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.


119: What would be considered a vessel under the International Rules of the Road?


183: Which statement is TRUE concerning an inflatable liferaft?


236: What is the maximum number of sleeping accommodations a barge may have before it is required to have fire pumps, hydrants, hose, and nozzles installed?


388: A victim has suffered a second-degree burn to a small area of the lower arm. What is the proper treatment for this injury?

    Y a. Immerse the arm in cold water for 1 to 2 hours, apply burn ointment, and bandage.
    N b. Open any blisters with a sterile needle, apply burn ointment and bandage.
    N c. Apply burn ointment, remove any foreign material and insure that nothing is in contact with the burn.
    N d. Immerse the arm in cold water for 1 to 2 hours, open any blister and apply burn ointment.

583: The minimum length of the painter for a lifeboat in ocean service is __________.

    N a. 60 fathoms
    N b. the distance from the main deck to the light waterline
    N c. twice the distance from the main deck to the light waterline or 50 feet whichever is greater
    Y d. two times the distance from the boat deck to the light waterline or 50 feet whichever is greater

775: During the annual inspection by the owner, each nonmetallic oil transfer hose must not burst, bulge, leak, or abnormally distort under static liquid pressure of at least __________.

    N a. 100 pounds per square inch
    N b. the relief valve setting pressure
    N c. the shoreside pump discharge pressure
    Y d. 1½ times the maximum allowable working pressure

778: An aluminum powder fire is classified as class __________.

    N a. A
    N b. B
    N c. C
    Y d. D

853: When whistle signals are used for launching lifeboats, one short blast means __________.

    N a. "use the float-free method only"
    Y b. "lower all boats"
    N c. "raise all boats"
    N d. "drill is over, secure all boats"

1004: The lifesaving signal used to indicate, "Landing here highly dangerous" is __________.

    N a. firing of a white star signal
    Y b. firing of a red star signal
    N c. vertical motion of a red light
    N d. code letter "K" given by light or sound signaling apparatus

1089: During counterflooding to correct a severe list aggravated by an off-center load, your vessel suddenly takes a list or trim to the opposite side. You should __________.

    N a. continue counterflooding in the same direction
    N b. continue counterflooding, but in the opposite direction
    Y c. immediately stop counterflooding
    N d. deballast from the low side

1202: Which is the most accurate instrument for measuring the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere of a confined space?

    N a. Combustible gas indicator
    Y b. Oxygen indicator
    N c. Flame safety lamp
    N d. All of the above

1212: Ambient air, which you normally breathe, contains what percent of oxygen?

    N a. 6%
    N b. 10%
    N c. 15%
    Y d. 21%

1292: What is the MOST important consideration when determining how to fight an electrical fire?

    N a. Whether the fire is in machinery or passenger spaces
    Y b. Danger of shock to personnel
    N c. The amount of toxic fumes created by the extinguisher
    N d. Maintaining electrical power

1401: Which statement about transmitting distress messages by radiotelephone is INCORRECT?

    N a. Distress messages should first be transmitted on 2182 kHz.
    Y b. It is advisable to follow a distress message on 2182 kHz by two dashes of 10 to 15 seconds duration.
    N c. If no answer is received on the designated distress frequencies, repeat the distress call on any frequency available.
    N d. Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) may be used for distress messages.

1509: You are using an oxygen indicator. How long should you wait after the sample is drawn into the instrument before reading the meter?

    N a. No wait is necessary, the reading occurs immediately.
    N b. At least 5 seconds
    Y c. At least 10 seconds
    N d. At least 20 seconds

1518: You are approaching another vessel and see that she has the signal flag "J" hoisted. What should you do?

    Y a. Keep well clear of the vessel because she is on fire and has dangerous cargo on board or she is leaking dangerous cargo.
    N b. Attempt to call the vessel on VHF radiotelephone because she is requesting to communicate.
    N c. Approach the vessel with caution because she is dragging her anchor.
    N d. Proceed on present course and speed since the vessel is requesting a tug.

1597: Which characteristic is an advantage of Halon as a fire extinguishing medium?

    Y a. Electrically non-conductive
    N b. Relatively inexpensive
    N c. Effective against chemicals containing an oxidizer
    N d. All of the above

1768: The flammable limit of methyl ethyl ketone is from __________.

    Y a. 1.8% to 11.5%
    N b. 6.6% to 12.1%
    N c. 9.6% to 15.1%
    N d. 12.2% to 18.1%

1893: Which equipment is the primary source of generating a locating signal?

    N a. DSC only
    N b. DSC and EPIRB
    N c. SART and DSC
    Y d. EPIRB and SART

2021: The sails are properly set and trimmed. As a vessel heads up from a beam reach to close hauled the __________.

    N a. true wind velocity increases
    N b. heeling moment decreases
    Y c. side slip increases
    N d. jib sheet must be eased

2065: By regulation, cargo tank atmosphere must be inert before and during which operation?

    N a. crude oil washing
    N b. topping off
    N c. stripping
    Y d. All of the above

2113: The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to load the cargo listed. There is already 2865 tons of cargo on board with a KG of 27.8 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-0050

    N a. KG 26.2 feet
    N b. KG 27.4 feet
    Y c. KG 28.5 feet
    N d. KG 29.5 feet

2155: When sailing with the wind aft, a vessel may carry sails on both sides at the same time. The sails are __________.

    Y a. wing and wing
    N b. luffed
    N c. reefed
    N d. cringled

2377: The operation of hoisting the drill stem out of and returning it to the wellbore is called a __________.

    N a. fish
    N b. thribble
    Y c. trip
    N d. tour

2398: Proper GMDSS watchkeeping includes __________.

    N a. understanding the GMDSS console's normal operational indicators
    N b. maintaining a proper GMDSS radio station log
    N c. responding to and comprehending alarms
    Y d. All of the above

2641: The deck plating on a MODU is supported primarily by deck longitudinals and deck __________.

    N a. girders
    N b. stanchions
    N c. frames
    Y d. beams

2679: The primary hazard of liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas is __________.

    N a. pressure
    N b. toxicity
    N c. temperature
    Y d. flammability

2682: 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

2759: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 14'-04", AFT 17'-08". The LCG of the forepeak is 200 feet forward of amidships. How many tons of ballast must be pumped into the forepeak in order to have a drag of 18 inches? (Use the reference material in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

    N a. 110 tons
    Y b. 103 tons
    N c. 100 tons
    N d. 98 tons

2774: 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-0080

    N a. Available GM 3.8 ft
    N b. Available GM 3.5 ft
    Y c. Available GM 3.2 ft
    N d. Available GM 2.9 ft

2959: Which commodity would be regulated by subchapter D, Rules and Regulations for Tank Vessels?

    Y a. Asphalt
    N b. Vinyl Chloride
    N c. Benzene
    N d. All of the above

3095: While retrieving the survival craft, the engine should be stopped __________.

    Y a. when the craft clears the water
    N b. when the cable has been attached
    N c. on approach to the platform
    N d. at the embarkation

3137: With damaged floating vessels, the most important consideration is the preservation of __________.

    N a. bilge pumping capacity
    Y b. reserve buoyancy
    N c. level attitude
    N d. instability

3225: The SS AMERICAN MARINER arrived in port with drafts of: FWD 18'-05", AFT 20'-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-0114

    Y a. FWD 18'-07", AFT 20'-11"
    N b. FWD 18'-09", AFT 20'-09"
    N c. FWD 18'-11", AFT 20'-07"
    N d. FWD 19'-01", AFT 20'-05"

3338: Assuming that the recommended hatch loading sequence is followed, how many long tons of iron ore may be loaded through hatches 5 & 7 while using a single belt loader, to arrive at a desired mean keel draft of 25'-02"? (Use the Guidance Manual for Loading M.V. GRAND HAVEN.)

    N a. 1410 tons
    N b. 1450 tons
    N c. 1490 tons
    Y d. 1520 tons

3338: Assuming that the recommended hatch loading sequence is followed, how many long tons of iron ore may be loaded through hatches 5 & 7 while using a single belt loader, to arrive at a desired mean keel draft of 25'-02"? (Use the Guidance Manual for Loading M.V. GRAND HAVEN.)

    N a. 1410 tons
    N b. 1450 tons
    N c. 1490 tons
    Y d. 1520 tons

3765: When administering first aid you should avoid __________.

    N a. any conversation with the patient
    N b. instructing bystanders
    Y c. unnecessary haste and appearance of uncertainty
    N d. touching the patient before washing your hands

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

4044: Convection spreads a fire by __________.

    Y a. heated gases flowing through ventilation systems
    N b. the transfer of heat across an unobstructed space
    N c. burning liquids flowing into another space
    N d. transmitting the heat of a fire through the ship's metal

4053: 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 resulting trim angle?

    N a. 3.49 degrees to the stern
    N b. 4.69 degrees to the stern
    Y c. 5.18 degrees to the stern
    N d. 5.68 degrees to the stern

4060: After an item of required safety equipment on a towing vessel fails, the owner or Master must consider all of these factors before continuing the voyage, EXCEPT the ___________ .

    N a. weather conditions, including visibility
    Y b. estimated time of arrival promised to the customer
    N c. safety of the vessel, considering the other traffic in the area
    N d. dictates of good seamanship

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

4275: The independent-leg drilling unit is the best jack-up rig selection for drilling at locations with __________.

    N a. soft even bottoms
    Y b. firm uneven bottoms
    N c. deep water
    N d. shallow water

4415: While in ocean transit, the COASTAL DRILLER has a roll period of 9 seconds. What is the largest angle each side of vertical that does not exceed the design limits of the legs in good weather?

    N a. 14°
    N b. 11°
    N c. 9°
    Y d. 7°

4657: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Rig Move). If the contents of the four bulk tanks are back-loaded to a supply boat, what would be the new draft?

    N a. 7.16 feet
    N b. 10.31 feet
    Y c. 10.57 feet
    N d. 11.19 feet

5451: While drilling loaded as shown in Sample Load Form #4 (Drilling), the DEEP DRILLER suffers a sudden unexpected inclination to starboard and aft. Strong wind and high waves are on the port bow. Among the possible causes, you should consider __________.

    N a. failure of mooring lines 5 or 6
    Y b. failure of mooring lines 1 or 2
    N c. leak in ballast tank 9P
    N d. ballast tanks equalizing into tank 10S

5553: The angle between the flukes and the shank of an anchor is called the __________.

    N a. holding angle
    N b. fleet angle
    Y c. fluke angle
    N d. shank angle

5677: The DEEP DRILLER may remain at operating draft instead of deballasting to survival draft when __________.

    Y a. critical motion limits have not been exceeded
    N b. waves approach within two feet of the spider deck
    N c. the maximum wave height is greater than 64 feet
    N d. winds are greater than 70 knots

6191: Fighting a rig fire in a watertight compartment with hoses could reduce the stability of the rig by __________.

    N a. progressive downflooding
    N b. reducing the level of drill water from the storage tanks
    Y c. causing a list due to the water in the compartment
    N d. reducing the KG to minimum allowable

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"

6671: Each hand portable fire extinguisher on a MODU must be marked with __________.

    N a. the name of the unit on which it is located
    N b. the date that it was installed on the unit
    N c. the names of the individuals qualified to use it
    Y d. an identification number different from other extinguishers on the unit

6675: According to the MODU regulations, the capacity of a liferaft is required to be marked __________.

    N a. on the Muster List ("Station Bill")
    Y b. on a sign next to the liferaft
    N c. on the Certificate of Inspection
    N d. in the Operations Manual

6991: The FIRST treatment of a person suspected of having airway burns is to __________.

    N a. move him to a cool location
    Y b. maintain an open airway
    N c. apply a cool damp dressing to his neck
    N d. have him drink cool liquids

7131: A safety outlet is provided on the CO2 discharge piping to prevent __________.

    N a. over pressurization of the space being flooded
    N b. rupture of cylinder due to temperature increase
    Y c. over pressurization of the CO2 discharge piping
    N d. flooding of a space where personnel are present

8711: Starboard ballast pump #1 on the DEEP DRILLER has failed. If you want to deballast from the forward-starboard column using starboard pump #2, it is necessary to open valves __________.

    Y a. 3, 34, 35, 36, 46, and 48
    N b. 4, 34, 35, 36, 46, and 48
    N c. 3, 34, 36, 46, and 48
    N d. 4, 34, 36, 46, and 48

8753: The maximum weight for the COASTAL DRILLER in severe storm conditions is __________.

    Y a. 14,158 kips
    N b. 14,400 kips
    N c. 15,158 kips
    N d. 17,280 kips

8763: After deploying the anchor, a permanent chain chaser is __________.

    N a. removed from the anchor chain
    N b. connected to a buoy at the anchor
    Y c. stripped back to the rig and secured
    N d. connected to a buoy halfway down the chain

8843: A semisubmersible in transit is at a draft of 19 feet. The depth of the lower hulls is 21 feet. How much bunker fuel at 54.0 lbs/cu ft could be taken on and still provide one foot of freeboard if the TPI is 52.3?

    Y a. 627.6 long tons
    N b. 648.0 long tons
    N c. 843.9 long tons
    N d. 255.2 long tons

8917: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in Sample Load Form #4 (Drilling). While the unit is deballasting, starboard valve 17 fails in the closed position. You may deballast from tank 8S by pumping from tank 9S and opening valves 18 and __________.

    N a. 35
    N b. 21
    Y c. 20
    N d. 17

9098: When a rescue vessel approaches a lifeboat in heavy seas, the person in charge of the lifeboat should __________.

    N a. tie up to the rescue vessel
    N b. transfer only those personnel who are not seasick
    Y c. wait for calmer weather before transferring personnel
    N d. transfer all personnel immediately