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.


8: You are alone and administering CPR to an adult victim. How many chest compressions and how many inflations should you administer in each sequence?


55: Most minor spills of oil products are caused by __________.


79: A squeeze-grip type carbon dioxide portable fire extinguisher has been partially discharged. It should be __________.


177: Before taking drinking water on board in the U.S. or its possessions, the responsible person from the vessel should determine that the source __________.

    N a. is used by a city
    N b. has been treated with chlorine
    Y c. is approved by the Public Health Service
    N d. is not from surface water

201: Your vessel is equipped with totally enclosed lifeboats. Which statement is TRUE when the boat is enveloped in flames?

    N a. The ventilators will automatically close by the action of fusible links.
    N b. The motor takes its air supply from outside the lifeboat to prevent asphyxiation of the crew.
    N c. A water spray system to cool the outside of the boat is operated by a high-volume manual pump.
    Y d. An air tank will provide about ten minutes of air for the survivors and the engine.

285: The use of sinking and dispersing chemical agents for removal of surface oil is __________.

    N a. the most common method used in the United States
    N b. too expensive for common use
    N c. generally safe to sea life
    Y d. authorized only with prior approval of the Federal On-Scene Coordinator

315: The maximum number of passengers a "T-Boat" may carry __________.

    Y a. is stated on the vessel's Certificate of Inspection
    N b. is the number authorized in the Navigation Rules
    N c. depends on the number of lifejackets you carry
    N d. is the number authorized by your license

330: Many vessels are provided with flume tanks, which also have a dump tank located under the flume tanks. In the event the ship is damaged, you could dump the flume tanks into the dump tank which would __________.

    N a. reduce the free surface effect and raise the KG
    N b. not have any effect on free surface and raise the KG
    Y c. reduce the free surface effect and lower the KG
    N d. not have any effect on free surface and lower the KG

365: What is the minimum fuel-oil discharge-containment needed for a 100 gross ton vessel constructed after June 30,1974?

    Y a. At least 5 gallons
    N b. At least 1 barrel
    N c. At least 2 barrels
    N d. At least 3 barrels

496: The lifeboat releasing gear lever should be marked with the words __________.

    N a. "DANGER, DO NOT TOUCH"
    N b. "DANGER, BOAT MAY DROP"
    N c. "DANGER, LEVER RELEASES BOAT"
    Y d. "DANGER, LEVER DROPS BOAT"

514: You hear on the radiotelephone the word "Securite" spoken three times. This indicates that __________.

    Y a. a message about the safety of navigation will follow
    N b. a message of an urgent nature about the safety of a ship will follow
    N c. the sender is in distress and requests immediate assistance
    N d. you should secure your radiotelephone

715: Your vessel is taking on fuel when a small leak develops in the hose. You order the pumping stopped. Before you resume pumping, you should __________.

    N a. notify the terminal superintendent
    N b. place a large drip pan under the leak and plug the scuppers
    N c. repair the hose with a patch
    Y d. replace the hose

894: Signals between an icebreaker and an assisted vessel may NOT be given by __________.

    N a. whistle
    N b. flag hoist
    N c. radiotelephone
    Y d. radiotelegraph

955: If another station sent you the signal "KG", he would be __________.

    N a. telling you to stay clear
    N b. telling you he has flooded a hold
    Y c. asking you if you needed a tug
    N d. telling you he found an aircraft wreckage

959: You are on a supply run to an offshore drilling rig. On board is the cargo listed. What is the height above the main deck of the center of gravity of the cargo? ST-0020

    N a. 2.32 feet
    N b. 2.21 feet
    Y c. 1.97 feet
    N d. 1.76 feet

995: If you receive a message "A243" by any method of signaling, it would be referring to __________.

    Y a. bearing
    N b. altitude
    N c. diving
    N d. speed

1048: The angle of maximum righting arm corresponds approximately to the angle of __________.

    Y a. deck edge immersion
    N b. the load line
    N c. downflooding
    N d. loll

1167: A pumproom is suspected of accumulating gases after a ventilation machinery breakdown. Where should the combustible gas indicator case be placed when testing the pumproom atmosphere for combustible gases?

    N a. In the lower level of the pumproom
    N b. In the middle level of the pumproom
    N c. In the upper level of the pumproom
    Y d. On the deck outside the pumproom

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

1283: The liquid-filled PV breaker has acted to relieve a vacuum in a tank. What action must be taken in regards to the PV-breaker before continuing operations?

    N a. Check to make certain that it has reset itself.
    Y b. Refill the breaker with liquid.
    N c. Manually reset the vacuum side of the breaker.
    N d. Install a new rupture disc.

1417: A vessel is "listed" when it is __________.

    N a. down by the head
    N b. down by the stern
    Y c. inclined due to off-center weight
    N d. inclined due to wind

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

1986: Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. You need not keep a record of ground garbage dumped into the sea more than 25 miles offshore.
    Y b. You must keep a record of garbage discharged in port to a shore facility.
    N c. You need not keep a record of garbage incinerated on the ship.
    N d. You must keep a record of the approximate weight of the garbage dumped.

2008: Your vessel measures 119 feet long by 17 feet in beam. If the natural rolling period at a draft of 5'-05" is 6 seconds, what is the GM?

    N a. 1.14 feet
    N b. 1.36 feet
    Y c. 1.55 feet
    N d. 1.96 feet

2102: The sails are properly set and trimmed. As a vessel heads up from a beam reach to close-hauled the __________.

    N a. apparent wind remains steady
    N b. heeling moment decreases
    N c. side slip decreases
    Y d. speed decreases

2139: Use the material in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book. If the KG is 24.0 feet, and the drafts are: FWD 28'-01", AFT 28'-06"; at what angle will the vessel lose positive stability?

    N a. 64°
    Y b. 71°
    N c. 77°
    N d. 82°

2175: To keep injured survivors warm in the water after abandoning ship, they should __________.

    Y a. be placed in the middle of a small circle formed by the other survivors in the water
    N b. float on their backs with their arms extended for maximum exposure to the air
    N c. remove their life preservers and hold on to the uninjured survivors
    N d. sip water at intervals of fifteen minutes

2287: The limit switches on a MODUs survival-craft winch system __________.

    Y a. stop the winch just before the craft reaches the final stowage position
    N b. limit the amount of cable on the drum
    N c. limit the ascent rate
    N d. stop the winch in case the craft weighs too much

2358: Your vessel's drafts are FWD 20'-08", AFT 23'-00". Use the information in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the final drafts if 195 tons of cargo are discharged 76 feet aft of amidships.

    N a. FWD 20'-05", AFT 21'-11"
    N b. FWD 20'-07", AFT 22'-01"
    Y c. FWD 20'-11", AFT 22'-00"
    N d. FWD 21'-03", AFT 22'-04"

2434: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 14'-11", AFT 16'-01"; and the KG is 24.4 feet. What is the righting moment when the vessel is inclined to 30°? (Use the reference material in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

    N a. 24,960 foot-tons
    N b. 22,870 foot-tons
    N c. 20,360 foot-tons
    Y d. 18,240 foot-tons

2473: In very deep water drilling, it becomes necessary to reduce tension caused by the weight of the riser joints. This is accomplished by using a(n) __________.

    N a. aluminum riser
    N b. tapered riser
    Y c. buoyant riser
    N d. intermediate tensioner

2550: According to regulations, how many B-II hand portable fire extinguishers are required in the cargo tank area of an unmanned, cargo pump-equipped tank barge engaged in transferring grade B flammable liquids?

    N a. One
    Y b. Two
    N c. Three
    N d. None

2666: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 18'-09", AFT 20'-05"; and the KG is 23.8 feet. Use the selected stability curves in the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the righting arm at 15° inclination.

    Y a. 0.7 foot
    N b. 1.0 feet
    N c. 1.7 feet
    N d. 3.8 feet

2772: Tour vessel's drafts are: FWD 22'-09", AFT 23'-07"; and the KG is 24.2 feet. Use the selected stability curves in the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the righting arm at 18° inclination.

    Y a. 0.7 foot
    N b. 1.3 feet
    N c. 2.0 feet
    N d. 2.3 feet

3199: You are towing a 1,000 GT gasoline tank barge which is not gas free. By regulation, cargo tank hatches, ullage holes, and Butterworth plates on the barge may __________.

    N a. not be open without flame screens under any circumstances
    N b. be open without flame screens in good weather from 16 May to 15 September
    N c. be open without flame screens when the barge is empty
    Y d. be open without flame screens under the supervision of the senior crew member on duty

3254: All uninspected motor vessels constructed after 25 April 1940, which use fuel with a flash point of 110°F (43°C) or less, shall have at least what number of ventilator ducts for the removal of explosive or flammable gases from every engine and fuel tank compartment? (Uninspected Vessel Regulations)

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

3359: You are making tow. A loaded, open-hopper barge with independent tanks has placards, with alternating red and white quadrants, located at each side and end. You inspect the barge and find slight traces of water in the wing voids due to condensation. What should you do?

    N a. Refuse to accept the barge until all wing voids are dry.
    N b. Accept the barge and when weather conditions permit run with the wing voids open to ventilate the spaces.
    Y c. Accept the barge and periodically check the wing voids.
    N d. Return the barge to the fleet and depart without the barge.

3612: Your vessel's existing draft is FWD 14'-00", AFT 16'-00". Using the Guidance Manual for Loading M.V. GRAND HAVEN, determine the new draft if 350 long tons are discharged from No. 13 hatch.

    N a. FWD 13'-03 5/8", AFT 15'-03 1/8"
    N b. FWD 13'-04 3/4", AFT 15'-03 1/4"
    N c. FWD 13'-05 1/5", AFT 15'-04 3/5"
    Y d. FWD 13'-08 4/5", AFT 15'-08 4/5"

3825: What is the change in longitudinal moments for the DEEP DRILLER if 103.48 long-tons of ballast is transferred from a full ballast tank 1P to an empty ballast tank 10S?

    Y a. 21,913 foot-tons decrease
    N b. 13,414 foot-tons decrease
    N c. 10,944 foot-tons decrease
    N d. 6,707 foot-tons decrease

3949: When should you first have any food or water after boarding a lifeboat or liferaft?

    N a. After 12 hours
    Y b. After 24 hours
    N c. Within 48 hours
    N d. Some food and water should be consumed immediately and then not until 48 hours later

4042: How many B-II fire extinguishers must be in the machinery space of a 75-foot long fishing vessel propelled by engines with 1200 brake horsepower?

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

4073: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Transit). What are the new TM (transverse moments) if the entire contents of Salt Water Ballast Tanks 1P and 1S are discharged?

    N a. -3,436 ft-tons
    Y b. 3,446 ft-tons
    N c. 3,594 ft-tons
    N d. 22,682 ft-tons

4280: Your drafts are: FWD 6'-02", AFT 6'-06". From past experience, you know that the vessel will increase her draft 1 inch for every 5 tons loaded. There is rig water on board and 15 tons of deck cargo. How many more tons of cargo can legally be loaded and still maintain the same trim? (D037DG )

    N a. none
    Y b. 5 tons
    N c. 10 tons
    N d. 20 tons

4461: If you have to jump in the water when abandoning a MODU, your legs should be __________.

    N a. spread apart as far as possible
    N b. held as tightly against your chest as possible
    N c. in a kneeling position
    Y d. extended straight down and crossed at the ankles

5302: The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to bunker with drafts of FWD 17'-05", AFT 19'-07". 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-0175

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

5737: Given the same water depth and line tension, the holding power of a 19 pound/foot wire rope mooring system in comparison to the holding power of a 90 pound/foot chain mooring system will be __________.

    Y a. weaker
    N b. equal
    N c. greater
    N d. indeterminable

6003: The minimum number of portable C-II fire extinguishers required on the drill floor of a MODU is __________.

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

6023: On a MODU, an extinguisher with 15 lbs. of CO2 or 10 lbs. of dry chemical is a size __________.

    N a. I
    Y b. II
    N c. III
    N d. IV

6213: When patching holes in the hull of a MODU, pillows, bedding, and other soft materials can be used as __________.

    N a. caulking
    Y b. gaskets
    N c. strongbacks
    N d. wedges

6303: The most doubtful and unpredictable factor in a mooring system is the __________.

    Y a. ability of the anchors to hold in a seabed
    N b. anchor chain catenary length
    N c. variability of the fairlead
    N d. angle of the flukes

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

6619: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has on board 6450 tons of cargo with an LCG-FP of 270.89 feet. See the distribution of the cargo to be loaded. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the final LCG-FP of the cargo. ST-0194

    N a. LCG-FP 267.12 feet
    N b. LCG-FP 268.48 feet
    Y c. LCG-FP 270.97 feet
    N d. LCG-FP 273.06 feet

6693: The litter on a MODU must be able to __________.

    N a. carry at least two injured persons
    N b. float for at least two hours
    Y c. be used on the types of helicopters serving the unit
    N d. All of the above

6707: The immersion suit requirements apply to MODU's operating in all waters above __________.

    N a. 20°N and below 25°S
    N b. 25°N and below 30°S
    N c. 23°N and below 23°S
    Y d. 32°N and below 32°S

6908: Topside icing decreases vessel stability because it is usually off-center and __________.

    N a. increases displacement
    Y b. increases the height of the center of gravity
    N c. increases draft
    N d. reduces the pocketing of free surface

7385: To assure safe boarding and launching of a davit-launched liferaft from a MODU, preparation should include __________.

    N a. load testing the davit arm and the painter system
    Y b. removing any side protective rails and checking that the overside and surface level are clear
    N c. testing the spring loaded drum to assure it will retract the fall release hook
    N d. testing to assure that the required lamps are functioning properly

7388: All marine low-speed diesels are of what design?

    N a. Four-stroke
    Y b. Two-stroke
    N c. Electronic ignition
    N d. Forced exhaust

7681: The effects of free surface on initial stability depend upon the dimensions of the surface of the free liquids and the __________.

    N a. volume of liquid in the tank
    Y b. volume of displacement of the MODU
    N c. location of the tank in the MODU
    N d. height of the center of gravity of the MODU

8875: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Transit). Excessive motion makes it necessary to ballast down to survival draft. It is decided to check the stability at the intermediate draft of 32 feet. If the added ballast has an average VCG of 9.03 feet, and the sum of free surface moments is 56,244 foot-tons, what is the new margin on the maximum allowable KG?

    N a. 6.23 feet
    N b. 5.11 feet
    N c. 4.86 feet
    Y d. 4.06 feet

9315: Since electrical burn victims may be in shock, the FIRST medical response is to check for __________.

    N a. indication of broken bones
    Y b. breathing and heartbeat
    N c. symptoms of concussion
    N d. bleeding injuries