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.


32: Every U.S. crude oil tankship with a keel laying date on or after 1/1/75, shall be equipped with an inert gas system if the tonnage is more than __________.


322: A definite advantage of using water as a fire extinguishing agent is its characteristic of __________.


493: Why are lifeboats usually double-enders?


578: When fighting fires in spaces containing bottles of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), you should __________.

    N a. attempt to isolate the fire from the LPG
    Y b. cool the bottles or remove them from the fire area
    N c. see that the valves on all LPG bottles are closed
    N d. place insulating material over the bottles

701: Which statement about free surface is TRUE?

    N a. A partially filled space with 40% surface permeability will have greater free surface effect than one with 60% surface permeability.
    N b. Pocketing increases the loss of GM due to free surface effect.
    N c. Cargo with a specific gravity of 1.05 has less free surface effect than a cargo with a specific gravity of 0.98.
    Y d. Pocketing occurs at small angles of inclination when a tank is 98% full.

743: In order for the automatic lifeboat drain to operate properly __________.

    N a. the cap should be removed to drain the boat when it is waterborne
    Y b. the cage must be free of rubbish or the ball may not seat properly
    N c. there is an automatic ball check located in a siphon tube
    N d. the small lever to release the rubber ball float must be turned counterclockwise

760: With certain exceptions a suitable rescue boat is required __________.

    Y a. on most "T-Boats" more than 65 feet in length
    N b. on most "T-Boats" regardless of length
    N c. only on "K-Boats"
    N d. None of the above

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

830: Your vessel has a midships engine room and the cargo is concentrated in the end holds. The vessel is __________.

    N a. sagging with tensile stress on main deck
    N b. sagging with compressive stress on main deck
    Y c. hogging with tensile stress on main deck
    N d. hogging with compressive stress on main deck

1100: The maximum speed of lowering for a lifeboat on gravity davits is controlled by the __________.

    N a. limit switches
    N b. emergency disconnect switch
    Y c. governor brake
    N d. position of the counterweight on the brake handle

1129: Which function is NOT provided by the scrubber of an inert gas system?

    N a. Cools the inert gas.
    N b. Removes particulate matter like soot.
    Y c. Maintains gas pressure in the tanks.
    N d. Removes chemical impurities from the gas.

1179: Storage batteries on "T-Boats" must be located __________.

    N a. in sight of the main engine(s)
    Y b. in a tray lined with suitable material that resists damage from the electrolyte
    N c. in locked closets with restricted ventilation
    N d. near the bilge to lower the center of gravity and improve stability

1185: If the steersman of your lifeboat gives the command "Way enough", you should __________.

    N a. complete the stroke, hold your oar out from the boat and level with the water
    N b. dip the blade of your oar into the water and leave it there
    N c. lift your oar to a vertical position
    Y d. complete the stroke, raise your oar slightly, swing it forward, and place it in the boat

1293: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has the following drafts: FWD 09'-00", AFT 15'-11". 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-0034

    Y a. 2.62 feet
    N b. 2.82 feet
    N c. 2.97 feet
    N d. 3.15 feet

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

1439: Safety goggles or glasses are NOT normally worn when __________.

    N a. using a rotary grinder with an installed shield
    N b. letting go the anchor
    Y c. handling wire rope or natural fiber line
    N d. painting with a spray gun

1462: When authorized to use chemical agents on an oil spill they would __________.

    N a. absorb the oil for easy removal
    N b. dissolve the oil in the water
    Y c. facilitate the removal of the pollutant from the water
    N d. sink the oil

1512: Where are the draft marks required to be displayed on a ship?

    N a. Deep tanks
    N b. Voids
    N c. Midships near the waterline
    Y d. Area of water line near stem and stern

1627: The canvas covering of fire hose is called the __________.

    N a. casing
    N b. outer hose
    N c. line cover
    Y d. jacket

1762: You are operating a liftboat. When jacking down and free of the bottom you should __________.

    N a. raise one leg at a time
    N b. not be concerned about any list
    Y c. raise all legs simultaneously
    N d. have the crane standing upright

1776: Which type of vessel shall be required to have an emergency towing arrangement fitted at both ends?

    N a. A 30,000 dwt ton oil barge
    N b. An 18,000 dwt ton tanker constructed in 1998
    N c. A 5,000 dwt ton coastal tanker
    Y d. A 22,000 dwt ton tanker operated after Jan. 1, 1999

1833: Batteries for VHF Survival Craft Transceivers must have sufficient capacity to operate for a minimum of __________.

    N a. 4 hours
    N b. 6 hours
    Y c. 8 hours
    N d. 12 hours

1985: Each emergency generator on a mobile offshore drilling unit, when tested, must be run under a full load for at least __________.

    N a. one hour
    Y b. two hours
    N c. ten hours
    N d. four hours

2059: What standing rigging supports the mast in the fore-and-aft and athwartships directions?

    N a. Sheets and guys
    N b. Guys and vangs
    N c. Vangs and shrouds
    Y d. Shrouds and stays

2181: To prevent the spread of fire by conduction you should __________.

    N a. shut off all electrical power
    N b. close all openings to the area
    N c. remove combustibles from direct exposure
    Y d. cool the bulkheads around the fire

2341: The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to sail with the load shown. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the available GM. ST-0060

    N a. Available GM 5.26 ft
    Y b. Available GM 4.24 ft
    N c. Available GM 4.11 ft
    N d. Available GM 4.01 ft

2462: If a leak occurred while loading diethylenetriamine, the chemical data guide indicates you would smell an odor similar to __________.

    Y a. ammonia
    N b. rotten eggs
    N c. gasoline
    N d. None of the above

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

2480: According to the Chemical Data Guide, what is NOT a recommended extinguishing agent for an ethyl chloride fire?

    N a. CO2
    Y b. Alcohol foam
    N c. Dry chemical
    N d. Water fog

2676: A safe fuel system must __________.

    N a. prevent engine overheating
    N b. have proper air/gasoline fuel mixture ratio
    Y c. be liquid- and vapor-tight
    N d. supply sufficient air to the intake manifold

2886: A small passenger vessel, operating only on domestic routes, which is operated in salt water for more than three months in a year must undergo a dry dock and internal structural examination at least once every __________.

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

2999: The use of portable electrical equipment in the pumproom on tank barges is prohibited unless __________.

    N a. the pumproom is gas-free
    N b. spaces with bulkheads common to the pumproom are either gas-free, inert, filled with water, or contain grade E liquid
    N c. all other compartments in which flammable vapors and gases may exist are closed and secured
    Y d. All of the above

3144: On a lifeboat equipped with Rottmer-type releasing gear, turning the releasing lever releases __________.

    N a. the painter
    N b. the after boat fall only if the boat is waterborne
    N c. both falls at the same time only if the boat is waterborne
    Y d. both falls at the same time even if the boat has not reached the water

3284: Unless the COI is endorsed for adults only, there shall be provided a number of approved life jackets suitable for children equal to at least __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. 20% of the passengers carried
    Y b. 10% of the total number of persons carried
    N c. 10% of the passengers carried
    N d. 20% of the total number of persons carried

3414: A rigid lifesaving device designed to support survivors in the water is a __________.

    N a. rigid liferaft
    Y b. life float
    N c. inflatable liferaft
    N d. survival capsule

3774: The signal given to commence lowering the lifeboats is __________.

    N a. 3 short blasts of the ship's whistle
    Y b. 1 short blast of the ship's whistle
    N c. 3 long blasts of the ship's whistle
    N d. 1 long blast of the ship's whistle

3777: What is the weight of cement in P-tank #1 of the Deep Driller if the ullage is 3.4 feet?

    N a. 11.5 long tons
    N b. 16.6 long tons
    Y c. 54.2 long tons
    N d. 78.2 long tons

3873: On the DEEP DRILLER, among the starboard-side valves to open when deballasting from ballast tank 8S is valve __________.

    N a. 7
    N b. 8
    Y c. 17
    N d. 18

4076: In the illustration shown, the equipment bags are indicated by item number __________. (D014SA )

    N a. 12
    N b. 15
    N c. 17
    Y d. 19

4090: Which instrument may a towing vessel, engaged in towing exclusively on the Western Rivers, use in place of a magnetic compass?

    N a. Gyrocompass
    Y b. Illuminated Swing Meter
    N c. LORAN-C Receiver
    N d. GPS Receiver

4725: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in Sample Load Form #3 (Rig Move). What would be the new sum of vertical moments for the liquid variables if the entire contents of tank #20 are transferred to tank #13?

    N a. 2,365 ft-kips
    Y b. 2,244 ft-kips
    N c. 2,195 ft-kips
    N d. 170 ft-kips

4775: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Rig Move). If the entire contents of bulk tanks #2 and #3 are back-loaded to an offshore supply vessel, what transverse moment would have to be created to level the unit in list at the new draft?

    N a. -3,604 ft-kips
    N b. -4 ft-kips
    Y c. 3,470 ft-kips
    N d. 7,088 ft-kips

4797: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Rig Move). What is the new TCG if the entire contents of drill water tanks 6 and 7 are discharged?

    Y a. -0.23 foot
    N b. 0.00 foot
    N c. 0.23 foot
    N d. 0.54 foot

5365: The COASTAL DRILLER, when underway was loaded as shown in Sample Load Form #1 (Rig Move). It is now preloaded at minimum air gap waiting for all settling to take place. The preload, weighing 7,191.7 kips, has LM 870,196 ft-kips and TM 2,158 ft-kips. What is the port leg reaction?

    N a. 7,026 kips
    N b. 7,099 kips
    Y c. 7,144 kips
    N d. 7,180 kips

6022: You are in a tank wearing a breathing apparatus and you desire to return topside. How many tugs of the lifeline mean "Take up slack"?

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

6033: During a fire drill on a MODU, what action is required?

    Y a. Start each fire pump
    N b. Launch and run a lifeboat
    N c. Inventory rescue and fire equipment
    N d. Inspect fire hoses

6545: Flammable liquids should have what kind of label?

    N a. Skull and crossbones
    N b. Yellow
    Y c. Red
    N d. White

6581: If a fixed foam firefighting system on a MODU is not of the premix type, a sample of the foam liquid must be tested by __________.

    N a. a Coast Guard inspection officer
    N b. the safety man aboard the unit
    N c. the designated person in charge of the unit
    Y d. the manufacturer or his authorized representative

6618: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has on board 6048 tons of cargo with an LCG-FP of 270.71 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-0193

    Y a. LCG-FP 267.03 feet
    N b. LCG-FP 267.92 feet
    N c. LCG-FP 268.66 feet
    N d. LCG-FP 269.94 feet

6845: After conducting a boat drill on a mobile offshore drilling unit, what must the Master or person in charge enter in the in the logbook?

    Y a. Any inoperative equipment and the corrective action taken
    N b. The name of the lifeboatman in charge of each lifeboat
    N c. The location of the vessel at the time of the drill
    N d. The time it took to lower the boat

6907: On offshore drilling units, notification shall be given to the Coast Guard of a casualty if a person is injured and unable to perform routine duties for __________.

    Y a. any amount of time
    N b. more than 24 hours
    N c. more than 36 hours
    N d. more than 72 hours

6917: Injuries resulting in loss of life or incapacitation, aboard vessels, must be reported to the __________.

    N a. Minerals Management Service
    N b. American Petroleum Institute
    Y c. U.S. Coast Guard
    N d. International Association of Drilling Contractors

7057: Symptoms of sea sickness include __________.

    N a. fever and thirst
    Y b. nausea and dizziness
    N c. stomach cramps and diarrhea
    N d. reddening of skin and hives

7682: One major disadvantage of a low-speed diesel as compared to a steam main-propulsion system is __________.

    N a. the extra weight required for the diesel reduction gearing
    Y b. a minimum speed for the engines that limits the minimum speed of the vessel
    N c. the higher fuel consumption per SHP
    N d. the low efficiency of the system when a controllable pitch propeller is used

8643: The analysis of damaged stability for the DEEP DRILLER, disregards the beneficial effects of countermeasures and __________.

    N a. horizontal area of the platform
    N b. vertical area of the platform
    N c. wind strength
    Y d. mooring system

9113: After using a Halon extinguisher, it should be __________.

    N a. put back in service if more than 50% of the charge remains
    N b. repainted
    N c. discarded
    Y d. recharged

9463: The value of the righting arm at an angle of loll is __________.

    N a. negative
    Y b. zero
    N c. positive
    N d. equal to GM

9521: Aboard a vessel, dividing the sum of the vertical moments by the total weight yields the vessel's __________.

    Y a. height of the center of gravity
    N b. vertical moments
    N c. righting moments
    N d. inclining moments

9528: You are in Inland Waters of the United States. You may discharge overboard __________.

    N a. bottles
    N b. metal
    N c. dunnage
    Y d. None of the above

9624: You detect an odor of burning cotton fabric and then see smoke coming from the top of an open laundry room doorway. After activating the fire alarm, you might do any of the following next, EXCEPT __________.

    N a. begin breaking out the nearest fire hose
    N b. secure ventilation to the room
    N c. close the door to the room
    Y d. acquire the nearest self contained breathing apparatus