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.


209: The number 2 lifeboat on a tanker would be found __________.


211: The oxygen indicator is an instrument that measures the __________.


240: According to 46 CFR Subchapter T the definition of a ferry includes vessels that __________.


241: The signal L1210 means the __________.

    Y a. latitude is 12°10'
    N b. longitude is 12°10'
    N c. GMT is 1210
    N d. zone time is 1210

409: What is the reduction in metacentric height due to free surface when a tank 60 feet long and 30 feet wide is partially filled with salt water, and is fitted with a centerline bulkhead? (The vessel has a displacement of 10,000 tons.)

    Y a. 0.1 foot
    N b. 0.8 foot
    N c. 1.0 foot
    N d. 1.2 feet

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

565: Small oil spills on deck can be kept from going overboard by __________.

    N a. driving wooden plugs into the vents
    N b. closing the lids on the vents
    Y c. plugging the scuppers
    N d. plugging the sounding pipes

723: The color of the signal flare sent up by a submarine to indicate an emergency condition within the submarine is __________.

    Y a. red
    N b. white
    N c. yellow
    N d. green

789: An inflatable liferaft equipped with a SOLAS B pack must be stowed __________.

    Y a. so as to float free
    N b. with the vessel's emergency equipment
    N c. near the wheelhouse
    N d. as far forward as possible

817: An accommodation ladder or other equally safe and convenient means must be provided for a pilot whenever the distance from the sea level is more than __________.

    N a. 20 feet
    Y b. 30 feet
    N c. 40 feet
    N d. 50 feet

820: The two points that act together to trim a ship are the __________.

    N a. LCF and LCB
    Y b. LCG and LCB
    N c. metacenter and LCG
    N d. VCG and LCG

958: Which substance might be subject to spontaneous combustion?

    N a. Coal
    N b. Scrap rubber
    N c. Leather
    Y d. All of the above

976: Inflatable liferafts carried on passenger vessels must be annually __________.

    N a. overhauled by the ship's crew
    N b. sent to the Coast Guard for servicing
    N c. sent to the steamship company shore repair facility
    Y d. sent to a Coast Guard approved service facility

999: A documented vessel operating over 50 miles offshore must carry an inflatable liferaft with a __________.

    Y a. SOLAS A pack
    N b. SOLAS B pack
    N c. coastal pack
    N d. small vessel pack

1120: You will find a limit switch on a __________.

    N a. liferaft cradle
    N b. radial davit
    N c. sheath-screw davit
    Y d. gravity davit

1257: Providing you are not sailing in the Red Sea or another special area as listed in ANNEX V of MARPOL, how many miles from land must you be to throw garbage including bottles, rags, and glass that has not been ground up into the sea?

    N a. 3 nm
    N b. 6 nm
    Y c. 12 nm
    N d. 25 nm

1288: Which extinguishing agent is the best for use on electrical fires?

    N a. Foam
    Y b. CO2
    N c. Dry chemical
    N d. Water fog

1329: The sprinkler system of an enclosed lifeboat is used to __________.

    Y a. cool the craft in a fire
    N b. cool the engine
    N c. spray oil on the sea to calm it
    N d. spray personnel during a fire

1463: To prevent the spread of fire by convection you should __________.

    N a. cool the bulkhead around the fire
    Y b. close all openings to the area
    N c. shut off all electrical power
    N d. remove combustibles from direct exposure

1516: While operating off the coast of Portugal, a seaman is injured. What indicator should be used in a message requesting medical advice from a Portuguese station?

    N a. MEDICAL RADIO
    N b. DH MEDICO
    Y c. XXX RADIOMEDICAL
    N d. PORT HEALTH

1519: All oil spills must be reported to the __________.

    N a. U.S. Corps of Engineers
    Y b. U.S. Coast Guard
    N c. local police
    N d. local fire department

1540: Which statement concerning the sources of drinking water is FALSE?

    Y a. Fresh water may be obtained from fish.
    N b. Lifeboat covers or canopies should be washed with rain before drinking water is collected.
    N c. Fresh water may be collected from condensation inside the liferaft.
    N d. Seawater should never be consumed.

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.

1763: You are operating a liftboat. When jacking down and a leg becomes stuck on the bottom, you should __________.

    N a. raise the free legs all the way
    N b. use the engines to rotate about the leg that is stuck
    Y c. jack the barge down part way to pull the leg free
    N d. submerge the barge completely to give added pull

1839: A sailing vessel with the wind coming from 020° relative would be __________.

    Y a. coming about
    N b. close hauled on the port tack
    N c. running before the wind
    N d. on a broad reach on the starboard tack

1912: Your vessel displaces 640 tons. The existing deck cargo has center of gravity of 2.3 feet above the deck and weighs 18 tons. If you load 12 tons of ground tackle with an estimated center of gravity of 21 inches above the deck, what is the final height of the CG of the deck cargo?

    N a. 1.75 feet
    N b. 1.94 feet
    Y c. 2.08 feet
    N d. 2.26 feet

1943: Which statement concerning satellite EPIRBs is TRUE?

    Y a. Once activated, these EPIRBs continuously send up a signal for use in identifying the vessel and for determining the position of the beacon.
    N b. The coded signal identifies the nature of the Distress situation.
    N c. The coded signal only identifies the vessel's name and port of registry.
    N d. If the GMDSS Radio Operator does not program the EPIRB, it will transmit default information such as the follow-on communications frequency and mode.

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

2124: Use the material in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book. If the KG is 25.8 feet, and the drafts are: FWD 15'-02", AFT 15'-10"; at what angle will the vessel lose positive stability?

    Y a. 73°
    N b. 79°
    N c. 87°
    N d. 98°

2200: To check stability, a weight of 35 tons is lifted with the jumbo boom, whose head is 35 feet from the ship's centerline. The clinometer shows a list of 7.0° with the weight suspended. Displacement including the weight is 14,000 tons. The GM in this condition is __________.

    Y a. 0.71 foot
    N b. 0.95 foot
    N c. 1.26 feet
    N d. 2.01 feet

2713: On a semisubmersible MODU, reserve buoyancy is increased by the presence of void spaces above the waterline in the __________.

    N a. submerged hulls
    N b. quarters
    Y c. columns and upper structure
    N d. submerged connecting structures

2792: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 18'-06", AFT 19'-01"; and the KG is 18.2 feet. Use the selected stability curves in the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the righting arm at 35° inclination.

    N a. 1.8 feet
    N b. 3.0 feet
    N c. 4.7 feet
    Y d. 5.8 feet

2800: Your vessel assumes an angle of loll of 8° after loading a deck cargo. The drafts are: FWD 17'-09", AFT 18'-03". Use the information in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the negative GM.

    N a. 0.0 foot
    Y b. -0.2 foot
    N c. -0.8 foot
    N d. -1.0 foot

3001: Which statement concerning immersion suits is TRUE?

    N a. Immersion suits should be worn during routine work on deck to provide maximum protection.
    N b. After purchasing, the suit should be removed from its storage bag and hung on a hanger where readily accessible.
    Y c. Immersion suits must have a PFD light attached to the front shoulder area.
    N d. Small leaks or tears may be repaired using the repair kit packed with the suit.

3074: Your sailing drafts are: FWD 17'-07", AFT 18'-03" and the GM is 2.8 feet. What will be the angle of list if the #4 starboard double bottom (capacity 141 tons, VCG 2.6 feet, and 23.8 feet off the centerline) is filled with saltwater? (Use the data in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

    N a. 6°
    Y b. 8°
    N c. 10°
    N d. 12°

3090: Which statement is TRUE concerning spare charges for portable fire extinguishers on unmanned tank barges?

    N a. Spare charges shall be carried for at least 50 percent of each size and variety required on board.
    N b. If the unit cannot be charged by the vessel's personnel, one spare unit shall be carried in lieu of spare charges.
    N c. Spare charges shall be stowed in watertight containers on deck.
    Y d. Regulations concerning spare charges do not apply to unmanned barges.

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

3259: Why is a warning sign displayed at the gangway or access point of a barge during cargo transfer?

    N a. To keep visitors away from the barge
    N b. To prohibit smoking
    N c. To prohibit open lights
    Y d. All of the above

3381: The DEEP DRILLER, at a mean draft of 60 feet, has a two-foot trim by the head and a three foot list to starboard. What is the draft at the port aft draft mark?

    Y a. 57.5 feet
    N b. 59.5 feet
    N c. 60.5 feet
    N d. 62.5 feet

3569: If help has not arrived in 10-12 hours after abandoning a vessel in a rescue boat, you should __________.

    N a. go in one direction until the fuel runs out
    N b. steer a course for the nearest land
    N c. steer a course for the nearest sea lane
    Y d. shut down the engines if installed and put out the sea anchor

3625: The DEEP DRILLER is on location during a storm. Windward anchor tensions begin to exceed the test tensions. To reduce tensions while minimizing offset over the well, you should __________.

    N a. increase tension on the leeward chain
    N b. pay out more chain on the windward side
    Y c. reduce tension on the leeward chains
    N d. connect an emergency tow wire to the work boat

3711: Changing rescuers while carrying out artificial respiration should be done __________.

    Y a. without losing the rhythm of respiration
    N b. only with the help of two other people
    N c. by not stopping the respiration for more than 5 minutes
    N d. at ten minute intervals

3973: What are the additional vertical moments created when P-tank #4 in the DEEP DRILLER sample load form #1 (Transit) is completely filled?

    N a. 2,252 foot-tons
    Y b. 9,413 foot-tons
    N c. 11,665 foot-tons
    N d. 13,917 foot-tons

3997: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in Sample Load Form #4 (Drilling). What would be the new sum of vertical moments for Fuel Oil if the entire contents of Tank 4P are transferred to Tank 4S?

    Y a. 3,493 foot-tons
    N b. 1,797 foot-tons
    N c. 1,748 foot-tons
    N d. 100 foot-tons

4025: When is direct voice communication allowed in place of an internal communication system on a towing vessel?

    N a. When the vessel is less than 20 meters in length
    N b. When the vessel is ruled to be an "existing vessel"
    Y c. When the controls at the operation station are within 3 meters (10 feet) of the engine room access
    N d. When it is easier to shout than use a radio or telephone

4087: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (transit). What is the new metacentric height corrected for transverse free surface effects if the entire contents of Salt Water Ballast Tanks 1P and 1S are discharged? (Use KMT = 375.38 feet)

    N a. 375.38 feet
    N b. 345.23 feet
    N c. 319.66 feet
    Y d. 306.79 feet

4487: Weights added or discharged at the center of flotation on the COASTAL DRILLER while floating will change the __________.

    N a. list
    N b. trim
    Y c. true mean draft
    N d. TPI

5845: Yawing can be described as __________.

    N a. jumping on the tow line as the rig pitches
    N b. jumping on the tow line as the rig slams into waves
    Y c. veering from side to side on the end of the tow line
    N d. corkscrew motion due to wave action

5905: The signal for fire alarm on a MODU must be indicated __________.

    N a. at each alarm bell
    N b. at each alarm actuator
    N c. near all exits
    Y d. on the Muster List ("Station Bill")

6191: Fighting a rig fire in a watertight compartment with hoses could reduce the stability of the rig by __________.

    N a. progressive downflooding
    N b. reducing the level of drill water from the storage tanks
    Y c. causing a list due to the water in the compartment
    N d. reducing the KG to minimum allowable

6627: A cutoff valve in the fire-main system of a MODU may be closed to protect the portion of the system on an exposed deck from __________.

    N a. damage from crane operations
    N b. being used for wash down purposes
    N c. accidental diversion of flow to wrong location
    Y d. freezing

6641: On a MODU, how many ring buoys are required to have a buoyant line attached?

    N a. One ring life buoy
    Y b. One ring life buoy on each side of the MODU
    N c. Three ring life buoys
    N d. Two ring life buoys on each side of the MODU

6681: On a MODU, a door that is required to be marked "KEEP CLOSED" is designed to __________.

    N a. prevent the passage of flammable gases
    N b. prevent the passage of poisonous vapors
    N c. delay the spread of heat and flames
    Y d. maintain watertight integrity

6855: The Master or person in charge of a MODU shall ensure the crane record book shows the __________.

    Y a. date and description of each failure
    N b. average load in pounds for each usage
    N c. total number of lifts for each usage
    N d. All of the above

6941: On offshore drilling units, any reports of a casualty that are made are required to be retained on board for a period of at least __________.

    Y a. 3 months
    N b. 6 months
    N c. 12 months
    N d. 24 months

7023: Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive __________.

    N a. loss of body temperature
    Y b. loss of water and salt from the body
    N c. gain in body temperature
    N d. intake of water when working or exercising

8131: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in Sample Load Form #3 (Drilling). What would be the new sum of longitudinal moments for the liquid variables if the entire contents of drill water tank #17 are transferred to drill water tank #18?

    N a. 181,648 ft-kips
    Y b. 181,718 ft-kips
    N c. 187,345 ft-kips
    N d. 195,462 ft-kips

8435: A MODU which is required to carry an Oil Record Book must log in the book __________.

    Y a. discharge of ballast or cleaning water from fuel tanks
    N b. sounding levels of all fuel tanks on a daily basis
    N c. the grade and specific gravity of all fuel oil carried
    N d. fuel consumption rates on a weekly basis

8875: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Transit). Excessive motion makes it necessary to ballast down to survival draft. It is decided to check the stability at the intermediate draft of 32 feet. If the added ballast has an average VCG of 9.03 feet, and the sum of free surface moments is 56,244 foot-tons, what is the new margin on the maximum allowable KG?

    N a. 6.23 feet
    N b. 5.11 feet
    N c. 4.86 feet
    Y d. 4.06 feet

9562: The most likely location for a liquid cargo fire to occur on a tanker would be __________.

    N a. the midships house
    Y b. in the pumproom
    N c. at the vent header
    N d. at the main deck manifold