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.


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?


568: On a small passenger vessel, if an inlet or discharge pipe is not accessible, its shut off valve __________.


689: After a person has been revived by artificial respiration, he should be __________.


748: A fire has broken out on the stern of your vessel. You should maneuver your vessel so the wind __________.

    N a. blows the fire back toward the vessel
    Y b. comes over the bow
    N c. comes over the stern
    N d. comes over either beam

839: A small passenger vessel's Official Number must be marked___________.

    N a. in block type Arabic numerals not less than 1-1/2 inch high
    Y b. or mounted so its alteration, removal, or replacement would be obvious
    N c. on some clearly visible exterior structural hull part
    N d. All of the above

920: If a vessel lists to port, the center of buoyancy will __________.

    Y a. move to port
    N b. move to starboard
    N c. move directly down
    N d. stay in the same position

921: You can determine that a CO2 fire extinguisher is fully charged by __________.

    N a. looking at the gauge
    N b. checking the nameplate data
    N c. weighing by hand
    Y d. weighing on a properly calibrated scale

927: The extinguishing agent most effective for combating wood fires is __________.

    Y a. water
    N b. carbon dioxide
    N c. foam
    N d. dry chemical

1064: By day, the horizontal motion of a white flag, or arms extended horizontally, by a person on the beach indicates __________.

    N a. "Haul away"
    N b. "Tail block is made fast"
    Y c. "Negative"
    N d. "Affirmative"

1205: On board small passenger vessels, storage batteries containing an electrolyte must be set in trays constructed of __________.

    N a. a fireproof material
    Y b. a material resistant to damage by the electrolyte
    N c. a porous material that permits drainage of any acid overflow
    N d. suitably strong to hold the weight of the batteries

1332: An important step in fighting any electrical fire is to __________.

    N a. stop ventilation
    N b. stop the vessel
    Y c. de-energize the circuit
    N d. apply water to extinguish the fire

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

1585: Up to two thirds of a survival crafts required drinking water may be produced by a manually-powered reverse osmosis desalinator if it can be done in __________.

    N a. 12 hours
    N b. 1 day
    Y c. 2 days
    N d. 4 days

1644: Which topic is NOT required to be discussed at the pre-transfer conference?

    N a. Identity of the product to be transferred
    N b. Details of transferring and receiving systems
    N c. Emergency shutdown procedures
    Y d. Estimated time of finishing cargo

1942: Which EPIRB transmits a distress alert that is received and relayed by an INMARSAT satellite?

    N a. Class A EPIRBs
    N b. Class B EPIRBs
    Y c. L-Band EPIRBs
    N d. Category I EPIRBs

2137: Where would you find the FCC authorization for transmitting on your rig's EPIRB?

    Y a. On the Ship Station License
    N b. On the side of the EPIRB transmitter
    N c. In the radio log
    N d. On the Certificate of Inspection

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

2182: Your drafts are: FWD 5'-08", AFT 6'-02". From past experience, you know that the vessel will increase her draft 1 inch for every 8 tons loaded. There is rig water on board and 11 tons of deck cargo. How many more tons of cargo can be loaded and still maintain the same trim? (D037DG )

    N a. None
    N b. 10 tons
    N c. 18 tons
    Y d. 24 tons

2215: If help has not arrived in 10-12 hours after you abandon a MODU in a survival craft, you should __________.

    N a. go in one direction until the fuel runs out
    N b. plot a course for the nearest land
    N c. take a vote on which direction you should go
    Y d. shut down the engine(s) and set the sea anchor

2324: How many fire extinguishers, and what type, are required on an unmanned oil barge during transfer operations, if the barge has no cargo pumps aboard?

    Y a. One B-II
    N b. Two B-II
    N c. One B-V
    N d. Two A-II

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

2550: According to regulations, how many B-II hand portable fire extinguishers are required in the cargo tank area of an unmanned, cargo pump-equipped tank barge engaged in transferring grade B flammable liquids?

    N a. One
    Y b. Two
    N c. Three
    N d. None

2575: The "urgent" priority should be used for messages __________.

    N a. concerning the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
    N b. detailing important navigational warnings
    Y c. containing information concerning the safety of a mobile unit or person
    N d. concerning on-scene communications

2788: Which is NOT a safety precaution to be observed during the loading of LFG?

    N a. Report any leakage of cargo.
    Y b. Make sure the rake ends of the barge are completely dry and mopped.
    N c. Ascertain that the hoses to be used are in good order.
    N d. Be on the lookout for work being accomplished ashore in the vicinity of the barges.

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

3284: Unless the COI is endorsed for adults only, there shall be provided a number of approved life jackets suitable for children equal to at least __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. 20% of the passengers carried
    Y b. 10% of the total number of persons carried
    N c. 10% of the passengers carried
    N d. 20% of the total number of persons carried

3504: The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to load the cargo listed. There is already 6280 tons of cargo on board with a KG of 25.5 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-0135

    N a. KG 25.3 feet
    N b. KG 25.7 feet
    Y c. KG 26.0 feet
    N d. KG 27.1 feet

3576: 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-0141

    N a. 1220 tons
    N b. 840 tons
    N c. 460 tons
    Y d. 344 tons

3646: One of the signals, other than a distress signal, that can be used by a rescue boat to attract attention is a/an __________.

    N a. red star shell
    Y b. searchlight
    N c. burning barrel
    N d. orange smoke signal

3697: In storm conditions, when slacking the leeward mooring lines of the DEEP DRILLER, maintain in the chain locker at least __________.

    N a. 500 feet
    N b. 350 feet
    Y c. 200 feet
    N d. 100 feet

3712: The rescuer can best provide an airtight seal during mouth to mouth ventilation by pinching the victim's nostrils and __________.

    N a. cupping a hand around the patient's mouth
    N b. keeping the head elevated
    Y c. applying his mouth tightly over the victim's mouth
    N d. holding the jaw down firmly

3732: Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive __________.

    N a. loss of body temperature
    Y b. loss of water and salt from the body
    N c. gain in body temperature
    N d. intake of water when working or exercising

3856: The immersion suit requirements for OSV apply to units operating in the Atlantic Ocean __________.

    N a. above 20 degrees North and below 20 degrees South
    N b. above 25 degrees North and below 25 degrees South
    N c. above 30 degrees North and below 30 degrees South
    Y d. above 32 degrees North and below 32 degrees South

3859: When can a work vest be substituted for a lifejacket in the total count of the required lifesaving gear?

    N a. When it is approved by the Coast Guard
    N b. When working near or over the water
    N c. When stowed away from the ring buoys
    Y d. A work vest may never be counted as a lifejacket.

4022: Which towing vessels are NOT required to have an internal communication system between the engine room and the operating station?

    Y a. Twin-screw vessels that have operating station control for both engines
    N b. Vessels on limited routes
    N c. Fleet boats making or breaking tows
    N d. Vessels serving a single company or facility

4036: Fire protection regulations for towing vessels require that all crew members participate in drills and receive instruction at least once a month. Who is responsible for ensuring that this takes place?

    N a. The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection
    Y b. The Master, or person in charge of the vessel
    N c. The vessel's owner or manager
    N d. The company's port captain or port engineer

4076: In the illustration shown, the equipment bags are indicated by item number __________. (D014SA )

    N a. 12
    N b. 15
    N c. 17
    Y d. 19

4126: Using sheet 25 in 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 33 lbs.

    N a. 1010 tons each
    N b. 1025 tons each
    N c. 1045 tons each
    Y d. 1070 tons each

4375: On the COASTAL DRILLER, what is NOT considered a drilling load?

    N a. Hook load
    Y b. Cantilever pipe rack
    N c. Conductor tension
    N d. Setback

4527: The sounding for Drill Water Tank #18 for the Coastal Driller is 1.25 feet. It is decided to fill the tank. What is the vertical center of gravity for the added liquid?

    Y a. 3.13 feet
    N b. 2.50 feet
    N c. 1.87 feet
    N d. 0.63 foot

4661: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Rig Move). If the contents of the #1 drill water tank are discharged, what would be the new LCG?

    N a. 118.46 feet AF0
    N b. 119.44 feet AF0
    N c. 119.98 feet AF0
    Y d. 120.42 feet AF0

4743: The COASTAL DRILLER is observed to be level at a draft of 10 feet 6 inches. At the same time, the calculated load form shows the displacement to be 13,445 kips, total longitudinal moments 1,613,466 foot-kips, and total transverse moments -10,000 foot-kips. What is the longitudinal location of the missing load?

    N a. 46 feet AFO
    Y b. 84 feet AFO
    N c. 189 feet AFO
    N d. 217 feet AFO

5041: When must a MODU display navigation lights while underway?

    N a. Only between sunrise and sunset
    N b. At all times while being towed
    N c. Only when other vessels are in sight
    Y d. Whenever visibility is restricted

5235: If a MODU takes a sudden severe list or trim from an unknown cause, you should FIRST __________.

    Y a. determine the cause before taking countermeasures
    N b. assume the shift is due to off-center loading
    N c. counterflood on the side opposite the list or trim
    N d. assume the cause is environmental forces

5507: The American Petroleum Institute recommends magnetic particle inspection for __________.

    N a. anchor chain
    N b. wire rope
    Y c. connecting links
    N d. pendant wires

5551: Anchor shackles should have a breaking strength that is __________.

    Y a. equal to the chains they are connecting
    N b. 25% more than the chains they are connecting
    N c. 50% more than the chains they are connecting
    N d. 100% more than the chains they are connecting

5673: The DEEP DRILLER may remain at operating draft instead of deballasting to survival draft when __________.

    N a. critical motion limits have been exceeded
    N b. waves approach within two feet of the spider deck
    Y c. the maximum wave height is less than 64 feet
    N d. winds are greater than 70 knots

5702: 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-0183

    N a. Available GM 2.8 ft
    Y b. Available GM 3.2 ft
    N c. Available GM 3.5 ft
    N d. Available GM 3.8 ft

5805: A permanent chain chasing system is used to __________.

    N a. clean anchor chain as it's hauled in
    N b. recover anchors which have lost their buoys
    Y c. run and retrieve anchors
    N d. prepare anchor chain for inspection

6245: On board a mobile offshore drilling unit, the key to the most rapid and effective response to a man overboard situation is __________.

    Y a. well-conducted drills
    N b. a dedicated crew
    N c. good equipment
    N d. good communication

6401: Why must the drilled hole be filled with drilling mud when tripping the drill string out of the hole?

    N a. To maintain circulation to the mud pits
    N b. To compensate for MODU heave
    N c. To keep the mud agitated
    Y d. To prevent reduction of fluid head on the formations

6685: On a MODU, when may a work vest be substituted for a required life preserver?

    N a. To replace a damaged life preserver
    N b. For use during fire drills
    N c. For use during boat drills
    Y d. At no time

8054: A thrust block is designed to __________.

    N a. transmit the thrust of the engine to the propeller
    Y b. transmit the thrust of the propeller to the vessel
    N c. absorb the shock of wave pressure at the bow
    N d. be placed between the engines and the foundation to absorb the vibration

8631: What is the new location of the longitudinal center of gravity if 200 short tons are discharged from 30 feet forward of amidships on a MODU with LCG 1.5 feet forward of amidships, and displacement 9,000 short tons?

    N a. 0.88 foot forward of amidships
    Y b. 0.85 foot forward of amidships
    N c. 0.82 foot forward of amidships
    N d. 0.79 foot forward of amidships

8675: The DEEP DRILLER, at 60.0 feet draft in sea water, discharges 275.8 long tons. What is the new draft?

    N a. 56 feet
    Y b. 58 feet
    N c. 60 feet
    N d. 62 feet

8751: When threatened with a severe storm while operating in 250 feet of water, the COASTAL DRILLER should be placed at an air gap of __________.

    N a. 35 feet
    N b. 32 feet
    N c. 30 feet
    Y d. 25 feet

8771: Hydrogen sulfide in explosive concentrations has been detected on the drill floor. The abandon rig signal has been sounded. To evacuate the rig, the crew should use __________.

    N a. all survival capsules and liferafts
    N b. only the leeward survival capsules and liferafts
    Y c. only the windward survival capsules
    N d. only the windward liferafts

9113: After using a Halon extinguisher, it should be __________.

    N a. put back in service if more than 50% of the charge remains
    N b. repainted
    N c. discarded
    Y d. recharged

9185: The external flotation bladder of an immersion suit should be inflated __________.

    N a. only after two hours in the water
    N b. only after four hours in the water
    N c. before entry into the water
    Y d. upon entry into the water

9382: Fire in an engine compartment is best extinguished with carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and by __________.

    Y a. completely closing the compartment
    N b. closing the compartment except for the ventilators
    N c. leaving the compartment open to the air
    N d. increasing the air flow to the compartment by blowers