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.


26: The galley on your cargo vessel has an area of 2,500 square feet. What would fulfill the minimum requirements for fire protection?


229: Fuel oil tank vents are fitted with a screen which will stop __________.


264: While using the International Code of Signals, if the receiving station can distinguish the flag signal of the transmitting station, but cannot understand the meaning of it, the station can hoist the flag signal __________.


314: The flag hoist 1.33 would be sent as __________.

    N a. 1, answer pennant, 3, first substitute
    Y b. 1, answer pennant, 3, second substitute
    N c. 1, answer pennant, 3, third substitute
    N d. N, 1, answer pennant, 3

318: The best treatment for preventing traumatic shock after an accident is to __________.

    N a. have the victim exercise to increase circulation
    N b. keep the victim from electrical equipment
    Y c. keep the victim warm and dry while lying down
    N d. apply ice packs and avoid excitement

613: The length of the steering oar in a lifeboat is __________.

    N a. shorter than the rowing oars
    N b. the same length as the rowing oars
    Y c. longer than the rowing oars
    N d. unrelated to the length of the rowing oars

624: Each EPIRB and SART for lifeboats shall be tested __________.

    N a. weekly
    N b. every 2 weeks
    Y c. monthly
    N d. every 3 months

704: Which radiotelephone transmission may be sent over channel 16?

    N a. Distress signal MAYDAY
    N b. Call to a particular station
    N c. A meteorological warning
    Y d. All of the above

717: If your radiotelephone fails while underway, __________.

    N a. you must visually signal oncoming vessels
    N b. you must immediately tie up in the nearest port until the radiotelephone is repaired
    N c. you must anchor until the radiotelephone is repaired
    Y d. the loss of the radiotelephone must be considered in navigating the vessel

761: Which when removed, will result in the extinguishment of a fire?

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

931: The major cause of shock in burn victims is the __________.

    N a. high level of pain
    N b. emotional stress
    N c. increase in body temperature and pulse rate
    Y d. massive loss of fluid through the burned area

1022: When fighting a fire on a bulkhead using a portable carbon dioxide extinguisher, the stream should be directed at the __________.

    Y a. base of the flames, moving the horn from side to side, following the flames upward as they diminish
    N b. top of the flaming area, moving the horn from side to side, following the flames downward as they diminish
    N c. center of the flaming area, moving the horn vertically from top to bottom
    N d. bottom of the flaming area, moving the horn vertically to the top following the flames upward as they diminish

1084: On small passenger vessels, what type of devices are required at both the tank and engine connections of all internal combustion engine fuel lines?

    N a. Clean out plates
    N b. Fuel gauges
    N c. Drain valves
    Y d. Shut-off valves

1208: A vessel aground may have negative GM since the __________.

    N a. decrease in KM is equal to the loss of draft
    N b. virtual rise of G is directly proportional to the remaining draft
    N c. lost buoyancy method is used to calculate KM, and KB is reduced
    Y d. displacement lost acts at the point where the ship is aground

1261: On small passenger vessels, when must watchmen patrol throughout the vessel to guard against and give alarm in case of fire or other danger?

    N a. At all times outside normal work hours
    N b. At all times when the vessel is underway
    Y c. During the nighttime when the vessel carries overnight passengers
    N d. When the rest of the crew is asleep

1329: The sprinkler system of an enclosed lifeboat is used to __________.

    Y a. cool the craft in a fire
    N b. cool the engine
    N c. spray oil on the sea to calm it
    N d. spray personnel during a fire

1360: When lowering a boat with gravity davits, it will be pulled into the embarkation deck by the __________.

    N a. falls
    Y b. tricing pendants
    N c. frapping lines
    N d. boat hooks

1414: What should be used to steer an open lifeboat if the rudder becomes lost or damaged?

    N a. Sea anchor
    Y b. Steering oar
    N c. Spare rudder
    N d. Daggerboard

1453: The hoods over galley ranges present what major hazard?

    Y a. Grease collects in the duct and filter and if it catches fire is difficult to extinguish.
    N b. In order to effectively draw off cooking heat they present a head-injury hazard to a person of average or more height.
    N c. They inhibit the effective operation of fire fighting systems in combating deep fat fryer or range fires.
    N d. They concentrate the heat of cooking and may raise surrounding flammable material to the ignition point.

1717: An inert gas system on a tanker should be used to __________.

    N a. prevent the generation of flammable or combustible gas in tanks
    N b. blow out cargo lines to prevent the build up of gas concentrations
    Y c. dilute tank atmospheres to keep gas concentrations below the lower explosive limit
    N d. prevent fires in the pumproom by continually displacing flammable vapors

1765: After jacking down your liftboat you have an unexpected list. You find that the only cause of this list must be a flooded leg. To keep adequate stability you should __________.

    N a. get underway with the flooded leg ONLY half raised to reduce KG
    N b. proceed with all legs half raised to lower KG
    N c. pump out all ballast to increase reserve buoyancy
    Y d. jack back up and ballast the vessel's high side as necessary

2000: What product is considered a noxious liquid substance for regulatory purposes?

    N a. Phosphoric acid
    Y b. Nonane
    N c. Methyl ethyl ketone
    N d. Sulfur (molten)

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

2288: A major health hazard of the product tert-butylamine is that it______.

    N a. can be absorbed through the skin
    Y b. causes irreversible damage to eye tissue
    N c. is a very unstable product
    N d. All of the above

2320: You are attempting to recover a mooring buoy. If you approach the object on the port tack, how would you slow the vessel as you draw near?

    N a. Quickly change to a starboard tack as you reach the object.
    N b. Shift the rudder from port to starboard several times as you reach the object.
    N c. Bring the wind so that it comes over the stern and ease all the sheets.
    Y d. Bring the wind directly over the bow and allow the sails to luff.

2385: When drilling from a MODU, the conductor casing is landed with its top extending to just __________.

    N a. above the sea floor
    Y b. below the drill floor
    N c. below sea level
    N d. below the sea floor

2403: A frame with two, or sometimes four, arms through which are threaded the guidelines and which is used to keep the drill stem and bit in line with the center opening in the temporary guide base is the __________.

    N a. drill stem guide
    Y b. guide frame
    N c. drill string frame
    N d. casing guide

2428: What is the flash point of iso - Hexane?

    Y a. -10°Fahrenheit
    N b. 20°Centigrade
    N c. 68°Fahrenheit
    N d. 152°Centigrade

2467: To prevent the riser system from buckling under its own weight, upward tension is provided by the __________.

    N a. riser stabilizers
    N b. guideline tensioning system
    Y c. riser tensioning system
    N d. guideline stabilizers

2636: When providing first aid to a victim of gas poisoning, the MOST important symptom to check for is __________.

    Y a. suspension of breathing
    N b. unconsciousness
    N c. slow and weak pulse
    N d. cold and moist skin

2932: What is FALSE concerning the use of unicellular plastic foam work vests on small passenger vessels? (small passenger vessel regulations)

    Y a. They may be substituted for up to 50% of the required life jackets.
    N b. They shall be of an approved type.
    N c. They shall be stowed separately from required lifesaving equipment.
    N d. They may be worn by crew members when working near or over the water.

2943: A virtual rise in the center of gravity of a MODU may be caused by __________.

    N a. filling a partially filled tank
    Y b. using an on board crane to lift a freely swinging heavy object
    N c. emptying a partially filled tank
    N d. transferring pipe from the setback area to the pipe rack

3054: Your sailing drafts are: FWD 22'-04", AFT 23'-06" and the GM is 3.2 feet. What will be the angle of list if #3 starboard double bottom (capacity 97 tons, VCG 2.5 feet and 23 feet off the centerline) is filled with saltwater? (Use the data in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

    N a. Less than 1°
    Y b. 3°
    N c. 7°
    N d. 11°

3135: While the DEEP DRILLER is operating loaded as shown in Sample Load Form #4 (Drilling), casing is accidentally dropped over the port side. If the port forward inclination is slowly increasing, which tank is probably damaged?

    Y a. 1P
    N b. 2P
    N c. 1S
    N d. 3P

3172: Your vessel has a gasoline engine and a mechanical exhaust ventilation system. BEFORE starting the engine, the exhaust blower should be run long enough to __________.

    N a. warm up the exhaust blower motor
    N b. provide a proper supply of fresh air for the engine(s)
    N c. see the system is in good operating condition
    Y d. insure at least one complete change of air in the compartments concerned

3234: The abandon ship signal is __________.

    N a. a continuous ringing of general alarm bells for at least 10 seconds
    N b. a continuous ringing of the general alarm, and sounding of the ship's whistle
    Y c. more than 6 short blasts and 1 long blast of the ship's whistle and the same signal on the general alarm bells
    N d. a continuous sounding of the ship's whistle

3364: 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-0124

    N a. 444 tons
    N b. 644 tons
    N c. 1044 tons
    Y d. 1263 tons

3370: The carbon dioxide cylinders of all fixed fire extinguishing systems shall be retested and remarked whenever a cylinder remains in place on a vessel for __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. 5 years from the latest test date stamped on the cylinder
    N b. 7 years from the latest test date stamped on the cylinder
    N c. 10 years from the latest test date stamped on the cylinder
    Y d. 12 years from the latest test date stamped on the cylinder

3440: How should the number "7" be pronounced when spoken on the radiotelephone?

    Y a. SAY-TAY-SEVEN
    N b. SEE-ETA-SEVEN
    N c. NUM-BER-SEVEN
    N d. NEW-MER-AL-SEVEN

3626: When personnel are lifted by a helicopter from an inflatable liferaft, the personnel on the raft should __________.

    Y a. deflate the floor of the raft to reduce the danger of capsizing
    N b. inflate the floor of the raft to provide for additional stability
    N c. remove their lifejackets to prepare for the transfer
    N d. take in the sea anchor to prevent fouling of the rescue sling

3715: The necessity for administering artificial respiration may be recognized by the victim's __________.

    N a. vomiting
    Y b. blue color and lack of breathing
    N c. irregular breathing
    N d. unconscious condition

3902: 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-0149

    Y a. Available GM 3.0 ft
    N b. Available GM 3.7 ft
    N c. Available GM 4.0 ft
    N d. Available GM 4.2 ft

3967: The sounding in tank 1P of the DEEP DRILLER is 7.58 feet. It is decided to fill tank 1P by flooding through the sea chest. What are the vertical moments for the added ballast?

    N a. 6,899 ft-long tons
    N b. 6,149 ft-long tons
    Y c. 5,908 ft-long tons
    N d. 2,615 ft-long tons

3992: How many B-II fire extinguishers must be in the machinery space of a 175-foot long fishing vessel propelled by engines with 3300 brake horsepower?

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

4012: The Federal Water Pollution Control Act requires the person in charge of a vessel to immediately notify the Coast Guard as soon as he knows of any oil discharge. Failure to notify the Coast Guard can lead to a monetary fine and imprisonment up to __________.

    Y a. 5 years
    N b. 3 years
    N c. 2 years
    N d. 1 years

4079: Your cargo vessel's Certification of Inspection expires 30 April 2002. One of your inflatable liferafts was last serviced in January 2002. The raft must be reinspected no later than __________.

    Y a. January 2003
    N b. June 2003
    N c. April 2004
    N d. January 2007

4265: The rotary of the COASTAL DRILLER is located 36 feet aft of the transom and 6 feet to starboard of the centerline. The hook load is 300 kips. Considering the changes to lightweight shown in the Operating Manual, the maximum amount of setback is __________.

    N a. 545 kips
    N b. 450 kips
    N c. 245 kips
    Y d. 224 kips

4565: The COASTAL DRILLER, elevated in 200 feet of water with 2 knots current, 30 foot waves, and wind speeds of 60 knots may continue drilling if the maximum leg reaction is less than __________.

    N a. 5,700 kips
    N b. 5,790 kips
    Y c. 5,870 kips
    N d. 5,990 kips

4662: Most covered lifeboats will right themselves after capsizing if the __________.

    N a. lower ballast tanks are filled with water
    N b. sea anchor is deployed to windward
    N c. fuel tanks are not less than half full
    Y d. passengers are strapped to their seats

4757: Because there is a possibility of fuel oil being discharged overboard from a full fuel oil tank, it is decided to transfer 25 kips from tank #14 to tank #13. See COASTAL DRILLER Sample Load Form #1 (Rig Move). What would be the change in longitudinal free surface moments?

    N a. 1492 ft-kips increase
    N b. 1034 ft-kips increase
    Y c. 674 ft-kips increase
    N d. 404 ft-kips increase

6102: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has on board 5480 tons of cargo with an LCG-FP of 274.46 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-0191

    N a. LCG-FP 271.79 feet
    Y b. LCG-FP 272.87 feet
    N c. LCG-FP 274.04 feet
    N d. LCG-FP 275.13 feet

7065: What is the procedure for checking for spinal cord damage in an unconscious patient?

    N a. Beginning at the back of the neck, and proceeding to the buttocks, press the spine to find where it hurts
    Y b. Prick the skin of the hands and the soles of the feet with a sharp object to check for reaction
    N c. Selectively raise each arm and each leg and watch patient's face to see if he registers pain
    N d. Roll patient onto his stomach and prick along the length of his spine to check reaction

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

7625: The original equilibrium position is always unstable when __________.

    Y a. metacentric height is negative
    N b. KM is higher than KG
    N c. KG exceeds maximum allowable limits
    N d. free surfaces are excessive

8075: A semisubmersible is more likely to experience structural stresses during heavy weather when __________.

    N a. operating at drilling draft
    N b. deballasting to survival draft
    N c. when at survival draft
    Y d. when at transit draft

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

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

9167: To release the davit cable of a davit launched liferaft, you must __________.

    Y a. pull the release lanyard
    N b. pull the hydraulic release
    N c. push the release button
    N d. pull on the ratchet handle

9432: The color of the signal flare sent up by a submarine indicating that a torpedo has been fired in a training exercise is __________.

    Y a. green
    N b. white
    N c. red
    N d. yellow

9706: Which of the following statements is/are FALSE in regard to Ro-Ro vessels' spaces that are "specially suitable for vehicles"?

    N a. The spaces shall be fitted with an approved fire or smoke detecting system.
    Y b. The spaces shall NOT be fitted with fixed CO2 fire extinguishing systems.
    N c. The Commandant may permit the installation of an approved water sprinkler extinguishing system.
    N d. All of the above