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.


147: Your vessel is on a voyage of three months duration. The number of sanitary inspections required is __________.


248: You are treating a shipmate with a compound fracture of the lower arm. Which action should you take?


293: Which statement is TRUE concerning life jackets which are severely damaged?


363: You are in a lifeboat in a heavy sea. Your boat is dead in the water and unable to make way. To prevent broaching, you should __________.

    N a. take no action, broaching is recommended in a heavy sea
    Y b. put out the sea anchor
    N c. put out the sea painter
    N d. fill the bottom of the boat with about one foot of water to make it ride better

592: A foam-type portable fire extinguisher would be most useful in combating a fire in __________.

    N a. solid materials such as wood or bales of fiber
    Y b. flammable liquids
    N c. a piece of electrical equipment
    N d. combustible metallic solids

748: A fire has broken out on the stern of your vessel. You should maneuver your vessel so the wind __________.

    N a. blows the fire back toward the vessel
    Y b. comes over the bow
    N c. comes over the stern
    N d. comes over either beam

803: The abandon ship signal on the ship's whistle is __________.

    N a. 6 short blasts and 1 long blast
    N b. more than 6 short blasts
    Y c. more than 6 short blasts and 1 long blast
    N d. 1 long blast of at least 10 seconds

895: Air-cooled gasoline auxiliary engines are allowed on vessels not more than 65 feet in length, carrying not more than 12 passengers if __________.

    N a. it is not practicable to supply water to the engine
    Y b. they have a self-contained fuel system and are installed on an open deck
    N c. they are rated at not more than 4.5 horsepower
    N d. All of the above

942: A fifteen-pound CO2 extinguisher __________.

    Y a. contains 15 pounds of CO2
    N b. weighs 15 pounds when full of CO2
    N c. has 15 pounds of pressure at the nozzle
    N d. weighs 15 pounds when empty

1006: An immersion suit must be equipped with a(n) __________.

    N a. air bottle for breathing
    N b. orange smoke canister
    Y c. whistle, light and retroreflective material
    N d. sea dye marker

1108: The vapor pressure of a substance __________.

    Y a. increases with the temperature
    N b. decreases as temperature increases
    N c. is not affected by temperature
    N d. may increase or decrease as the temperature rises

1124: Spaces containing gasoline-powered machinery or gasoline storage tanks on small passenger vessels should have ventilator ducts that extend to the bilges because __________.

    N a. air is heavier than gas fumes
    N b. oil and water mix there
    N c. it prevents air from entering or leaving the space
    Y d. Gasoline vapors are heavier than air, tend to settle in the bilges, and create an explosion hazard

1241: Your ship of 12,000 tons displacement has a center of gravity of 21.5 feet above the keel. You run aground and estimate the weight aground is 2500 tons. The virtual rise in the center of gravity is __________.

    N a. 1.26 feet
    N b. 3.80 feet
    N c. 4.80 feet
    Y d. 5.66 feet

1279: On a documented small passenger vessel, what information must be permanently affixed in block-type letters and/or numerals to the main beam or other clearly visible interior structural part of the hull?

    N a. The vessel's name and gross tonnage
    Y b. The vessel's official number
    N c. Draft markings
    N d. The vessel's name and home port

1394: In each inflatable liferaft, what equipment is provided to make quick, emergency, temporary repairs to large holes in the raft?

    N a. No equipment is provided.
    N b. Glue and rubber patches
    Y c. Several various-sized sealing clamps
    N d. Self-adhesive rubberized canvas patches

1476: Your vessel has 3 lifeboats on each side. The aftermost boat on the starboard side is designated as boat number __________.

    N a. 6
    Y b. 5
    N c. 3
    N d. 3 STARBOARD

1506: Before hydraulic starting of an engine on a covered lifeboat, what need NOT be checked?

    N a. Fuel supply line valve
    N b. Pressure registered on the accumulator gauge
    Y c. Cold-spark voltage readings test lamp
    N d. Engine stop control

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.

1737: In order for combustion to occur inside a piping system such as a vapor collection header in a marine emission control system, there must be __________.

    N a. fuel
    N b. oxygen
    N c. ignition
    Y d. All of the above

1902: Which task is NOT the responsibility of the GMDSS Radio Operator?

    N a. Inspecting and cleaning the SART's container, and clearing the immediate storage area of any debris or obstacles.
    Y b. Measuring the SART's transmitted frequency.
    N c. Placing the SART in the test mode and verifying that the nearby PPI shows concentric circles.
    N d. Ensuring the SART's batteries are replaced before their expiration date.

2006: You have 400 tons of below deck tonnage and 100 tons of above deck cargo on board. You must load 160 tons of liquid mud below deck. How much more deck cargo can you load? (See illustration D036DG, stability letter for M.V. Hudson.) (D036DG )

    N a. 85 tons
    Y b. 135 tons
    N c. 195 tons
    N d. 245 tons

2281: When retrieving the survival craft, the winch operator should stop the winch and check __________.

    N a. that all personnel are seated in the craft
    Y b. that the cable has not jumped any grooves on the drum
    N c. which way the wind is blowing
    N d. the hydraulic fluid level before lifting

2351: How many B-II fire extinguishers must be in the machinery space of a 75-foot long fishing vessel propelled by engines with 2200 brake horsepower?

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

2643: Stanchions prevent the entire deck load on a MODU from being carried by the __________.

    N a. bulkheads
    N b. stringers
    Y c. frames and beam brackets
    N d. deck longitudinals

2711: The number of able seamen required on a MODU is stated in the __________.

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping code
    N b. Department of Energy regulations
    N c. Mineral Management Service rules
    Y d. Certificate of Inspection

2745: The construction portfolio may be included as part of the MODU __________.

    N a. general plans
    Y b. operating manual
    N c. builders documentation
    N d. Coast Guard file

2834: 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 remaining righting arm at 60° inclination if the center of gravity is 2.4 feet off the centerline.

    N a. 2.4 feet
    N b. 1.8 feet
    Y c. 0.5 foot
    N d. 0.2 foot

2851: Kevlar sails, when not in use, may be damaged if __________.

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

2926: The sailing drafts are: FWD 16'-06", AFT 17'-04" and the GM is 2.6 feet. Use the information in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book, to determine the available righting arm at 15° inclination.

    N a. 0.4 foot
    Y b. 0.8 foot
    N c. 1.2 feet
    N d. 1.9 feet

3524: Each fireman's outfit and its spare equipment on a tankship must be stowed in a(n) __________.

    N a. locked cabinet in the machinery space
    N b. unlocked cabinet in the machinery space
    Y c. separate and accessible location
    N d. location near a fire hydrant

3539: Using the Guidance Manual for Loading the M.V. Grand Haven, determine the amount of ballast required in tank No. 5 (P & S) to maintain drafts of 17'-00" forward and 22'-06" aft for a vessel loaded with grain which has a test weight of 33 lbs.

    N a. 1010 tons each
    N b. 1025 tons each
    N c. 1050 tons each
    Y d. 1070 tons each

3562: The Master or person-in-charge of an OSV shall insure that each deck from which rescue boats are launched is __________.

    N a. surfaced with a nonskid texture
    N b. roped off to prevent unnecessary access
    Y c. kept clear of any obstructions that would interfere with launching
    N d. posted with a list of persons assigned to the rescue boat

3633: The KG of the DEEP DRILLER increases from 57 feet to 59 feet while drilling at a 60 foot draft during an ice storm. What action should be taken?

    N a. Continue drilling operations while waiting for the ice to melt
    Y b. Reduce the deck load until you reach the allowable KG for draft
    N c. Notify the USCG that the rig is temporarily above the allowable KG
    N d. Deballast to reach the allowable KG

3727: The DEEP DRILLER is engaged in wire line logging. You have 10,000 feet of drill pipe and bottom hole assembly in the set back. Marine weather forecasts are predicting weather with winds in excess of 70 knots. Your first step to prepare for the storm should be to __________.

    Y a. suspend wire line operations and run the drill string into the hole
    N b. continue wire line operations and bring the rig to a 45 foot draft
    N c. suspend wire line operations and dump your mud pits overboard
    N d. increase tension on all anchor chains to minimize movement of the rig

3754: First aid means __________.

    N a. medical treatment of accident
    N b. setting of broken bones
    Y c. emergency treatment at the scene of the injury
    N d. dosage of medications

4313: The COASTAL DRILLER, in transit with winds expected to exceed 70 knots, must lower the legs to 60.5 feet below the hull in order to meet the requirements for leg strength and __________.

    Y a. stability
    N b. variable load
    N c. environmental load
    N d. load line

4377: The elevating system of the COASTAL DRILLER is normally limited to __________.

    N a. 14,158 kips
    Y b. 14,400 kips
    N c. 17,280 kips
    N d. 21,297 kips

4515: A survival craft being used to pick up a person who has fallen overboard from a MODU should approach the person __________.

    N a. at a high rate of speed
    N b. under oars
    Y c. against the wind
    N d. with the wind

4605: How many independent bilge systems is the COASTAL DRILLER equipped with?

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

4805: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Rig Move). What is the new Longitudinal Free Surface Correction (FSCL) if the entire contents of drill water tanks 6 and 7 are discharged?

    N a. 2.24 feet
    N b. 2.14 feet
    N c. 2.10 feet
    Y d. 1.63 feet

5042: What is the meaning of the signal SA T1035 RQ when sent by the International code of Signals?

    N a. The longitude is 10°35'.
    N b. I am altering course to 103.5°T.
    Y c. Can you proceed at 1035 local time?
    N d. Is the latitude 10°35'?

5085: A mobile offshore drilling unit must display obstruction lights when it is on the waters over the Outer Continental Shelf and is __________.

    N a. under tow
    Y b. fixed to the seabed
    N c. underway
    N d. All of the above

5203: Among the possible causes of unexpected rapid increasing inclination of the floating COASTAL DRILLER is __________.

    N a. consumption of on board liquids
    N b. miscalculation of loads
    N c. external environmental forces
    Y d. flooding due to hull damage

5315: The COASTAL DRILLER, in transit during a severe storm while at a draft of 9 feet 6 inches, has a KGT of 39.1 feet and a KGL of 39.9 feet. The margin on the maximum allowable KG is __________.

    Y a. 2.6 feet
    N b. 3.4 feet
    N c. 25.1 feet
    N d. 25.9 feet

5412: The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to bunker with drafts of FWD 21'-04", AFT 26'-04". After all bunkers are on board, soundings indicate the tonnages shown. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the free surface correction. ST-0177

    Y a. 0.62 foot
    N b. 0.80 foot
    N c. 0.85 foot
    N d. 0.99 foot

5511: When inspecting anchor chain, the American Petroleum Institute recommends checking the length over 5 links every __________.

    N a. 10 feet
    Y b. 100 feet
    N c. 250 feet
    N d. 500 feet

5557: The holding power of an anchor is the __________.

    N a. maximum sustained vertical load an anchor will resist before dragging
    Y b. maximum sustained horizontal load an anchor will resist before dragging
    N c. maximum sustained vertical load an anchor will resist before the mooring line breaks
    N d. maximum sustained horizontal load an anchor will resist before the mooring line breaks

5591: The major cause of anchor buoy pendant wire failures is __________.

    N a. corrosion
    Y b. rough weather
    N c. defective sockets
    N d. mishandling

5708: On a vessel of 6500 tons displacement, a tank 30 ft. long, 32 ft. wide and 18 ft. deep is half filled with liquid cargo (S.G. 1.048) while the vessel is floating in saltwater (S.G. 1.026). What is the free surface constant for this tank?

    N a. 1152
    N b. 1336
    Y c. 2390
    N d. 2731

5855: A mat-type drilling unit tows more slowly than a jack-up unit due to __________.

    Y a. the drag of the mat
    N b. its deeper draft
    N c. its tubular legs
    N d. the design of the bow

6087: Portable Halon extinguishers used on MODU's may use __________.

    N a. HALON 1301 only
    N b. HALON 22 only
    Y c. HALON 1211 only
    N d. HALON 1301 or 1211

6825: The Master or person in charge of a MODU is required to log __________.

    N a. the names of all persons on board
    N b. only the names of the crew members on board
    N c. only the names of passengers on board
    Y d. information on emergency training drills

6945: Which record must be retained on board after a report of casualty to a mobile offshore drilling unit?

    N a. Oil Record Book
    N b. Chart catalogs
    Y c. Personnel list
    N d. Hull report

7127: Spaces protected by a fixed CO2 system must be equipped with an alarm which sounds __________.

    N a. for the first 20 seconds CO2 is being released into the space
    Y b. for at least 20 seconds prior to release of CO2
    N c. during the entire period that CO2 is being released
    N d. if all doors and ventilation are not secured

8375: Maintaining good working order of fuel pumps and injectors in auxiliary diesel engines requires the use of __________.

    N a. fuel/water separators
    N b. day tanks
    N c. an injector test stand
    Y d. fuel filters

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

8699: What are the transverse moments for the contents of P-tank #1 of the DEEP DRILLER if the ullage is 2.3 feet?

    Y a. 3,049 ft-tons
    N b. 3,977 ft-tons
    N c. 6,412 ft-tons
    N d. 8,362 ft-tons

9091: The outlet at a fire hydrant may be positioned anywhere from horizontal to pointing __________.

    N a. 45° upward
    N b. vertically upward
    Y c. vertically downward
    N d. all of the above

9167: To release the davit cable of a davit launched liferaft, you must __________.

    Y a. pull the release lanyard
    N b. pull the hydraulic release
    N c. push the release button
    N d. pull on the ratchet handle

9453: At all angles of inclination, the metacenter is __________.

    Y a. vertically above the center of buoyancy
    N b. vertically above the center of gravity
    N c. at the intersection of the upright vertical centerline and the line of action of the buoyant force
    N d. at the geometric center of the underwater volume