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.


15: In reference to accidental oil pollution, the most critical time during bunkering is when __________.


107: What best describes for how long a gas-free test is good?


231: The Coast Guard inspection required before a Certificate of Inspection can be issued is conducted________________.


733: Lifeboat hatchets should be __________.

    N a. kept in a locker
    Y b. secured at each end of the boat with a lanyard
    N c. kept next to the boat coxswain
    N d. kept in the emergency locker on the ship and brought to the lifeboat when needed

873: On small passenger vessels which parts of a water-cooled gasoline or diesel engine must be water-jacketed and cooled?

    N a. The engine's head
    N b. The block
    N c. The exhaust manifold
    Y d. All of the above

1086: Required lifesaving equipment on existing vessels may be continued in use on the vessel if __________.

    N a. kept on board no more than 2 years
    N b. inspected and serviced every 6 months
    N c. destroyed if more than 5 years old
    Y d. maintained in good and serviceable condition

1152: Hand tillers are only accepted as an auxiliary means of steering if __________.

    N a. they are at least 6 feet long
    N b. they are not operated through a reduction gear
    Y c. they are found satisfactory by the cognizant OCMI
    N d. Both A and C above

1270: The most common type of davit found on merchant vessels today is the __________.

    N a. radial
    N b. sheath-screw
    Y c. gravity
    N d. quadrantal

1312: The best method of extinguishing a class A fire is to __________.

    N a. remove oxygen from the area
    Y b. cool fuel below ignition temperature
    N c. smother with CO2
    N d. smother fire with foam

1568: The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to load the cargo listed. There is already 2464 tons of cargo on board with a KG of 27.3 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-0042

    N a. KG 27.0 feet
    N b. KG 27.8 feet
    Y c. KG 28.6 feet
    N d. KG 29.8 feet

1618: Which characteristic of Halon is a disadvantage when it is used as a fire extinguishing medium?

    N a. Leaves a residue
    Y b. Cost, relative to other agents
    N c. Breaks down while under prolonged storage
    N d. Conducts electricity

1662: By regulation, your cargo vessel must have __________.

    Y a. sufficient facilities for the crew to wash their clothes
    N b. a wash basin in each room
    N c. separate toilet facilities for engineers where their number exceeds six
    N d. All of the above

1678: Your vessel is 79 feet long with 20 people aboard. The coaming of a deck above the lowest weather deck (except an exposed forecastle deck) must be at least __________.

    N a. 6" high
    N b. 12" high
    N c. 24" high
    Y d. Not required

1808: Which of the listed functions is the purpose of a gas scrubber in an inert gas generation system?

    Y a. Cools the inert gas.
    N b. Maintains the oxygen content at 5% by volume.
    N c. Bleeds off static electricity in the inert gas.
    N d. Maintains flow to the water seal on the gas main.

1815: The sails are properly set and trimmed. As a vessel heads up from a beam reach to close hauled the __________.

    N a. speed increases
    N b. side slip decreases
    N c. heeling moment decreases
    Y d. apparent wind moves forward

1878: The liquid mud tanks on your vessel measure 20'L by 18'B by 7'D. The vessel's displacement is 866 T and the specific gravity of the mud is 1.8. What is the reduction in GM due to 2 of these tanks being slack?

    N a. 0.24 foot
    N b. 0.56 foot
    N c. 0.95 foot
    Y d. 1.12 feet

1921: Certificates of Inspection for offshore drilling units are issued for a period of __________.

    N a. 12 months
    Y b. 24 months
    N c. 36 months
    N d. 48 months

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

2176: According to regulations, cargo pump rooms, on the tank vessels handling grades A, B, or C liquid cargo, shall be equipped with power ventilation of the exhaust type having capacity sufficient to effect a complete change of air in not more than __________.

    N a. 1 minute
    N b. 2 minutes
    Y c. 3 minutes
    N d. 5 minutes

2194: Your vessel is damaged with no list, but down by the stern. There is progressive flooding and trim by the stern is increasing. What is the effect on transverse stability after the deck edge at the stern is submerged?

    N a. KB increases, increasing BM and therefore GM
    N b. KG increases due to the weight of the added water on deck
    Y c. BM decreases from loss of water plane and greater volume.
    N d. There is no effect on transverse stability.

2382: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 18'-09", AFT 20'-03". 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. 4521 tons
    Y b. 5349 tons
    N c. 7242 tons
    N d. 9750 tons

2452: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 22'-03", AFT 22'-09"; and the KG is 23.2 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. 20,790 foot-tons
    N b. 22,200 foot-tons
    Y c. 25,520 foot-tons
    N d. 28,080 foot-tons

2455: The element used to keep weight on the bit at a constant value in spite of up-and-down movement of a MODU during floating drilling operations is the heave or drill string __________.

    Y a. compensator
    N b. tensioner
    N c. stabilizer
    N d. equalizer

2526: 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-0069

    N a. Available GM 4.2 ft
    Y b. Available GM 3.9 ft
    N c. Available GM 3.7 ft
    N d. Available GM 3.5 ft

2805: A vessel heading NNW is on a course of __________.

    N a. 274.5°
    N b. 292.0°
    N c. 315.5°
    Y d. 337.5°

2967: When a wind force causes a floating MODU to heel to a static angle, the __________.

    N a. centers of buoyancy and gravity are in the same vertical line
    Y b. righting moment equals the wind-heeling moment
    N c. downflooding point is below water
    N d. deck-edge immersion occurs

2998: The minimum amount of lifesaving equipment required aboard an 85-foot uninspected towing vessel consists of __________. (Uninspected Vessel Regulations)

    N a. one approved flotation cushion for each person on board
    Y b. one approved life preserver for each person on board and one lifebuoy
    N c. one approved inflatable vest for each person on board
    N d. lifeboat capacity equal to 1 1/2 times the number of persons on board

3083: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has the liquid loading shown. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the KG of the liquid load. ST-0104

    N a. 7.7 feet
    N b. 9.1 feet
    N c. 9.9 feet
    Y d. 10.7 feet

3308: The quickest method to stop a small diesel engine whose throttle or governor has become stuck open is to __________.

    N a. drain the fuel tank
    N b. turn off the ignition switch
    Y c. close the fuel supply valve
    N d. apply the shaft brake

3324: How should cargo tank hatches be protected when the ullage opening is open and the tank NOT gas free?

    N a. With gooseneck vents
    N b. With warning signs
    Y c. With flame screens
    N d. With pressure-vacuum relief valves

3387: A semisubmersible records the following drafts: Port Forward 64'-09"; Port Aft 68'-09"; Starboard Forward 59'-09"; Starboard Aft 63'-09". What is the mean draft?

    Y a. 64.25 feet
    N b. 64.40 feet
    N c. 64.75 feet
    N d. 64.90 feet

3392: The SS AMERICAN MARINER is loaded with the cargo shown. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the amount of liquid loading required in the double bottom tanks to meet a one compartment standard. ST-0126

    Y a. 595 tons
    N b. 870 tons
    N c. 1200 tons
    N d. 1350 tons

3408: As shown, number 1 operates the __________. (D011SA )

    N a. McCluny hook
    Y b. Fleming gear
    N c. releasing gear
    N d. sea painter

3417: Which statement is TRUE concerning an inflatable liferaft?

    N a. The floor may be inflated for insulation from cold water.
    N b. Crew members may jump into the raft without damaging it.
    N c. The raft may be boarded before it is fully inflated.
    Y d. All of the above

3431: The DEEP DRILLER, at a draft of 60 feet, has a KGL of 55.4 feet and an LCG of 2.37 feet. What is the trim in feet?

    N a. 2.0 feet by the head
    Y b. 4.0 feet by the head
    N c. 4.0 feet by the stern
    N d. 8.0 feet by the stern

3478: Puncture leaks in the lower tubes or bottom of an inflatable liferaft should FIRST be stopped by using __________.

    Y a. sealing clamps
    N b. repair tape
    N c. a tube patch
    N d. sail twine and vulcanizing kit

3491: The DEEP DRILLER, while loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #4 (Drilling), suffers damage to the starboard forward column below the waterline. Pumping from tank 2S and 3S is not sufficient to prevent increasing starboard list and bow down trim. You should consider counterflooding in tank __________.

    N a. 2P
    N b. 9P
    N c. C2BP
    Y d. 10P

3518: The groups "AA" and "AB" are used in conjunction with what other group in signaling by flashing light?

    N a. WA
    N b. RQ
    N c. CS
    Y d. RPT

3647: A distress signal __________.

    N a. consists of 5 or more short blasts of the fog signal apparatus
    N b. consists of the raising and lowering of a large white flag
    Y c. may be used individually or in conjunction with other distress signals
    N d. is used to indicate doubt about another vessel's intentions

3671: The DEEP DRILLER, while loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #4 (Drilling), suffers damage to the starboard center column below the waterline. Pumping from tanks 2S and 9S is not sufficient to prevent increasing starboard list. You should consider counterflooding in tank __________.

    N a. 2P
    N b. 9P
    N c. C2BS
    Y d. C2BP

3706: You are in charge of a fishing vessel with 18 individuals on board. You are required to conduct drills and give safety instruction at least once __________.

    N a. every week
    N b. every 15 days
    Y c. every month
    N d. before you begin fishing

3748: A victim is coughing and wheezing from a partial obstruction of the airway. An observer should __________.

    N a. perform the Heimlich maneuver
    N b. immediately start CPR
    N c. give back blows and something to drink
    Y d. allow the person to continue coughing and dislodge the obstruction on his own

3769: You hear the general alarm and ship's whistle sound for over 10 seconds. Traditionally, this is the signal for __________.

    N a. abandon ship
    N b. dismissal from fire and emergency stations
    Y c. fire and emergency
    N d. man overboard

3866: Each distress signal and self-activated smoke signal must be replaced not later than the marked date of expiration, or not more than how many months from the date of manufacture?

    N a. 48 months
    Y b. 42 months
    N c. 36 months
    N d. 30 months

3872: For an OSV not on an international voyage, an approved substitute for an impulse projected type line throwing appliance is a __________.

    N a. spring-loaded line thrower
    N b. hand thrown buoyant line
    Y c. shoulder type line throwing gun
    N d. heaving line

3977: While loaded as shown in the DEEP DRILLER Sample Load Form #4 (Drilling), all of the liquid mud is dumped. What is the new longitudinal free surface correction?

    N a. 1.63 feet
    N b. 1.65 feet
    Y c. 1.67 feet
    N d. 1.69 feet

4041: The DEEP DRILLER, loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #4 (Drilling), discharges a non-liquid load of 275.8 long tons from a position 130 feet above the keel, 40 feet forward of amidships, and 30 feet to port of the centerline. What is the new TCG?

    N a. -0.26 foot
    N b. -0.46 foot
    Y c. 0.46 foot
    N d. 0.61 foot

4152: Coast Guard Regulations require that OSV's under 100 GT must have a steering system that is capable of moving the rudder __________.

    N a. by a required auxiliary steering system under emergency conditions when duplicated main steering power systems are provided
    N b. at one-half the maximum astern speed without damage
    Y c. from 35° on one side to 30° on the other side, in no more than 28 seconds, while making maximum headway
    N d. from 15° on one side to 15° on the other side, in 30 seconds at 7 knots, or one-half the maximum speed

4283: When underway at a draft of 10.5 feet in a severe storm, the COASTAL DRILLER has a maximum allowed KG of __________.

    Y a. 40 feet
    N b. 50 feet
    N c. 55 feet
    N d. 65 feet

4457: Prior to entering a davit-launched liferaft, you should make sure that __________.

    Y a. the liferaft is well ventilated of excess carbon dioxide
    N b. all personnel have removed their life preservers to facilitate boarding
    N c. the door flap has been cut away and stowed inside the raft
    N d. All of the above

5283: The DEEP DRILLER suffers minor flooding of the starboard pump room while in transit. If both starboard bilge pumps fail to dewater the pump room, you may use __________.

    Y a. starboard drill water pump
    N b. starboard saltwater service pump
    N c. starboard ballast pumps
    N d. port ballast pumps and crossover system

5858: Your drafts are: FWD 23'-03", AFT 27'-01". Use the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the MT1.

    N a. 1050 foot-tons
    N b. 1065 foot-tons
    N c. 1090 foot-tons
    Y d. 1130 foot-tons

6580: The brickwork surrounding the firebox of a boiler is known as __________.

    Y a. refractory
    N b. the screen wall
    N c. the water wall
    N d. fire plate

7343: What is maximum power allowed by the FCC for VHF-FM radio transmissions?

    N a. One watt
    N b. Five watts
    N c. 15 watts
    Y d. 25 watts

7343: What is maximum power allowed by the FCC for VHF-FM radio transmissions?

    N a. One watt
    N b. Five watts
    N c. 15 watts
    Y d. 25 watts

8161: A semisubmersible, displacing 20,500 long tons, has vertical moments of 1,060,000 foot-long tons. What is the change in KG if 500 long tons are discharged from a VCG of 120 feet?

    N a. 1.22 feet downward
    Y b. 1.71 feet downward
    N c. 1.75 feet downward
    N d. 2.93 feet downward

8443: The requirement to carry an Oil Record Book does not apply to a MODU that __________.

    Y a. is not equipped to discharge overboard any oil or oily mixture
    N b. is on an international voyage to a country that is a party to MARPOL
    N c. has an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate
    N d. has an oily water separator of sufficient capacity for the oil wastes generated

9275: A jack-up displacing 15,000 kips has a KG of 20 feet. The legs weighing 3,500 kips are lowered 100 feet. What is the new KG?

    N a. 23.33 feet
    N b. 18.67 feet
    N c. 4.67 feet
    Y d. -3.33 feet

9362: You are releasing carbon dioxide gas (CO2) into an engine compartment to extinguish a fire. The CO2 will be most effective if the __________.

    N a. compartment is closed and ventilators are opened
    N b. compartment is left open to the air
    Y c. compartment is closed and airtight
    N d. air flow to the compartment is increased with blowers

9425: Which formula can be used to calculate metacentric height?

    N a. KM + GM
    N b. KM - GM
    Y c. KM - KG
    N d. KB + BM