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.


9: Defense plans may cause the operation of electronic aids to navigation to be suspended with __________.


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


111: You are the licensed Master of a towing vessels operating between New York and Tampa, Florida. If you carry four (4) deckhands onboard, how many must be able seamen?


125: Chafing gear is normally used __________.

    N a. for portable fenders
    N b. for ground tackle
    N c. on the inside of the hawsepipe
    Y d. on mooring lines

156: When heading on a course, you put your rudder hard over. The distance traveled parallel to the direction of the original course from where you put your rudder over to any point on the turning circle is known as __________.

    Y a. advance
    N b. head reach
    N c. tactical diameter
    N d. transfer

280: Your ship is in a neutral port when full Naval Control of Shipping is established. You may expect to be boarded and instructed by a(n) __________.

    N a. U.S. Naval Control of Shipping Officer
    N b. allied Naval Control of Shipping Officer
    N c. Consular Shipping Advisors (CONSA)
    Y d. Any of the above

320: Containers of flammable solids should be conspicuously labeled by the shipper with a __________.

    N a. green label
    Y b. red and white label
    N c. orange label
    N d. yellow label

354: A "stopper" is __________.

    Y a. a short length of line used for temporarily holding another line
    N b. a snatch block for handling a topping lift
    N c. an engine order telegraph
    N d. the brake on a cargo winch

479: Your tank vessel is loaded down to her marks, and you find that she has too much trim by the stern. To adjust the trim you may __________.

    N a. add ballast forward
    N b. load more cargo forward
    Y c. shift bunkers forward
    N d. All of the above

493: What does "end for end" mean in regard to a towing hawser?

    N a. To take the kinks out of the hawser
    N b. To fake it down in figure eights
    N c. To increase the catenary
    Y d. To swap ends of the hawser to minimize wear

517: What is the purpose of the intermediate spring?

    N a. Serves as a backup for the main tow hawser in case of failure.
    Y b. Provides weight and flexibility to the total tow makeup.
    N c. Lengthens the main tow hawser to keep the tow in step.
    N d. Distributes the towing load.

589: The terminal indicates to you that they are going to use a booster pump to assist the discharging operation. You start the discharge and in a few minutes the pressure drops sharply. This could be a result of the __________.

    Y a. booster pump coming on the line and discharging properly
    N b. booster pump failing to start
    N c. ship's pump speeding up
    N d. booster pump being lined up in the wrong direction

626: What should NOT be used as an indicator that ice may be

    Y a.
    N b.
    N c.
    N d.

678: Prior to being able to sail, each vessel that carries grain in bulk must have a certificate of loading issued by the __________.

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. Lloyds of London
    Y c. National Cargo Bureau
    N d. U.S. Salvage

759: The equipment used to control, protect and connect a towline is called ___________ .

    N a. cat head
    Y b. terminal gear
    N c. level wind
    N d. poured socket

782: The owner or Master of a towing vessel shall ensure that each person that directs and controls the movement of the vessel can accurately fix the vessel's position using all of the following EXCEPT ___________ .

    N a. installed navigational equipment
    Y b. buoys alone
    N c. all available aids to navigation
    N d. depths soundings and hydrographic contour lines

889: The owner or Master of a towing vessel must evaluate whether the entire towline, or a part of it, is no longer serviceable. The towline should be removed from service in all cases EXCEPT ___________ .

    N a. when recommended by the manufacturer or an authorized classification society
    N b. in accordance with a replacement schedule
    Y c. when the vessel is underway
    N d. depending on the mileage or time that the towline has been in service

1012: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "A" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. after breast line
    N b. after spring line
    Y c. offshore stern line
    N d. inshore stern line

1101: A vessel puts into the port of Kobe, Japan, to discharge cargo. The vessel contracts a local shipyard to have the hull chipped and scaled. If the vessel provides the primer and paint, which statement is TRUE?

    N a. You need NOT declare the cost of labor, since no duty is involved.
    N b. You need NOT declare the cost of labor, since this is considered ship's personnel work.
    Y c. You MUST declare the cost of labor and pay duty.
    N d. You MUST declare the cost of labor, but no duty is charged since labor is involved.

1104: Nylon line can be dangerous because it __________.

    N a. breaks down when wet
    N b. kinks when wet
    N c. is not elastic
    Y d. stretches

1138: A vessel arrives in the port of Los Angeles from a foreign port and discharges some of its inward foreign cargo. What additional manifest is required?

    N a. Discharge Manifest
    N b. Inward Foreign Manifest
    N c. Pro Forma Manifest
    Y d. Traveling Manifest

1138: A vessel arrives in the port of Los Angeles from a foreign port and discharges some of its inward foreign cargo. What additional manifest is required?

    N a. Discharge Manifest
    N b. Inward Foreign Manifest
    N c. Pro Forma Manifest
    Y d. Traveling Manifest

1253: You are preparing to relieve the mate on watch while underway at sea. The watch should not be transferred __________.

    N a. during an engine speed change
    N b. while the Master is on the bridge
    Y c. during a collision avoidance maneuver
    N d. All of the above

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.

1274: If given equal care, nylon line should last how many times longer than manila line?

    N a. Three
    N b. Four
    Y c. Five
    N d. Six

1370: The strength of a deck will be increased by adding __________.

    N a. camber
    Y b. deck beam brackets
    N c. hatch beams
    N d. sheer

1500: Sometimes it is desirable to connect a member both by riveting and welding. Which statement is TRUE concerning this procedure?

    N a. Tearing through the member is more likely in this type connection.
    N b. The weld may be broken by the stresses caused by riveting.
    N c. The weld increases the tensile stress on the rivet heads.
    Y d. The welding must be completed before the riveting commences.

1512: You are proceeding under NCS (Naval Control of Shipping) and wish to send a message warning of a hurricane. Which precedence would you assign this message?

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

1527: A 30,000 DWT tankship is required to have an IOPP certificate when __________.

    N a. engaged in the coastwise trade
    N b. going foreign
    Y c. calling at ports in another country signatory to MARPOL 73/78
    N d. carrying cargoes listed in the MARPOL regulations

1760: A hook that will release quickly is a __________.

    N a. longshore hook
    N b. margin hook
    N c. marginal hook
    Y d. pelican hook

1788: Which position shown is the most dangerous when tying up? (D019DG )

    Y a. I
    N b. II
    N c. III
    N d. IV

1803: A snatch block is a __________.

    N a. block used only with manila rope
    N b. chock roller
    Y c. hinged block
    N d. strong block used for short, sharp pulls

1898: Back-up wires on a towed vessel provide __________.

    N a. a factor of safety
    N b. additional strength
    N c. a distribution of the towing load
    Y d. All of the above

1966: The turning circle of a vessel making a turn of over 360 degrees is the path followed by the __________.

    N a. bow
    N b. bridge
    Y c. center of gravity
    N d. centerline

1982: You are using tackle number 8 to lift a weight of 100 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. 120 lbs.
    N b. 55 lbs.
    Y c. 40 lbs.
    N d. 37 lbs.

2000: The vessel has broken down and you are going to take her in tow. The wind is on her starboard beam. Both vessels are making the same amount of leeway. Where should you position your vessel when you start running lines? (D025DG )

    N a. A
    N b. B
    Y c. C
    N d. D

2039: There is a large shipment of case goods available to be loaded on your vessel. You are to load as many tons as possible in a hold which has 32,300 cubic feet left unfilled by cargo. Each case measures 2-feet high by 2-feet wide by 4-feet long and weighs 500 pounds. If you allow a broken stowage allowance of 10% of the 32,300 feet, what is the nearest whole number of tons which may be loaded?

    N a. 324 tons
    N b. 360 tons
    N c. 363 tons
    Y d. 406 tons

2092: You are signing on a crew. When they present their Merchant Mariner's Documents, you should suspect a fraudulent document if it has a single endorsement that says __________.

    N a. see Certificate of Registry
    N b. any unlicensed rating in the deck department including AB
    N c. Steward's Department (F.H.)
    Y d. Bosun

2128: Several merchant ships are arriving at the scene of a distress incident. One of the them must assume the duties of the Coordinator Surface Search (CSS). Which of the following statements is TRUE?

    N a. CSS duties are always assumed by passenger vessels, dry cargo vessels, or tankers in that order of precedence.
    Y b. The CSS must be established by mutual agreement between the ships concerned.
    N c. A tank vessel should never be assigned CSS duties unless only tank vessels are present.
    N d. The first vessel to arrive at the distress incident is designated as the CSS.

2133: The S.S. Hollowpoint has a charter party in which the charterer assumes no responsibility for the operation of the vessel but pays stevedoring expenses. What is the name of the charter party?

    N a. Bareboat
    N b. Dispatch
    Y c. Voyage
    N d. Demise

2676: Who cannot commit the crime of barratry?

    N a. Master
    N b. Ship's officer(s)
    N c. Ship's unlicensed crewmember(s)
    Y d. Ship owner

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.

2762: Which vessel is exempt from the load line and marking requirements for vessels operating on the Great Lakes System?

    N a. A 300 GT tank barge operating exclusively on Lake Michigan
    N b. A 200 GT passenger vessel operating between Duluth, MN and Munising, MI
    N c. A 79-foot, 150 GT pleasure craft operating on the St. Lawrence River
    Y d. A 500 GT dry cargo river barge operated continuously between Calumet Hbr Chicago, IL and Burns Hbr, IN

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

2794: The Great Lakes Edition of the Notice to Mariners is published __________.

    Y a. weekly by the 9th Coast Guard District
    N b. monthly by the Army Corps of Engineers
    N c. monthly by the Naval Oceanographic office
    N d. biweekly by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard

2809: The fitting at the end of a cargo line in a tank that allows suction to be taken close to the bottom of a tank is a __________.

    N a. suction end
    N b. strainer
    Y c. bell-mouth
    N d. vacuum valve

2976: Which statement is TRUE with respect to shiphandling procedures in ice?

    N a. Never go "full astern" at any time while in ice.
    Y b. Go astern in ice with extreme care - always with rudder amidships.
    N c. Enter ice at medium speeds to reduce impact.
    N d. The presence of a snow cover on the ice assists a vessel's progress through an ice field.

3360: On a light tow, what could you substitute for a fishplate?

    Y a. heart-shaped shackle
    N b. pelican hook
    N c. swivel
    N d. ring

3432: A vessel is wind rode when it is __________.

    Y a. at anchor and heading into the wind
    N b. backing into the wind
    N c. carrying lee rudder
    N d. necessary to apply a leeway correction to the course

3494: Nylon rope is often used in the makeup of a towline because it __________.

    N a. floats
    Y b. stretches
    N c. handles easily
    N d. resists rot

3602: What is the penalty for desertion?

    N a. Fine of not more than 2000 dollars and forfeiture of wages
    N b. Imprisonment for not more than 2 years and/or a fine of not more than 2000 dollars
    N c. Revocation of Merchant Mariner's Document (and license if applicable) and forfeiture of wages due
    Y d. Forfeiture of money and property left on the vessel, and wages due

3680: What is the penalty for willfully damaging cargo?

    Y a. Forfeiture of wages equal to the value of the damage and, if ordered by the court, imprisonment for not more than 12 months
    N b. Fine equal to the value of the damage plus a 1000 dollar penalty and/or imprisonment not to exceed 2 years
    N c. Fine not to exceed the value of the damage and/or imprisonment not to exceed 18 months
    N d. Revocation of Merchant Mariner's Document (and license if applicable), fine equal to the value of the damage or imprisonment for not more than 2 years

3722: The next-to-last shot of an anchor cable is usually painted __________.

    N a. white
    N b. international orange
    Y c. yellow
    N d. red

4125: Which variable factor affects the initial lashing requirements aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Age of vehicle or cargo unit
    Y b. Size and weight of vehicle/cargo unit
    N c. Reputation of shipper concerning condition of cargo
    N d. Air pressure in the vehicles tires

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.

4160: According to the IMO Code, what are the minimum number of securing points that should be on each side of a "road vehicle", whose gross vehicle mass is between 20 tons and 30 tons, when carried on Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. One
    N b. Two
    Y c. Three
    N d. Four

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

4222: What does item "C" refer to in this illustration of a 30-ton pedestal crane? (D045DG )

    N a. Equalizing beam
    N b. Hoist fall spreader
    Y c. Rider block
    N d. Block/hook assembly

4268: Which statement is TRUE concerning the tandem working arrangement of pedestal cranes when completing a quad lift?

    N a. The cargo discharge can be accomplished with controlled pendulation.
    Y b. The discharge is slow due to the size of the cargo and all the cranes working together.
    N c. The cargo discharge can be performed in port or at anchor.
    N d. The cranes enable the handling of heavy cargos without shoreside assistance.

4273: During which condition should the operator of a pedestal crane shutdown operations?

    N a. Bunkering
    Y b. High winds
    N c. Potable water spill on deck
    N d. More than 3° list