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.


19: The operator of the ship's radiotelephone, if the radiotelephone is carried voluntarily, must hold at least a __________.


79: A squeeze-grip type carbon dioxide portable fire extinguisher has been partially discharged. It should be __________.


311: Spontaneous ignition can result from __________.


312: The spray of water in low-velocity fog will have __________.

    N a. greater range than high-velocity fog
    Y b. lesser range than high-velocity fog
    N c. about the same range as high-velocity fog
    N d. greater range than a solid stream

325: For the purposes of cargo oil containment, the fixed container under the manifold of an eight-inch loading line must hold a minimum of __________.

    Y a. three barrels
    N b. four barrels
    N c. six barrels
    N d. eight barrels

482: The high-velocity fog tip used with the all-purpose fire fighting nozzle should always be __________.

    Y a. attached by a chain
    N b. coated with heavy grease to prevent corrosion
    N c. painted red for identity as emergency equipment
    N d. stored in the clip at each fire station

611: The maximum mean draft to which a vessel may be safely loaded is called __________.

    N a. mean draft
    N b. calculated draft
    N c. deep draft
    Y d. load line draft

636: What is required by regulations concerning the stowage of lifeboats on cargo vessels?

    Y a. Each lifeboat must have a launching appliance.
    N b. Launching appliances must be of the gravity type.
    N c. There may not be more than two launching appliances on the same deck.
    N d. All of the above

648: Ring life buoys used aboard a small passenger vessels on oceans or coastwise routes are required to be what color?

    N a. White
    N b. White or international orange
    Y c. Orange
    N d. Any highly visible color easily seen from the air

672: A foam-type portable fire extinguisher is most useful in fighting a fire in __________.

    N a. generators
    Y b. oil drums
    N c. the bridge controls
    N d. combustible metals

686: You should be most concerned about a possible explosion or fire in fuel tanks __________.

    Y a. during fueling when the fuel first strikes the tank bottom
    N b. during fueling when the fuel strikes fuel already in the tank
    N c. when underway as the fuel is moved by wave action
    N d. shortly after fueling when fuel vapors gather

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

991: Fire extinguishing agents used on Class C fires must be __________.

    N a. able to absorb heat
    N b. water based
    Y c. nonconducting
    N d. nontoxic

1102: While using a combustible gas indicator, if the hydrocarbon content of the atmosphere exceeds the U.E.L., the needle of the indicator will __________.

    N a. remain at zero without moving
    N b. move to the maximum reading and stay there
    N c. move halfway up the scale
    Y d. move to the maximum reading and immediately return to zero

1194: Which operation should be done when launching an inflatable liferaft by hand?

    N a. Open the liferaft casing.
    N b. Turn the valve on the CO2 cylinder to start inflation.
    Y c. Make sure the operating cord is secured to the vessel before throwing it over the side.
    N d. After inflation, detach operating cord from liferaft.

1341: Persons who have swallowed a non-petroleum based poison are given large quantities of warm soapy water or warm salt water to __________.

    Y a. induce vomiting
    N b. absorb the poison from the blood
    N c. neutralize the poison in the blood
    N d. increase the digestive process and eliminate the poison

1398: The size of fire hydrant hose connections on a cargo vessel must be either 1-1/2 inches or __________.

    N a. 1 inch
    Y b. 2-1/2 inches
    N c. 3 inches
    N d. 3-1/2 inches

1806: Your vessel displaces 562 tons and measures 121'L x 29'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 46'L x 29'B and the weight of the water is 41 tons?

    Y a. 4.43 feet
    N b. 4.61 feet
    N c. 4.86 feet
    N d. 5.12 feet

1814: Your vessel displaces 840 tons and measures 146'L x 38'B. You ship a large wave on the after deck. What is the reduction in GM due to free surface before the water drains overboard, if the after deck measures 65'L x 38'B and the weight of the water is 76 tons?

    N a. 8.76 feet
    N b. 8.93 feet
    N c. 9.04 feet
    Y d. 9.27 feet

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

2203: Who is responsible for lowering the survival craft?

    N a. Roustabout
    N b. First man aboard
    N c. Last man aboard
    Y d. Helmsman

2207: You are keeping the required garbage disposal records. The amount of garbage disposed must be stated in __________.

    N a. both cubic meters and cubic feet
    Y b. cubic meters
    N c. both kilos and pounds
    N d. barrels of 55 gallon capacity

2267: During the towing of a survival craft, a lookout should be on station to __________.

    Y a. release the towline in an emergency
    N b. help the helmsman steer
    N c. look for food and water
    N d. check the water level in the bilge

2323: Why is electrical power preferred over mechanical power for driving heavy machinery on drilling rigs?

    N a. More fuel efficient
    Y b. More flexible
    N c. Lighter
    N d. Less maintenance

2364: Your vessel is limited to a maximum draft of 27'-06". The present drafts are: FWD 24'-10", AFT 26'-00". How much more cargo can be loaded and where should it be located if a drag of 1 foot is desired? (Use the reference material in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

    Y a. 950 tons 2.5 feet forward of the tipping center
    N b. 950 tons 5.6 feet aft of amidships
    N c. 1250 tons 4.3 feet forward of amidships
    N d. 1250 tons 1.4 feet aft of the tipping center

2514: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 14'-11", AFT 16'-01"; and the KG is 23.2 feet. What is the righting moment when the vessel is inclined to 15°? (Use the reference material in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

    N a. 5,800 foot-tons
    N b. 7,600 foot-tons
    Y c. 9,272 foot-tons
    N d. 11,200 foot-tons

2833: A vessel heading NE is on a course of __________.

    N a. 022.5°
    Y b. 045.0°
    N c. 067.5°
    N d. 090.0°

3159: Fusible-link fire dampers are operated by __________.

    N a. a break-glass and pull-cable system
    N b. electrical controls on the bridge
    N c. a mechanical arm outside the vent duct
    Y d. the heat of a fire melting the link

3350: Which statement is TRUE concerning the number of portable fire extinguishers required at the operating station of a small passenger vessel? (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. None are required.
    Y b. One B-I extinguisher is required.
    N c. One B-II extinguisher is required.
    N d. Two B-I extinguishers are required.

3363: What must be carried out in order to manually launch an inflatable liferaft not designed for float-free operation?

    N a. It will be easily launched by simply breaking the weak link.
    Y b. Depress the hydrostatic release button.
    N c. It is easily launched by cutting the container securing straps.
    N d. It is only necessary to attach the weak link to the vessel.

3487: Generally, what is used to inflate liferafts?

    Y a. non-toxic inert gas
    N b. Oxygen
    N c. Hydrogen
    N d. Carbon monoxide

3566: The normal equipment of every rescue boat shall include __________.

    N a. buoyant oars
    N b. one 50 meter line
    N c. one first aid kit
    Y d. All of the above

3604: You are the first vessel to arrive at the scene of a distress. Due to the volume of traffic on the radio, you are unable to communicate with the vessel in distress. Which action should you take?

    N a. Switch to flag hoists.
    Y b. Broadcast "Seelonce Distress".
    N c. Broadcast "Charlie Quebec-Mayday-Quiet".
    N d. Key the microphone three times in quick succession.

3628: Each vessel in ocean and coastwise service must have an approved EPIRB. An EPIRB __________.

    N a. must be stowed in a manner so that it will float free if the vessel sinks
    N b. must be stowed where it is readily accessible for testing and use
    N c. is a devise that transmits a radio signal
    Y d. All of the above

3666: When you are firing a pyrotechnic distress signal, it should be aimed at __________.

    N a. straight overhead
    N b. at the vessel whose attention you are trying to get
    N c. into the wind
    Y d. about 60 degrees above the horizon

3766: The primary concern in aiding a back injury patient is __________.

    N a. relieving the patient's pain by giving aspirin or stronger medication
    Y b. avoiding possible injury to the spinal cord by incorrect handling
    N c. preventing convulsions and muscle spasms caused by the pain
    N d. providing enough fluids to prevent dehydration

4017: Towing vessel fire protection regulations define a "fixed fire-extinguishing system" to include all of the following EXCEPT a _____________ .

    N a. carbon-dioxide system
    Y b. halon system
    N c. manually-operated clean-agent system
    N d. manually-operated water-mist system

4037: 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 new KGT?

    N a. 52.60 feet
    Y b. 53.65 feet
    N c. 54.31 feet
    N d. 54.92 feet

4068: On board an OSV, the key to the most rapid and effective response to a man overboard situation is __________.

    N a. switching to hydraulic steering
    N b. a dedicated crew
    N c. good equipment
    Y d. good communication

4101: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #2 (Ballasting to Survival). What is the new height of the transverse metacenter if all the bulk materials are discharged?

    N a. 63.14 feet
    N b. 64.05 feet
    Y c. 64.30 feet
    N d. 66.09 feet

4187: The DEEP DRILLER is drilling at 60 feet draft at a corrected KG of 54.0 feet. Ballast added or discharged to remain at a constant draft is at a VCG of 10 feet. How much non-liquid load would have to be removed from an average height of 130 feet above the keel to meet the maximum allowable KG at a draft of 60 feet for winds greater than 70 knots?

    N a. 1283 long tons
    N b. 817 long tons
    N c. 679 long tons
    Y d. 302 long tons

4194: You are loading in a port governed by the tropical load line mark for a voyage to a port governed by the winter mark. The fresh water allowance is 5 inches, and the hydrometer reads 1.005. Which statement is TRUE?

    N a. You may load to the tropical mark plus 1 inch brackish water allowance.
    Y b. You must load so that each zone mark will not be submerged upon entering the zone.
    N c. Your draft must not exceed the winter mark plus the fresh water allowance upon arrival off the discharge port.
    N d. You may only load to the winter mark plus a brackish water allowance of 4 inches.

4572: You are underway at sea. A fire is reported in the forward part of the vessel. The wind is from dead ahead at 20 knots. You should __________.

    N a. remain on course and hold speed
    Y b. change course and put the stern to the wind
    N c. change course to put the wind on either beam and increase speed
    N d. remain on course but decrease speed

5121: What danger is presented if a waterspout passes over a MODU?

    N a. Heavy rains could cause downflooding.
    N b. Visibility could be restricted by low clouds.
    N c. Large waves could cause structural damage.
    Y d. Personnel may be injured by loose deck gear blown by the wind.

5386: Which toxic gas is a product of incomplete combustion, and is often present when a fire burns in a closed compartment?

    N a. Carbon dioxide
    Y b. Carbon monoxide
    N c. Nitric oxide
    N d. Hydrogen sulfide

5418: Small passenger vessels in coastwise service must carry approved __________.

    N a. life floats
    N b. inflatable buoyant apparatus
    N c. inflatable liferafts
    Y d. Any of the above

5567: What is the most important difference between the bow type anchor shackle and the D-type anchor shackle?

    N a. The bow type shackle provides a superior connection.
    N b. The D-type shackle is weaker than the bow type.
    Y c. The bow type shackle is weaker than the D-type.
    N d. The D-type shackle provides an inferior connection.

5655: When the air temperature is just below 32°F, snow FIRST adheres to __________.

    N a. surfaces near the waterline
    N b. vertical surfaces
    Y c. horizontal surfaces
    N d. leeward surfaces

6004: 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-0189

    N a. Available GM 4.1 ft
    N b. Available GM 4.3 ft
    Y c. Available GM 4.7 ft
    N d. Available GM 5.1 ft

6495: A small fuel spillage has occurred during helicopter refueling. After the leak has been stopped and fire-control personnel have been notified and are standing by, the next step is to __________.

    N a. proceed with fueling operation
    N b. have helicopter move to a safer location
    Y c. wash spilled fuel away with a flood of water
    N d. clean spilled fuel with rags

6593: What organization is approved by the Coast Guard for certifying cranes on mobile offshore drilling units?

    N a. Minerals Management Service
    N b. International Maritime Organization
    Y c. American Bureau of Shipping
    N d. Lloyd's of London

6724: In a water tube marine boiler, what protects the superheater tubes from the fires of combustion?

    N a. Water-wall tubes
    N b. Downcomers
    Y c. Screen tubes
    N d. Water drums

7323: Whenever your marine radio is on, FCC Rules require you to monitor __________.

    N a. a commercial ship-to-ship channel
    N b. the last frequency that was used
    Y c. the distress and calling frequency
    N d. the radio only if expecting a call

8045: At an angle of loll, the righting moment is __________.

    N a. maximum
    N b. negative
    N c. positive
    Y d. zero

8263: When removing the cap from a sounding tube on a MODU, the sound of air escaping indicates the tank __________.

    N a. is full
    Y b. may be partially flooded
    N c. level has dropped
    N d. is completely flooded

8717: The DEEP DRILLER, at 60.0 feet draft in sea water, has VM = 974,441 foot-long tons, LM = 40,301 foot-long tons, TM = 3 foot-long tons, FSML = 30,572 foot-long tons, and FSMT = 18,732 foot-long tons. What is the uncorrected height of the center of gravity?

    N a. 52.14 feet
    Y b. 53.78 feet
    N c. 55.03 feet
    N d. 58.50 feet

8849: What is the minimum number of bolts required in a permanently bolted flange oil hose coupling?

    N a. 3
    N b. 4
    N c. 6
    Y d. A bolt must be used in every hole.

9235: The longitudinal free surface moments of a drilling mud pit aboard a MODU displacing 24,000 long tons in sea water is 1,200 ft-long tons. If the sounding level in the mud pit is reduced from 8 to 6 feet and the mud weight increases from 10 to 12 lbs/gallon, what is the new FSML for the mud pit?

    N a. 750 ft-long tons
    N b. 1,000 ft-long tons
    Y c. 1,440 ft-long tons
    N d. 1,920 ft-long tons

9587: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Transit). What is the new transverse free surface correction (FSCT) if the entire contents of Salt Water Ballast Tanks 1P and 1S are discharged?

    Y a. 0.46 foot
    N b. 0.71 foot
    N c. 1.08 feet
    N d. 1.44 feet

9631: Fixed carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, for machinery spaces that are normally manned, are actuated by one control to open the stop valve in the line leading to the space, and __________.

    N a. the same control releasing the CO2
    Y b. a separate control to release the CO2
    N c. two separate controls to release the CO2
    N d. three separate controls to release the CO2