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.


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


42: The vapor pressure of a substance __________.


236: As the propeller turns, voids are formed on the trailing and leading edges of the propeller blades causing a loss of propulsive efficiency, pitting of the blades, and vibration. These voids are known as __________.


294: Displacement refers to the __________.

    N a. cubic capacity of a vessel
    N b. deadweight carrying capacity of a vessel
    N c. gross tonnage of a vessel
    Y d. number of long tons of water displaced by a vessel afloat

296: You are on a course of 000°T and put the rudder right 30°. In which direction will the transfer be measured?

    N a. 000°T
    Y b. 090°T
    N c. 180°T
    N d. 270°T

380: The (auto)ignition temperature is that temperature at which_______.

    Y a. no spark or flame is required to ignite gas or vapor
    N b. a fuel begins to give off explosive vapors
    N c. a fuel if ignited will continue to burn
    N d. a 1% mixture of the fuel with air will explode

460: When stowing hazardous materials on deck, lashing of such cargo is permitted if __________.

    N a. a wooden bin is constructed of at least 2-inch dunnage and bolted together
    N b. the cargo is lashed to the adjacent guard rails
    Y c. the lashings are secured to deck pad eyes
    N d. there is at least 3 inches of dunnage on deck

468: Sweat damage in a hatch full of canned goods in cartons will occur when the __________.

    N a. air temperature is higher than the temperature of the cargo
    N b. air temperature is lower than the temperature of the cargo
    Y c. dew point is higher than the temperature of the cargo
    N d. dew point is lower than the temperature of the cargo

477: When underway with a tow, you are required to notify the Coast Guard in which casualty situation?

    N a. An injury requiring first aid treatment
    N b. Damage of bridge-to-bridge radio capability
    Y c. Accidental stranding or grounding
    N d. Damage to property amounting to $12,500

570: A chain bridle is preferable to a wire rope towing bridle on a long ocean tow because chain __________.

    N a. is more flexible and has the ability to absorb shock because of its weight
    N b. is less subject to wear and damage from abrasion
    N c. requires little maintenance
    Y d. All of the above

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

754: Which method is used to detect rot in manila lines?

    N a. Feeling the surface of the line for broken fibers
    N b. Measuring the reduction in circumference of the line
    N c. Observing for the appearance of mildew on the outer surface
    Y d. Opening the strands and examining the inner fibers

764: Roundline is a __________.

    N a. four-stranded, left- or right-handed line
    Y b. three-stranded, right-handed line
    N c. three-stranded, left-handed line
    N d. small tarred hempline of three strands laid left-handed

808: You are loading a cargo of cases into a hold which has a bale cubic of 44,000. The cargo consists of cases measuring 4 ft by 2 ft by 1.5 ft. Estimated broken stowage is 15%. What is the maximum number of cases which can be stowed in the hold?

    N a. 3096
    Y b. 3116
    N c. 3136
    N d. 3156

821: The Master must maintain the Oil Record Book on board for at least __________.

    N a. 1 month
    N b. 12 months
    N c. 24 months
    Y d. 36 months

912: You are aboard vessel "A" in a narrow channel and the pilot is approaching vessel "B" as shown. The reason he has not previously changed course to the starboard side of the channel is __________. (DIAGRAM 37 )

    N a. to avoid vessel squat in the shallower water near the bank
    Y b. to avoid the effects of bank cushion and bank suction
    N c. because there is less chance of striking submerged objects in mid-channel
    N d. because the current has less eddies in mid-channel

945: After having been pulled aloft in a bosun's chair on a mast, you must now make yourself fast in the chair prior to painting the mast. You should first __________.

    N a. have the sailor on deck make the hauling part fast to a cleat on the mast
    N b. make the tail of the line leading from the becket bend fast to a padeye on the mast
    Y c. seize the hauling part and the standing part firmly in one hand to support your weight
    N d. frap yourself to the mast to take the strain off the hauling part

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

1030: If an attempt is made to hoist a load that exceeds the capacity of an electric winch, an overload safety device causes a circuit breaker to cut off the current to the winch motor __________.

    N a. when the line pull reaches the rated winch capacity
    Y b. after the line pull exceeds the rated winch capacity
    N c. after a short build-up of torque
    N d. immediately

1107: You are rigging a stage over the vessel's side and are securing the downhaul with lowering turns at your end of the stage. When finished, the remainder of the line should be __________.

    Y a. lowered down into the water
    N b. coiled on the stage with the bitter end on the bottom
    N c. coiled on the stage with the bitter end on top
    N d. coiled on deck to be slacked down by a seaman as needed

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

1153: What affect does shallow water have on a vessel's stopping distance?

    N a. The stopping distance is shorter.
    Y b. The stopping distance is longer.
    N c. There is no difference in the stopping distance.
    N d. The propeller is more effective when going astern in shallow water.

1167: A vessel will "squat" when it proceeds underway __________.

    N a. only in deep water
    N b. only in shallow water
    Y c. in all depths of water
    N d. only in narrow channels

1209: When cargo is being worked using a Burton or married fall system, which part of the cargo gear is most likely to fail?

    N a. Boom
    N b. Gooseneck
    Y c. Guy tackle
    N d. Topping lift

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

1288: A document used to indicate suspected cargo damage caused by rough weather would be the __________.

    N a. cargo report
    N b. hull damage report
    Y c. Master's Note of Protest
    N d. Unseaworthy Certificate

1368: Fire and abandon ship stations and duties may be found on the __________.

    N a. crewman's duty list
    N b. Certificate of Inspection
    N c. shipping articles
    Y d. muster list

1462: Two mooring lines may be placed on the same bollard and either one cast off first if __________.

    Y a. the eye of the second line is dipped
    N b. the mooring lines are doubled
    N c. the bollard has two horns
    N d. one of the lines is a breast line

1517: Which picture represents a timber hitch? (DO30DG )

    Y a. E
    N b. F
    N c. N
    N d. U

1628: You are going ahead on twin engines when you want to make a quick turn to port. Which actions will turn your boat the fastest?

    Y a. Reverse port engine; apply left rudder
    N b. Reverse port engine; rudder amidships
    N c. Reverse starboard engine; apply left rudder
    N d. Reverse starboard engine; rudder amidships

1769: Two falls are supporting a 1.5 ton load. The port fall is at an angle of 40° from the vertical. The starboard fall is at an angle of 70° from the vertical. What is the stress on each fall?

    Y a. Port 1.5 tons, starboard 1.0 tons
    N b. Port 1.5 tons, starboard 1.5 tons
    N c. Port 1.7 tons, starboard 1.3 tons
    N d. Port 1.7 tons, starboard 2.0 tons

1819: The stringer plate is represented by which letter? (D033DG )

    Y a. A
    N b. C
    N c. I
    N d. N

1820: If a drill required by regulations is not completed, the Master or person in charge must __________.

    N a. report this immediately to the Commandant of the Coast Guard
    Y b. log the reason for not completing the drill
    N c. conduct two of the required drills at the next opportunity
    N d. All of the above

1835: Your vessel's operators send a message that your vessel has been consigned to Naval Control of Shipping. The message will refer you to __________.

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

2045: When relieving the helm, the new helmsman will find it helpful to know the __________.

    N a. deviation on that heading
    N b. variation in the area
    N c. leeway
    Y d. amount of helm carried for a steady course

2132: Which statement concerning dual-tonnage vessels is TRUE?

    N a. The dual-tonnage mark is always marked above the load line marks.
    N b. The tonnages referred to are the displacement tonnage and gross tonnage.
    Y c. A single-deck vessel may not be assigned dual tonnages.
    N d. The dual-tonnage mark must never be submerged beyond the freshwater allowance.

2188: The forecastle card is a(n) __________.

    N a. quarters allocation
    N b. Muster List ("Station Bill")
    N c. unlicensed shipping card from the union
    Y d. copy of the shipping agreement

2195: 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 as listed. Based on this data what is the transfer for a turn of 180°? (D035DG )

    N a. 745 yards
    N b. 770 yards
    Y c. 840 yards
    N d. 890 yards

2268: The helm command "shift your rudder" means __________.

    N a. check the swing of the vessel
    N b. double your rudder angle or go to full rudder
    N c. bring your rudder amidships
    Y d. change from right rudder to left rudder, or vice versa, an equal number of degrees

2270: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated ROUTINE will be delivered within __________.

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

2336: 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
    N b. two 180°Turns
    N c. a Williamson Turn
    Y d. a single turn with hard rudder

2360: Splices made in nylon should __________.

    N a. be long splices only
    Y b. have extra tucks taken
    N c. be short splices only
    N d. be around a thimble

2396: Determine the area of a triangle with a base of 5.8 feet and a height of 2.1 feet.

    N a. 12.2 square ft.
    N b. 7.9 square ft.
    Y c. 6.1 square ft.
    N d. 3.0 square ft.

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

2580: You want to double the strength of a mooring line by using two lines. To accomplish this, the second line must __________.

    N a. be 1 1/2 times the diameter of the first
    N b. be married to the first
    N c. not cross the first
    Y d. be of the same length

2789: Your vessel is approaching the International Bridge on the St. Marys River. If the gage on the bridge, read from top to bottom, indicates 124 ft. and the IGLD (1955) is 600 ft., determine the actual vertical clearances between the existing water level and the lowest point of the bridge over the channel.

    Y a. 124 feet
    N b. 476 feet
    N c. 724 feet
    N d. 840 feet

2791: What is the period of validity of a Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate?

    N a. 72 months
    Y b. 60 months
    N c. 48 months
    N d. 42 months

2892: What is LEAST likely to be used to strip a cargo tank?

    Y a. Centrifugal pump
    N b. Eductor
    N c. Rotary pump
    N d. Reciprocating pump

3020: The main underdeck pipeline on a tankship is connected to individual tanks by __________.

    N a. tank drops
    N b. line drops
    N c. crossovers
    Y d. branch lines

3143: You are the person in charge of a 199 GRT uninspected towing vessel engaged in coastwise towing from the Gulf of Mexico to the New York area, a distance in excess of 600 miles. Which statement is FALSE?

    N a. The deckhands shall be divided into 3 watches.
    Y b. Certificates of Discharge are not required to be issued.
    N c. Able seamen are required in the deck crew.
    N d. All crew members shall have Merchant Mariner's Documents.

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.

3449: What term indicates an inward curvature of the ship's hull above the waterline?

    N a. Camber
    Y b. Tumble home
    N c. Deadrise
    N d. Flare

3466: What is a spill pipe?

    N a. A drainage pipe that carries rain or spray from an upper deck to a lower deck
    Y b. A pipe under the anchor windlass leading to the chain locker
    N c. A chute, usually over the stern, to lead dumped garbage clear of the hull
    N d. An opening in the deck leading outside the hull

4010: You have completed a crude oil wash. What action should be taken with the oil in the lines running to the washing machines?

    Y a. Open a COW nozzle forward and one aft and drain the line into the after tank by gravity
    N b. Blow the line out using compressed air
    N c. Pull a suction using the supply line pump
    N d. Close off all valves in the system and leave the oil in the line primed for the next crude oil wash

4030: While discharging a cargo, the stripping of the tanks falls behind schedule. This would indicate the __________.

    N a. main pumps are working at a high discharge pressure
    Y b. main pumps are leaving too much oil in the tanks
    N c. stripping pump is not primed
    N d. stripping line is cross-connected to the main line

4068: What produces the MOST dangerous vapors?

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

4187: Which of the following is the stated proper sequence before commencing cargo operations aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Start ventilation, lower the ramp, notify engine room
    N b. Lower the ramp, start ventilation, notify engine room
    Y c. Notify engine room, lower the ramp, start ventilation
    N d. Start ventilation, notify engine room, lower the ramp

4226: What does item "E" refer to in this illustration of a 30-ton pedestal crane? (D045DG )

    Y a. Tagline
    N b. Electric cable
    N c. Cargo snaking wire
    N d. Hook release cable

4254: Which of the following statement(s) is/are TRUE regarding twin pedestal cranes?

    N a. Each single boom is of the partial-level luffing type and is capable of limited rotation.
    N b. A slew drive system provides for rotation of each crane.
    N c. Maintenance logs and records are to be kept for each crane.
    Y d. All of the above

4264: Which statement(s) is/are TRUE concerning crane cargo operations?

    N a. Lifting points on all equipment need not be checked prior to commencing a lift.
    N b. Cargo loaded into vehicles and/or containers prior to lifting need not be secured.
    Y c. Never exceed crane manufacturer’s limits concerning the safe working loads of cargo jibs.
    N d. All the above