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.


144: The unit of duration of a dash in Morse Code is __________.


191: Where will you find the requirements for the lights that must be displayed on a mobile offshore drilling unit that is being towed?


358: When treating a person for third-degree burns, you should __________.


471: In how many locations must lifeboats be installed on a mobile offshore drilling unit?

    N a. 4
    N b. 3
    Y c. 2
    N d. 1

530: The TPI curve, one of the hydrostatic curves in a vessel's plans, gives the number of tons __________.

    N a. necessary to change the angle of list 1° at a given draft
    N b. necessary to change trim 1 inch at a given draft
    N c. pressure per square inch on the vessel's hull at a given draft
    Y d. necessary to further immerse the vessel 1 inch at a given draft

712: Which statement is TRUE concerning the application of foam on an oil fire?

    N a. It cools the surface of the liquid.
    N b. It gives protection to fire fighting personnel against the heat of the fire.
    Y c. It forms a smothering blanket on the surface of the oil.
    N d. It should be used at the same time a solid stream of water is being applied.

763: Which item of lifeboat equipment would be most suitable for night signaling to a ship on the horizon?

    Y a. A red parachute flare
    N b. A red hand-held flare
    N c. A flashlight
    N d. A lantern

781: How is the external flotation bladder of an immersion suit inflated?

    N a. It is inflated by a small CO2 bottle that is automatically tripped when the front zipper is at the top of the zipper track.
    N b. It is inflated by a small CO2 bottle that is manually tripped.
    Y c. It is inflated by blowing through an inflation tube.
    N d. It inflates by sea water bleeding into the flotation bladder and reacting with a chemical therein.

860: A ship's forward draft is 22'-04" and its after draft is 24'-00". The draft amidships is 23'-04". This indicates a concentration of weight __________.

    N a. at the bow
    N b. in the lower holds
    Y c. amidships
    N d. at the ends

972: Which statement concerning carbon dioxide is FALSE?

    N a. It displaces the oxygen in the air.
    N b. It cannot be seen.
    N c. It cannot be smelled.
    Y d. It is safe to use near personnel in a confined space.

1034: Which vessels must comply with the vessel bridge-to-bridge radiotelephone regulations while navigating?

    Y a. All towing vessels 26 feet in length or greater
    N b. All passenger vessels less than 100 gross tons
    N c. All power-driven vessels 12 meters or less in length
    N d. All of the above

1199: To prevent damage by and to storage batteries aboard small passenger vessels they should be located __________.

    N a. in trays constructed of material that is resistant to the electrolyte
    N b. so as to prevent movement when the vessel pitches and rolls
    N c. in a well ventilated area
    Y d. All of the above

1394: In each inflatable liferaft, what equipment is provided to make quick, emergency, temporary repairs to large holes in the raft?

    N a. No equipment is provided.
    N b. Glue and rubber patches
    Y c. Several various-sized sealing clamps
    N d. Self-adhesive rubberized canvas patches

1525: You are reading the draft marks. The top 2 inches of number "9" are visible above the waterline. What is the draft? (D032DG )

    N a. 8'-10"
    N b. 9'-02"
    Y c. 9'-04"
    N d. 9'-08"

1734: Which procedure should be followed when individuals are rescued in cold climates and suffer from hypothermia?

    N a. Give them brandy or other alcoholic stimulation to promote a return to an acceptable body temperature.
    Y b. Move them to a warm room to gradually raise their body temperature.
    N c. Keep them moving to stimulate circulation to raise their body temperature.
    N d. Warm them under an electric blanket to rapidly regain normal body temperature.

1741: The maximum allowable oxygen content within the ship's cargo tanks, inert gas piping and the vapor recovery system is __________.

    N a. 4%
    N b. 5%
    Y c. 8%
    N d. 10%

1774: You are preparing to contain an oil spill. You must first receive approval from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) prior to __________.

    N a. employing a boom
    N b. using suction equipment
    Y c. applying chemical agents
    N d. deploying skimmers

1879: Your vessel measures 127 feet long by 17 feet in beam. If the natural rolling period at a draft of 7'-10" is 5 seconds, what is the GM?

    N a. 1.96 feet
    Y b. 2.24 feet
    N c. 2.45 feet
    N d. 2.68 feet

2011: What is the action that a GMDSS Radio Operator should take when a DSC distress alert is received?

    N a. No action is necessary, as the DSC control unit will automatically switch to the NBDP follow-on communications frequency.
    Y b. The operator should immediately set continuous watch on the radiotelephone frequency that is associated with the frequency band on which the distress alert was received.
    N c. The Operator should immediately set continuous watch on VHF channel 70.
    N d. The Operator should immediately set continuous watch on the NBDP frequency that is associated with the frequency band on which the distress alert was received.

2100: You have 180 tons of below deck tonnage including liquid mud. Your existing deck cargo is 300 tons with a VCG above the deck of 3.0 feet. What is the maximum additional cargo tonnage you are permitted to load? (See illustration D036DG, stability letter for M.V. Hudson.) (D036DG )

    N a. 20 tons
    N b. 60 tons
    Y c. 100 tons
    N d. 400 tons

2108: Air compressors are NOT permitted in which space(s) on a tank barge carrying grade A cargo?

    N a. A cargo handling room
    N b. A space in which cargo hose is stored
    N c. An enclosed space containing cargo piping
    Y d. All of the above

2165: A schooner is a fore-and-aft rigged vessel with __________.

    N a. a single mast
    N b. two masts: with the mizzen stepped abaft the rudder post
    N c. two masts: with the mizzen stepped forward of the rudder post
    Y d. at least two masts: a foremast and a mainmast

2173: Which statement concerning exposure to radiation is TRUE?

    N a. The INMARSAT unit's ray dome filters out potentially dangerous UV rays.
    Y b. Certain INMARSAT systems will automatically transmit when called and can expose an individual to harmful radiation.
    N c. INMARSAT-A and B antennas are safe because they are omnidirectional.
    N d. An INMARSAT-C antenna must be carefully avoided because it focuses the transmitter's signal into a fine beam of energy.

2193: On offshore drilling units, the lifeboats' fuel tanks must be emptied and the fuel changed at least once every __________.

    Y a. 12 months
    N b. 24 months
    N c. 36 months
    N d. 48 months

2401: A high-velocity fog stream can be used in fire fighting situations to drive heat and smoke ahead of the fire fighters in a passageway. This technique should only be used when __________.

    N a. using a 2-1/2 inch hose
    Y b. there is an outlet for the smoke and heat
    N c. the fire is totally contained by the ship's structure
    N d. at least two fog streams can be used

2572: The radiotelephone urgency signal is __________.

    N a. mayday
    Y b. pan pan
    N c. securite
    N d. seelonce feenee

2574: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 27'-06", AFT 28'-02"; and the KG is 23.1 feet. Use the selected stability curves in the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the righting arm at 60° inclination.

    N a. 0.9 foot
    Y b. 1.8 feet
    N c. 2.7 feet
    N d. 4.5 feet

2580: If your JP-5 barge has operated in saltwater for less than 1 month in the 12 month period since it was last dry-docked, when is it required to be hauled out again?

    Y a. 60 months since last dry-docking
    N b. 36 months since last dry-docking
    N c. 24 months since last dry-docking
    N d. 12 months since last dry-docking

2606: Which device provides the main means in the GMDSS for locating ships in distress or their survival craft?

    N a. Radio direction finder
    Y b. Satellite EPIRBs
    N c. MF/HF DSC
    N d. VHF homing device

2712: A vessel with a small GM will __________.

    N a. be more subject to synchronous rolling
    N b. have a short rolling period
    N c. provide an uncomfortable ride for personnel
    Y d. have a smaller amplitude of roll in heavy weather

2819: Distress flares and smoke signals are not required on vessels operating on short runs. A "short run" is limited to __________. (small passenger vessel regulation)

    N a. water of less than 20 feet in depth
    N b. where land is always in sight
    N c. no more than 5 miles
    Y d. about 30 minutes away from the dock

3030: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has the liquid loading shown. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the KG of the liquid load. ST-0097

    N a. 7.7 feet
    N b. 9.1 feet
    N c. 9.9 feet
    Y d. 10.6 feet

3094: A type B-III CO2 extinguisher has a rated capacity of __________.

    N a. 15 lbs
    N b. 25 lbs
    Y c. 35 lbs
    N d. 45 lbs

3112: An 85 foot uninspected towing vessel with a crew of ten (10) persons on board must carry at LEAST __________. (Uninspected Vessel Regulations)

    N a. 10 approved ring life buoys and 10 approved life preservers
    N b. 10 approved work vests
    Y c. 10 approved life jackets and 1 approved ring life buoy
    N d. 11 approved life preservers

3115: For a MODU with transverse inclination, an increase in GMT causes __________.

    N a. list to stabilize at an angle of loll
    Y b. list to decrease
    N c. trim to decrease
    N d. list to increase

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

3312: By regulation, life preservers aboard an uninspected towing vessel must be __________. (Uninspected Vessel Regulations)

    Y a. readily accessible
    N b. securely stowed
    N c. stored in sealed containers
    N d. stowed with the emergency provisions

3320: If your vessel is required to have a fire ax on board, where should it be located? (small passenger vessel regulations)

    Y a. In or adjacent to the primary operating station
    N b. In below-decks passenger accommodations
    N c. Just outside the engine room access
    N d. In the galley near the stove

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

3885: On the DEEP DRILLER, among the starboard-side valves to open when flooding through the overboard discharge into ballast tank 1S is valve __________.

    Y a. 2
    N b. 3
    N c. 7
    N d. 37

3958: If there's a fire aboard your vessel, you should FIRST __________.

    N a. notify the Coast Guard
    N b. have passengers put on life preservers
    Y c. sound the alarm
    N d. cut off air supply to the fire

3984: As shown in the illustration, item #8 would be a(n)______________. (D014SA )

    N a. recognition light
    Y b. rain water catchment tube assembly
    N c. pressure relief valve
    N d. floating sheath knife

4089: Which piece of navigational safety equipment is NOT required on towing vessels over 12 meters in length, provided that the vessel remains within the navigable waters of the U.S.?

    N a. VHF-FM radio(s)
    Y b. LORAN-C or GPS receiver
    N c. Charts or maps of the areas to be transited
    N d. Searchlight

4092: On which route is a towing vessel over 39.4 feet in length NOT required to carry an echo-sounding device?

    N a. Great Lakes
    N b. Inland Waters, other than the Western Rivers
    Y c. Western Rivers
    N d. Coastwise Routes

4217: A mat-supported jack-up is best suited for drilling in locations with bottom conditions which are __________.

    Y a. soft and level
    N b. firm and uneven
    N c. sloping
    N d. coral

4267: For the COASTAL DRILLER, what is the maximum rotary load that can be used when the rotary has been extended 40 feet aft of the transom?

    N a. 750 kips
    N b. 630 kips
    Y c. 609 kips
    N d. 531 kips

4270: Which statement about immersion suits is TRUE?

    N a. The primary color of the suit's exterior may be red, orange or yellow.
    Y b. The suit must, without assistance, turn an unconscious person's mouth clear of the water within 5 seconds.
    N c. The suit is flameproof and provides protection to a wearer swimming in burning oil.
    N d. The suit may be stored in a machinery space where the ambient temperature is 160°F.

4326: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has on board 4850 tons of cargo with an LCG-FP of 279.84 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-0159

    N a. LCG-FP 267.7 feet
    N b. LCG-FP 268.4 feet
    N c. LCG-FP 269.2 feet
    Y d. LCG-FP 270.6 feet

4617: On the COASTAL DRILLER, in case one of the two bilge pits is flooded, the other can operate through a(n)__________.

    N a. six-inch line connected to the independent isolation valves to the sea chest
    N b. separate bilge discharge manifold
    N c. independent scavenger manifold
    Y d. crossover arrangement

4807: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Rig Move). What is the new transverse free surface correction (FSCT) if the entire contents of drill water tanks 6 and 7 are discharged?

    N a. 2.24 feet
    N b. 2.14 feet
    N c. 2.10 feet
    Y d. 1.67 feet

5042: What is the meaning of the signal SA T1035 RQ when sent by the International code of Signals?

    N a. The longitude is 10°35'.
    N b. I am altering course to 103.5°T.
    Y c. Can you proceed at 1035 local time?
    N d. Is the latitude 10°35'?

5573: To develop maximum anchor holding power, the optimum angle between the anchor's shank and the mooring lines is __________.

    Y a. 0 degrees
    N b. 10 degrees
    N c. 20 degrees
    N d. 30 degrees

5623: The full period of motion of the DEEP DRILLER while tripping is 10 seconds and the maximum pitch angle as seen on the inclinometers is 8 degrees. From the standpoint of critical motion, the motion is __________.

    N a. unsatisfactory, place setback in the pipe racks
    N b. satisfactory, continue tripping
    Y c. unsatisfactory, deballast to survival draft
    N d. satisfactory, place unit in standby

5647: On a semisubmersible drilling unit, increasing riser tension increases __________.

    Y a. KG
    N b. GM
    N c. KM
    N d. free surface moments

5683: You should consider placing the drilling operations of the DEEP DRILLER in standby when __________.

    Y a. sustained winds exceed 50 knots
    N b. winds exceed 70 knots
    N c. critical motion limits have been exceeded
    N d. waves are greater than 64 feet

7385: To assure safe boarding and launching of a davit-launched liferaft from a MODU, preparation should include __________.

    N a. load testing the davit arm and the painter system
    Y b. removing any side protective rails and checking that the overside and surface level are clear
    N c. testing the spring loaded drum to assure it will retract the fall release hook
    N d. testing to assure that the required lamps are functioning properly

7635: At an angle of loll, the righting arm (GZ) is __________.

    N a. maximum
    N b. negative
    N c. positive, but reflexive
    Y d. zero

7683: Increasing free surfaces has the effect of raising the __________.

    N a. uncorrected KG
    Y b. virtual height of the center of gravity
    N c. metacenter
    N d. metacentric height

8355: What quality of a diesel fuel is most significant for efficient combustion?

    Y a. Volatility
    N b. Viscosity
    N c. Flash point
    N d. Specific heat

9523: When the height of the metacenter is the same as the height of the center of gravity, the upright equilibrium position is __________.

    N a. stable
    Y b. neutral
    N c. unstable
    N d. negative