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.


264: While using the International Code of Signals, if the receiving station can distinguish the flag signal of the transmitting station, but cannot understand the meaning of it, the station can hoist the flag signal __________.


492: The spray of water produced by using the high-velocity fog position on an all-purpose nozzle will have __________.


682: How are lifelines attached to a life float?


706: The painter on a life float or buoyant apparatus shall __________.

    N a. have a minimum breaking strength of 3,000 lbs. if the capacity of the lifesaving gear is 50 persons or greater
    N b. be resistant to ultraviolet sunlight deterioration
    N c. be stowed to pay out freely if the vessel sinks
    Y d. All of the above

835: No person may serve as the person in charge of both the vessel and the facility during oil transfer operations unless __________.

    N a. there is ready access between the two
    N b. the vessel and facility are immediately adjacent
    N c. the person in charge has a rapid means of transportation between the two
    Y d. the Captain of the Port authorizes such procedure

855: The term, "cargo tank length", as used in part 157 of the Pollution Regulations, means the __________.

    N a. length of any individual cargo space, from bulkhead to bulkhead
    N b. greatest distance between two opposite cargo tank bulkheads
    N c. diagonal measurement of a cargo tank
    Y d. length from the forward bulkhead of the forwardmost cargo tanks to the after bulkhead of the aftermost cargo tanks

889: Small quantities of flammable liquids needed at a work site should be __________.

    N a. used only under the supervision and direction of a ship's officer
    N b. tightly capped and stowed with other tools near the job site when securing at the end of the day
    N c. used only when a pressurized fire hose is laid out ready for immediate use
    Y d. in a metal container with a tight cap

1032: When used to fight fire, carbon dioxide __________.

    Y a. is effective if used promptly on an oil fire
    N b. has a greater cooling effect than water
    N c. is lighter than air
    N d. is harmless to cargo and crew

1040: General requirements for a vessel's radiotelephone station log are that __________.

    N a. logs must be kept in an orderly manner
    N b. erasures are not allowed
    N c. it must identify the vessel's name and official number
    Y d. All of the above

1136: The breaking strength of the service lines of the rockets used with an impulse-projected, rocket type line throwing appliances is __________.

    N a. 300 lbs
    Y b. 500 lbs
    N c. 1000 lbs
    N d. 1500 lbs

1145: When hoisting a boat on gravity type davits using an electric motor driven winch, the davit arms should be brought up __________.

    N a. to their final position with the winch operating at slow speed
    N b. to the bar stop, and then hand cranked to their final position
    Y c. until just before they make contact with the limit switch, and then hand cranked to their final position
    N d. to the embarkation deck, and then hand cranked to their final position

1261: On small passenger vessels, when must watchmen patrol throughout the vessel to guard against and give alarm in case of fire or other danger?

    N a. At all times outside normal work hours
    N b. At all times when the vessel is underway
    Y c. During the nighttime when the vessel carries overnight passengers
    N d. When the rest of the crew is asleep

1453: The hoods over galley ranges present what major hazard?

    Y a. Grease collects in the duct and filter and if it catches fire is difficult to extinguish.
    N b. In order to effectively draw off cooking heat they present a head-injury hazard to a person of average or more height.
    N c. They inhibit the effective operation of fire fighting systems in combating deep fat fryer or range fires.
    N d. They concentrate the heat of cooking and may raise surrounding flammable material to the ignition point.

1549: You are sailing in a strong wind and may accidentally jibe when __________.

    N a. reaching
    N b. tacking
    Y c. running-free
    N d. in irons

1568: The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to load the cargo listed. There is already 2464 tons of cargo on board with a KG of 27.3 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-0042

    N a. KG 27.0 feet
    N b. KG 27.8 feet
    Y c. KG 28.6 feet
    N d. KG 29.8 feet

1619: A conscious victim who has suffered a blow to the head has symptoms that indicate the possibility of concussion. If the patient feels no indication of neck or spine injury, recommended treatment would include __________.

    N a. turning the victim's head to the side to keep his airway open
    N b. positioning the victim so the head is lower than the body
    N c. giving the victim water if he is thirsty, but no food
    Y d. elevating the head and shoulders slightly with a pillow

1729: The purpose of the deck seal in an inert gas system is to prevent __________.

    Y a. flammable vapors from entering machinery space
    N b. flue gas escaping to atmosphere
    N c. inert gas escaping to atmosphere
    N d. air entering inert gas system

1844: Your vessel displaces 368 tons and measures 96'L x 28'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 42'L x 28'B and the weight of the water is 36 tons?

    N a. 4.98 feet
    N b. 5.21 feet
    Y c. 5.43 feet
    N d. 5.67 feet

1903: You are approaching another vessel and see that she has the signal flag "W" hoisted. What should you do?

    N a. Proceed on present course and speed since the vessel is stopped and making no way through the water.
    N b. Attempt to call the vessel on VHF radiotelephone because she is disabled.
    Y c. Attempt to call the vessel on VHF radiotelephone because someone on board requires medical assistance.
    N d. Proceed on present course and speed since the vessel is declaring that she is "healthy" and requests free pratique.

1914: Your vessel displaces 728 tons and measures 138'L by 31'B. What is the reduction in GM due to free surface if the fish hold (36'L by 29'B by 9'D) is filled with 3.6 feet of water? (Each foot of water weighs 29.8 tons)

    N a. 2.35 feet
    Y b. 2.50 feet
    N c. 2.72 feet
    N d. 2.96 feet

1993: The person in charge of a mobile offshore drilling unit must insure that __________.

    N a. the Muster List ("Station Bill") is approved by the Coast Guard
    Y b. the date of each fire extinguisher test is recorded
    N c. all personnel are trained to launch the survival craft
    N d. a fire drill is held at least once each day

2030: You have 60 tons of below deck tonnage and 220 tons of above deck cargo on board. You must load 240 tons of liquid mud below deck. How much more deck cargo can you load? (See illustration D036DG, stability letter for M.V. Hudson.) (D036DG )

    N a. 65 tons
    N b. 85 tons
    N c. 110 tons
    Y d. 125 tons

2111: The hinge fitting used to attach the boom to the mast is the __________.

    Y a. gooseneck
    N b. step
    N c. swivel
    N d. pintle

2146: Aboard damaged vessels, the MOST important consideration is preserving __________.

    N a. bilge pumping capacity
    Y b. reserve buoyancy
    N c. level attitude
    N d. instability

2418: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 24'-07", AFT 25'-09"; and the KG is 23.2 feet. What is the righting moment when the vessel is inclined to 45°? (Use the reference material in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

    N a. 27,008 foot-tons
    N b. 29,778 foot-tons
    N c. 32,428 foot-tons
    Y d. 34,663 foot-tons

2755: What repair or modification to a MODU would most likely require consulting the construction portfolio?

    N a. Replacing watertight doors in quarters
    N b. Repair of drill pipe racks on deck
    Y c. Repair of leg-to-can connection on a jack-up
    N d. Replacing a service pump foundation

2777: The lubber's line on a magnetic compass indicates __________.

    N a. compass north
    Y b. the direction of the vessel's head
    N c. magnetic north
    N d. a relative bearing taken with azimuth circle

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.

2790: The weight of liquefied petroleum gas vapors as compared to air is __________.

    N a. variable
    N b. the same
    N c. lighter
    Y d. heavier

2905: Each emergency light must be marked with __________.

    Y a. the letter "E"
    N b. an arrow pointing to the nearest exit
    N c. a no-smoking symbol
    N d. the word "DANGER"

2963: Which of the following statements about transmitting distress messages by radiotelephone is INCORRECT?

    N a. If no answer is received on the designated distress frequencies, repeat the distress call on any frequency available.
    N b. Channel 16 (156.8) may be used for distress messages.
    Y c. It is advisable to follow a distress message on 2182 kHz by two dashes of 10 to 15 seconds duration.
    N d. Distress messages should first be transmitted on 2182 kHz.

3045: You are testing the external flotation bladder of an immersion suit and find it has a very slow leak. Which action should be taken?

    N a. Replace the suit.
    N b. Replace the inflation bladder.
    Y c. Contact the manufacturer for repair instructions.
    N d. Some leakage should be expected and a topping off tube is provided; no other action is necessary.

3438: Generally, when lifting an inflatable liferaft back aboard ship, you would use the __________.

    Y a. towing bridle
    N b. main weather cover
    N c. external lifelines
    N d. righting strap

3563: Because of the presence of 75 knot winds, the DEEP DRILLER is at survival draft. KGL is 1.24 feet less than the maximum allowed. What is the value of GML?

    N a. 0.15 foot
    N b. 1.00 foot
    N c. 1.24 feet
    Y d. 1.39 feet

3842: You must ensure that lifesaving equipment is __________.

    N a. locked up
    Y b. readily accessible for use
    N c. inaccessible to passengers
    N d. on the topmost deck of the vessel at all times

3913: The DEEP DRILLER, at a draft of 60 feet, has 50,000 ft-tons of longitudinal moments. How much ballast should be transferred between tanks 1P and 10P to level the unit longitudinally?

    Y a. 45.3 long tons
    N b. 90.6 long tons
    N c. 118.1 long tons
    N d. 236.1 long tons

3966: In the illustration shown, the righting strap is shown as item number __________. (D014SA )

    N a. 8
    N b. 9
    N c. 12
    Y d. 16

4058: When the owner or Master inspects his/her towing vessel before embarking on a voyage of more than 24 hours, he/she must check all terminal gear EXCEPT ___________ .

    N a. the connection of the bridle and towing pendant
    N b. chafing gear
    Y c. quick release towing hook and control system, to see that it operates properly
    N d. the winch brake, if installed

4093: Towing vessels of more than 39.4 feet in length must carry charts or maps _____________ .

    N a. of the area to be navigated
    N b. with enough detail to make safe navigation possible
    N c. of the current edition or currently corrected edition
    Y d. All of the above

4141: How much additional solid weight could be loaded at a VCG of 189.7 feet on the DEEP DRILLER while loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #4 (Drilling)? Assume ballast added or discharged to maintain draft is done so at 15 feet above the baseline.

    N a. 279.2 long tons
    Y b. 314.2 long tons
    N c. 404.2 long tons
    N d. 461.9 long tons

4202: Your vessel is floating in water of density 1010. The fresh water allowance is 8 inches. How far below her marks may she be loaded so as to float at her mark in saltwater of density 1025?

    N a. 3.2 inches
    Y b. 4.8 inches
    N c. 6.4 inches
    N d. 8.0 inches

4264: Which statement about immersion suits is TRUE?

    Y a. Prior to abandonment, the suit allows body movement such as walking, climbing a ladder and picking up small objects.
    N b. The immersion suit seals in body heat and provides protection against hypoglycemia for weeks.
    N c. The suit is flameproof and provides protection to the wearer while swimming through burning oil.
    N d. The wearer of the suit is severely restricted and requires 1.5 times more time to climb a ladder than without the suit.

4274: Your vessel is greater than 100 GRT and carries more than 12 passengers. In addition to the licensed deck officer in the pilothouse, there should be on watch an additional crew member __________.

    N a. always in the pilothouse
    N b. on lookout on the bow
    Y c. in or near the pilothouse
    N d. only when visibilty is restricted

4282: Your drafts are: FWD 6'-01", AFT 6'-05". From past experience, you know that the vessel will increase her draft 1 inch for every 5 tons loaded. There is rig water on board and 15 tons of deck cargo. How many more tons of cargo can legally be loaded and still maintain the same trim? (D037DG )

    Y a. 10 tons
    N b. 20 tons
    N c. 35 tons
    N d. None

4563: While loaded as shown in the COASTAL DRILLER sample load form #3 (drilling), 200 kips are discharged from 60 feet AF0 and 30 feet to starboard of the centerline. What is the starboard leg reaction?

    N a. 4,271 kips
    Y b. 5,393 kips
    N c. 5,410 kips
    N d. 5,571 kips

4573: The total leg load reactions on an independent leg, self-elevating unit include static and __________.

    Y a. environmental loading
    N b. variable loading
    N c. fixed loading
    N d. basic loading

4655: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Rig Move). If the drill water in drill water tanks #6 and #25 are discharged, what is the new draft?

    N a. 8.26 feet
    Y b. 10.66 feet
    N c. 10.88 feet
    N d. 11.10 feet

5825: The tension on an anchor cable increases so that the angle of the catenary to the seabed at the anchor reaches 10 degrees. How will this affect the anchor in sandy soil?

    N a. It will have no effect.
    N b. It will increase the holding power.
    Y c. It will reduce the holding power.
    N d. It will cause the anchor to snag.

5953: The stamped full weight of a 100 lb. CO2 bottle is 314 lbs. What is the minimum weight of the bottle before it has to be recharged?

    N a. 282 lbs.
    N b. 294 lbs.
    N c. 300 lbs.
    Y d. 304 lbs.

6088: What is the meaning of the signal DX RQ when sent by the International Code of Signals?

    Y a. Are you sinking?
    N b. The call sign of a vessel registered in the Philippines.
    N c. The damage can be repaired at sea.
    N d. There are no tugs available.

6291: When dragging of an anchor occurs, you must either reposition it at greater range or __________.

    N a. adjust the tensiometer
    N b. reduce the conductor tension
    Y c. use a piggyback (backing) anchor
    N d. increase the riser tension

6306: An inflatable liferaft is thrown into the water from a sinking vessel. What occurs automatically after the painter trips the CO2 bottles to inflate the raft?

    Y a. The sea anchor deploys.
    N b. The floor inflates.
    N c. If upside down, the craft rights itself.
    N d. The painter detaches from the raft.

6621: Locations on a MODU where flammable hydrocarbon gas or vapors may accumulate due to drilling operations are defined as __________.

    N a. gaseous locations
    N b. hazardous locations
    Y c. classified locations
    N d. designated locations

7081: In managing a situation involving multiple injuries, the rescuer must be able to __________.

    N a. provide the necessary medication
    Y b. rapidly evaluate the seriousness of obvious injuries
    N c. accurately diagnose the ailment or injury
    N d. prescribe treatment for the victim

8118: Most medium and slow speed diesels are started by what medium?

    N a. Electric starting motors
    N b. Hydraulics
    Y c. Compressed air
    N d. Ether

8123: To effectively use the crossover system on the DEEP DRILLER to pump from the low side using a high side ballast pump, transverse inclinations should not exceed __________.

    N a. 8°
    N b. 6°
    N c. 4°
    Y d. 2°

8123: To effectively use the crossover system on the DEEP DRILLER to pump from the low side using a high side ballast pump, transverse inclinations should not exceed __________.

    N a. 8°
    N b. 6°
    N c. 4°
    Y d. 2°

8191: During a severe storm while the COASTAL DRILLER is elevated, on board loads must be shifted so that the TCG is on the centerline and the LCG is __________.

    N a. 40.00 feet AF0
    N b. 68.33 feet AF0
    Y c. 119.44 feet AF0
    N d. 160.33 feet AF0

8895: The AMVER system for vessels in the Gulf of Mexico is administered by the __________.

    Y a. U.S. Coast Guard
    N b. Minerals Management Service
    N c. Department of Energy
    N d. Corps of Engineers

8973: For a floating vessel, the result of subtracting KG from KM is the __________.

    N a. height of the metacenter
    N b. height of the righting arm
    N c. height of the center of buoyancy
    Y d. metacentric height