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.


143: You have abandoned ship in tropical waters. Which procedure(s) should be used during a prolonged period in a raft?


200: Which statement is TRUE of a tender vessel?


224: If there is a possibility of confusion, which signal should be used to send the group "True Bearing 045 Degrees"?


288: A negative metacentric height __________.

    N a. will always cause a vessel to capsize
    N b. always results from off-center weights
    Y c. should always be immediately corrected
    N d. All of the above are correct

317: Your vessel will be entering the navigable waters of the United States. You are required by regulations to __________.

    N a. test the primary and secondary steering systems no more than 8 hours before entering
    Y b. correct the charts of the area to be transited using the Notice(s) to Mariners or foreign equivalent reasonably available
    N c. have a copy of Radio Navigational Aids
    N d. check the magnetic compass for the correct deviation

366: You have determined that a cargo space on a freight vessel is 45 feet by 36 feet by 62 feet. How many pounds of carbon dioxide is required for this space?

    N a. 1674
    N b. 2511
    Y c. 3348
    N d. 5022

466: Deficient oxygen content inside a chain locker can be detected with __________.

    N a. litmus paper
    N b. a combustible gas indicator
    N c. an oxygen breathing apparatus
    Y d. an oxygen indicator

522: A spanner is a __________.

    N a. cross connection line between two main fire lines
    Y b. special wrench for the couplings in a fire hose line
    N c. tackle rigged to support a fire hose
    N d. None of the above

522: A spanner is a __________.

    N a. cross connection line between two main fire lines
    Y b. special wrench for the couplings in a fire hose line
    N c. tackle rigged to support a fire hose
    N d. None of the above

526: Motor-propelled lifeboats are required to have sufficient fuel to operate continuously at 6 knots for how many hours?

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

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

561: The 12-foot low-velocity fog applicator __________.

    N a. has a spray pattern 12 feet in diameter
    N b. can be used in conjunction with both 1-1/2 inch and 2-1/2 inch all-purpose nozzles
    Y c. has a 90° bend at its discharge end
    N d. has a screw thread end which connects to the all-purpose nozzle

610: The amount of freeboard which a ship possesses has a tremendous effect on its __________.

    N a. initial stability
    N b. free surface
    N c. permeability
    Y d. stability at large angles of inclination

726: On an oceangoing vessel, for each person a lifeboat (without desalting kits) is certified to carry, the boat must be supplied with __________.

    N a. 2 pounds of condensed milk
    N b. a signaling whistle
    Y c. 3 liters of water
    N d. a life preserver

988: Which portable fire extinguisher should be used on a class C fire on board a vessel?

    Y a. Carbon dioxide
    N b. Water (stored pressure)
    N c. Foam
    N d. Carbon tetrachloride

1057: The primary method by which water spray puts out fires is by __________.

    N a. removing the oxygen
    Y b. cooling the fire below the ignition temperature
    N c. removing combustible material
    N d. diluting combustible vapors

1121: In shown, number 1 operates the __________. (D011SA )

    N a. releasing gear
    N b. McCluny hook
    N c. sea painter
    Y d. Fleming gear

1151: Treatment of sunstroke consists principally of __________.

    Y a. cooling, removing to shaded area, and lying down
    N b. bathing with rubbing alcohol
    N c. drinking ice water
    N d. All of the above

1151: Treatment of sunstroke consists principally of __________.

    Y a. cooling, removing to shaded area, and lying down
    N b. bathing with rubbing alcohol
    N c. drinking ice water
    N d. All of the above

1215: According to the regulations for small passenger vessels, fuses and circuit breakers are used in electrical circuits to __________.

    N a. keep equipment from shutting off unexpectedly
    N b. prevent voltage fluctuations
    Y c. keep the circuit from becoming overloaded or overheated
    N d. make the operator inspect his wiring periodically after the fuses blow

1461: You are in a lifeboat when you sight the stars shown. You will be heading due north when you head for Polaris which is indicated by what letter? (D005SA )

    Y a. E
    N b. F
    N c. H
    N d. I

1530: Which vessel in ocean service is not subject to Annex V of MARPOL 73/78?

    N a. A 20-foot sailing vessel
    N b. A 26-foot tug and tow
    N c. An uninspected 35-foot passenger vessel
    Y d. A Navy Destroyer

1855: An offshore drilling unit is required to carry on board an operations manual approved by the __________.

    Y a. Coast Guard
    N b. National Cargo Bureau
    N c. Minerals Management Service
    N d. builder

2044: INTERNATIONAL AND INLAND You are under sail making 5 knots. The apparent wind is broad on the port beam at 10 knots. You see another sailing vessel dead ahead on a meeting course. What action is correct?

    N a. Both vessels must maneuver to avoid collision.
    Y b. You must keep out of the way of the other vessel.
    N c. Only the other vessel must maneuver to avoid collision.
    N d. You are only required to maneuver if collision cannot be avoided by maneuver of the other vessel.

2097: If you reef a marconi mainsail, the sail area __________.

    Y a. becomes less
    N b. becomes larger
    N c. does not change
    N d. moves aft

2168: When a vessel is stationary and in a hogging condition, the main deck is under which type of stress?

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

2194: Your vessel is damaged with no list, but down by the stern. There is progressive flooding and trim by the stern is increasing. What is the effect on transverse stability after the deck edge at the stern is submerged?

    N a. KB increases, increasing BM and therefore GM
    N b. KG increases due to the weight of the added water on deck
    Y c. BM decreases from loss of water plane and greater volume.
    N d. There is no effect on transverse stability.

2287: The limit switches on a MODUs survival-craft winch system __________.

    Y a. stop the winch just before the craft reaches the final stowage position
    N b. limit the amount of cable on the drum
    N c. limit the ascent rate
    N d. stop the winch in case the craft weighs too much

2619: 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-0073

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

2754: Which lifesaving equipment must be tested monthly?

    N a. Inflatable PFD's
    Y b. EPIRB
    N c. Hydrostatic releases
    N d. Dated batteries

2932: What is FALSE concerning the use of unicellular plastic foam work vests on small passenger vessels? (small passenger vessel regulations)

    Y a. They may be substituted for up to 50% of the required life jackets.
    N b. They shall be of an approved type.
    N c. They shall be stowed separately from required lifesaving equipment.
    N d. They may be worn by crew members when working near or over the water.

3010: 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-0096

    Y a. Available GM 4.07 ft
    N b. Available GM 4.60 ft
    N c. Available GM 4.69 ft
    N d. Available GM 4.81 ft

3047: Automatic fire dampers in ventilation systems are operated by use of __________.

    N a. remotely operated valves
    Y b. fusible links
    N c. C02 system pressure switches
    N d. heat or smoke detectors

3055: Which statement is TRUE concerning life jackets?

    N a. Buoyant vests may be substituted for life jackets.
    Y b. Life jackets are designed to turn an unconscious person's face clear of the water.
    N c. Life jackets must always be worn with the same side facing outwards to float properly.
    N d. Lightly stained or faded life jackets will fail in the water and should not be used.

3130: What is the minimum height of rails on passenger decks of ferryboats, excursion vessels, and vessels of a similar type? (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. 18 inches (.5 m) high
    N b. 24 inches (.6 m) high
    Y c. 39-1/2 inches (1 m) high
    N d. 42 inches (1.1 m) high

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

3435: Small wooden hull passenger vessels, whose routes are limited to coastwise warm water routes on the high seas, must carry approved life floats or buoyant apparatus __________.

    N a. for all persons on board
    N b. for not less than 67% of all persons permitted on board
    Y c. for not less than 100% of all persons permitted on board
    N d. in place of ring life buoys

3466: A sea anchor is __________.

    N a. a heavy metal anchor with an extra long line used to anchor in deep water
    Y b. a cone shaped bag used to slow down the wind drift effect
    N c. a pad eye to which the sea painter is made fast
    N d. made of wood if it is of an approved type

3582: You are downbound in an ice filled channel. An icebreaker is meeting you and sounds two short, one prolonged, and two short blasts on the whistle. What action should you take?

    N a. No action is required; the icebreaker will move out of the channel.
    N b. Move to the right hand side of the channel and slow to bare steerageway.
    Y c. Stop your headway and await further signals.
    N d. Slow to bare steerageway and be prepared to come ahead as the icebreaker commences escorting your vessel.

3593: The DEEP DRILLER is level at a draft of 58 feet when there are no environmental forces. What is the value of LCG?

    N a. 0.00 (amidships)
    N b. 2.23 feet forward of amidships
    Y c. 2.26 feet forward of amidships
    N d. 2.31 feet forward of amidships

3726: Treatment of frostbite includes __________.

    N a. rubbing affected area with ice or snow
    N b. rubbing affected area briskly to restore circulation
    N c. wrapping area tightly in warm cloths
    Y d. warming exposed parts rapidly

3727: The DEEP DRILLER is engaged in wire line logging. You have 10,000 feet of drill pipe and bottom hole assembly in the set back. Marine weather forecasts are predicting weather with winds in excess of 70 knots. Your first step to prepare for the storm should be to __________.

    Y a. suspend wire line operations and run the drill string into the hole
    N b. continue wire line operations and bring the rig to a 45 foot draft
    N c. suspend wire line operations and dump your mud pits overboard
    N d. increase tension on all anchor chains to minimize movement of the rig

3981: While loaded as shown in the DEEP DRILLER Sample Load Form #4 (Drilling), all of the liquid mud is dumped. What is the new position of the longitudinal center of buoyancy?

    N a. 0.00 feet
    N b. 1.69 feet
    N c. 2.25 feet
    Y d. 2.29 feet

4030: Fire protection regulations for towing vessels require any fuel line subject to internal head pressure from fuel in the tank to ___________ .

    Y a. be fitted with a positive fuel shut-off valve located at the tank
    N b. have a shut-off valve at the top of the tank
    N c. have a gate valve easily accessible in the space where the tank is located
    N d. have a drain cock at the lowest point in the fuel line

4044: Convection spreads a fire by __________.

    Y a. heated gases flowing through ventilation systems
    N b. the transfer of heat across an unobstructed space
    N c. burning liquids flowing into another space
    N d. transmitting the heat of a fire through the ship's metal

4132: When the helm is turned on the navigation bridge, which of the listed actions will be the FIRST response in the steering room on a ship equipped with an electro-hydraulic steering gear?

    N a. The pumps go to full stroke.
    N b. The six-way valve aligns itself with the running pump.
    N c. Both port and starboard cables are energized.
    Y d. The synchronous receiver turns, duplicating the helm motion.

4637: How much drill water should be transferred from tanks #23 and #24 to tank #1 to level the COASTAL DRILLER, in transit at a draft of 10 feet 6 inches, if the total longitudinal moments are 1,700,000 ft-kips?

    N a. 438 kips
    Y b. 451 kips
    N c. 521 kips
    N d. 537 kips

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

5477: Standards for fabrication and testing of chain on mobile offshore drilling units are provided by the __________.

    N a. Department of the Interior
    N b. U.S. Coast Guard
    N c. Minerals Management Service
    Y d. American Petroleum Institute

5722: Your drafts are: FWD 21'-03", AFT 26'-00". What is the KM based on the tables in the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book?

    N a. 25.1 feet
    Y b. 25.4 feet
    N c. 25.7 feet
    N d. 26.0 feet

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

6660: Your drafts are: FWD 24'-09", AFT 27'-02". Use the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the vessels displacement if you are in fresh water.

    N a. 13,075 tons
    Y b. 13,350 tons
    N c. 13,590 tons
    N d. 13,700 tons

6743: The required fireman's outfits required for MODU's are not to be used for any other purpose EXCEPT for the __________.

    N a. oxygen and explosion meter when it is used for detection of flare gases
    Y b. self-contained breathing apparatus, when used as protection from gas leaking from a refrigeration unit
    N c. boots and gloves that are made of rubber or electrically non-conductive material, if used when repairing electrical equipment
    N d. lifeline, if used by personnel entering a compartment which might be deficient of oxygen

6845: After conducting a boat drill on a mobile offshore drilling unit, what must the Master or person in charge enter in the in the logbook?

    Y a. Any inoperative equipment and the corrective action taken
    N b. The name of the lifeboatman in charge of each lifeboat
    N c. The location of the vessel at the time of the drill
    N d. The time it took to lower the boat

7075: Where there are multiple accident victims, which injuries should be the FIRST to receive emergency treatment?

    N a. Major multiple fractures
    N b. Eye injuries
    N c. Back injuries with spinal-cord damage
    Y d. Airway and breathing difficulties

8511: An elevated jack-up weighs 17,000 kips. Its center of gravity is located 110 feet aft of frame zero (AF0). What would be the new LCG if the cantilever (weight 900 kips) and drill floor (weight 800 kips) were skidded 70 feet aft?

    N a. 103.0 feet AF0
    N b. 113.4 feet AF0
    Y c. 117.0 feet AF0
    N d. 180.0 feet AF0

8557: Each fire pump on a MODU must have a pressure gauge located at __________.

    Y a. the pump discharge
    N b. the manifold connection
    N c. each fire station discharge
    N d. the pump station

8591: Prior to burning or welding on a fuel tank on a MODU, regulations require that an inspection be made. An entry in the unofficial logbook is required if this inspection is made by __________.

    N a. a marine chemist
    N b. the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection
    Y c. the Master or person in charge of the MODU
    N d. the National Fire Protection Association

8703: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in Sample Load Form #5 (Survival). While the unit is deballasting, port valve 5 fails in the closed position. You may deballast from tank 2P by pumping from tank 1P after opening valves 6 and __________.

    N a. 35
    N b. 7
    N c. 4
    Y d. 2

9533: Unstable equilibrium exists at small angles of inclination when __________.

    Y a. G is above M
    N b. G is off the centerline
    N c. B is off the centerline
    N d. B is above G