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.


130: When making a turn (course change) on most merchant ships, the vessel will heel outwards if __________.


154: The standard rate of signaling by flashing light is __________.


262: Which fire detection system is actuated by sensing a heat rise in a compartment?


392: What should be used to remove corrosion from the swivel on the female coupling of a fire hose?

    N a. Bearing grease and a wire brush
    N b. Talc and fine sandpaper
    N c. Fish oil and a soft brush
    Y d. Fresh water, soap, and a stiff brush

456: On a vessel of 900 GT, the minimum number of fire axes required is __________.

    N a. 2
    N b. 4
    Y c. 6
    N d. 8

486: The SS AMERICAN MARINER arrived in port with drafts of: FWD28'-04", AFT 30'-11". Cargo was loaded and discharged as indicated. Use sheet 2 in the white pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the final drafts. ST-0009

    Y a. FWD 29'-01", AFT 30'-10"
    N b. FWD 29'-03", AFT 30'-08"
    N c. FWD 29'-07", AFT 30'-08"
    N d. FWD 29'-08", AFT 30'-06"

695: The Declaration of Inspection made before oil transfer operations must be signed by the __________.

    N a. Master of the vessel
    N b. Captain of the Port
    Y c. person(s) in charge
    N d. All of the above

708: Removing which will extinguish a fire?

    N a. Nitrogen
    N b. Carbon dioxide
    N c. Sodium
    Y d. Oxygen

924: What is the lifesaving signal for "You are seen - Assistance will be given as soon as possible"?

    Y a. 3 white star signals
    N b. Horizontal motion with a white flag
    N c. Vertical motion of a white light
    N d. Code letter "K" by blinker light

976: Inflatable liferafts carried on passenger vessels must be annually __________.

    N a. overhauled by the ship's crew
    N b. sent to the Coast Guard for servicing
    N c. sent to the steamship company shore repair facility
    Y d. sent to a Coast Guard approved service facility

1178: The lowest temperature required to cause self-sustained combustion of a substance independent of any outside source of ignition is called __________.

    N a. explosive range
    N b. flash point
    Y c. ignition temperature
    N d. combustion temperature

1209: According to 46 CFR Subchapter T the purpose of fuses in electric wiring is to __________.

    N a. allow for cutting out branch circuits
    Y b. prevent overloading the circuits
    N c. reduce voltage to the branch circuits
    N d. permit the use of smaller wiring for lighting circuits

1229: Which T-Boat must be fitted with a suitable compass?

    N a. A vessel in river service
    N b. A vessel operating on a short, restricted route on lakes, bays, and sounds
    Y c. A vessel engaged in ocean or coastwise service
    N d. The regulations do not require a compass on any vessel

1317: The most effective way of applying carbon dioxide from a portable extinguisher to a fire is by __________.

    N a. forming a cloud cover over the flames
    Y b. directing the gas at the base of the flames in a slow sweeping motion
    N c. discharging the carbon dioxide into the heart of the flames
    N d. bouncing the discharge off an adjacent bulkhead just above the burning surface

1423: A weight of 250 tons is loaded on your vessel 95 feet forward of the tipping center. The vessel's MT1 is 1000 ft-tons. What is the total change of trim?

    N a. 11.90 inches
    N b. 18.75 inches
    Y c. 23.75 inches
    N d. 38.01 inches

1437: You are in a lifeboat when you sight the stars. You will be heading due north when you head for Polaris which is indicated by which letter? (D007SA )

    Y a. F
    N b. G
    N c. J
    N d. K

2009: Your vessel measures 114 feet long by 16 feet in beam. If the natural rolling period at a draft of 5'-06" is 6 seconds, what is the GM?

    Y a. 1.38 feet
    N b. 1.53 feet
    N c. 1.76 feet
    N d. 1.98 feet

2043: How does a coast radio station communicating by HF radio normally identify itself?

    N a. By its subscriber number
    Y b. By its call sign
    N c. By its MMSI
    N d. By its MID

2107: What is NOT running rigging?

    N a. Downhaul
    Y b. Backstay
    N c. Halyard
    N d. Sheet

2147: Each life preserver must be readily accessible to the person for whom it is intended while he or she is __________.

    N a. at work, only
    N b. in his or her berthing area, only
    Y c. BOTH at work and in his or her berthing area
    N d. None of the above

2272: According to the Chemical Data Guide, what is NOT a characteristic of allyl chloride?

    N a. It has a Reid vapor pressure of 10.3 (psig).
    N b. It is a clear to strawberry colored liquid.
    Y c. It has sour odor.
    N d. It is classified as a grade B poison.

2338: In order to check your vessel's stability, a weight of 40 tons is lifted with the jumbo boom, the boom head being 50 feet from the ship's centerline. The clinometer is then carefully read and shows a list of 5°. The vessel's displacement is 8,000 tons including the suspended weight. What will be the metacentric height of the vessel at this time?

    N a. 2.74 feet
    N b. 2.80 feet
    Y c. 2.86 feet
    N d. 2.93 feet

2510: Camphor oil is classified as a __________.

    N a. Grade A flammable liquid
    N b. Grade C flammable liquid
    Y c. Grade D combustible liquid
    N d. Grade E combustible liquid

2735: A load line is assigned to a MODU to insure adequate stability and __________.

    N a. mooring tension
    N b. riser tension
    N c. lifesaving equipment
    Y d. structural strength

2742: A vessel with a small GM will __________.

    N a. have a large amplitude of roll
    Y b. provide a comfortable ride for the crew and passengers
    N c. have drier decks in heavy weather
    N d. be likely to have cargo shift in heavy weather

2768: Small passenger vessels of less than 100 gross registered tons must be inspected by the Coast Guard when they carry more than __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. 12 passengers
    N b. 50 passengers
    Y c. 6 passengers
    N d. 1 passenger

2939: How many distress flares and smoke signals are small passenger vessels on oceans, coastwise or Great Lakes routes required to carry?

    Y a. Six red hand flares and six orange smoke signals in a watertight container
    N b. Two ring life buoys with attached water lights
    N c. A battery operated red-flasher lantern
    N d. All of the above

2982: The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to bunker with drafts of FWD 11'-01", AFT 15'-01". 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-0091

    N a. 1.20 feet
    N b. 0.92 foot
    Y c. 0.73 foot
    N d. 0.61 foot

3006: 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-0094

    N a. FWD 26'-03", AFT 27'-08"
    N b. FWD 26'-08", AFT 25'-07"
    Y c. FWD 25'-06", AFT 26'-11"
    N d. FWD 26'-11", AFT 25'-06"

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

3328: A barge displaying a 2' X 3' white sign with the word "WARNING" followed by "DANGEROUS CARGO" in black letters __________.

    Y a. would require that a cargo information card be carried in the pilothouse of the towboat
    N b. may not be spotted next to the towboat while under tow
    N c. may not be in the same tow as a barge carrying gasoline
    N d. must be located as a lead barge in a tow

3388: A carburetor is required to have a safety device called a(n) __________.

    N a. pressure release
    Y b. backfire flame arrestor
    N c. automatic shut off
    N d. flow valve

3428: Which river passenger vessel must have a copy of the vessel's plans permanently displayed?

    N a. A 200 GT vessel carrying more than 50 passengers
    N b. A 325 GT vessel on a voyage in excess of 8 hours
    N c. A 550 GT vessel with sleeping accommodations
    Y d. A 1100 GT vessel making daylight excursion trips only

3504: The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to load the cargo listed. There is already 6280 tons of cargo on board with a KG of 25.5 feet. Use the white pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the final KG of all the cargo after loading is completed. ST-0135

    N a. KG 25.3 feet
    N b. KG 25.7 feet
    Y c. KG 26.0 feet
    N d. KG 27.1 feet

3504: The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to load the cargo listed. There is already 6280 tons of cargo on board with a KG of 25.5 feet. Use the white pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the final KG of all the cargo after loading is completed. ST-0135

    N a. KG 25.3 feet
    N b. KG 25.7 feet
    Y c. KG 26.0 feet
    N d. KG 27.1 feet

3604: You are the first vessel to arrive at the scene of a distress. Due to the volume of traffic on the radio, you are unable to communicate with the vessel in distress. Which action should you take?

    N a. Switch to flag hoists.
    Y b. Broadcast "Seelonce Distress".
    N c. Broadcast "Charlie Quebec-Mayday-Quiet".
    N d. Key the microphone three times in quick succession.

3611: Each life jacket light that has a non-replaceable power source must be replaced __________.

    N a. every 6 months after initial installation
    N b. every 12 months after initial installation
    N c. every 24 months after initial installation
    Y d. on or before the expiration date of the power source

3635: For the DEEP DRILLER, in deballasting to survival draft when threatened with heavy weather from 100 knot winds, a load form should be calculated to determine that __________.

    N a. the maximum allowable KG is exceeded
    N b. KG corrected for free surface effects does not exceed 62.24 feet
    Y c. KG corrected for free surface effects does not exceed 62.09 feet
    N d. GM remains the same

3755: To reduce mild fever the MOST useful drug is __________.

    N a. bicarbonate of soda
    N b. paregoric
    Y c. aspirin
    N d. aromatic spirits of ammonia

3764: What are symptom(s) of a ruptured appendix?

    N a. Dilated pupils and shallow breathing
    N b. Diarrhea and frequent urination
    Y c. Muscle tenseness in almost the entire abdomen
    N d. Extreme sweating and reddening skin

3776: If you continue to wear extra clothing when entering the water after abandoning your vessel, it will __________.

    N a. weigh you down
    Y b. preserve body heat
    N c. reduce your body heat
    N d. make it more difficult to breathe

3786: When using the rainwater collection tubes of a liferaft, the FIRST collection should be __________.

    N a. passed around so all can drink
    Y b. poured overboard because of salt washed off the canopy
    N c. saved to be used at a later time
    N d. used to boil food

3986: A fire is discovered in the bow of your vessel while making way. The wind is from ahead at 35 knots. You should __________.

    N a. remain on course and hold speed
    N b. remain on course but slack the speed
    N c. change course to put the wind on either beam and increase speed
    Y d. change course and put the stern to the wind

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

5431: The COASTAL DRILLER, loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #4 (Storm), discharges all the bulk in the four bulk tanks. What is the new TCG?

    N a. -1.11 feet
    N b. -0.47 foot
    N c. 1.07 feet
    Y d. 1.11 feet

5503: What are the two main types of stud link chain?

    N a. Oil Rig chain and Oil Field Stud Link chain
    Y b. Flash-butt welded chain and Di-Lok chain
    N c. Flash-butt welded chain and Oil Rig chain
    N d. Oil Field Stud Link chain and Flash-butt welded chain

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

6071: On offshore drilling units fitted with fixed CO2 systems, the system must withstand a bursting pressure of at least __________.

    N a. 5,000 pounds per square inch
    Y b. 6,000 pounds per square inch
    N c. 8,000 pounds per square inch
    N d. 10,000 pounds per square inch

6277: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has drafts of: FWD 22'-03", AFT 26'-05". Use the white pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the drafts if you ballast the forepeak with 77 tons of seawater.

    N a. FWD 22'-08.7", AFT 26'-02.2"
    N b. FWD 22'-09.3", AFT 26'-01.6"
    N c. FWD 22'-09.9", AFT 26'-01.0"
    Y d. FWD 22'-10.5", AFT 26'-00.4"

6485: The main function of the drawworks on a MODU is to __________.

    N a. transport tubulars from the pipe racks to the derrick floor
    N b. maintain constant tension on the marine riser
    N c. store and secure the excess drill line
    Y d. lower and hoist the drill string into and out of the drilled hole

6817: How long must the records of tests and inspections of fire fighting equipment on board a MODU be retained on board?

    N a. 6 months
    N b. 1 year
    N c. 3 years
    Y d. Until the next inspection for certification

7341: If you know that the vessel you are about to call on the VHF radio maintains a radio watch on both the working and the calling frequencies, which frequency should you call on?

    N a. Calling frequency
    N b. Distress frequency
    N c. Urgency frequency
    Y d. Working frequency

7391: Personnel boarding a davit-launched liferaft from a MODU should be checked to assure they are not in possession of or wearing __________.

    N a. oil stained shoes or clothing
    Y b. sharp objects that may puncture or damage the liferaft
    N c. matches or cigarette lighters
    N d. drugs or paraphernalia not approved by a medical doctor

8163: The ship's drawings for use when the DEEP DRILLER is damaged are available in the __________.

    N a. wheelhouse under glass
    N b. toolpusher's quarters
    N c. OIM's office
    Y d. ballast control room

8217: What is the purpose of a striker plate?

    N a. Provides surface for applying force on machinery
    Y b. Provides landing surface for the sounding bob
    N c. Absorbs machinery vibration
    N d. Prevents valve stem over-travel

8263: When removing the cap from a sounding tube on a MODU, the sound of air escaping indicates the tank __________.

    N a. is full
    Y b. may be partially flooded
    N c. level has dropped
    N d. is completely flooded

8405: The most serious effect of oxygen retained in a diesel engine jacket water cooling system is that it __________.

    Y a. causes corrosion
    N b. reduces the effectiveness of the coolant
    N c. can form air pockets which exclude coolant contact with hot surfaces
    N d. accelerates formation of hydrogen peroxide deposits

8773: The muster list shows each rig hand's muster station, his duties during abandonment, basic instructions, and __________.

    Y a. all emergency signals
    N b. instructions for lowering the survival craft
    N c. the time each weekly drill will be held
    N d. work schedule

9227: The longitudinal free surface correction of a floating MODU displacing 12,000 kips is 1.20 feet. What would be the new FSCL if 2,400 kips of solid variable loads are added?

    N a. 1.50 feet
    N b. 1.20 feet
    Y c. 1.00 foot
    N d. 0.83 foot

9383: Immediately after abandoning a vessel, lookouts should be posted aboard liferafts to look for __________.

    Y a. survivors in the water
    N b. food and water
    N c. land
    N d. bad weather