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.


42: The vapor pressure of a substance __________.


49: Flammable liquid means any liquid which gives off flammable vapors at or below __________.


115: During the course of a voyage, a seaman falls on the main deck and injures his ankle. The Master should submit a Report of Marine Accident, Injury or Death if the __________.


142: What is NOT an advantage of centrifugal pumps over reciprocating pumps?

    N a. They pump more cargo in less time.
    N b. They are smaller for equivalent pumping ability.
    N c. They are less expensive.
    Y d. They require priming for stripping.

148: Overcarriage is best prevented by __________.

    N a. assuring heavy cargo is stowed low in the vessel
    N b. checking the vessel's load line calculations carefully
    Y c. inspection of the hold at completion of discharge
    N d. stowing the cargo which is to be discharged last on the bottom

216: As a ship moves through the water, it drags with it a body of water called the wake. The ratio of the wake speed to the ship's speed is called __________.

    N a. propeller velocity
    N b. speed of advance
    N c. wake distribution
    Y d. wake fraction

531: Spring loaded towing hooks are used in towing to __________.

    N a. absorb and cushion the shock of towing
    N b. prevent whiplash
    Y c. trip and release when the pull of the towing hawser exceeds a predetermined limit
    N d. make it easier to attach and release the tow

572: A vessel is entering port "A" for the first time and has a Pilot conning the vessel. The Master is unsure that the Pilot is taking sufficient action to prevent a collision. What should the Master do?

    N a. Nothing; The Pilot is required by law and is solely responsible for the safety of the vessel.
    N b. State his concerns to the Pilot but do not interfere with the handling of the vessel.
    N c. Direct the Pilot to stop the vessel and anchor if necessary until the situation clears.
    Y d. Recommend an alternative action and if not followed relieve the Pilot.

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

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

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

    N a. main brace
    Y b. tow span
    N c. jockey bar
    N d. None of the above

800: A Kort nozzle is a(n) __________.

    Y a. hollow tube surrounding the propeller used to improve thrust
    N b. nozzle attached to a firefighting hose
    N c. intake valve on a diesel engine
    N d. piston cylinder on a diesel engine

810: In nautical terminology a "dog" is a __________.

    N a. crow bar
    Y b. device to force a water tight door against the frame
    N c. heavy steel beam
    N d. wedge

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

892: On a shallow water tow, the catenary of the towline should be __________.

    N a. large
    Y b. small
    N c. eliminated
    N d. adjusted frequently

998: When steering on autopilot which of the following input conditions may NOT have an effect on the control of the steering gear?

    Y a. Non-followup
    N b. Rudder adjustment
    N c. Weather adjustment
    N d. All the above may be activated

1170: Transverse frames are more widely spaced on a ship that is designed with the __________.

    N a. centerline system of framing
    N b. isometric system of framing
    Y c. longitudinal system of framing
    N d. transverse system of framing

1185: As shown, the mooring line labeled "C" is called a __________. (DO44DG )

    N a. stern line
    N b. spring line
    Y c. breast line
    N d. shore line

1224: Which is NOT a recommended practice when handling nylon line?

    N a. Nylon lines which become slippery because of oil or grease should be scrubbed down.
    Y b. Manila line stoppers should be used for holding nylon hawsers.
    N c. When easing out nylon line, keep an extra turn on the bitt to prevent slipping.
    N d. Iced-over nylon lines should be thawed and drained before stowing.

1248: A declaration made by the Master before a U.S. Consul, giving particulars regarding heavy weather or other incidents which may have caused damage to the vessel or cargo, through no fault of the vessel, her officers, or crew is a(n) __________.

    N a. cargo addendum
    N b. exception report
    N c. Master's declaration
    Y d. note of protest

1299: Which part of a conventional cargo gear rig provides for vertical control and positioning of a boom?

    N a. Cargo whip
    N b. Gooseneck fitting
    N c. Spider band
    Y d. Topping lift

1306: You are making mooring lines fast to bitts, stern to, as in some Mediterranean ports. A swell is liable to make the vessel surge. How should you tie up?

    Y a. Use manila or synthetic fiber hawsers only.
    N b. Use wires only from the stern and each quarter.
    N c. Use synthetic fiber and/or manila hawsers as required.
    N d. Use wires from each quarter and manila hawsers from the stern.

1314: A wire rope rove through two single blocks with two parts at the moving block is used for a boat fall. The weight of the 100-person boat is 5 tons. Compute the required breaking strain. Safety Factor - 6, weight per person - 165 lbs., 10% friction per sheave (2 sheaves).

    N a. 18.30 tons B.S.
    N b. 20.29 tons B.S.
    Y c. 22.27 tons B.S.
    N d. 24.31 tons B.S.

1381: The Master of a vessel may tender a Notice of Readiness to the charterer when the vessel __________.

    N a. has completed the terms of the charter party
    Y b. is in all respects ready to load
    N c. is in all respects ready to sail
    N d. is safely moored or at a suitable anchorage

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

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

1538: Your vessel is being towed and you are using a tripping rope. A tripping rope of fiber or wire is used to __________.

    N a. give added strength to the main tow hawser
    N b. retrieve the main tow hawser
    Y c. retrieve the outboard legs of the bridle where they are connected to the fishplate
    N d. open the pelican hook at the fishplate

1541: Which act would be considered barratry?

    N a. A criminal act committed by a crew member ashore in a foreign port
    Y b. A criminal act committed by the ship Master in violation of his duty to the shipowner
    N c. Theft of cargo by longshoremen
    N d. Smuggling with the connivance of the shipowner

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

1739: If two falls are attached to lift a one-ton load, what angle between the falls will result in the stress on each fall being equal to the load being lifted?

    N a. 60°
    N b. 75°
    Y c. 120°
    N d. 150°

1799: The maximum theoretical stress that can be developed on a guy in a yard and stay rig is limited by the __________.

    Y a. lifting capacity of the winch
    N b. location of the boom
    N c. position of the guy
    N d. weight of the load

1957: The strake of shell plating indicated by letter H is known as the __________. (D033DG )

    N a. sheer strake
    N b. outboard keel plate
    Y c. garboard strake
    N d. bilge strake

2015: During a period of "whiteout", you should expect which of the following?

    N a. Snowfall or blowing snow
    Y b. Lack of ability to estimate distance
    N c. Harsh contrast between sun-illuminated snow cover and the background
    N d. Hazy horizons with extensive mirage effects

2025: What is the chief hazard encountered when surging synthetic mooring lines on the gypsyhead during operations?

    N a. If there is sudden strain, the man tending the line may be pulled into the gypsyhead.
    N b. The lines may jam and then jump off the gypsyhead.
    N c. The lines' surging may cause the vessel to surge.
    Y d. The heat generated may cause the lines to temporarily fuse to the gypsyhead.

2065: A continual worsening of the list or trim indicates __________.

    N a. negative GM
    Y b. progressive flooding
    N c. structural failure
    N d. an immediate need to ballast

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.

2219: You are using tackle number 5 to lift a weight of 300 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. 50 lbs.
    N b. 75 lbs.
    Y c. 90 lbs.
    N d. 112 lbs.

2299: You are on a multiple-product chemical tanker and will carry cargoes of isophorone, ethylenediamine, and creosote. Which of the following is TRUE?

    Y a. All of these cargoes are compatible.
    N b. Isophorone is incompatible with ethylenediamine but may be stowed adjacent to creosote.
    N c. All of these cargoes are incompatible.
    N d. Ethylenediamine is compatible with isophorone but both are incompatible with creosote.

2390: Determine the weight of a rectangular piece of 20.4 lb. steel measuring 4 feet by 6 feet.

    N a. 204.0 lbs.
    Y b. 489.6 lbs.
    N c. 734.4 lbs.
    N d. 979.2 lbs.

2451: A safety shackle is identified by its __________.

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

2456: Which term describes a part of a natural fiber line?

    N a. Lacings
    N b. Lays
    Y c. Strands
    N d. Twines

2479: Which type of weld testing can be used to detect internal flaws?

    N a. Magnetic particle
    N b. Dye penetrant
    Y c. Ultrasonic
    N d. Chemical reaction

2551: What welding pattern is NOT used to permanently attach a stiffener to a plate?

    N a. Chain intermittent
    Y b. Tack
    N c. Continuous
    N d. Staggered intermittent

2562: As you hold a piece of manila line vertically in front of you, the strands run from the lower left to the upper right. Which type of line is this?

    Y a. Right-hand laid
    N b. Cable-laid
    N c. Sennet-laid
    N d. Water-laid

2595: Yawing can be described as __________.

    N a. jumping on the towline as the tow pitches
    N b. jumping on the towline as the tow slams into waves
    Y c. veering from side to side on the end of the towline
    N d. corkscrew motion of the tow due to wave action

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.

2748: The Lake Carriers Association and the Canadian Shipowners Association prescribe separation routes for upbound and downbound vessels on the Great Lakes. The recommended courses for these routes are shown on the Great Lakes Charts in the form of __________.

    Y a. red or magenta figures over a segmented course line track
    N b. red figures over a solid course line track
    N c. black figures over a segmented course line track
    N d. green figures over a solid course line track

2836: Which of the Great Lakes is generally the last to reach its seasonal low and seasonal high water marks?

    Y a. Lake Superior
    N b. Lake Michigan
    N c. Lake Huron
    N d. Lake Ontario

2861: A vessel is entering port and has a Pilot conning the vessel. The Master is unsure that the Pilot is taking sufficient action to prevent a collision. What should the Master do?

    N a. Direct the Pilot to stop the vessel and anchor if necessary until the situation clears.
    Y b. Recommend an alternative action and if not followed relieve the pilot.
    N c. State his concerns to the Pilot but do not interfere with the handling of the vessel.
    N d. Nothing; the Pilot is required by law and is solely responsible for the safety of the vessel.

3140: If the Certificate of Inspection of a damaged tank barge has expired, which certificate may be issued to allow its movement to a repair facility?

    N a. Change of employment
    Y b. Permit to proceed
    N c. Application for inspection
    N d. Temporary Certificate of Inspection

3206: The signal man assisting a crane operator has his arm extended, thumb pointing downwards, flexing fingers in and out. This is the signal to __________.

    Y a. lower the boom and raise the load
    N b. lower the load and raise the boom
    N c. raise the boom and lower the load
    N d. raise the load and lower the boom

3244: The shank is indicated by which letter? (D038DG )

    N a. K
    N b. J
    N c. H
    Y d. F

3324: What descriptive term indicates that the dimension is measured from the inner face of the shell or deck plating?

    Y a. Molded
    N b. Register
    N c. Tonnage
    N d. Effective

3451: After inventorying the Naval Control of Shipping publications you find there is no copy of ATP-2, Volume II "Allied Control of Shipping Manual - Bridge Supplement". You should ask for a replacement from the __________.

    Y a. Maritime Administration
    N b. Coast Guard
    N c. Chief of Naval Operations
    N d. local Operational Control Authority

3459: The pea is indicated by which letter? (D038DG )

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

3645: Conventional anchors are least likely to hold in a bottom consisting of __________.

    N a. soft clay
    N b. hard mud
    Y c. very soft mud
    N d. sand

4051: You are the operator of an uninspected vessel which is involved in an accident. You are not required to assist people affected by the accident if __________.

    N a. the other vessel did not appear to be sinking
    N b. it would unduly delay your voyage
    N c. the other vessel was at fault
    Y d. it would cause serious danger to your vessel

4062: The signal man assisting the crane operator has his forearm vertical, forefinger pointing up, and moves his hand in a small horizontal circle. This is the signal to __________.

    N a. swing
    N b. lower
    Y c. hoist
    N d. extend

4067: When steering a vessel, a good helmsman does NOT __________.

    N a. use as little rudder as possible to maintain course
    N b. advise his relief of the course being steered
    N c. consider steering a vessel a highly responsible job
    Y d. use as much rudder as possible to maintain course

4133: What is used when securing light vehicles aboard Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Chain lever or turnbuckle
    N b. Chain
    N c. Wire
    Y d. None of these

4232: The 30 ton capacity pedestal cranes shown in the illustration can lift a maximum weight of how many tons in the twin mode? (D049DG )

    N a. 15 tons
    N b. 30 tons
    Y c. 60 tons
    N d. 120 tons