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.


384: A "strongback" refers to a __________.


390: A package contains nitric acid solution and is radioactive. The radiation level at the package surface is .36 millirems per hour. How should this package be labeled?


478: The moisture equilibrium chart can be used to determine the __________.


490: Which agency is authorized to assist the Coast Guard in the inspection of vessels for the suitability of loading hazardous materials?

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. Environmental Protection Agency
    Y c. National Cargo Bureau, Inc.
    N d. U.S. Navy explosive loading details

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

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

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.

644: The "lay" of a line refers to __________.

    N a. its normal location of stowage
    Y b. the direction of twist in the strands
    N c. the manner in which it is coiled
    N d. the manner in which it is rigged

802: 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 action is NOT a part of a Williamson Turn?

    Y a. Stop the engines until clear of the man.
    N b. Come right full rudder until the vessel heads 150°T.
    N c. Shift the helm to left full rudder.
    N d. Continue with left rudder until on course 270°T.

898: You must load as much of a large shipment of case goods as possible into a hold which has 24,000 cubic feet of space. Each case measures 2 feet by 2-1/2 feet by 4 feet and weights 448 pounds. If you allow for broken stowage of 15%, how many long tons can be loaded?

    N a. 280
    N b. 233
    Y c. 204
    N d. 190

929: All of the following steps are taken in starting a centrifugal pump, EXCEPT to __________.

    Y a. set the relief valve
    N b. check the lubrication system
    N c. vent the pump casing
    N d. open the pump suction and discharge valves

958: You are in a tropical port. The refrigeration machinery on a container loaded with air-cooled fruit fails. It cannot be repaired for 18 to 24 hours. Which step should you take to reduce the temperature rise and spoilage of the fruit?

    N a. Discharge a cylinder of nitrogen into the container
    Y b. Shade the container and periodically hose it down
    N c. Seal any ventilation openings and add dry ice
    N d. Spread ice over the top layer and in any voids within the container

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

972: The "rudder adjustment" control on an autopilot steering stand is used to __________.

    N a. align the rudder angle indicator with the true rudder angle
    Y b. set the number of degrees of rudder per degree of course error
    N c. set the departure from base course before actuating the rudder
    N d. set the rate at which the rudder responds

1001: Which is supplied to the vessel by the U.S. Coast Guard?

    N a. Bell book
    N b. Cargo gear register
    Y c. Official Logbook
    N d. Rough Logbook

1045: If a hydraulic pump on a winch accidentally stops while hoisting, the load will stay suspended because __________.

    Y a. a check valve will close and prevent reverse circulation
    N b. a centrifugal counterweight counteracts the force of gravity.
    N c. the electric pump motor will cut out
    N d. the control lever will move to the stop position

1054: Which mooring line has the least elasticity?

    Y a. Dacron
    N b. Nylon
    N c. Esterlene
    N d. Polypropylene

1119: A single fitting installed in a pipeline that either blanks off the pipe or allows a full flow passage of a liquid through the pipe is referred to as a __________.

    N a. blind flange
    N b. pivot coupling
    N c. quick-release coupling
    Y d. spectacle flange

1126: You are approaching a pier and intend to use the port anchor to assist in docking port side to. You would NOT use the anchor if __________.

    N a. the current was setting you on the pier
    N b. another vessel is berthed ahead of your position
    N c. the wind was blowing from the starboard side
    Y d. there is shallow water enroute to the berth

1336: When picking up your mooring at the buoy, the correct method is to __________.

    N a. approach the buoy with the wind and current astern
    Y b. approach the buoy with the wind and current ahead
    N c. approach the buoy with wind and sea abeam
    N d. stop upwind and up current and drift down on the buoy

1427: Which letter in illustration D030DG represents a plain whipping? (D030DG )

    N a. E
    N b. F
    Y c. J
    N d. V

1473: The "carrick bend" is used to __________.

    N a. add strength to a weak spot in a line
    Y b. join two hawsers
    N c. be a stopper to transfer a line under strain
    N d. join lines of different sizes

1515: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated ROUTINE will be delivered within __________.

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

1518: Your vessel is being towed and back-up wires have been installed. Back-up wires carry the towing load in the event that the __________.

    N a. bridle legs part
    Y b. towing bitt or pad eye fails
    N c. bight ring fails
    N d. main towing hawser parts

1583: Which statement concerning a short splice is TRUE?

    N a. It is used to temporarily join two lines together.
    Y b. A short splice is stronger than two lines joined by a knot.
    N c. A short splice decreases the diameter of the line.
    N d. None of the above

1638: On a twin-screw, twin-rudder vessel, the most effective way to turn in your own water, with no way on, is to put __________.

    Y a. one engine ahead and one engine astern, with full rudder
    N b. one engine ahead and one engine astern, with rudders amidships
    N c. both engines ahead, with full rudder
    N d. both engines astern, with full rudder

1642: Which illustration represents a carrick bend? (DO30DG )

    N a. H
    N b. J
    N c. L
    Y d. M

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

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.

1945: One of your crew members falls overboard from the starboard side. You should IMMEDIATELY __________.

    N a. apply left rudder
    Y b. throw the crew member a life preserver
    N c. begin backing your engines
    N d. position your vessel to windward and begin recovery

1953: What is likely to occur when you are surging synthetic mooring lines on the gypsyhead during mooring operations?

    N a. The lines may jam and then jump off the gypsyhead.
    N b. If there is sudden strain on the line, the man tending the line may be pulled into 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.

1960: The knot lettered G in the illustration is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. round turn and two half hitches
    Y b. fisherman's bend
    N c. timber hitch
    N d. barrel hitch

2107: What is the name of the mark indicated by the letter A? (D003DG )

    N a. Winter North Atlantic load line
    N b. Fresh Water load line
    Y c. Deck line
    N d. Plimsoll line

2114: All handling and stowage of packaged hazardous materials on board a domestic vessel engaged in foreign trade shall be done under the supervision of __________.

    N a. a U.S. Coast Guard Marine Inspector
    Y b. an officer assigned to the vessel
    N c. the American Bureau of Shipping
    N d. the National Cargo Bureau

2159: What is the mechanical advantage of tackle number 9? (DO29DG )

    N a. 1
    N b. 2
    N c. 3
    Y d. 4

2193: You have determined the maneuvering characteristics of your vessel by taking the radar ranges and bearings of an isolated light while making a turn. The results are listed in illustration D035DG. Based on this data what is the tactical diameter of the turning circle? (D035DG )

    N a. 755 yards
    N b. 780 yards
    N c. 820 yards
    Y d. 880 yards

2203: A Chinese stopper (two lines) will hold best when you __________.

    N a. fasten the bitter ends to the mooring line with half hitches
    Y b. twist the ends together and hold them in the direction of the pull
    N c. twist the ends together and hold them in the direction opposite to the pull
    N d. twist the ends together and hold them at right angles to the mooring line

2212: You have determined the maneuvering characteristics of your vessel by taking the radar ranges and bearings of an isolated light while making a turn. The results are listed in illustration D035DG. Based on this data what is the advance for a turn of 30°? (D035DG )

    N a. 380 yards
    N b. 420 yards
    Y c. 470 yards
    N d. 525 yards

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

2258: The knot lettered L in illustration DO30DG is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. square knot
    Y b. double blackwall hitch
    N c. fisherman's bend
    N d. timber hitch

2322: Fittings used for towing must be __________.

    N a. Coast Guard approved
    N b. stamped with maximum working loads
    Y c. securely fastened
    N d. positioned exactly at the bow of the towed vessel

2385: You are on a multiple-product chemical tanker and will carry cargoes of butyric acid, propylene oxide, and octyl alcohol. Which statement is true?

    N a. Butyric acid is incompatible with octyl alcohol but not propylene oxide.
    Y b. Propylene oxide may not be stowed in a tank adjacent to butyric acid.
    N c. All of these cargoes are compatible.
    N d. Octyl alcohol is incompatible with both butyric acid and propylene oxide.

2385: You are on a multiple-product chemical tanker and will carry cargoes of butyric acid, propylene oxide, and octyl alcohol. Which statement is true?

    N a. Butyric acid is incompatible with octyl alcohol but not propylene oxide.
    Y b. Propylene oxide may not be stowed in a tank adjacent to butyric acid.
    N c. All of these cargoes are compatible.
    N d. Octyl alcohol is incompatible with both butyric acid and propylene oxide.

2456: Which term describes a part of a natural fiber line?

    N a. Lacings
    N b. Lays
    Y c. Strands
    N d. Twines

2474: Generally speaking, the more destructive storms occurring on the Great Lakes usually come from the __________.

    N a. northeast or east
    Y b. southwest or west
    N c. northwest or north
    N d. southeast or south

2533: You should attach a towline to a trailer eye bolt using a(n)______________.

    N a. eye splice
    Y b. bowline
    N c. towing hitch
    N d. square knot

2582: What is usually NOT required in preparing a hold for reception of a bulk grain cargo?

    N a. Remove residue of previous cargo.
    N b. Remove loose rust and scale.
    Y c. Steam clean areas obstructed by structural members.
    N d. Spray or fumigate any insect colonies.

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

2710: You have orders to load cargoes of carbon disulfide, diisopropylamine and pyridine on your multi-product tankship. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. Carbon disulfide may be carried in NOS. 1 and 2 center tanks and diisopropylamine in NOS. 1 and 2 wing tanks.
    N b. Pyridine and diisopropylamine may be carried in tanks having a common header vent.
    Y c. Diisopropylamine must be separated from carbon disulfide by two barriers (cofferdams, voids, empty tanks, etc.)
    N d. A tank of carbon disulfide may be used to separate a tank of pyridine from a tank of diisopropylamine.

3008: A list signal of one white light indicates that the vessel is __________.

    N a. on an even keel
    Y b. listing about 1° to the side the light is displayed on
    N c. listing over 5°With the light displayed on the high side
    N d. listing, and the chutes should be directed to the side where the light is displayed

3032: Ice is often strong enough to halt navigation through the St. Lawrence Seaway by mid- __________.

    N a. October
    N b. November
    Y c. December
    N d. January

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

3414: You are lifting a 3-ton weight with a single whip rove on a swinging boom set at an angle 20° to the horizontal. Use the formula for the size of a shackle with a safe working load and determine the minimum size shackle that should be used to secure the head block to the boom.

    Y a. 1 3/8 inch
    N b. 1 1/2 inch
    N c. 1 5/8 inch
    N d. 1 3/4 inch

3484: You are on watch and see a man fall overboard. Which man- overboard turn should NOT be used in this situation?

    Y a. Scharnow
    N b. Single turn
    N c. Racetrack
    N d. Williamson

3681: While you are on watch entering port, the Master gives the helmsman a rudder command which conflicts with a rudder command from the Pilot. You should make sure the helmsman __________.

    N a. obeys the Pilot
    Y b. obeys the Master
    N c. asks you for instructions
    N d. brings the rudder to a point midway between the two conflicting positions

3742: It is good practice to use long towlines for ocean tows because the __________.

    N a. wear on the towline is equalized
    N b. weight of the towline increases the towing force
    Y c. dip in the towline absorbs shock loads
    N d. danger of overriding is reduced

4118: Which factor(s) affect lashing requirements aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    Y a. Ship’s characteristics and motion in a seaway
    N b. Trim of the vessel
    N c. Wide variations of air temperature
    N d. All of the above

4149: Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding lashing requirements to secure vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. The securing of cargo on flats and trailers must be adequate to withstand road motions only.
    N b. The movements experienced by road borne cargo are the same as the movements of a ship at sea.
    Y c. The generally recommended lash angle is no greater than 45 degrees relative to the deck in any direction.
    N d. It is not necessary for an adequate number of securing points on the vehicles themselves since setting the brakes is sufficient.

4154: What should you be concerned with when loading and securing vehicles aboard a Ro-Ro vessel?

    N a. That all fuel is drained from the vehicles' tanks to prevent fire hazard
    Y b. The size, weight, and center of gravity of vehicle/cargo unit
    N c. The preferred stowage of vehicles is athwartships wherever possible
    N d. The vehicles' brakes should not be set to allow for adjusting the lashings

4251: Which action(s) is/are included in crane operations?

    N a. Single-mode set-up & operation
    N b. Twin-mode set-up & operation
    N c. Normal boom stowage and shutdown operation
    Y d. All of the above

4381: What does item "D" refer to in this illustration of a 30-ton pedestal crane? (D045DG )

    N a. Heel block
    N b. Gin block
    N c. Rider block
    Y d. Hook block