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.


14: A yellow signal floating in the air from a small parachute, about 300 feet above the water, would indicate that a submarine __________.


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


77: Normally, the percentage of oxygen in air is __________.


283: Spreading oil on the open sea has the effect of __________.

    N a. diminishing the height of the seas
    N b. lengthening the distance between successive crests
    N c. increasing the height of the seas
    Y d. preventing the wave crests from breaking

365: What is the minimum fuel-oil discharge-containment needed for a 100 gross ton vessel constructed after June 30,1974?

    Y a. At least 5 gallons
    N b. At least 1 barrel
    N c. At least 2 barrels
    N d. At least 3 barrels

503: Your vessel has lifeboats on both sides. Lifeboat No. 2 is located __________.

    N a. forward of lifeboat No. 4 on the starboard side
    Y b. forward of lifeboat No. 4 on the port side
    N c. aft of lifeboat No. 1 on the starboard side
    N d. All of the above

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

683: The purpose of air tanks in a lifeboat is to __________.

    N a. make the boat float higher
    N b. provide a stowage place for provisions
    N c. add strength to the boat
    Y d. keep the boat afloat if flooded

762: The most effective extinguishing action of dry chemical is __________.

    Y a. breaking the chain reaction
    N b. the CO2 that is formed by heat
    N c. smothering
    N d. shielding of radiant heat

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

777: On small passenger vessels a gasoline engine must be fitted with __________.

    N a. A means of backfire flame control
    N b. A lubricating oil pressure gauge and a tachometer
    N c. Jacket water discharge temperature gauges
    Y d. All of the above

868: Burning wood is which class of fire?

    Y a. A
    N b. B
    N c. C
    N d. D

941: You are on a supply run to an offshore drilling rig. On board is the cargo listed. What is the height above the main deck of the center of gravity of the cargo? ST-0019

    N a. 0.96 foot
    Y b. 1.45 feet
    N c. 1.96 feet
    N d. 2.96 feet

957: An engine compartment gasoline fire requires which type of extinguisher?

    N a. Carbon dioxide
    N b. Dry chemical
    N c. Foam
    Y d. All of the above

1167: A pumproom is suspected of accumulating gases after a ventilation machinery breakdown. Where should the combustible gas indicator case be placed when testing the pumproom atmosphere for combustible gases?

    N a. In the lower level of the pumproom
    N b. In the middle level of the pumproom
    N c. In the upper level of the pumproom
    Y d. On the deck outside the pumproom

1382: Ventilation systems connected to a compartment in which a fire is burning are normally closed to prevent the rapid spread of the fire by __________.

    Y a. convection
    N b. conduction
    N c. radiation
    N d. spontaneous combustion

1429: When collecting condensation for drinking water, __________.

    Y a. a sponge used to mop up and store condensation must be kept salt free
    N b. only condensation on the bottom of the canopy should be collected
    N c. it should be strained through a finely woven cloth
    N d. chlorine tablets should be used to make it drinkable

1571: A Halon 1301 cylinder is periodically tested for weight loss and pressure loss. It must be recharged if it has lost more than what minimum percentage of its weight?

    N a. 3%
    Y b. 5%
    N c. 10%
    N d. 15%

1609: Line throwing equipment should NOT be operated __________.

    N a. during a rain storm
    N b. near a lifeboat station
    Y c. in an explosive atmosphere
    N d. by other than licensed officers

1871: If the cause of a sudden severe list is negative initial stability, counterflooding into empty tanks may __________.

    N a. increase the righting moment
    N b. cause an increase in the righting arm
    N c. bring the vessel to an upright equilibrium position
    Y d. cause the vessel to flop to a greater angle

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

2149: On a barge carrying grade A cargo, who determines where smoking may be permitted during a loading operation?

    N a. The OCMI who issued the Certificate of Inspection
    Y b. The certificated tankerman on duty
    N c. The vessel owner
    N d. Smoking is not permitted during a loading operation.

2275: INTERNATIONAL AND INLAND Your 18-meter vessel is propelled by sail and power. What action is required when the engine is stopped?

    N a. Display a black diamond shape forward.
    Y b. Remove the black cone shape from forward.
    N c. Remove the black balls (one at the masthead and one on each spreader).
    N d. Display a black cylindrical shape at the masthead.

2622: Liquefied flammable gas is defined as any flammable gas having a Reid vapor pressure exceeding how many pounds?

    N a. 14
    N b. 30
    Y c. 40
    N d. 50

2657: Your drafts are: FWD 6'-2", AFT 6'-8". From past experience, you know that the vessel will increase her draft 1 inch for every 6 tons loaded. There is rig water on board and 23 tons of deck cargo. How many more tons of cargo can be loaded and still maintain the same trim? ( D037DG )

    N a. 24 tons
    N b. 18 tons
    N c. 12 tons
    Y d. 6 tons

2751: The requirements for special welding procedures on a MODU must be contained in the __________.

    N a. vessel plans
    N b. Coast Guard file
    Y c. construction portfolio
    N d. construction plans

2776: The lubber's line of a magnetic compass __________.

    N a. always shows true north direction
    Y b. indicates the vessel's heading
    N c. is always parallel to the vessel's transom
    N d. is located on the compass card

2843: Under the Pollution Regulations, garbage disposal records must be kept __________.

    Y a. two years
    N b. one year
    N c. until the next Coast Guard inspection
    N d. until the end of the voyage

2966: Each vessel shall be dry-docked or hauled out at intervals not to exceed 2 years if operated in salt water for a total of more than __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

    Y a. 3 months in any 12 month period since it was last hauled out
    N b. 6 months in the 3 year period since it was last hauled out
    N c. 12 months in the 5 year period since it was last hauled out
    N d. whenever ownership or management changes

3027: If the result of loading a MODU is an increase in the height of the center of gravity, there will always be an increase in the __________.

    N a. metacentric height
    N b. righting arm
    N c. righting moment
    Y d. vertical moments

3207: The lights on the outside of the canopy of an inflatable liferaft operate __________.

    N a. by turning the globe clockwise
    N b. by a switch at the light
    N c. by a light sensor
    Y d. automatically when the raft is inflated

3346: An inflatable liferaft is thrown into the water from a sinking vessel. Which action occurs automatically after the painter trips the CO2 bottles to inflate the raft?

    Y a. The sea anchor is deployed.
    N b. The floor inflates.
    N c. If upside down, the raft will right itself.
    N d. The painter detaches from the raft.

3567: What are the maximum vertical moments including free surface moments permitted on the DEEP DRILLER at a draft of 60 feet if the winds are greater than 70 knots?

    Y a. 942,120 foot-tons
    N b. 946,271 foot-tons
    N c. 974,441 foot-tons
    N d. 1,059,885 foot-tons

3612: Your vessel's existing draft is FWD 14'-00", AFT 16'-00". Using the Guidance Manual for Loading M.V. GRAND HAVEN, determine the new draft if 350 long tons are discharged from No. 13 hatch.

    N a. FWD 13'-03 5/8", AFT 15'-03 1/8"
    N b. FWD 13'-04 3/4", AFT 15'-03 1/4"
    N c. FWD 13'-05 1/5", AFT 15'-04 3/5"
    Y d. FWD 13'-08 4/5", AFT 15'-08 4/5"

3640: How should the number "2" be pronounced when spoken on the radiotelephone?

    N a. NUM-BER-TOO
    Y b. BEES-SOH-TOO
    N c. DOS-SOH-TU
    N d. NEM-MARL-TWO

3659: Using the Guidance Manual for Loading the M.V. Grand Haven, determine the amount of ballast required in tank No. 1 (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 43 lbs.

    Y a. 23 tons each
    N b. 50 tons each
    N c. 75 tons each
    N d. 150 tons each

3664: The SS AMERICAN MARINER has drafts of: FWD 29'-04", AFT 30'-06". Use the white pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the drafts if you ballast the forepeak with 101.6 tons of seawater.

    N a. FWD 29'-04.5", AFT 30'-07.5"
    N b. FWD 29'-07.6", AFT 30'-05.0"
    N c. FWD 29'-04.5", AFT 30'-10.0"
    Y d. FWD 30'-00.8", AFT 30'-01.0"

3698: You are attempting to administer CPR to a victim. When you blow into his mouth it is apparent that no air is getting into the lungs. What should you do?

    N a. Blow harder to force the air past the tongue.
    N b. Raise the victim's head higher than his feet.
    N c. Press on the victim's lungs so that air pressure will blow out any obstruction.
    Y d. Re-tip the head and try again.

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

4071: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Transit). What are the new LM (longitudinal moments) if the entire contents of Salt Water Ballast Tanks 1P and 1S are discharged?

    Y a. 5,191 ft-tons
    N b. 13,414 ft-tons
    N c. 31,992 ft-tons
    N d. 69,175 ft-tons

4171: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load form #3 (Preparing to Drill). If the liquid mud in mud pit #4 (see table 8) is dumped, what would be the new metacentric height corrected for longitudinal free surface effects?

    N a. 10.07 feet
    N b. 8.80 feet
    Y c. 7.59 feet
    N d. 5.45 feet

4205: While in 150 feet water depth when the single amplitude roll angle of the COASTAL DRILLER is 2 degrees, the safe platform roll period for going on location should be longer than __________.

    Y a. 0.5 second
    N b. 5.0 seconds
    N c. 10.0 seconds
    N d. 13.5 seconds

4234: Which type of fixed fire protection system is approved for use on board uninspected vessels? (Uninspected Vessel Regulations)

    N a. Dry chemical
    Y b. Water mist
    N c. Chemical foam
    N d. Steam smothering

4257: Considering the lightweight changes to the COASTAL DRILLER, what is the maximum permitted hook load permitted when 450 kips are in the setback and 200 kips are in the cantilever pipe rack?

    N a. 350 kips
    Y b. 529 kips
    N c. 550 kips
    N d. 750 kips

4311: The COASTAL DRILLER, in transit with winds expected to exceed 70 knots, must lower the legs to 60.5 feet below the hull in order to meet the requirements for stability and __________.

    Y a. leg strength
    N b. variable load
    N c. environmental load
    N d. load line

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

4744: You operate the lever shown when the lifeboat is __________. (D013SA )

    N a. in the secured position
    N b. at the embarkation deck
    N c. being lowered to sea level
    Y d. waterborne

5092: You are scheduled to load 3200 tons of cargo, 45 tons of crew effects and stores and 259 tons of fuel. Use the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the vessel's mean draft in fresh water:

    N a. 17'-00"
    Y b. 16'-09"
    N c. 16'-06"
    N d. 16'-04"

5115: What kind of conditions would you observe as the eye of a storm passes over your MODU's position?

    Y a. Huge waves approaching from all directions, clearing skies, light winds, and an extremely low barometer
    N b. Flat calm seas, heavy rain, light winds, and an extremely low barometer
    N c. Flat calm seas, heavy rain, light winds, and high pressure
    N d. Huge waves approaching from all directions, clearing skies, light winds, and high pressure

5413: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #2 (Preload). What would be the TCG if the preload is dumped and the cantilever and drill floor are skidded aft, placing the rotary 34 feet aft of the transom, and the drill floor is skidded 8 feet to port?

    N a. -0.52 foot
    Y b. -0.33 foot
    N c. -0.17 foot
    N d. 0.52 foot

5425: The COASTAL DRILLER, loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #3 (Drilling), dumps all the mud in pits 1, 2, 3, and 4. What is the new LCG?

    N a. 122.02 feet AFO
    N b. 125.03 feet AFO
    Y c. 125.63 feet AFO
    N d. 131.46 feet AFO

5615: Structural stress levels in a MODU are the sum of loading stresses and stresses due to __________.

    Y a. environmental loads
    N b. variable loads
    N c. ballast loading
    N d. mooring loads

6023: On a MODU, an extinguisher with 15 lbs. of CO2 or 10 lbs. of dry chemical is a size __________.

    N a. I
    Y b. II
    N c. III
    N d. IV

6157: Smoking in bed on a MODU is prohibited __________.

    Y a. at all times
    N b. during evening hours
    N c. unless another person is present
    N d. during drilling operations

7681: The effects of free surface on initial stability depend upon the dimensions of the surface of the free liquids and the __________.

    N a. volume of liquid in the tank
    Y b. volume of displacement of the MODU
    N c. location of the tank in the MODU
    N d. height of the center of gravity of the MODU

8053: At a speed of 6 knots the fuel aboard a survival craft should last __________.

    N a. 8 hours
    N b. 12 hours
    Y c. 24 hours
    N d. 48 hours

8055: When inspecting a survival craft, you should check to make sure that the __________.

    N a. sea anchor is deployed
    N b. hydraulic starting system has been drained
    Y c. hydraulic pressure is within the specified range
    N d. steering controls are locked

8483: A jack-up 180 feet in length with the LCF at 120 feet AFO has a true mean draft (draft at LCF) of 10 feet. If the trim is 3 feet by the stern, what is the draft at the stern?

    N a. 8.0 feet
    N b. 9.0 feet
    Y c. 11.0 feet
    N d. 12.0 feet

8775: While drilling loaded as shown in Sample Load Form #4 (Drilling), the DEEP DRILLER suffers a sudden unexpected forward inclination. The wind and waves are light from the starboard bow. Among the possible causes, you should consider __________.

    N a. failure of mooring lines 2 and 3
    N b. drilling crew has dumped the mud
    Y c. the drill string has broken
    N d. ballast tanks equalizing into tank 1P