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.


44: You are using an automatic tension winch by yourself. If you get caught in the turns of the line as they lead into the gypsyhead __________.


61: Deckhands onboard towing vessels shall be divided into 3 watches when on a trip exceeding __________.


223: Who is responsible for providing urine specimen collection kits to be used following a serious marine incident?


275: You have taken another vessel in tow. You can tell that the towing speed is too fast when the __________.

    N a. vessels are not in step
    N b. tow line feels like it is "jumping" when touched
    Y c. catenary comes clear of the water
    N d. towed vessel goes "in irons"

286: Sidewise force of the propeller tends to throw a vessel's stern to the right or left, depending on rotation. This force is caused by __________.

    N a. back current from the rudder
    N b. greater pressure on the right or left side of the propeller, depending on rotation
    N c. lower pressure on the right or left side of the propeller, depending on rotation
    Y d. torque from the velocity and angle at which the surrounding water impinges upon the propeller blades

357: What does the proof test load of an anchor chain demonstrate?

    N a. Breaking strength of the chain
    Y b. Strength of the chain to a specified limit
    N c. Adequate holding power for new bottom conditions
    N d. Safe working load of the chain

580: Which statement is FALSE about using a wire bridle on an ocean tow?

    N a. The inboard end of each bridle leg should have a large eye splice to fit over the bitts.
    Y b. The strength of each leg should be at least one-half that of the main towing hawser.
    N c. Each leg should be at least 60 to 90 feet long.
    N d. None of the above

603: To reduce the amount of catenary you may __________.

    Y a. shorten the hawser or increase the tug's speed
    N b. lengthen the hawser or reduce the tug's speed
    N c. place your tug in irons
    N d. make a sharp turn

725: By law, a user of marijuana shall be subject to __________.

    N a. loss of pay during the period of such use
    N b. reprimand by the US Coast Guard
    Y c. revocation of license or certificate
    N d. termination of employment

734: What is the computed breaking strength of a 4-inch manila line?

    N a. 5,280 lbs.
    N b. 7,700 lbs.
    N c. 12,200 lbs.
    Y d. 14,400 lbs.

879: Centrifugal pumps have what advantage(s) over reciprocating pumps?

    N a. They are less expensive.
    N b. They are smaller for equivalent pumping ability.
    N c. They pump more cargo in less time.
    Y d. All of the above

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

1007: When using the term "limber system" one is referring to a __________.

    N a. cleaning system
    Y b. drainage system
    N c. strengthening system
    N d. weight reduction system

1116: On a single-screw vessel, when coming port side to a pier and being set off the pier, you should __________.

    N a. swing wide and approach the pier so as to land starboard side to
    N b. approach the pier on a parallel course at reduced speed
    Y c. make your approach at a greater angle than in calm weather
    N d. point the vessel's head well up into the slip and decrease your speed

1246: When a tug is pulling on a hawser at right angles to the ship, and the pilot wants to come ahead or astern on the ship's engine, care must be taken that the pilot __________.

    N a. does not break the towline
    Y b. does not get too much way on the vessel
    N c. keeps a steady course so the towline will remain tight
    N d. turns the ship toward the direction of pull

1261: A vessel operating "in class" has met all the requirements of the __________.

    Y a. ABS or similar society
    N b. insurance company
    N c. U.S. Coast Guard
    N d. U.S. Customs

1376: Generally speaking, the most favorable bottom for anchoring is __________.

    N a. very soft mud
    N b. rocky
    Y c. a mixture of mud and clay
    N d. loose sand

1436: How many feet are there in 2 shots of anchor chain?

    N a. 50
    N b. 60
    Y c. 180
    N d. 360

1444: If kinking results while wire rope is being coiled clockwise, you should __________.

    N a. coil it counterclockwise
    N b. not coil it
    Y c. take a turn under
    N d. twist out the kinks under a strain

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

1519: When snaking cargo into the wing of a hold with the cargo winch, the runner should be lead from the __________.

    N a. head block to a snatch block
    Y b. heel block to a snatch block
    N c. lizard to a snatch block
    N d. winch to a snatch block

1578: A stream of water immediately surrounding a moving vessel's hull, flowing in the same direction as the vessel is known as __________.

    N a. directional current
    N b. forward current
    N c. propeller current
    Y d. wake current

1611: On a transpacific voyage, you receive a message from your vessel's operators saying that your vessel has been consigned to Naval Control of Shipping. Further information is contained in __________.

    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

1614: Which bend or knot is used to tie a small line to a larger one?

    Y a. Becket bend
    N b. Bowline
    N c. Clove hitch
    N d. Lark's head

1677: 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?

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

1704: Whipping the bitter end of a fiber rope __________.

    N a. increases the circumference of the rope
    N b. makes for easier handling
    Y c. prevents fraying of the bitter end
    N d. prevents moisture from entering the bitter end

1743: A mooring line leading at nearly right angles to the keel is a __________.

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

1936: A "gypsy" or "gypsyhead" is a __________.

    N a. punt used for painting over the side
    N b. small, reciprocating steam engine
    Y c. spool-shaped drum fitted on a winch
    N d. swinging derrick

1972: Payment of penalty for a ship's delay after the expiration of lay days due to some fault of the charterer or his agent is known as __________.

    Y a. demurrage
    N b. late fee
    N c. miscibility
    N d. volatility

1978: When towing, the least amount of tension will be on each bridle leg when the two legs __________.

    N a. form a large angle with each other
    Y b. form a small angle with each other
    N c. are of unequal length
    N d. are joined by a fishplate

1980: What is the name of the mark indicated by the letter C? (DO03DG )

    Y a. Fresh water line
    N b. Tropical water line
    N c. Summer water line
    N d. Winter North Atlantic water line

2013: A mooring line that checks forward motion of a vessel at a pier is a __________.

    N a. bow line
    N b. forward bow line
    Y c. stern line
    N d. stern breast line

2030: Safety equipment on board vessels must be approved by the __________.

    Y a. U.S. Coast Guard
    N b. Safety Standards Bureau
    N c. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
    N d. National Safety Council

2178: Segregation of cargoes refers to __________.

    Y a. separating cargoes so that the inherent characteristics of one cannot damage the other
    N b. separating cargoes by destination
    N c. classifying cargoes according to their toxicity
    N d. listing the cargoes in order of their flammability

2198: 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 90°? (D034DG )

    N a. 355 yards
    Y b. 380 yards
    N c. 410 yards
    N d. 455 yards

2211: What is the mechanical advantage, neglecting friction, of tackle number 5? (DO29DG )

    N a. 2
    N b. 4
    Y c. 5
    N d. 5.5

2225: Which knot should be used to secure a line to a spar when the pull is perpendicular to the spar? (DO30DG )

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

2258: The knot lettered L in illustration DO30DG is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. square knot
    Y b. double blackwall hitch
    N c. fisherman's bend
    N d. timber hitch

2258: The knot lettered L in illustration DO30DG is a __________. (DO30DG )

    N a. square knot
    Y b. double blackwall hitch
    N c. fisherman's bend
    N d. timber hitch

2293: As defined in the regulations governing marine casualties a "marine employer" may be the __________.

    N a. owner
    N b. agent
    N c. Master
    Y d. All of the above

2343: When securing a hook to the end of a wire rope you should use __________.

    N a. a bowline knot
    N b. a long splice
    N c. an overhand knot with a wire rope clip
    Y d. wire rope clips with a thimble eye

2466: The pillar shape that gives the greatest strength for the least weight is the __________.

    N a. octagonal pillar
    N b. "H" Beam pillar
    N c. "I" Beam pillar
    Y d. circular type pillar

2478: A "contra-guide" is a type of __________.

    N a. bow thruster
    N b. cargo gear
    N c. steering engine
    Y d. rudder

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

2808: Under the forces of its own weight, the suspended length of line will fall into a shape known as a __________.

    N a. polygon
    N b. holding arc
    Y c. catenary curve
    N d. parabolic curve

2928: How should you signal the crane operator to raise the boom and lower the load?

    N a. Extend arm with the palm down and hold this position rigidly.
    N b. Place both fists in front of your body with thumbs pointing toward each other.
    N c. Clasp hands in front of your body.
    Y d. Extend arm with the thumb pointing up, and flex the fingers in and out for as long as the load movement is desired.

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

3016: To obtain better steering control when you are towing alongside, your vessel should be positioned with its __________.

    N a. bow extending forward of the tow
    N b. stern amidships of the tow
    Y c. stern extending aft of the tow
    N d. bow even with the bow of the tow

3044: When you have a tow alongside, your stern should extend aft of the tow in order to __________.

    N a. avoid obscuring your stern light
    N b. provide a better lead for your lines
    Y c. obtain better steering control
    N d. let the barge deflect floating objects from your propeller

3072: A Great Lakes bulk ore vessel would use an "Iron Deckhand" to assist in __________.

    N a. unloading bulk cargo
    N b. steering the vessel
    N c. making the vessel fast to a dock
    Y d. removing hatch covers

3232: The signal man assisting the crane operator has his arm extended with the palm down and holds this position rigidly. This is the signal to __________.

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

3410: When "checking down" a barge using a check line you should use __________.

    N a. one round turn and at least two figure-eights around the timber heads
    N b. at least three figure-eights around the timber heads
    N c. a clove hitch around one timber head
    Y d. at least three round turns around one timber head

3431: A high cube container is designed specifically to __________.

    Y a. carry low density cargoes
    N b. protect fragile cargoes
    N c. stow cargoes with concentrated weights such as machinery
    N d. carry cargoes of very low stowage factors

3560: What should look-outs report?

    N a. Discolored water
    N b. Shoals
    N c. Floating objects
    Y d. All of the above

3840: 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?

    N a. The thrust on the boom is greater at 20°.
    N b. The stress on the topping lift is greater at 60°.
    Y c. The stress on the heel block is less at 60°.
    N d. The change in angle of elevation has no effect on the stresses in the head block.

4013: What is the minimum size required before a vessel can be documented?

    N a. 26 feet; end-to-end over the deck excluding sheer
    N b. 100 gross tons
    Y c. 5 net tons
    N d. 26 feet between perpendiculars

4050: You are on a 120,000 DWT loaded bulk carrier. When anchoring without the aid of tugs, your maximum speed should not exceed how many feet per second?

    Y a. 0.5 (0.3 knot)
    N b. 1.0 (0.6 knot)
    N c. 1.3 (0.8 knot)
    N d. 1.75 (1.0 knot)

4106: Which of the following are considered to be "road vehicles" that can be carried on Ro-Ro vessels?

    N a. Semi-trailer
    N b. Road train
    N c. Articulated road train
    Y d. All of the above

4186: How could lashing gear used aboard Ro-Ro vessels be stowed when not in use?

    Y a. Drape along brackets
    N b. Leave in place while back loading cargo to save time
    N c. Hang vertically in the paint locker
    N d. All of the above

4188: The most important safety consideration during loading or discharge aboard a Ro-Ro vessel is __________.

    N a. having all crewmembers and longshoremen wear hard hats
    Y b. the thorough ventilation of all cargo spaces
    N c. ensuring that visitors cannot come aboard
    N d. having the outboard anchor down