________.

    Y a. periodically inspect it and make an entry in a log
    N b. keep a warning sign posted nearby
    N c. keep a fire hose run out and ready for use if needed
    N d. allow no chipping or painting in the vicinity of the cargo

360: The label required on containers carrying barium oxide in an international shipment must read __________.

    Y a. "Poison"
    N b. "Spontaneously Combustible"
    N c. "Radioactive"
    N d. "Infectious Substance"

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

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

453: What purpose does a tow hook serve?

    Y a. To quickly connect or release the towing hawser
    N b. To help pick up the towing hawser from the water
    N c. To prevent the towing hawser from fouling the propeller
    N d. To recover the towing hawser from a barge

454: A rope ladder with wooden rungs is a __________.

    N a. drop ladder
    N b. life ladder
    Y c. Jacob's ladder
    N d. jury ladder

484: On stud-link anchor chain the addition of the stud increases the strength of the link by about __________.

    N a. 10%
    Y b. 15%
    N c. 20%
    N d. 50%

660: You receive word that a person has fallen overboard from the starboard side. You should FIRST __________.

    N a. notify the Master
    Y b. put the wheel hard right
    N c. put the engines full astern
    N d. sound the man overboard alarm

781: The trim and stability booklet must be approved by the __________.

    N a. International Maritime Organization
    N b. National Cargo Bureau
    N c. Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
    Y d. United States Coast Guard

785: With rudders amidships and negligible wind, a twin-screw vessel moving ahead on the port screw and backing on the starboard screw will __________.

    N a. move in a straight line
    Y b. pivot to starboard
    N c. pivot to port
    N d. walk sideways to starboard

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

840: The terms "cant frame" and "counter" are associated with the vessel's __________.

    N a. cargo hatch
    N b. forecastle
    N c. steering engine
    Y d. stern

981: When a vessel is entering or leaving a port, a record of engine speeds is kept in the __________.

    Y a. bell book
    N b. deck rough log
    N c. Official Logbook
    N d. engine rough log

994: Manila lines in which the strands are right-hand laid __________.

    Y a. should be coiled in a clockwise direction
    N b. should be coiled in a counterclockwise direction
    N c. may be coiled either clockwise or counterclockwise
    N d. should never be coiled

1063: You have been pulled aloft in a bosun's chair rigged to a mast that you intend to paint. You are now supporting your weight by seizing the hauling part and the standing part of the gantline in one hand. Your next procedure in securing the bosun's chair is to __________.

    N a. secure the tail of the standing part leading from the becket bend to the mast
    Y b. dip the bight of the hauling part around your back and up in front of you to form the hitch
    N c. take a strain on the hauling part by having it led to the gypsy head on a winch
    N d. secure the standing part of the gantline to the hauling part by taking turns of marlin and tying off

1086: When taking a Pilot from a pilot vessel in a seaway, which way should you head your vessel if the ladder is on the leeward side?

    N a. Bow to the sea and no way on your vessel
    N b. Sea on the lee quarter with ship moving ahead slowly
    Y c. Sea on the weather bow and ship moving ahead slowly
    N d. Sea on the quarter with sternway on the ship

1154: Which line would be least likely to kink?

    Y a. Braided
    N b. Left-handed laid
    N c. Right-handed laid
    N d. Straight laid

1176: 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 over the ground?

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

1291: "Free pratique" means that __________.

    N a. clearance requirements for all regulatory bodies have been met
    Y b. health requirements have been met and no further quarantine formalities are required
    N c. shipment will be made at no cost
    N d. tonnage taxes are not required to be paid

1316: The anchor chain should be kept moderately taut during a Mediterranean moor to __________.

    N a. facilitate speed of recovery during the weighing process
    N b. indicate the anchor's location to passing or mooring ships
    Y c. prevent damage to the stern in the event of a headwind
    N d. provide a steady platform for the gangway between the fantail and pier

1402: What form of ice is of land origin?

    N a. Shuga
    N b. Floe
    N c. Spicule
    Y d. Bergy bit

1414: A wire rope that has been overstrained will show __________.

    N a. a bulge in the wire where the strain occurred
    Y b. a decrease in diameter where the strain occurred
    N c. a kink in the wire where the strain occurred
    N d. no visible effects of an overstrain

1465: The maneuver which will return your vessel in the shortest time to a person who has fallen overboard is __________.

    N a. engine(s) crash astern, no turn
    Y b. a single turn with hard rudder
    N c. a Williamson Turn
    N d. two 180° turns

1536: When anchoring, it is a common rule of thumb to use a length of chain __________.

    Y a. five to seven times the depth of water
    N b. seven to ten times the depth of water
    N c. twice the depth of water
    N d. twice the depth of water plus the range of tide

1580: Shell plating that has curvature in two directions and must be heated and hammered to shape over specially prepared forms is called __________.

    N a. compound plate
    Y b. furnaced plate
    N c. flat plate
    N d. rolled plate

1714: A "sheepshank" is used to __________.

    N a. keep a line from fraying
    N b. join lines of unequal size
    N c. stop off a line
    Y d. shorten a line

1748: An Official Logbook is required on which vessel?

    N a. A 150-G.T. tug going from Boston to New Orleans.
    Y b. A 100-G.T. tug going from New York to San Pedro, California.
    N c. A 50-G.T. tug going from Miami to Seattle.
    N d. A 199-G.T. tug on a coastwise trip of 650 miles.

1798: You are on a single-screw vessel with a left-handed propeller making no way in the water. How will your vessel react when you apply right rudder?

    N a. Bow will kick to starboard
    N b. Bow will kick to port
    Y c. Rudder alone has no effect on the vessel
    N d. Stern will kick to port, then slowly swing to starboard

1802: Which picture represents a bowline? (DO30DG )

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

1805: In towing it is desirable for the tug and the tow to ride wave crests simultaneously because __________.

    Y a. shock loading on the tow line is reduced
    N b. towing speed is improved
    N c. the tow is more visible from the tug
    N d. the catenary of the towline is reduced

1806: If the situation arose where it became necessary to tow a disabled vessel, which statement is TRUE concerning the towing line?

    N a. The towing line between the two vessels should be clear of the water.
    N b. The towing line should be taut at all times between the vessels.
    Y c. There should be a catenary so the line dips into the water.
    N d. None of the above

1828: Your vessel is broken down and rolling in heavy seas. You can reduce the danger of capsizing by __________.

    N a. constantly shifting the rudder
    N b. moving all passengers to one side of the boat
    Y c. rigging a sea anchor
    N d. moving all passengers to the stern

1862: How much force would be required to lift a weight of 200 lbs. using a gun tackle rigged to disadvantage (do not consider friction)?

    N a. 50 lbs.
    Y b. 100 lbs.
    N c. 150 lbs.
    N d. 200 lbs.

1983: When a line is subject to wear where it passes through a mooring chock, it should be __________.

    N a. wormed, parceled, and served
    N b. wrapped with heavy tape
    Y c. wrapped with chafing gear
    N d. wrapped in leather

2059: You are handling a mooring line and are instructed to "Check the line". What should you do?

    N a. Ensure the bight is not fouled by taking up slack.
    N b. Pay out the line smartly and keep it free for running.
    N c. Secure the line by adding more turns.
    Y d. Surge the line so it maintains a strain without parting.

2123: Your vessel is required to have a slop chest. Which of the following articles is NOT required by law to be carried in the slop chest?

    N a. Foul weather clothing
    Y b. Candy
    N c. Tobacco products
    N d. Blankets

2227: You are using tackle number 4 in illustration DO29DG to lift a weight of 120 lbs. If you include 10 percent of the weight for each sheave for friction, what is the pull on the hauling part required to lift the weight? (DO29DG )

    N a. 20 lbs.
    N b. 30 lbs.
    Y c. 42 lbs.
    N d. 57 lbs.

2267: The knot lettered K in illustration DO30DG is a __________. (DO30DG )

    Y a. sailmaker's whipping
    N b. carrick bend
    N c. barrel hitch
    N d. stopper

2275: When inspecting wire rope before a hoisting operation, one must look for __________.

    N a. fishhooks
    N b. kinks
    N c. worn spots
    Y d. All of the above

2347: What is an advantage of having wire rope with a fiber core over that of a wire rope of the same size with a wire core?

    N a. Fiber core rope offers greater strength.
    Y b. Fiber core rope offers greater flexibility.
    N c. Fiber core rope can be used at higher operating temperatures.
    N d. Fiber core rope is the only type authorized for cargo runners.

2366: To "shore up" the main deck for the stowage of deck cargo means to __________.

    N a. weld pad eyes on deck in proper position to secure the cargo
    Y b. strengthen the main deck by placing pillars underneath it in the tween-decks
    N c. distribute the weight of the cargo by placing fore-and-aft planks on the main deck
    N d. package the cargo in wooden crates so it will not damage the deck

2704: The legs of a tow bridle are joined together with a __________.

    N a. bridle plate
    N b. shackle
    Y c. fishplate
    N d. tri-link

3004: What is NOT a basic shiphandling rule for navigating in ice concentrations on the Great Lakes?

    N a. Keep moving - even very slowly, but keep moving.
    N b. Work with the ice movement, not against.
    Y c. Transit ice along pressure ridges when possible.
    N d. Excessive speed means ice damage.

3022: You are in the process of adding a barge to your tow. A line run from your power capstan and around timber heads on your tow is made fast on the new barge so that it can be pulled into position. This line is called a __________.

    N a. scissors wire
    Y b. capstan line
    N c. spring line
    N d. fore and aft line

3044: When you have a tow alongside, your stern should extend aft of the tow in order to __________.

    N a. avoid obscuring your stern light
    N b. provide a better lead for your lines
    Y c. obtain better steering control
    N d. let the barge deflect floating objects from your propeller

3073: You are on a large merchant vessel entering a U.S. port. There is a Pilot on board and he has the conn. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The Pilot becomes solely responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel only if the Master relinquishes the conn.
    N b. The Pilot is solely responsible for the safe maneuvering of the ship only if he is required to be on board by law.
    Y c. The Master is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship and the Pilot is employed for his local knowledge.
    N d. The Pilot is solely responsible for the internal working of the ship.

3102: When hip towing, a line led from the stern of the towboat forward to the barge provides the towing pull when __________.

    N a. going ahead
    N b. dead in the water
    N c. in a following current
    Y d. backing

3166: The American Consul has asked the Master of a vessel bound for a port in the U.S. to transport a destitute seaman back to the U.S. Which action may the Master take?

    N a. He must always take the seaman.
    N b. He is required to accept the seaman only if the seaman is medically unfit.
    Y c. He may refuse the seaman if the seaman has a contagious disease.
    N d. He may refuse to take the seaman if he is being held by shore authorities.

3219: 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
    N b. 10 minutes if possible
    N c. 30 minutes to 1 hour
    Y d. 1 to 6 hours

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

3487: The opening in the deck that leads the anchor cable outside the hull is the __________.

    Y a. hawsepipe
    N b. fall pipe
    N c. drop-pipe
    N d. spill pipe

3587: Following a serious marine incident, a device to test an individuals breath can be used by __________.

    Y a. any individual trained to conduct such tests
    N b. the marine employer
    N c. qualified medical personnel only
    N d. any USCG licensed deck officer

3719: Besides saving distance along the track line, another advantage of the Scharnow Turn over the Williamson Turn in a man overboard situation is because __________.

    Y a. it is faster
    N b. it can be used in both the immediate action and the delayed action situations
    N c. in fog, if the turn is started as soon as the man goes over, the vessel will be at the point where he went over when the turn is completed
    N d. it returns the vessel to the original track line on a reciprocal course

3960: The line with the most stretch is __________.

    N a. manila
    Y b. nylon
    N c. polypropylene
    N d. dacron

4032: The pivot pin at the base of a sheath-screw boom davit must be __________.

    N a. inserted each time before the booms are cranked out
    Y b. periodically removed for inspection and lubricated
    N c. replaced at each inspection for certification
    N d. in the locked position after the boat is cradled and griped down

4272: Which action should be taken immediately by the operator of a pedestal crane, if crane control is lost?

    N a. Increase power to the crane to regain control.
    N b. Place control levers in opposite positions.
    Y c. Let go of both control levers and return to the neutral positions.
    N d. Check the circuit breakers.