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.


125: Addition of weight to a vessel will ALWAYS __________.


212: In the navigable waters of the United States, Annex V to MARPOL 73/78 is NOT applicable to a(n) __________.


214: In a message sent by flashing light, what group of letters will direct the receiver of a message to repeat the transmission back to the sender?


267: Which type of EPIRB must each ocean-going ship carry?

    N a. Class A
    N b. Class B
    N c. Class C
    Y d. Category 1

366: You have determined that a cargo space on a freight vessel is 45 feet by 36 feet by 62 feet. How many pounds of carbon dioxide is required for this space?

    N a. 1674
    N b. 2511
    Y c. 3348
    N d. 5022

444: A call between any two ship stations on an intership working frequency shall have a maximum duration of __________.

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

699: What is the minimum length of a life floats paddle on a small passenger vessel?

    N a. Three feet
    Y b. Four feet
    N c. Five feet
    N d. Six feet

842: As compared to carbon dioxide, dry chemical has which advantage?

    N a. Cleaner
    N b. Effective on metal fires
    Y c. Greater range
    N d. More cooling effect

884: The single letter G, sent by an icebreaker to an assisted vessel, means __________.

    N a. "I require a pilot"
    N b. "Longitude follows"
    Y c. "I am going ahead; follow me"
    N d. "Do not follow me"

909: Which part of the inert gas system is designed to relieve sudden large overpressures that exceed the capacity of the mechanical P/V valves?

    N a. Pressure control valve
    N b. Deck water seal
    Y c. Liquid filled P/V breaker
    N d. Isolation valve

985: What should be used to send the group "Bearing 074° True"?

    N a. A074T
    N b. B074
    N c. B074T
    Y d. A074

1046: On small passenger vessels a gasoline tank vent pipe must __________.

    N a. have a cross sectional area not less than that of 19 millimeters OD tubing.
    N b. be connected to the tank at its highest point
    N c. terminate in a U-bend as high above the weather deck as practicable
    Y d. All of the above

1138: What is LEAST likely to cause ignition of fuel vapors?

    N a. Static electricity
    N b. An open running electric motor
    N c. Loose wiring
    Y d. Explosion proof lights

1201: While taking on fuel oil, the transfer hose leaks causing a sheen on the water. You should __________.

    N a. apply dispersants to the sheen
    N b. repair the leak with duct tape
    N c. reduce the rate of transfer
    Y d. shut down operations

1232: A marine chemist issues gas free certificates and is certified by which organization?

    N a. Mine Safety Appliance Association
    N b. American Chemical Society
    N c. Marine Chemists Association
    Y d. National Fire Protection Association

1653: Before operating a non-oceangoing ship greater than 100 gross tons it must have a fixed piping system to discharge oily mixtures ashore. This system must include __________.

    N a. approved oil-water separating equipment
    N b. a fixed or portable containment system at the shore connection
    N c. a spare pump in case the main pump is inoperative
    Y d. at least one outlet accessible from the weather deck

1664: The number of fire extinguishers required on an uninspected "motor vessel" is based on the vessel's __________.

    N a. length
    Y b. gross tonnage
    N c. draft
    N d. crew list

1705: How does an inert gas system on a tanker function to prevent explosions in cargo tanks?

    N a. De-energizes the "charged mist" effect.
    N b. Maintains a positive pressure on the vent header to cool the flammable vapors.
    N c. Inert gas filters out the flammable vapors from the cargo tank spaces.
    Y d. Inert gas dilutes the flammable vapor and air concentrations to keep them below the lower explosive limit.

1788: Which channel is designated as the VHF follow-on communications channel and is required in all portable survival craft equipment?

    N a. Channel 6
    N b. Channel 13
    Y c. Channel 16
    N d. Channel 70

1944: You have 640 tons of below deck tonnage. There is no liquid mud aboard. If you have 160 tons of cargo above deck with a VCG above the deck of 3.4 feet, what is the maximum allowed VCG of the remainder of the deck cargo that is permitted? (see illustration D036DG, stability letter for M.V. Hudson) (D036DG )

    N a. 1.24 feet
    N b. 1.65 feet
    N c. 1.98 feet
    Y d. 2.46 feet

2098: 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-0049

    Y a. 395 tons
    N b. 530 tons
    N c. 750 tons
    N d. 990 tons

2133: If a vessel is sagging, which kind of stress is placed on the sheer strake?

    Y a. Compression
    N b. Racking
    N c. Tension
    N d. Thrust

2161: You are in a survival craft broadcasting a distress message. What information would be essential to your rescuers?

    N a. The nature of the distress
    N b. The time of day
    N c. Your radio call sign
    Y d. Your position by latitude and longitude

2178: Your drafts are: FWD 6'-01", AFT 6'-05". From past experience, you know that the vessel will increase her draft by 1 inch for every 7 tons loaded. There is rig water on board and 20 tons of deck cargo. How many more tons of cargo can be loaded while maintaining the same trim? (D037DG )

    N a. none
    N b. 10.5 tons
    Y c. 14.0 tons
    N d. 17.5 tons

2210: To check stability, a weight of 10 tons is lifted with the jumbo boom whose head is 45 ft. from the ship's centerline. The clinometer show's a list of 5.0° with weight suspended. Displacement including the weight is 9,000 tons. The GM while in this condition is __________.

    Y a. 0.57 foot
    N b. 0.72 foot
    N c. 0.96 foot
    N d. 1.25 feet

2247: When a rescue vessel approaches a survival craft in heavy seas, the person in charge of the survival craft 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

2261: If the engine of a survival craft does not start, check to see __________.

    Y a. that the fuel valve is open
    N b. if the air supply system is open
    N c. if the water sprinkler system is open
    N d. if the limit switch is on

2535: The connection facilities for the international shore connection must be located to provide access __________.

    Y a. to each side of the vessel
    N b. as close as possible to the house
    N c. on the main deck
    N d. on each level of the accommodation space

2724: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 18'-03", AFT 18'-09"; and the KG is 22.6 feet. Use the selected stability curves in the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the angle of list if the center of gravity is shifted 1.4 feet off the centerline.

    N a. 18°
    Y b. 22°
    N c. 26°
    N d. 30°

2769: Starting motors, generators, and any other spark producing devices shall be __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. of the alternating current type
    Y b. mounted as high as practicable above the bilges
    N c. rated for at least 12 volts
    N d. All of the above

2875: The symbol 5 as shown represents __________. (D041DG )

    N a. displacement
    N b. leverage center
    Y c. centerline
    N d. counterflood limits

2927: If the metacentric height is small, a floating MODU will __________.

    Y a. be tender
    N b. have a quick and rapid motion
    N c. be stiff
    N d. yaw

3088: Using a sea anchor with the survival craft will __________.

    Y a. reduce your drift rate
    N b. keep the survival craft from turning over
    N c. aid in recovering the survival craft
    N d. increase your visibility

3111: For a MODU with list, an increase in GMT will cause the inclination to __________.

    N a. stabilize at an angle of loll
    Y b. decrease
    N c. increase
    N d. remain constant

3132: If the water level is rising in the bilge of a survival craft, you should first __________.

    N a. increase the speed of the survival craft
    N b. shift all personnel to the bow
    N c. shift all personnel to the stern
    Y d. check the bilge drain plug

3148: The SS AMERICAN MARINER arrived in port with drafts of: FWD 29'-06", AFT 29'-02". 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-0110

    N a. FWD 29'-07", AFT 29'-08"
    N b. FWD 29'-05", AFT 29'-10"
    Y c. FWD 29'-03", AFT 30'-00"
    N d. FWD 29'-01", AFT 30'-02"

3188: The air spaces in the floor of an inflatable liferaft will provide protection against __________.

    N a. asphyxiation from CO2
    N b. loss of air in the sides of the raft
    N c. rough seas
    Y d. cold water temperatures

3419: Using the Guidance Manual for Loading M.V. Grand Haven, determine the amount of ballast required in tank No. 5 (P & S) to maintain drafts of 17'-00" forward and 22'-06" aft for a vessel loaded with grain which has a test weight of 35 lbs.

    N a. 785 tons each
    N b. 820 tons each
    Y c. 880 tons each
    N d. 900 tons each

3525: Among the equipment included in the DEEP DRILLER lightweight are the loading hoses, derrick, traveling block in the lowest position, mooring chain, all machinery with liquids to normal operating level, and __________.

    N a. normal food supplies for 79 persons
    N b. eight anchor buoys
    Y c. anchors
    N d. lower hull fuel

3606: Which radiotelephone signal indicates receipt of a distress message?

    N a. Roger wilco
    Y b. Romeo, romeo, romeo
    N c. SOS acknowledged
    N d. Mayday roger

3745: In reviving a person who has been overcome by gas fumes, what would you AVOID doing?

    Y a. Giving stimulants
    N b. Prompt removal of the patient from the suffocating atmosphere
    N c. Applying artificial respiration and massage
    N d. Keeping the patient warm and comfortable

3779: If more than one liferaft is manned after the vessel has sunk, __________.

    N a. each raft should go in a different direction in search of land
    N b. the possibility of a search aircraft finding you is increased by spreading out
    N c. reduce the number of liferafts by getting as many people as possible into as few rafts as possible
    Y d. tie each of the rafts together and try to stay in a single group

3894: A liferaft with a capacity of 8 people used in ocean service is required by regulations to carry __________.

    N a. 8 liters of fresh water
    N b. 12 units of provisions
    Y c. 12 liters of fresh water
    N d. 24 units of provisions

4219: You are loading in a port subject to the tropical load line mark and bound for a port subject to the winter load line mark. You will enter the summer zone after steaming one day, and you will enter the winter zone after a total of eleven days. You will consume 33 tons of fuel, water, and stores per day. The hydrometer reading at the loading pier is 1.004, and the average TPI is 46. What is the minimum freeboard required at the start of the voyage? (Get Table Data)

    N a. 85 inches
    Y b. 82 inches
    N c. 80 inches
    N d. 78 inches

4245: The maximum load line draft for the COASTAL DRILLER is __________.

    N a. 12 feet 8 inches
    N b. 11 feet 7.2 inches
    Y c. 10 feet 10.5 inches
    N d. 10 feet 8.8 inches

4537: What is the weight in long tons of 180 barrels of 15 pound per gallon drilling mud?

    N a. 522.67 long tons
    Y b. 50.63 long tons
    N c. 34.84 long tons
    N d. 3.38 long tons

4783: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Rig Move). What is the margin on the maximum allowable KG if winds remain less than 70 knots?

    N a. 0.00 feet
    Y b. 14.35 feet
    N c. 14.82 feet
    N d. 65.00 feet

5311: The COASTAL DRILLER, in field transit at a draft of 10 feet 0 inches with winds less than 70 knots, has a KGT of 39.0 feet and a KGL of 38.6 feet. The margin on the maximum allowable KG is __________.

    N a. 3.0 feet
    N b. 3.4 feet
    Y c. 26.0 feet
    N d. 26.4 feet

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

5434: You are hoisting a heavy lift with the jumbo boom. Your vessel displaces 5230 T. The 35-ton weight is on the pier and its center is 60' to starboard of the centerline. The head of the boom is 105' above the base line and the center of gravity of the lift when stowed on deck will be 42' above the base line. As the jumbo boom takes the strain the ship lists to 5°. What is the GM with the cargo stowed?

    N a. 4.11
    N b. 4.54
    Y c. 4.98
    N d. 5.13

5547: In a combination chain and wire rope mooring system, the chain is deployed at the anchor end of the line to __________.

    N a. increase fatigue life
    N b. eliminate the need for mooring buoys
    N c. prevent the anchor from fouling
    Y d. increase the catenary

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

5927: A fire main system must have enough fire hydrants so that each accessible space may be sprayed with __________.

    N a. a low velocity spray applicator
    N b. a water spray or solid stream
    Y c. at least two spray patterns of water
    N d. at least 25 psi delivered pressure

6225: The procedure of strengthening damaged structures on a MODU by using wood or steel is called __________.

    N a. bracing
    N b. battening
    N c. blocking
    Y d. shoring

6271: During storm conditions on a MODU, the mooring tensions should be adjusted so that __________.

    N a. all mooring lines have a different tension
    N b. the leeward lines have higher tension than the windward lines
    Y c. the maximum tension of the most heavily loaded line does not exceed the safe working load
    N d. all horizontal tension forces on the windward lines are no greater than the vertical tension forces

6613: What class of bulkhead is required around the galley on a MODU?

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

6945: Which record must be retained on board after a report of casualty to a mobile offshore drilling unit?

    N a. Oil Record Book
    N b. Chart catalogs
    Y c. Personnel list
    N d. Hull report

7701: After transferring a weight forward on a vessel, the draft at the center of flotation will __________.

    N a. change, depending on the location of the LCG
    N b. increase
    N c. decrease
    Y d. remain constant

8392: You are preparing for what promises to be a rough ocean passage. Your 120-foot schooner carries a yard on the foremast about 50 feet above the water. The yard weighs about 1000 pounds. If you take the yard down and stow it on deck for the trip, you will __________.

    N a. decrease the GM
    N b. give the vessel a gentler roll
    Y c. increase the metacentric height
    N d. decrease the reserve buoyancy

8487: The DEEP DRILLER, at a draft of 19 feet, has a KGL of 59.91 feet and an LCG of 1.57 feet. What is the trim angle?

    N a. 0.2° by the stern
    Y b. 0.3° by the stern
    N c. 0.4° by the stern
    N d. 0.5° by the stern