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.


20: You are carrying triethylamine, methyl methacrylate and isoprene in your multiple-product tankship. Which of the following statements is true?


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


63: Which space(s) is(are) deducted from gross tonnage to derive net tonnage?


88: Which is an example of cargo damage caused by inherent vice?

    N a. Tainting
    N b. Wear and tear
    N c. Stevedore damage
    Y d. Heating of grain

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?

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

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

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

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.

413: A person is found operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol. He/she is liable for __________.

    N a. imprisonment for up to three years
    Y b. a civil penalty of not more than $5,000
    N c. a fine of not more than $3,000
    N d. a fine of not more than $10,000

423: When securing a synthetic line to a bitt what is the minimum number of round turns you should take before figure-eighting the line?

    N a. None
    N b. 1
    Y c. 2
    N d. 3

465: Which structural members improve a towing vessel's chance of surviving punctured shell plating?

    N a. Stringers
    N b. Longitudinals
    Y c. Transverse watertight bulkheads
    N d. The rake

577: You are signing on a crew. A man presents a Merchant Mariner's Document that you suspect has been tampered with. Which action should you take?

    N a. Confiscate the document and deliver it to the Coast Guard.
    N b. Sign the man on and notify the Coast Guard at the first U.S. port of call.
    Y c. Refuse to sign the man on articles until authorized by the Coast Guard.
    N d. Refuse to sign the man on and notify the FBI of unauthorized use of a federal document.

647: Synchronous towing means that the __________.

    N a. tug is on the crest of a wave while the tow is in the trough
    N b. tug is in the trough while the tow is riding on the crest of a wave
    Y c. tug and tow are both in the same relative position on different waves at the same time
    N d. port and starboard engines on the tug are turning at the same RPM

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

987: What does the helm command "shift the rudder" mean?

    N a. Stop the swing of the ship.
    N b. Shift the rudder control to the alternate steering method.
    N c. Put the rudder amidships and hold the heading steady as she goes.
    Y d. Put the rudder over to the opposite side, the same number of degrees it is now.

1067: The normal and safest way for a sailor to be lowered in a bosun's chair when descending vertically is __________.

    Y a. for that sailor to feed the hauling part through a bosun's chair hitch
    N b. to lead the hauling part to a cleat on the mast and slacking the sailor down
    N c. by taking several turns of the gantline on a winch drum and then lower the sailor by backing off on the winch
    N d. by leading the bight of the hauling part to a rail and taking several turns, then slacking away with the bight

1100: What is the purpose of the freeing ports on a vessel with solid bulwarks?

    Y a. Allow water which may be shipped on deck to flow off rapidly
    N b. Permit easy jettisoning of deck cargo in an emergency
    N c. Prevent the formation of any unusual stress concentration points
    N d. Lighten the above deck weight caused by a solid bulwark

1102: In illustration D044DG, the mooring line labeled "B" is called a(n) __________. (DO44DG )

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

1182: Your vessel must moor port side to a berth limited by vessels ahead and astern using a single tug. You are stemming a slight current and there is a light breeze of the dock. Your tug should be made up to the vessel's __________.

    N a. stern on a hawser
    N b. quarter
    N c. waist
    Y d. bow

1251: What is NOT a primary function of the freight forwarder?

    N a. To book cargo space in advance
    N b. To execute, approve, and submit all shipping documents necessary to the particular shipment
    Y c. To provide financial assistance to the shipper when required
    N d. Clear the goods through customs

1271: The citizenship of a crew member of a vessel in a U.S. port is determined solely by the __________.

    N a. Customs Officer
    Y b. Immigration Officer
    N c. Coast Guard
    N d. Union Official

1374: Which type of stopper should be used to stop off wire rope?

    Y a. Chain
    N b. Manila
    N c. Polypropylene
    N d. Wire

1393: Your vessel's operators send a message that your vessel has been consigned to Naval Control of Shipping. The message will refer you to __________.

    N a. the Light List
    Y b. Radio Aids to Navigation (PUB 117)
    N c. the International Code of Signals (PUB 102)
    N d. the Coast Pilot

1506: The sprocket wheel in a windlass, used for heaving in the anchor, is called a __________.

    N a. capstan
    N b. dog wheel
    N c. fairlead
    Y d. wildcat

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)

1514: A 6x12, two-inch wire rope has __________.

    N a. 12 strands and a two-inch diameter
    N b. 12 strands and a two-inch circumference
    Y c. 6 strands and a two-inch diameter
    N d. 6 strands and a two-inch circumference

1634: A monkey fist is found on a __________.

    Y a. heaving line
    N b. lead line
    N c. manrope
    N d. mooring line

1756: When anchoring a vessel, it is best to release the anchor when __________.

    N a. going full astern
    N b. going full ahead
    Y c. going slow astern
    N d. dead in the water

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

1791: Which factor does NOT affect the required freeboard of a cargo vessel?

    N a. Season of the year
    N b. Geographic zone of operation
    N c. Density of the water
    Y d. Condition of trim in normal operation

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

1896: 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?

    Y a. The Master is responsible for the safe navigation of the ship and the Pilot is employed for his local knowledge.
    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.
    N c. The Pilot is solely responsible for the internal working of the ship.
    N d. The Pilot becomes solely responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel only if the Master relinquishes the conn.

1941: The helm command "Left twenty" means __________.

    N a. change course twenty degrees to the left
    Y b. put the rudder left twenty degrees
    N c. put the rudder hard left for the first twenty degrees of swing
    N d. put the rudder left twenty degrees and then ease back as the vessel starts swinging

1969: If you shorten the scope of anchor cable, your anchor's holding power __________.

    Y a. decreases
    N b. increases
    N c. remains the same
    N d. has no relation to the scope

1977: On a crane, the boom indicator tells the operator what angle the boom angle is compared to the __________.

    N a. vertical position
    Y b. horizontal position
    N c. boom stop angle
    N d. minimum radius angle

2035: A seaman signed on articles on 16 January 1987 and signed off on 2 March 1987. How should you enter this under the Time of Service column in the articles?

    N a. 1 Month 18 Days
    N b. 1 Month 16 Days
    N c. 2 Months
    Y d. 46 Days

2236: Another name for the garboard strake is the __________.

    Y a. A strake
    N b. Z strake
    N c. side keel plate
    N d. stringer plate

2289: A seaman you have just discharged has a Continuous Discharge Book. Which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. The record of entry in the continuous discharge book shall agree with the entry made in the Ship's Articles.
    N b. If the vessel was on coastwise articles, the record of discharge will be made in the Official Logbook.
    N c. An entry should be made in the book and a Certificate of Discharge issued to the seaman.
    N d. A Certificate of Discharge form should be attached to the book.

2353: Which mooring line prevents sideways motion of a vessel moored to a pier?

    N a. A line led forward from the bow
    N b. A line led aft from the bow
    N c. A line led in the same direction as the keel
    Y d. A line led at a right angle to the keel

2367: What is the volume of a sphere with a radius of 5 feet?

    N a. 4,188.00 cubic ft.
    Y b. 523.60 cubic ft.
    N c. 129.62 cubic ft.
    N d. 65.44 cubic ft.

2516: Which statement about the dangerous cargo manifest, carried on a ship, is TRUE?

    N a. The manifest must be made up by the Master or other designated ship's officer.
    N b. Shipments of hazardous and non-hazardous cargo may be listed on the manifest if they are destined for the same consignee.
    Y c. The manifest must be kept in a designated holder on or near the bridge.
    N d. The type of label(s) required for each cargo must be indicated.

2639: A wooden plug fitted tightly in the vent of a damaged tank may prevent the tank from __________.

    Y a. filling completely
    N b. developing free surface
    N c. developing free surface moment
    N d. collapsing

2889: What is the minimum size required before a vessel can be documented?

    Y a. 5 net tons
    N b. 100 gross tons
    N c. 26 feet length
    N d. 65 feet length

2900: Which statement about Naval Control of Shipping in wartime is TRUE?

    Y a. It is mandatory in wartime.
    N b. It is mandatory in hazardous areas and voluntary in other areas.
    N c. It is mandatory only for vessels sailing in convoy.
    N d. It is mandatory for vessels bound foreign and voluntary for vessels in the coastwise trade.

2908: How should you signal the crane operator to use the whip line?

    N a. Extend arm with the thumb pointing up, and flex the fingers in and out for as long as the load movement is desired.
    Y b. First tap your elbow with one hand, and then proceed to use regular signals.
    N c. First tap the top of your head with your fist, and then proceed to use regular signals.
    N d. Use one hand to give any motion signal, and place the other hand motionless in front of the hand giving the motion signal.

2912: When tank cleaning with a portable machine, the weight of the machine is suspended from __________.

    N a. solid iron bars clamped to the Butterworth opening
    Y b. the supply hose
    N c. the suspension line, usually manila or natural fiber line
    N d. a wire rope suspension line

2921: The process of lowering a boom to a horizontal position and onto its deck support is called __________.

    N a. spotting a boom
    N b. collaring a boom
    Y c. cradling a boom
    N d. toppling a boom

2933: Your vessel is to dock bow first at a pier. Which line will be the most useful when maneuvering the vessel alongside the pier?

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

2946: Which single-letter signal, when used by icebreakers on the Great Lakes, may be made by using the ship's whistle?

    N a. E
    N b. I
    Y c. M
    N d. None

3108: How should you signal the crane operator to raise the boom?

    N a. Extend arm with the thumb pointing up and flex the fingers in and out.
    N b. Place both fists in front of the body with the thumbs pointing upward.
    N c. With forearm vertical and forefinger pointing up, move hand in small horizontal circles.
    Y d. Extend arm with fingers closed and point thumb upward.

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.

3210: A licensed Master of Towing Vessels may NOT serve as the person in charge of which towing vessel?

    N a. 99 GRT towing vessel operating on Chesapeake Bay
    N b. 199 GRT towing vessel operating in the Gulf of Alaska
    N c. 500 GRT towboat operating on the Western Rivers
    Y d. 349 GRT towing vessel operating between Florida and Puerto Rico

3632: You are lifting a one-ton weight with a swinging boom. When comparing the stresses on the rig with the boom at 20° to the horizontal to the stresses when the boom is at 60° to the horizontal, which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. The thrust on the boom is greater at 60°.
    N b. The stress on the topping lift is greater at 60°.
    N c. The stress on the heel block is less at 20°.
    N d. The stress on the head block is less at 60°.

3654: Horizontal transverse motion of a vessel is known as __________.

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

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

4114: When accepting vehicles for shipment, the Master should ensure that __________.

    N a. all decks intended for the stowage of vehicles are, in so far as is practicable, free from oil and grease
    N b. the ship has on board an adequate supply of cargo securing gear, which is maintained in sound working condition
    N c. vehicles are in apparent good order and condition suitable for sea transport, particularly with regards to securing
    Y d. All of the above

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

4123: The lashings used on Ro-Ro vessels should be capable of withstanding the forces of __________.

    N a. any force of gravity acting on the lashes
    N b. rolling
    N c. pitching
    Y d. All of the above

4144: Which tensioning device is used with chain to secure heavy vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    Y a. Chain lever
    N b. Buckle tensioner
    N c. Adjust-a-matic tensioner
    N d. Ratchet tensioner

4255: Which of the following statement(s) is/are TRUE regarding a twin pedestal crane set?

    N a. The cranes may be operated independently.
    N b. The cranes may be interconnected for twin operation.
    N c. When twinned, the crane rotation on the foundation assembly is unlimited.
    Y d. All of the above