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.


14: A yellow signal floating in the air from a small parachute, about 300 feet above the water, would indicate that a submarine __________.


21: Coast Guard regulations require that all of the following emergencies be covered at the periodic drills on a fishing vessel EXCEPT __________.


91: Except in rare cases, it is impossible to extinguish a shipboard fire by __________.


110: A vertical shift of weight to a position above the vessel's center of gravity will __________.

    N a. increase reserve buoyancy
    Y b. decrease the righting moments
    N c. decrease KG
    N d. increase KM

257: Which vessel greater than 100 GT is NOT required to have an EPIRB.

    N a. A sailing vessel
    N b. A fishing vessel
    Y c. A non self-propelled vessel in tow
    N d. A towing vessel

366: You have determined that a cargo space on a freight vessel is 45 feet by 36 feet by 62 feet. How many pounds of carbon dioxide is required for this space?

    N a. 1674
    N b. 2511
    Y c. 3348
    N d. 5022

495: No vessel may use or carry an oil transfer hose unless it meets certain requirements. Which of the following is NOT among those requirements?

    Y a. Metallic reinforcement
    N b. A bursting pressure that is at least four times the sum of the relief valve setting and the static head
    N c. A working pressure that is more than the sum of the relief valve setting and the static head
    N d. Identification markings

523: The bottom row of plating next to the keel of a lifeboat is known as the __________.

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

576: Each lifeboat must be lowered and maneuvered in the water at least once every __________.

    N a. 2 months
    Y b. 3 months
    N c. 4 months
    N d. 5 months

576: Each lifeboat must be lowered and maneuvered in the water at least once every __________.

    N a. 2 months
    Y b. 3 months
    N c. 4 months
    N d. 5 months

653: A tank vessel transferring non-flammable hazardous cargo in bulk must display warning signs. These signs must __________.

    N a. be visible from both sides and from forward and aft
    N b. indicate "NO SMOKING"
    N c. be displayed only while transferring cargo and fast to a dock
    Y d. use black lettering on a white background

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

709: What is the reduction in metacentric height due to free surface when a tank 60 ft. wide and 60 ft. long is partially filled with saltwater? (The vessel's displacement is 10,000 tons.)

    N a. 3.00 feet
    Y b. 3.09 feet
    N c. 3.15 feet
    N d. 3.20 feet

788: Fires of which class would most likely occur in the engine room of a vessel?

    N a. Classes A and B
    Y b. Classes B and C
    N c. Classes C and D
    N d. Classes A and D

794: An oiler was badly burned and you are communicating with a passenger ship that has a doctor and hospital on board. You want to rendezvous in a certain position so the oiler can be evacuated for medical treatment. Which code should your message contain?

    N a. MAF
    Y b. MAB
    N c. MAA
    N d. MAE

907: An advantage of a dry chemical over a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is its __________.

    Y a. greater range
    N b. effectiveness on all types of fires
    N c. cleanliness
    N d. All of the above

1176: Your vessel is required to have an impulse-projected line throwing appliance. The auxiliary line must __________.

    N a. be of a light color
    N b. be 250 meters in length
    Y c. have a breaking strength of 9000 lbs
    N d. be made of synthetic material

1201: While taking on fuel oil, the transfer hose leaks causing a sheen on the water. You should __________.

    N a. apply dispersants to the sheen
    N b. repair the leak with duct tape
    N c. reduce the rate of transfer
    Y d. shut down operations

1217: Which types of portable fire extinguishers are designed for use on electrical fires?

    Y a. Dry chemical and carbon dioxide
    N b. Foam (stored pressure) and soda-acid
    N c. Carbon dioxide and foam (stored pressure)
    N d. Dry chemical and soda-acid

1272: When approaching a fire from windward, you should shield firefighters from the fire by using __________.

    Y a. low-velocity fog
    N b. high-velocity fog
    N c. a straight stream of water
    N d. foam spray

1555: Seawater may be used for drinking __________.

    N a. at a maximum rate of two ounces per day
    N b. after mixing with an equal quantity of fresh water
    N c. if gathered during or immediately after a hard rain
    Y d. under no conditions

1933: The Sailing Plan, required by vessels participating in AMVER, must be sent __________.

    N a. within 12 hours of departure
    N b. within 24 hours of departure
    Y c. within a few hours before or after departure
    N d. prior to departure

1962: You have 200 tons of below deck tonnage. There is no liquid mud aboard. If you have 140 tons of cargo above deck with a VCG above the deck of 4.2 feet, what is the maximum allowed VCG of the remainder of the deck cargo that is permitted? (D036DG )

    N a. 0.56 foot
    N b. 0.87 foot
    N c. 1.04 feet
    Y d. 2.44 feet

1996: You have 240 tons of below deck tonnage. There is no liquid mud aboard. If you have 360 tons of cargo above deck with a VCG above the deck of 2.9 feet, what is the maximum allowed VCG of the remainder of the deck cargo that is permitted? (See illustration D036DG, stability letter for M.V. Hudson) (D036DG )

    N a. 1.35 feet
    N b. 1.86 feet
    N c. 2.56 feet
    Y d. 3.60 feet

2257: The survival craft's engine is fueled with __________.

    N a. kerosene
    N b. unleaded gasoline
    Y c. diesel oil
    N d. liquefied gas

2291: The purpose for the bag or box on top of some survival craft is to __________.

    Y a. right the craft in case of capsizing
    N b. increase area for radar detection
    N c. act as a sail in case of a power loss
    N d. steady the craft in heavy seas

2301: If water is rising in the bilge of a survival craft, you should first __________.

    N a. abandon the survival craft
    N b. check for cracks in the hull
    N c. shift all personnel to the stern
    Y d. check the bilge drain plug

2307: Why does a centrifugal bilge pump require priming?

    N a. To lubricate shaft seals
    Y b. Lack of ability to lift water level to impellers
    N c. Head pressure must equal discharge pressure
    N d. To overcome resistance of water in the discharge line

2392: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 13'-11", AFT 16'-05". How much more cargo can be loaded to have the vessel down to the freeboard draft? (Use the information in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

    N a. 7109 tons
    N b. 7316 tons
    N c. 7432 tons
    Y d. 7779 tons

2402: How should the lifeboat sea painter be rigged?

    N a. Spliced into the ring on the stem post
    N b. Secured by a toggle around the outboard side of a forward thwart
    N c. Secured by a toggle to the stem post and led outboard of the falls
    Y d. Secured to the inboard side of the forward thwart and led inboard of the falls

2790: The weight of liquefied petroleum gas vapors as compared to air is __________.

    N a. variable
    N b. the same
    N c. lighter
    Y d. heavier

2832: Which fuel cannot be used for cooking on vessels carrying passengers for hire? (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. Kerosene
    N b. Coal
    N c. Wood
    Y d. Gasoline

3027: If the result of loading a MODU is an increase in the height of the center of gravity, there will always be an increase in the __________.

    N a. metacentric height
    N b. righting arm
    N c. righting moment
    Y d. vertical moments

3130: What is the minimum height of rails on passenger decks of ferryboats, excursion vessels, and vessels of a similar type? (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. 18 inches (.5 m) high
    N b. 24 inches (.6 m) high
    Y c. 39-1/2 inches (1 m) high
    N d. 42 inches (1.1 m) high

3132: If the water level is rising in the bilge of a survival craft, you should first __________.

    N a. increase the speed of the survival craft
    N b. shift all personnel to the bow
    N c. shift all personnel to the stern
    Y d. check the bilge drain plug

3160: Fixed ballast, if used, may be __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. discharged or moved at any time
    Y b. moved temporarily for examination or repair of the vessel, when done under the supervision of an inspector
    N c. moved under the supervision of the owner, Master or shipyard
    N d. moved under any condition except extreme emergency

3216: Gasoline fuel tank vents should terminate __________.

    N a. in the engine compartment
    N b. in the fuel tank space
    Y c. above or outside the hull
    N d. at the most convenient location

3243: If there's a fire aboard your vessel, you should FIRST __________.

    N a. notify the Coast Guard
    N b. cut off air supply to the fire
    N c. have passengers put on life preservers
    Y d. sound the alarm

3766: The primary concern in aiding a back injury patient is __________.

    N a. relieving the patient's pain by giving aspirin or stronger medication
    Y b. avoiding possible injury to the spinal cord by incorrect handling
    N c. preventing convulsions and muscle spasms caused by the pain
    N d. providing enough fluids to prevent dehydration

3905: On the DEEP DRILLER, when using the starboard #2 ballast pump to provide water to the main deck from the sea, it is necessary to open valves __________.

    Y a. 37, 35, 36, 45
    N b. 37, 36, 46, 47
    N c. 38, 47
    N d. 38, 47, 45, 46

3982: In the illustration shown, the external lifelines are shown as item number __________. (D014SA )

    N a. 1
    N b. 12
    Y c. 17
    N d. 19

4183: What is the shift in KG if all the liquid mud is dumped when the DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load #3 (Preparing to Drill)?

    N a. 1.26 feet downward
    Y b. 1.51 feet downward
    N c. 2.77 feet downward
    N d. 1.47 feet downward

4363: Scouring is the result of __________.

    Y a. interruption of the normal current flow by the footing
    N b. elevating in mud-slide zones
    N c. penetrating rapidly through a hard crust into weaker soils
    N d. extracting legs from soils with high cohesion

4387: The COASTAL DRILLER is elevated in 192 feet of water. Leg penetration is 83 feet. The maximum leg reaction is 5,940 kips. The waves are 30 feet and the current is 2 knots. What is the maximum wind for drilling?

    N a. 45 knots
    Y b. 50 knots
    N c. 57 knots
    N d. 62 knots

5823: Your semisubmersible drilling unit is moored on station and is experiencing winds from the north. What will be the effect if you increase the length of the anchor chains you have deployed to the north?

    N a. It will increase your draft.
    N b. It will increase your operating tensions.
    Y c. It will increase the holding power of those chains.
    N d. It will significantly reduce your stability.

5958: You are wearing a breathing apparatus inside a tank. How many tugs on the lifeline should you give to indicate that you are advancing?

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

6042: Canvas sails, when not in use, may be damaged if __________.

    N a. left in the sunlight
    Y b. stowed wet
    N c. folded frequently
    N d. washed with soap and water

6415: While drilling ahead with 60 foot draft, the DEEP DRILLER encounters lost circulation and loses 460 barrels of 16 pounds per gallon mud to the hole. What is the resulting draft if no additional ballast is taken on?

    N a. 57 feet
    N b. 58 feet
    Y c. 59 feet
    N d. 60 feet

6555: The chemicals in sacks aboard MODU's are palletized to reduce __________.

    Y a. labor in loading and handling
    N b. pilferage
    N c. marking and labeling
    N d. contamination

6675: According to the MODU regulations, the capacity of a liferaft is required to be marked __________.

    N a. on the Muster List ("Station Bill")
    Y b. on a sign next to the liferaft
    N c. on the Certificate of Inspection
    N d. in the Operations Manual

6903: The Master or person in charge of a MODU is required to submit a casualty report of an intentional grounding under what condition?

    N a. At the owner's discretion
    Y b. If it creates a hazard to navigation
    N c. If the grounding lasts over 48 hours
    N d. Under any condition

7005: Chemical burns are caused by the skin coming in contact with __________.

    Y a. acids or alkalies
    N b. diesel oil
    N c. acids, but not alkalies
    N d. alkalies, but not acids

8207: While on a normal tow, the COASTAL DRILLER is threatened with the approach of a severe storm. The legs should be lowered so that the TOC (tip-of-can) is lowered from 1.20 feet to __________.

    N a. 2.20 feet
    N b. 12.38 feet
    N c. 48.12 feet
    Y d. 60.50 feet

8333: Individuals who have consumed alcohol within 24 hours of exposure to H2S can tolerate __________.

    N a. unusually large concentrations of H2S
    Y b. smaller than normal concentrations of H2S
    N c. moderate concentrations of H2S without the usual reactions
    N d. longer exposure to H2S concentrations

8555: The discharge side of every fire pump must be equipped with a __________.

    N a. gate valve
    Y b. pressure gauge
    N c. check valve
    N d. strainer

9273: After being launched from MODUs, totally enclosed survival craft which have been afloat over a long period require __________.

    N a. frequent opening of hatches to permit entry of fresh air
    Y b. regular checks of bilge levels
    N c. use of ear plugs to dampen engine noise
    N d. frequent flushing of the water spray system with fresh water

9391: Once you have established the daily ration of drinking water in a survival situation, how should you drink it?

    N a. Small sips at regular intervals during the day
    N b. The complete daily ration at one time during the day
    Y c. One-third the daily ration three times daily
    N d. Small sips only after sunset

9451: Initial stability is indicated by __________.

    Y a. GM
    N b. KM
    N c. Deck load
    N d. Maximum allowed KG

9575: While preloading, the COASTAL DRILLER has a total weight of 21,401 kips. The LM are 2,560,416 ft-kips, and the TM are 6,206 ft-kips. What is the bow leg reaction?

    Y a. 7,099 kips
    N b. 7,134 kips
    N c. 7,151 kips
    N d. 7,203 kips

9652: When pilot cylinder pressure is used as a means to release the CO2 from a fixed fire extinguishing system consisting of four storage cylinders, the number of pilot cylinders shall be at least __________.

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