USCG Safety: 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.


259: What does NOT affect the value of the free surface correction?


336: Carbon dioxide cylinders which protect machinery spaces, paint lockers and tanks may be located within those spaces when the amount of carbon dioxide does not exceed __________.


516: Which toxic gas is a product of incomplete combustion, and is often present when a fire burns in a closed compartment?


551: A shaft alley divides a vessel's cargo hold into two tanks, each 20 ft. wide by 60 ft. long. Each tank is filled with saltwater below the level of the shaft alley. The vessel's displacement is 7,000 tons. What is the reduction in GM due to free surface effect?

    N a. .29 feet
    Y b. .33 feet
    N c. .38 feet
    N d. .42 feet

652: How does foam extinguish an oil fire?

    N a. By cooling the oil below the ignition temperature
    N b. By removing the fuel source from the fire
    Y c. By excluding the oxygen from the fire
    N d. By increasing the weight of the oil

681: Size III, IV, and V extinguishers are considered __________.

    N a. hand portable
    N b. all purpose
    N c. fixed extinguishers
    Y d. semi-portable

719: A fire hose has a __________.

    N a. male coupling at both ends
    N b. female coupling at both ends
    N c. female coupling at the nozzle end and a male coupling at the hydrant end
    Y d. male coupling at the nozzle end and a female coupling at the hydrant end

797: Which statement about the hospital space on a cargo ship is TRUE?

    N a. The hospital may be used for disciplinary confinement if it is not being used for treatment.
    N b. The hospital space must have both a bathtub and shower.
    N c. A hospital is required on all vessels with a crew of 12 or more if it makes overnight voyages.
    Y d. If a ship has a crew of forty-five who do not have their own room, the hospital must have four berths.

805: Application for a waiver of any requirements of the regulations for oil transfer operations must be submitted to the __________.

    N a. District Commander
    N b. Commandant
    Y c. Captain of the Port
    N d. nearest Coast Guard office

970: During cargo operations, your vessel develops a list due to the center of gravity rising above the transverse metacenter. To correct the list, you should __________.

    N a. shift weight to the high side
    N b. shift weight to the centerline
    Y c. add weight in the lower holds or double bottoms
    N d. remove weight from the lower holds or double bottoms

992: On small passenger vessels gasoline tanks must be __________.

    N a. electrically bonded to a common ground
    N b. fitted with vertical baffle plates if the tank is longer than 30 inches in any horizontal dimension
    N c. built without flanged-up top edges
    Y d. All of the above

1051: The fresh air intake of the inert gas system _____,

    N a. prevents the flue gas from falling below an oxygen content of 3%
    Y b. allows the inert gas piping to be used for gas freeing the tanks
    N c. opens when there is excessive vacuum on the deck water seal
    N d. enables outside air to mix with and to cool the hot flue gasses

1086: Required lifesaving equipment on existing vessels may be continued in use on the vessel if __________.

    N a. kept on board no more than 2 years
    N b. inspected and serviced every 6 months
    N c. destroyed if more than 5 years old
    Y d. maintained in good and serviceable condition

1086: Required lifesaving equipment on existing vessels may be continued in use on the vessel if __________.

    N a. kept on board no more than 2 years
    N b. inspected and serviced every 6 months
    N c. destroyed if more than 5 years old
    Y d. maintained in good and serviceable condition

1291: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has the following drafts: FWD 09'-00", AFT 15'-11.5". Upon completion of loading and bunkering the items listed will be on board. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the minimum GM required to meet a one compartment standard. ST-0033

    Y a. 1.82 feet
    N b. 1.96 feet
    N c. 2.05 feet
    N d. 2.17 feet

1328: Any extinguishing agent used on a Class "C" fire must have which important property?

    N a. Cooling ability
    N b. Leaves no residue
    N c. Penetrating power
    Y d. Nonconductivity

1332: An important step in fighting any electrical fire is to __________.

    N a. stop ventilation
    N b. stop the vessel
    Y c. de-energize the circuit
    N d. apply water to extinguish the fire

1570: Which is a mandatory section of the shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan?

    Y a. Reporting requirements
    N b. Removal equipment list
    N c. Planned exercises
    N d. List of individuals required to respond

1703: With regard to aerodynamic lift, which statement is TRUE?

    Y a. If the thrust on a sail becomes excessive when close-hauled, it is likely to capsize the vessel rather than drive it.
    N b. When a sail is trimmed too tight, turbulence will break out on the windward side of the sail and cause a telltale there to flutter.
    N c. A properly trimmed sail should have laminar flow on the windward side and turbulent flow on the leeward side.
    N d. Adjusting the angle of attack on a mainsail is accomplished by adjusting the outhaul or the vang, if fitted.

1782: Which channel has been designated for on-scene communications in GMDSS?

    N a. 24
    N b. 2182
    N c. 70
    Y d. 16 and 2174.5

1785: What is a GMDSS functional or carriage requirement for compulsory vessels?

    N a. A compulsory vessel must carry at least two (2) licensed GMDSS operators
    N b. A compulsory vessel must satisfy certain equipment carriage requirements that are determined by where the vessel sails.
    N c. A compulsory vessel must be able to transmit and respond to Distress alerts.
    Y d. All of the above

1802: The component in an inert gas system used for cleaning the gas of solid and sulfur combustion products, while simultaneously cooling the inert gas, is called the __________.

    N a. filter
    N b. cooler
    Y c. scrubber
    N d. purifier

1807: Which is standing rigging?

    N a. Halyards
    Y b. Stays
    N c. Sheets
    N d. Downhauls

1946: You have 8 containers of steward's supplies each measuring 6'L by 6'B by 6'H and weighing 1.5 tons each. Each container is stowed on deck. What is the maximum VCG permitted of the remaining cargo if you are carrying rig water and load to maximum capacity? (Refer to trim and stability letter for M.V. Surveyor.) (D037DG )

    N a. 1.00 foot
    N b. 1.33 feet
    Y c. 1.48 feet
    N d. 2.00 feet

2403: A frame with two, or sometimes four, arms through which are threaded the guidelines and which is used to keep the drill stem and bit in line with the center opening in the temporary guide base is the __________.

    N a. drill stem guide
    Y b. guide frame
    N c. drill string frame
    N d. casing guide

2435: The joint of the riser in a marine riser system that compensates for heave, the up-and-down motion of a floater, is the __________.

    N a. flex joint
    Y b. slip joint
    N c. heave joint
    N d. riser joint

2677: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has the liquid loading shown. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the KG of the liquid load. ST-0075

    N a. 4.0 feet
    Y b. 5.6 feet
    N c. 6.0 feet
    N d. 6.8 feet

2807: A vessel heading SSW is on a course of __________.

    Y a. 202.5°
    N b. 225.0°
    N c. 247.5°
    N d. 270.0°

2820: The SS AMERICAN MARINER will sail with the load shown. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the drafts. ST-0082

    N a. FWD 26'-02", AFT 26'-08"
    Y b. FWD 25'-09", AFT 27'-02"
    N c. FWD 25'-03", AFT 28'-09"
    N d. FWD 24'-11", AFT 29'-11"

2829: Aboard small passenger vessels the steering gear, signaling whistle, controls, and communication system shall be tested by the Master __________.

    N a. once a week
    Y b. before getting underway for the day's operation
    N c. at every inspection and reinspection
    N d. at least once in every 48 hours

2844: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 27'-06", AFT 28'-02"; and the KG is 23.1 feet. Use the selected stability curves in the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the righting arm at 37° inclination if the center of gravity is 1.8 feet off center.

    Y a. 0.4 foot
    N b. 1.4 feet
    N c. 1.8 feet
    N d. 2.6 feet

2854: The sailing drafts are: FWD 14'-08", AFT 15'-06" and the GM is 4.8 feet. Use the information in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book, to determine the available righting arm at 40° inclination.

    N a. 3.3 feet
    N b. 3.7 feet
    Y c. 4.3 feet
    N d. 5.4 feet

2928: It is recommended that drip collectors required on all updraft carburetors be drained by __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

    Y a. a device to automatically return all drip to the engine air intakes
    N b. no means whatsoever
    N c. a separate pipe leading to the bilges
    N d. a pump leading to a point outside the hull

3215: The jackknife stored on an inflatable liferaft will always be located __________.

    N a. in one of the equipment bags
    Y b. in a special pocket near the forward entrance
    N c. on a cord hanging from the canopy
    N d. in a pocket on the first aid kit

3282: What form of venting of cargo tanks is allowed for a tank barge certificated to carry grade B petroleum products?

    N a. Gooseneck vents only
    N b. Gooseneck vents with flame screens
    Y c. Individual pressure-vacuum relief valves with flame screens
    N d. Straight vents with flame screens

3283: The midships house of your break bulk ship is constructed with an interior stair tower from the main deck to the bridge. Under what circumstances may the doors from each deck to the stair tower be kept open when underway?

    N a. They can be kept open if the Muster List ("Station Bill") has personnel designated to close them in case of fire.
    N b. They may be kept open if the ventilation or air conditioning system is shut down.
    N c. They are to be kept closed at all times.
    Y d. They may be kept open if they can be automatically closed from the bridge.

3315: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has the liquid loading shown. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the LCG-FP of the liquid load. ST-0122

    N a. 271.2 ft
    Y b. 291.0 ft
    N c. 288.8
    N d. 305.3 ft

3378: Assuming that the recommended hatch loading sequence is followed, how many long tons of iron ore may be loaded through hatch No. 1 while using a single belt loader to arrive at a desired mean keel draft of 29'-11"? (use the Guidance Manual for Loading M.V. GRAND HAVEN)

    Y a. 2230 tons
    N b. 2270 tons
    N c. 2310 tons
    N d. 2350 tons

3586: A person has fallen overboard and is being picked up with a rescue boat. If the person appears in danger of drowning, the rescue boat should be maneuvered to 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

3686: When applying chest compressions on an adult victim during CPR, the sternum should be depressed about __________.

    N a. 1/2 inch or less
    N b. 1/2 to 1 inch
    N c. 1 to 1-1/2 inches
    Y d. 1-1/2 to 2 inches

3832: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has the liquid loading shown. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the LCG-FP of the liquid load. ST-0148

    N a. 229.8 ft
    N b. 234.3 ft
    Y c. 246.8 ft
    N d. 251.5 ft

4249: How should you warm up a diesel engine that has not been run for some time?

    N a. Run it at minimum speed until warmed to operating temperature.
    Y b. Idle for a brief period of time and then warm up at half speed.
    N c. Bring it up to top speed immediately and run until warmed up.
    N d. Inject ether into the air intake to shorten warm up time.

4286: A vessel which violates the "Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act" may be charged a civil penalty of __________.

    N a. $100
    Y b. $650
    N c. $1000
    N d. $1500

4685: What is the change in transverse moments for the Coastal Driller if 2.5 feet of drill water is discharged from drill water tank #23?

    Y a. 1,671 ft-kips
    N b. -161 ft-kips
    N c. -1,800 ft-kips
    N d. -2,982 ft-kips

4705: What is the weight of 100 barrels of 17 pound per gallon drilling mud?

    N a. 24.9 kips
    N b. 41.5 kips
    Y c. 71.4 kips
    N d. 93.0 kips

4716: What is the purpose of tricing pendants?

    N a. They have the same function as frapping lines.
    N b. They are safety lines for personnel inside the lifeboat.
    N c. They slow the descent of the lifeboat.
    Y d. They hold the lifeboat alongside the embarkation deck.

5601: Your semisubmersible drilling unit is moving onto a location in shallow water with a very hard bottom. What is the most effective means of maintaining your position at this location during severe weather?

    N a. Running out all the anchor chain available
    Y b. Piggyback all anchors and pretension to above the expected tensions
    N c. Install fluke angle blocks on all your LWT anchors
    N d. Remove fluke angle blocks on all your LWT anchors

5616: You are tending the lifeline of a man who entered a tank using a breathing apparatus. How many tugs on the lifeline indicate that the man should come out immediately?

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

5963: On a MODU, CO2 extinguishers must be weighed __________.

    N a. monthly
    N b. quarterly
    N c. semiannually
    Y d. annually

6607: To determine the number of Able Seamen required on a mobile offshore drilling unit, you should check the __________.

    N a. load line certificate
    N b. Operations Manual
    N c. Safety of Life at Sea Certificate
    Y d. Certificate of Inspection

6943: A written report of casualty to a MODU shall be made __________.

    N a. within 12 hours of the casualty
    N b. to the Commandant of the Coast Guard
    Y c. on Form CG 2692
    N d. only if the damage exceeds $1,500

7063: The symptoms of a fractured back are __________.

    N a. leg cramps in the muscles in one or both legs
    N b. pain and uncontrolled jerking of the legs and arms
    N c. vomiting and involuntary urination or bowel movement
    Y d. pain at the site of the fracture and possible numbness or paralysis below the injury

7727: When flooding occurs in a damaged vessel, reserve buoyancy __________.

    Y a. decreases
    N b. remains the same
    N c. increases
    N d. shifts to the low side

8332: What type of stern tube bearing has the least friction?

    Y a. Oil-lubricated bearings
    N b. Lignum vitae
    N c. Hard rubber
    N d. Bronze bushings

8387: On a MODU, the possibility of a blowout makes which type of diesel engine shutdown desirable?

    N a. Overspeed trip
    Y b. Air inlet shut-off valve
    N c. Water injector
    N d. Fuel cutoff valve

8541: The process of waiting a period of time before pretensioning an anchor is known as __________.

    Y a. soaking
    N b. settling
    N c. sinking
    N d. bedding in

8763: After deploying the anchor, a permanent chain chaser is __________.

    N a. removed from the anchor chain
    N b. connected to a buoy at the anchor
    Y c. stripped back to the rig and secured
    N d. connected to a buoy halfway down the chain

9192: The locker or space containing the self-contained breathing apparatus must be __________.

    N a. located in close proximity to the bridge
    N b. equipped with battery powered emergency lighting
    Y c. marked "SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS"
    N d. All of the above

9413: When anchoring in an area with a hard bottom, the fluke angle of an anchor should be set at __________.

    N a. 20°
    Y b. 30°
    N c. 40°
    N d. 50°

9455: The original equilibrium position is stable when __________.

    Y a. metacentric height is positive
    N b. metacentric radius is positive
    N c. KG exceeds maximum allowable limits
    N d. free surfaces are excessive