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.


134: What is the International Code signal for a decimal point between figures using flashing light?


157: On a tankship, sanitary inspections of the crew's quarters are the responsibility of the __________.


352: What is an advantage of water fog or water spray over a straight stream of water in fighting an oil fire?


488: A rescuer can most easily determine whether or not an adult victim has a pulse by checking the pulse at the __________.

    Y a. carotid artery in the neck
    N b. femoral artery in the groin
    N c. brachial artery in the arm
    N d. radial artery in the wrist

547: Channel 13 (156.65 MHz), the designated bridge-to-bridge channel, may NOT be used to __________.

    N a. exchange navigational information between vessels
    N b. exchange navigational information between a vessel and a shore station
    N c. conduct necessary tests
    Y d. exchange operating schedules with company dispatcher

575: Pollution regulations require that each scupper in an enclosed deck area have a __________.

    N a. wooden plug
    N b. soft rubber plug
    N c. two-piece soft patch
    Y d. mechanical means of closing

649: The lifeline of a life float or buoyant apparatus shall __________.

    N a. be at least 3/8 inch diameter and properly secured around the sides and ends of the device
    N b. be festooned in bights not longer than three feet long
    N c. have a seine float in each bight unless the line is an inherently buoyant material
    Y d. All of the above

679: All of the following are part of the fire triangle EXCEPT __________.

    N a. heat
    N b. oxygen
    Y c. electricity
    N d. fuel

1028: Symptoms of heat stroke are __________.

    N a. cold and moist skin, high body temperature
    N b. cold and dry skin, low body temperature
    N c. hot and moist skin, high body temperature
    Y d. hot and dry skin, high body temperature

1090: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has the following drafts: FWD 09'-00", AFT 15'-11.5". 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-0025

    N a. 1.80 feet
    N b. 1.89 feet
    N c. 1.98 feet
    Y d. 2.05 feet

1310: Frapping lines are fitted to lifeboat davits to __________.

    Y a. reduce the swinging of the lifeboat as it is being lowered from the embarkation level
    N b. secure the lifeboat in the davits when in the stowed position
    N c. hold the lifeboat to the ship's side until the tricing lines are passed
    N d. be used as a safety line in an emergency

1344: What is the purpose of the hydrostatic release on an inflatable liferaft?

    Y a. To release the raft from the cradle automatically as the ship sinks
    N b. To inflate the raft automatically
    N c. To test the rafts hydrostatically
    N d. None of the above

1353: In heavy seas the helmsman should steer the motor lifeboat __________.

    Y a. into the seas
    N b. broadside to the seas
    N c. in the same direction as the seas
    N d. in a series of figure-eights

1412: By regulation, cargo tank atmosphere must be inert before and during which operation?

    N a. Stripping
    N b. Loading
    N c. Cleaning
    Y d. All of the above

1413: Your vessel is damaged, and there is no list or trim. The rolling period is short. The freeboard before the damage was 12'02" (3.7 meters). It is now reduced to 3'00"(1 meter). Which action would you take FIRST?

    N a. Press up a slack centerline double bottom tank
    Y b. Pump out an amidships centerline ballast tank
    N c. Transfer ballast from the peak tanks to an amidships centerline tank
    N d. Pump out the marine potable tank located on the starboard side amidships

1450: When a vessel is stationary and in a hogging condition, the main deck is under __________.

    N a. compression stress
    N b. racking stress
    N c. shear stress
    Y d. tension stress

1463: To prevent the spread of fire by convection you should __________.

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

1649: 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
    N c. side slip decreases
    Y d. jib sheet must be hardened up

1728: What is the maximum percent of oxygen, by volume, allowed to be maintained in the cargo tanks prior to the commencement of crude oil tank washing?

    N a. 5%
    Y b. 8%
    N c. 10%
    N d. 12%

1816: INTERNATIONAL AND INLAND Except where specifically required by the rules, a sailing vessel is NOT required to keep out of the way of a __________.

    N a. vessel engaged in fishing
    N b. vessel anchored
    Y c. power-driven pilot vessel on station
    N d. vessel setting a channel buoy

1844: Your vessel displaces 368 tons and measures 96'L x 28'B. You ship a large wave on the after deck. What is the reduction to GM due to free surface before the water drains overboard, if the after deck measures 42'L x 28'B and the weight of the water is 36 tons?

    N a. 4.98 feet
    N b. 5.21 feet
    Y c. 5.43 feet
    N d. 5.67 feet

1858: A sailing vessel with the wind coming from 180° relative would be __________.

    N a. close hauled on the port tack
    N b. close hauled on the starboard tack
    Y c. running before the wind
    N d. on a broad reach

2061: Where would you find the "call sign" or "call letters" of the radio station on your rig?

    N a. In the rig safety manual
    N b. On the Certificate of Inspection
    Y c. On the Ship Station License
    N d. On the rig Watch Bill

2192: Your vessel displaces 689 tons and measures 123'L x 31'B. You ship a large wave on the after deck which measures 65'Lx 31'B. The weight of the water is estimated at 62 tons. What is the reduction in GM due to free surface before the water drains overboard?

    N a. 5.51 feet
    N b. 5.67 feet
    N c. 5.89 feet
    Y d. 6.14 feet

2316: The flammable limits for motor gasoline are __________.

    N a. 5.3% to 7% mixture in air
    N b. 0.9% to 5.9% mixture in air
    Y c. 1.4% to 7.6% mixture in air
    N d. 2.5% to 12.8% mixture in air

2527: 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-0070

    N a. 1171.5 tons
    N b. 1311.0 tons
    Y c. 1503.0 tons
    N d. 1710.5 tons

2564: Use the floodable length curve in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book. If the curve represents 45 percent permeability, and holds 1 and 2 flood, the vessel will sink if the permeability exceeds what percent?

    N a. 19
    N b. 24
    Y c. 32
    N d. 39

2994: Your sailing drafts are: FWD 21'-08", AFT 22'-04" and the GM is 3.2 feet. What will be the angle of list if the #6 port deep tank (capacity 201 tons, VCG 11.4 feet, and 25.5 feet off the centerline) is filled? (Use the data in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

    N a. 2°
    N b. 4°
    N c. 6°
    Y d. 8°

3007: A floating MODU with an initial negative metacentric height __________.

    N a. will capsize
    N b. will incline further
    Y c. may lie at an angle of loll
    N d. may be initially level

3023: A semisubmersible which flops between forward and aft angles of trim is likely to have __________.

    Y a. KML less than KGL
    N b. an off-center LCG
    N c. LCG greater than LCB
    N d. KML greater than KMT

3065: Which precaution should be taken when testing a line throwing gun?

    Y a. Never remove the line from the rocket.
    N b. Fire it at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the horizon.
    N c. Wear asbestos gloves.
    N d. All of the above

3178: Assuming that the recommended hatch loading sequence is followed, how many long tons of iron ore may be loaded through hatch No. 23 while using a single belt loader to arrive at a desired mean keel draft of 28'-00"? (Use the Guidance Manual for Loading M.V. GRAND HAVEN.)

    N a. 2930 tons
    N b. 3110 tons
    N c. 3170 tons
    Y d. 3240 tons

3260: A length of fire hose shall be __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

    Y a. attached to each fire hydrant at all times
    N b. equipped with a rotary sprinkler head
    N c. marked with the lot number and wholesale price
    N d. not more than 10 feet in length

3300: How many portable fire extinguishers are required to be located inside the machinery space of a small passenger vessel?

    Y a. None are required
    N b. One B-I, C-I
    N c. One B-II, C-II
    N d. One B-II

3388: A carburetor is required to have a safety device called a(n) __________.

    N a. pressure release
    Y b. backfire flame arrestor
    N c. automatic shut off
    N d. flow valve

3424: 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-0128

    N a. 1920 tons
    N b. 1280 tons
    Y c. 895 tons
    N d. 720 tons

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

3581: The DEEP DRILLER, at a draft of 58 feet, has VM of 900,000 ft-tons, and FSMT of 20,000 ft-tons. What is the KGT?

    Y a. 51.6 feet
    N b. 52.3 feet
    N c. 53.8 feet
    N d. 55.0 feet

3636: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has the following drafts: FWD 08'-11.5", AFT 15'-11.5". 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-0144

    N a. 3.15 feet
    Y b. 3.00 feet
    N c. 2.90 feet
    N d. 2.80 feet

3653: When a vessel signals her distress by means of a gun or other explosive signal, the firing should be at intervals of approximately __________.

    N a. 10 minutes
    Y b. 1 minute
    N c. 1 hour
    N d. 3 minutes

3724: Physical exertion on the part of a person who has fallen into cold water would __________.

    N a. be the best thing to try if there was no rescue in sight
    N b. increase survival time in the water
    Y c. increase the rate of heat loss from the body
    N d. not affect the heat loss from the body

3831: Among the valves to open on the DEEP DRILLER, if you have to transfer ballast from Tank 10P to Tank 1S using #1 ballast pump, is valve __________.

    N a. 24 Port
    N b. 33 Port
    Y c. 34 Port
    N d. 44 Port

4190: You are loading at port A, governed by the summer load line mark, for a voyage to port B, governed by the winter mark. The fresh water allowance is 10", and the hydrometer reads 1.020. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. You may not load beyond the winter mark except for 2 inches brackish water allowance.
    N b. You may not load beyond the summer mark and must be at the winter mark upon arrival at port B.
    N c. You may not load beyond the summer mark plus 8 inches brackish water allowance.
    Y d. You may load to the summer mark plus 2 inches if you will be at the winter mark when entering the winter zone.

4244: You are the operator of a 290 GRT uninspected towing vessel whose construction was contracted for after August 27, 2003. Which type of semi-portable fire-extinguishing system is required on your vessel? (Uninspected Vessel Regulations)

    Y a. B-V
    N b. B-IV
    N c. B-III
    N d. None of the above

4268: Which statement about immersion suits is TRUE?

    Y a. Prior to abandonment, the suit allows body movement such as walking, climbing a ladder and picking up small objects.
    N b. The immersion suit seals in body heat and provides protection against hypothermia for weeks.
    N c. The suit is flameproof and provides protection to the wearer while swimming through burning oil.
    N d. The wearer of the suit is severely restricted and requires twice the time to climb a ladder than without the suit.

4337: The COASTAL DRILLER, following discharge of preload, should __________.

    N a. leave dump valves open
    Y b. close all dump valves
    N c. remove dump valves
    N d. replace dump valves

4551: What are the transverse moments for 10.5 feet of sea water in preload tank #2 for the COASTAL DRILLER?

    N a. 15,044 kips
    Y b. 12,123 kips
    N c. 5,468 kips
    N d. 2,732 kips

5181: The DEEP DRILLER departs a fresh water port at a draft of 19.5 feet. What will be the draft in sea water?

    N a. 18.7 feet
    Y b. 19.1 feet
    N c. 19.4 feet
    N d. 19.8 feet

5504: While signaling by flashing light you make an error. You should send __________.

    N a. RPT, then repeat the entire signal
    N b. EEE, then send the word correctly
    Y c. the erase signal then continue the message with the last correctly spelled word
    N d. the correction signal and re-spell the word

5535: What effect is achieved from soaking an anchor?

    Y a. It allows the bottom soil to consolidate.
    N b. It gives the palms time to trip the anchor.
    N c. It stabilizes the mooring system.
    N d. It lubricates the anchor for better tripping.

5563: Most large anchors are manufactured with a __________.

    N a. bow type shackle
    Y b. D-type shackle
    N c. U-type shackle
    N d. Kenter shackle

5921: Multiple fire pumps may be used for other purposes provided that one pump is __________.

    N a. on line to the fire main
    Y b. kept available for use on the fire main at all times
    N c. capable of being connected to the fire main
    N d. rated at or above 125 psi

5961: A CO2 extinguisher on a MODU which has lost 10% of its charge must be __________.

    N a. used at the earliest opportunity
    N b. hydro-tested
    Y c. recharged
    N d. weighed again in one month

6011: On a MODU, hand portable extinguishers are size(s) __________.

    N a. II only
    N b. II and III
    Y c. I and II
    N d. I only

7663: Subtracting KG from KM yields __________.

    N a. BM
    Y b. GM
    N c. GZ
    N d. KG

8381: What are the three basic types of engine starters?

    N a. Air, water, electric
    Y b. Air, hydraulic, electric
    N c. Metered, hydraulic, automatic
    N d. Air, emergency, hydraulic

8603: On offshore drilling units, the lifeboats must be lowered to the water and maneuvered at least once every __________.

    N a. 2 months
    Y b. 3 months
    N c. 6 months
    N d. 12 months

8673: The DEEP DRILLER is operating at the maximum allowable KGT at 60 feet draft. What is the value of GMT?

    N a. 0.05 foot
    N b. 1.02 feet
    N c. 2.63 feet
    Y d. 4.34 feet

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

9642: The carbon dioxide cylinders of a fixed fire extinguishing system may be located inside the protected space, if the quantity of CO2 required to protect that space is not more than __________.

    Y a. 300 pounds
    N b. 400 pounds
    N c. 500 pounds
    N d. 600 pounds