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.


107: When may a seaman on a vessel engaged in foreign trade be paid before earning the wages?


190: You are on a vessel that carries liquefied gasses in bulk. The person on watch is required to have what information about the cargo easily accessible?


386: You are maneuvering a vessel with a right-hand propeller. The rudder is amidships. The vessel will generally back __________.


467: Of which type of material may a towing hawser be constructed?

    N a. Wire rope
    N b. Nylon, dacron, polypropylene or a blend of other synthetic fibers
    N c. Manila
    Y d. All of the above

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

496: Your twin-screw vessel is moving ASTERN with rudders amidships. The starboard screw suddenly stops turning. Your vessel's head will __________.

    Y a. go to port
    N b. go to starboard
    N c. remain stationary
    N d. suddenly drop down

527: What equipment is NOT used to protect a towing hawser?

    N a. Hawser boards and chafing gear
    Y b. Halyards and snaphooks
    N c. Seizing wire, rope yarn and marline
    N d. Norman pins and tow spans

560: You are loading a cargo that includes cylinders of acetylene aboard your break bulk vessel. Which statement is true?

    Y a. The cylinders must be stowed at least 10 horizontal feet from corrosive materials in the same space.
    N b. Stowage in the upper deck-deck is considered to be the equivalent of "on deck" stowage for this cargo.
    N c. The cylinders must have a red label for flammability and a green label for compressed gas.
    N d. The cylinders may be protected from the radiant heat of the Sun by laying a tarp on them.

614: A fid is a __________.

    N a. mallet used when splicing wire rope
    N b. sharp pointed crow bar used to unlay wire rope
    N c. tapered steel pin used to separate wire rope
    Y d. tapered wooden pin used when splicing heavy rope

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.

633: A tug is best positioned for towing and maneuvering on rivers and other restricted waters where wave action is limited when __________.

    Y a. directly astern and pushing the tow
    N b. towing on a hawser
    N c. towing alongside and parallel to the vessel it is towing
    N d. towing on the hip

659: You are planning to use the crude oil washing system on your tankship. What is required to prevent electrostatic buildup in the tanks?

    N a. The portable machines must be set at the proper drop for the first wash before the fixed machines are used.
    Y b. The source tank for the tank cleaning machines must have least one meter decanted from it.
    N c. The inert gas system must reduce the oxygen content in the tanks to a maximum of 18%.
    N d. The fixed machines must be operated simultaneously with the portable machines to equalize the electrostatic potential.

712: What is the effect of releasing the towline in a tripping situation?

    Y a. It disconnects the capsizing force and allows the tug to recover from its list.
    N b. It frees the tug from its towing responsibilities.
    N c. There is no effect other than relief.
    N d. Yawing

737: A heavy steel curved arch constructed athwartships and above the after deck on a towing vessel is sometimes called a __________.

    N a. chafing bar
    Y b. Dutch tow bar
    N c. carling
    N d. None of the above

756: A licensed Master of Towing Vessels may NOT serve as the Captain 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. 400 GRT towboat operating on the Western Rivers
    Y d. 375 GRT towing vessel operating between Texas and Puerto Rico

785: With rudders amidships and negligible wind, a twin-screw vessel moving ahead on the port screw and backing on the starboard screw will __________.

    N a. move in a straight line
    Y b. pivot to starboard
    N c. pivot to port
    N d. walk sideways to starboard

902: The number of able seamen required on board is stated in the __________.

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping code
    N b. Solas Certificate
    N c. Classification Certificate
    Y d. Certificate of Inspection

1160: In a longitudinally-framed ship, the longitudinal frames are held in place and supported by athwartship members called __________.

    N a. floors
    N b. margin plates
    N c. stringers
    Y d. web frames

1192: A person has fallen overboard and is being picked up with a lifeboat. If the person appears in danger of drowning, the lifeboat should make __________.

    N a. an approach from leeward
    N b. an approach from windward
    Y c. the most direct approach
    N d. an approach across the wind

1207: The Tonnage Certificate indicates __________.

    N a. deadweight tons
    N b. displacement tons
    Y c. net tons
    N d. light displacement tons

1298: A Master should file a marine note of protest if __________.

    N a. cargo was received at ship side which was damaged in land transit
    N b. longshore labor went on strike in the port causing undue vessel delay
    N c. portions of his vessel's cargo were illegally impounded in a foreign port
    Y d. the vessel encountered heavy weather which might have caused cargo damage

1536: When anchoring, it is a common rule of thumb to use a length of chain __________.

    Y a. five to seven times the depth of water
    N b. seven to ten times the depth of water
    N c. twice the depth of water
    N d. twice the depth of water plus the range of tide

1555: When carrying out a parallel track search pattern, the course of the search units should normally be which of the following?

    Y a. In the same direction as the anticipated drift
    N b. In the opposite direction of the anticipated drift
    N c. Perpendicular to the line of anticipated drift
    N d. Downwind

1596: Using a scope of five, determine how many feet of chain you should put out to anchor in 12 fathoms of water.

    N a. 60 feet (18 meters)
    N b. 72 feet (22 meters)
    Y c. 360 feet (110 meters)
    N d. 450 feet (137 meters)

1619: A periodic thorough examination of the cargo gear proves satisfactory. What percentage of the total gear must be dismantled to determine actual internal condition?

    Y a. None
    N b. 10%
    N c. 25%
    N d. 100%

1641: The helm command "Steady as you go" means __________.

    Y a. steer the course you are on now
    N b. steer the course when the swing stops
    N c. maintain the rate of swing
    N d. don't allow the vessel to swing off course so much

1647: Under Naval Control of Shipping who is responsible for routing and diverting ships and convoys?

    N a. The Maritime Defense Zone Sector
    Y b. The Operational Control Authority
    N c. The National Shipping Authority
    N d. Any Navy Command

1808: Which organization would conduct a survey of the insulation in a reefer compartment prior to loading cargo?

    N a. U.S. Customs Service
    N b. OSHA
    Y c. American Bureau of Shipping
    N d. National Cargo Bureau

1872: In a national emergency, when communicating via the Navy, messages are sent by precedence. A message designated FLASH will be delivered within __________.

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

1875: A seam is indicated by which letter in illustration D033DG? (D033DG )

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

1920: Which form of navigation may be suspended without notice under defense planning?

    Y a. electronic
    N b. celestial
    N c. piloting
    N d. None of the above

1939: You are on a vessel that has broken down and are preparing to be taken in tow. You will use your anchor cable as part of the towline. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. The anchor cable should be veered enough to allow the towline connection to be just forward of your bow.
    N b. The anchor cable should be veered enough to allow the towline connection to be immediately astern of the towing vessel.
    Y c. The strain of the tow is taken by the riding pawl, chain stopper, and anchor windlass brake.
    N d. The anchor cable should be led out through a chock, if possible, to avoid a sharp nip at the hawsepipe lip.

2019: A man was sighted as he fell overboard. After completing a Williamson turn, the man is not sighted. What type of search should be conducted?

    N a. Expanding circle
    Y b. Sector search
    N c. Parallel track pattern
    N d. Datum-drift search

2060: In polar regions you should NOT expect to see __________.

    N a. mirage effects
    N b. sea smoke
    Y c. extensive snowfall
    N d. false horizons

2162: A crew has signed on for a 3-month voyage. Fourteen days into the voyage a seaman is improperly discharged at the first port of call. How much pay is he entitled to receive?

    N a. 14 days
    N b. 1 month's
    Y c. 14 days and one month's extra
    N d. double wages (28 days)

2239: You are using tackle number 3 to lift a weight of 120 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 )

    Y a. 52 lbs.
    N b. 49 lbs.
    N c. 40 lbs.
    N d. 27 lbs.

2451: A safety shackle is identified by its __________.

    N a. shape
    Y b. pin
    N c. certification stamp
    N d. color code

2453: On a ship's crane, the load chart relates the allowable load to the combination of the boom length and __________.

    N a. winch speed
    N b. boom strength
    Y c. load radius
    N d. cable strength

2470: Which type of bottom provides most anchors with the best holding ability?

    N a. Clay and rocks
    N b. Soft mud
    Y c. Sandy mud
    N d. Soft sand

2524: Which entry on a dangerous cargo manifest concerning the classification of a cargo is NOT correct?

    N a. Class 8
    Y b. Division 3.1
    N c. Division 2.3
    N d. All of the above are incorrect

2529: Which condition would NOT entitle a vessel to carry goods on deck?

    N a. The shipper agrees to deck stowage
    Y b. The cargo will damage other cargoes by tainting or contamination
    N c. Deck stowage is required by law or regulation
    N d. Deck stowage is customary in the trade (i.e. timber cargoes)

2636: When riveted joints occur at the ends of plating they are called __________.

    N a. trailers
    N b. terminals
    N c. seams
    Y d. butts

2664: You must shore up a bulkhead due to solid flooding forward. The bulkhead approximates a rectangle. The center of pressure of the shores on the bulkhead should be located __________.

    N a. evenly over the surface of the bulkhead
    N b. approximately one-third of the way up the bulkhead
    Y c. approximately halfway up the bulkhead
    N d. at the bottom of the bulkhead

3048: The proximity of pack ice may be indicated by __________.

    N a. changes in seawater salinity
    Y b. glare on clouds on the horizon
    N c. changes in air temperature
    N d. icebergs

3079: What is a solid at ambient temperature?

    N a. Aniline
    N b. Formic acid
    N c. Methyl chloride
    Y d. Napthalene

3142: Why are stern towing bitts placed well forward of the rudder when hawser towing?

    N a. To keep the hawser from fouling the rudder
    N b. To keep the towing bitts as far away as possible from the tugs pivoting point
    Y c. To allow the stern to swing more freely when using rudder
    N d. To have as much of the towing hawser in use as possible

3145: You are the operator of a towing vessel which collides with a buoy and drags it off station. What should you do if the damage to your vessel is not serious?

    N a. If the buoy is afloat, no action is necessary.
    N b. Wait one week and submit form CG-2692 to the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Inspection Office.
    N c. Immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Inspection Office and then submit form CG-2692.
    Y d. Immediately notify the nearest Coast Guard Marine Safety or Inspection Office and no further action is necessary.

3242: What term indicates the line drawn at the top of the flat plate keel?

    Y a. Base line
    N b. Molded line
    N c. Designer's waterline
    N d. Keel line

3294: 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?

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

3370: In astern towing, a tow span, also called the "tow bar" or "towing arch", is used to __________.

    N a. insure that the hawser leads directly aft as it passes over the stern of the towing vessel
    N b. increase the stability of the towing vessel by raising the hawser off the deck
    N c. reduce chafing of the towing hawser
    Y d. prevent fouling of the hawser on deck gear located on the stern of the towing vessel

3420: A face line is used to __________.

    N a. prevent barge movement in a lock
    N b. secure two barges end-to-end
    Y c. secure barges to the towboat
    N d. secure barges side-by-side

3740: Instructions to the crew in the use of all the ship's lifesaving equipment shall be completed __________.

    N a. before sailing
    N b. within one week of sailing
    N c. in one month and repeated quarterly
    Y d. within any two month period

4018: The BEST holding ground for conventional anchors is __________.

    Y a. sand
    N b. very soft mud
    N c. shale
    N d. rock

4053: 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 give this message?

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

4117: Cargo securing for Ro-Ro is based on the concept of __________.

    N a. solid packing
    Y b. rapid loading and discharge
    N c. vessel loaded full and down to her marks
    N d. palletized cargo

4140: The disadvantage(s) of using web lashing on light vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels is that it __________.

    N a. deteriorates in sunlight
    N b. cuts on sharp edges
    N c. is vulnerable to damage and pilferage
    Y d. All of the above

4210: Pedestal cranes have limit switches to restrict the movement of which function?

    N a. Luff rate limits
    Y b. Slew travel limits
    N c. Swivel power limits
    N d. Slew rate limits

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

4229: 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
    Y c. Rider block tagline system
    N d. All of the above

4260: Which statement(s) is/are TRUE regarding the operation of a crane?

    Y a. The load is handled by the hoisting winch and cargo block.
    N b. The crane jib is raised and lowered by the hoisting winch.
    N c. The cargo block is raised and lowered by the luffing winch.
    N d. All the above