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.


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?


189: Reid vapor pressure is __________.


270: The disadvantage of using a heaving line to pass a towline is that __________.


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

410: You are loading a cargo tank on your container ship. The tank displays the red label shown. Which statement is TRUE? (D023DG )

    Y a. The tank contains propylene.
    N b. The tank's volume is 1077 cubic feet.
    N c. There are three tanks in the shipment.
    N d. The tank contains an oxidizing material.

455: A vessel having continuous closely spaced transverse strength members is __________.

    N a. longitudinally framed
    Y b. transversely framed
    N c. cellular framed
    N d. web framed

455: A vessel having continuous closely spaced transverse strength members is __________.

    N a. longitudinally framed
    Y b. transversely framed
    N c. cellular framed
    N d. web framed

485: To clean a dirty fiber towing hawser used in ocean towing, you should __________.

    N a. use lye or other mild detergent
    Y b. wash it with fresh water, dry and store it
    N c. wash it with salt water
    N d. use cleaning fluid on nylon, dacron and other synthetic lines

544: If the winch should fail while you are hauling in the anchor, what prevents the anchor cable from running out?

    N a. Chain stopper
    N b. Devil's claw
    N c. Hawse ratchet
    Y d. Riding pawl

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

772: To reduce stress on the towing hawser when towing astern (ocean tow), the hawser should be __________.

    N a. secured to the aftermost fitting on the towing vessel
    N b. just touching the water
    Y c. underwater
    N d. as short as possible

795: Who certifies the safe working load of cargo booms on a vessel?

    N a. U.S. Coast Guard
    Y b. American Bureau of Shipping
    N c. Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
    N d. The Ship's Master

868: You are going to load bales of wool having a stowage factor of 100 in #3 lower hold which has a bale cubic of 72,000. How many tons of the wool can be stowed in the compartment, assuming 10% broken stowage?

    N a. 493
    N b. 577
    N c. 602
    Y d. 648

875: Which statement, concerning offshore supply vessel operations, correctly defines the length of a voyage?

    N a. The distance from the point of departure to the vessel's first stop
    N b. The distance from the point of departure to the most distant point offshore
    Y c. The total distance from the port of departure to the port of arrival, not including stops at offshore points
    N d. The shortest measurable distance from the port of departure to the port of arrival

922: You are on watch at sea at night, and a fire breaks out in #3 hold. What would you NOT do immediately?

    N a. Shut down the cargo hold ventilation.
    N b. Sound the fire alarm signal to rouse out all hands.
    N c. Call the Master.
    Y d. Proceed to the space and inspect the extent of the fire.

962: You are the person in charge of a 199-GT uninspected towing vessel engaged in towing from New York to Mexico and then returning, a distance in excess of 600 miles. Which statement is FALSE?

    Y a. The crew members are required to sign articles.
    N b. All deck crew members are to have a Merchant Mariner's Document.
    N c. Able seamen are required in the deck crew.
    N d. The sailors shall be divided into three watches.

1008: When anyone voluntarily deposits his/her license or document with a Coast Guard investigating officer __________.

    N a. he/she permanently gives up rights to the license or document
    Y b. it may be for reasons of mental or physical incompetence
    N c. it must be for reason of addiction to narcotics
    N d. All of the above

1019: A tank holds 400 tons of sea water when filled. How many tons of liquid of specific gravity 0.9300 will it hold when filled to 90% capacity?

    Y a. 326.6
    N b. 343.2
    N c. 377.6
    N d. 390.2

1019: A tank holds 400 tons of sea water when filled. How many tons of liquid of specific gravity 0.9300 will it hold when filled to 90% capacity?

    Y a. 326.6
    N b. 343.2
    N c. 377.6
    N d. 390.2

1142: The hitch used to secure the standing part of a gantline to the horns of a stage is a __________.

    Y a. marlinespike hitch
    N b. clove hitch
    N c. blackwall hitch
    N d. Killick hitch

1206: You are landing a single-screw vessel with a left-handed propeller, starboard side to the dock. As you approach the dock you back your engine with your rudder amidships. You would expect the vessel to __________.

    N a. lose headway without swinging
    N b. turn its bow towards the dock
    Y c. turn its stern towards the dock
    N d. drift away from the dock

1225: Ice concentration is measured in OKTAs. What percentage of the sea surface is ice-covered with 2 OKTAs concentration?

    N a. 10%
    N b. 20%
    Y c. 25%
    N d. 67%

1233: You are on watch while your vessel is entering port with a pilot conning. The pilot gives a steering command to the helmsman who fails to acknowledge it by repeating the command. You should immediately __________.

    N a. notify the Master
    N b. ask the Pilot to repeat the command since the helmsman failed to hear it
    N c. tell the helmsman to ask the Pilot to repeat any command that he fails to hear or understand
    Y d. repeat the Pilot's command and ensure that the helmsman repeats it exactly

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

1445: What is an example of a fundamental objective of cargo stowage?

    N a. Load so the trim does not exceed 3 feet by the stern.
    N b. Make maximum use of existing dunnage.
    N c. Separate wet and dry cargoes into separate holds.
    Y d. Prevent overcarriage by block stowage.

1472: Which knot represents a single becket bend? (DO30DG )

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

1560: Which arrangement of shell plating is used most in modern shipbuilding?

    N a. Clinker
    Y b. Flush
    N c. In-and-Out
    N d. Joggled

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

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

1616: In moderate wind and current what should be the length of chain with a single anchor?

    Y a. 5 times the depth of the water in good holding ground
    N b. 10 times the depth of the water in shallow water
    N c. 2 times the depth of the water in poor holding ground
    N d. 8 times the depth of the water in deep water

1648: When steaming through an anchorage, a shipmaster should __________.

    N a. avoid crossing close astern of the anchored ships
    Y b. avoid crossing close ahead of the anchored ships
    N c. keep the ship moving at a good speed to reduce set
    N d. transit only on a flood tide

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

1771: The agency which assigns load lines and issues Load Line Certificates is the __________.

    Y a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. Secretary of Commerce
    N c. U.S. Customs
    N d. U.S. Coast Guard

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

2050: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "H" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

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

2078: While towing, bridle legs of unequal lengths may cause __________.

    N a. the bridle to foul
    Y b. the shorter leg to fail
    N c. chafing on the fairlead or bitts
    N d. a bent swivel

2144: "Hard right rudder" means __________.

    N a. jam the rudder against the stops
    N b. put the rudder over quickly to 15 degrees right rudder
    N c. meet a swing to the right, then return to amidships
    Y d. put the rudder over to the right all the way

2179: A design modification of an anchor chain which prevents kinking is the __________.

    N a. detachable link
    Y b. stud link
    N c. Kenter link
    N d. connecting link

2197: You are signing on crew members. The minimum number of people required aboard, and the qualifications of each, is listed on the __________.

    N a. Crew list
    N b. fo'c'sle card
    Y c. Certificate of Inspection
    N d. Articles of Agreement

2228: 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. Based on this data what is the transfer for a turn of 60°? (D035DG )

    Y a. 140 yards (126 meters)
    N b. 180 yards (162 meters)
    N c. 225 yards (203 meters)
    N d. 270 yards (243 meters)

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

2257: "Cribbing" is __________.

    Y a. wooden blocks or dunnage placed between a deck load and the deck
    N b. the chains and shackles used to secure a deck cargo
    N c. a crate in which a deck cargo is packaged
    N d. cardboard separation pieces placed between deck loads to prevent chafing

2273: What is the area of a circle with a radius of 4 feet after a sector of 111° has been removed?

    N a. 3.90 sq. ft
    N b. 8.67 sq. ft
    Y c. 34.77 sq. ft
    N d. 50.27 sq. ft

2694: When relieving the helm, the new helmsman should know the __________.

    N a. gyro error
    Y b. course per magnetic steering compass
    N c. variation
    N d. maximum rudder angle previously used

2785: You are proceeding under NCS (Naval Control of Shipping) and wish to send a message by rapid transmission which does not require a higher precedence. Which precedence would you assign this message?

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

2785: You are proceeding under NCS (Naval Control of Shipping) and wish to send a message by rapid transmission which does not require a higher precedence. Which precedence would you assign this message?

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

2862: What is used to prevent accidental flooding of a double bottom or peak tanks in the event of a pipe rupture due to collision?

    N a. Separate lines are provided for filling and pumping these tanks.
    N b. Pipe lines must run vertically from the tank to a point above the margin line before turning fore or aft towards the pump.
    N c. All tanks must be served by the fewest possible number of pipes to reduce the possibility of rupture.
    Y d. Suction lines are fitted with a non-return valve

2868: Which vessel, if navigating independently in ice, is more likely to become beset due to inadequate horsepower?

    N a. A 254 ft. "Whaleback" tanker with 1800 H.P.
    N b. A 309 ft. cement carrier with 2000 H.P.
    N c. A 385 ft. shallow draft tanker with 2400 H.P.
    Y d. A 630 ft. bulk ore carrier with 3500 H.P.

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.

3069: Atmospheres laden with coal dust or grain dust caused by loading these cargoes __________.

    N a. require loading operations to be shut down until the atmosphere clears
    N b. are toxic to human life
    N c. are subject to spontaneous combustion
    Y d. may be explosive in some concentrations

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

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

3582: What term indicates the length measured along the summer load line from the intersection of that load line with the foreside of the stem and the intersection of that load line with the after side of the rudder post?

    N a. Length overall
    N b. Register length
    Y c. Length between perpendiculars
    N d. Length on the waterline

3712: When should a crane boom-up so high that the boom hits the stops?

    N a. Only if the load has not exceeded the limit at that angle
    N b. Only if the load contains non-hazardous materials
    N c. Only if necessary to perform a given lift
    Y d. Never

4057: Your vessel is to dock bow in at a pier without the assistance of tugboats. Which line will be the most useful when maneuvering the vessel alongside the pier?

    Y a. Bow spring line
    N b. Inshore head line
    N c. Stern breast line
    N d. Bow breast line

4068: What produces the MOST dangerous vapors?

    Y a. Anhydrous ammonia
    N b. Camphor oil
    N c. Methyl alcohol
    N d. Pentane

4177: Which of the following actions are stated in the correct order prior to loading or discharging cargo on a Ro-Ro vessel?

    N a. Turn on ventilation for cargo holds, lower the stern ramp, raise/open the stern door
    N b. Turn on ventilation for cargo holds, raise/open the stern door, lower the stern ramp
    Y c. Lower the stern ramp, raise/open the stern door, turn on ventilation for cargo holds
    N d. Raise/open the stern door, lower the stern ramp, turn on ventilation for cargo holds

4221: 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

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

4242: What is the advantage of the tandem working arrangement of pedestal cranes when operating cargo?

    N a. The cranes enable the handling of heavy cargos without shoreside assistance
    N b. The cargo discharge can be accomplished with controlled pendulation
    N c. The cargo discharge can be performed in port or at anchor
    Y d. All of the above

4443: You are signing on a deck officer, who will be designated as one of the GMDSS operators, before sailing foreign. Which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. He/she must have an STCW certificate endorsed as "Valid for Service on Vessels Operating in the GMDSS System".
    N b. He/she must present either an FCC-issued license or a Coast Guard-issued license.
    N c. You must consult the "List of Qualifications" on the reverse of his/her FCC-issued license.
    N d. His/her Merchant Mariners Document must have an added endorsement as "Radio Electronics Officer".