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.


12: The purpose of inert gas systems aboard tank vessels is to __________.


56: The required number and type of hand portable fire extinguishers for staterooms on cargo vessels is __________.


163: You are at sea in an inflatable liferaft. In high latitudes, the greatest danger is __________.


216: What is the total number of approved low-velocity spray ("water-fog") applicators required aboard a tankship?

    N a. 4
    Y b. 7
    N c. 10
    N d. 11

299: Which of the following statements relating to AMVER (Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue) is TRUE?

    N a. An AMVER participant is under greater obligation to render assistance to a vessel in distress than a non-participant.
    Y b. There is no cost to the ship or owner for messages sent within the AMVER system.
    N c. An AMVER participant is not relieved of the obligation to give 24 hour advance notice to the U.S. Coast Guard before entering a U.S. port from offshore.
    N d. The AMVER system does not reduce the time lost for vessels responding to calls for assistance.

373: Your vessel is broken down and rolling in heavy seas. You can reduce the possibility of capsizing by __________.

    N a. shifting the rudder constantly
    N b. moving all personnel forward and low
    N c. moving all personnel aft
    Y d. rigging a sea anchor

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

936: If your vessel is equipped with inflatable liferafts, how should they be maintained?

    N a. Have your crew check them annually.
    N b. They do not need any maintenance.
    Y c. Have them sent ashore to an approved maintenance facility annually.
    N d. Have them serviced by the shipyard annually.

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

1053: Your vessel is damaged and listing to port. The rolling period is long, and the vessel will occasionally assume a starboard list. Which action should you take FIRST?

    N a. Fill an empty double bottom tank on the starboard side
    N b. Transfer all possible movable weights from port to starboard
    N c. Pump out ballast from the port and starboard double bottom tanks
    Y d. Press up a slack centerline double bottom tank

1152: Hand tillers are only accepted as an auxiliary means of steering if __________.

    N a. they are at least 6 feet long
    N b. they are not operated through a reduction gear
    Y c. they are found satisfactory by the cognizant OCMI
    N d. Both A and C above

1217: Which types of portable fire extinguishers are designed for use on electrical fires?

    Y a. Dry chemical and carbon dioxide
    N b. Foam (stored pressure) and soda-acid
    N c. Carbon dioxide and foam (stored pressure)
    N d. Dry chemical and soda-acid

1243: What is TRUE about hoisting operations?

    N a. Personnel may work beneath suspended loads, as long as they are alert and wear hard hats.
    N b. If a suspended load with no tag begins to spin, personnel should attempt to stop the spinning if the load is within reach.
    N c. If tag lines are used to control a suspended load, they should be secured to the deck.
    Y d. Personnel not involved in the hoisting operation should be kept clear of the transfer area.

1513: Limit switches, winches, falls, etc. must be thoroughly inspected at least every __________.

    N a. 2 months
    N b. 4 months
    N c. 6 months
    Y d. year

1596: By regulation, orange smoke distress signals will expire not more than how many months from the date of manufacture?

    N a. 24 months
    N b. 36 months
    Y c. 42 months
    N d. 54 months

1715: After allowing for pressure losses, the pressure-volume capacity of an inert gas blower must be able to maintain a pressure, in any cargo tank, at a minimum of __________.

    N a. 50 millimeters of water pressure
    Y b. 100 millimeters of water pressure
    N c. 150 millimeters of water pressure
    N d. 200 millimeters of water pressure

1778: The Sailing Plan, required by vessels participating in AMVER, should be sent __________.

    N a. after the first position report
    N b. 24 hours prior to departure
    N c. 24 hours after departure
    Y d. within a few hours before or after departure

1823: What is the MINIMUM distance a vessel subject to the requirements of Annex V to MARPOL 73/78 must be located from nearest land to legally discharge paper trash?

    N a. 5 nautical miles
    N b. 10 nautical miles
    Y c. 12 nautical miles
    N d. 25 nautical miles

2079: Your vessel displaces 479 tons. The existing deck cargo has a center of gravity of 3.0 feet above the deck and weighs 16 tons. If you load 23 tons of anchor and anchor chain with an estimated center of gravity of 9 inches above the deck, what is the final height of the CG above the deck?

    N a. 0.33 foot
    N b. 1.00 foot
    N c. 1.45 feet
    Y d. 1.67 feet

2218: The maximum length allowed between main, transverse bulkheads on a vessel is referred to as the __________.

    N a. floodable length
    N b. factor of subdivision
    N c. compartment standard
    Y d. permissible length

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.

2309: Your vessel is preparing to lift a weight of 30 tons with a boom whose head is 30 feet from the ship's centerline. The ship's displacement not including the weight lifted is 8,790 tons. KM is 21.5 ft; KG is 20.5 ft. The angle of list when the weight is lifted will be __________.

    N a. 1.4°
    N b. 2.8°
    N c. 3.4°
    Y d. 5.8°

2361: What are the conditions, under GMDSS, whereby a ship is NOT allowed to depart from any port?

    Y a. The vessel is not capable of performing all required distress and safety functions.
    N b. The vessel is carrying more than the required number of qualified GMDSS radio operators.
    N c. The vessel has a temporary waiver of its radio license and Safety Certificate.
    N d. The vessel is not carrying a GMDSS radio maintainer, but has provided for shoreside maintenance plus duplication of equipment if required.

2412: Use the floodable length curve in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book. If the curve represents 45 percent permeability and number 5 hold floods, the vessel will sink if the permeability exceeds what percent?

    Y a. 66%
    N b. 70%
    N c. 74%
    N d. 79%

2447: The connected joints of pipe, usually made of three joints of pipe approximately 90 feet long, racked in the derrick when making a trip are called a __________.

    N a. string
    Y b. stand
    N c. joint
    N d. standpipe

2523: How many B-II fire extinguishers must be in the machinery space of a 75-foot long fishing vessel propelled by engines with 2000 brake horsepower?

    Y a. 2
    N b. 3
    N c. 4
    N d. 5

2593: Bulkheads which form part of the tanks on a MODU are stiffened to withstand __________.

    N a. deck loads from above
    N b. dynamic forces while afloat
    Y c. hydrostatic pressure
    N d. over-pressurization

2691: Two individuals authorized to serve as a lifeboatman must be assigned to any lifeboat that has a capacity of more than __________.

    N a. 10 persons
    N b. 20 persons
    N c. 30 persons
    Y d. 40 persons

2778: Your vessel's drafts are: FWD 24'-06", AFT 25'-04"; and the KG is 17.8 feet. Use the selected stability curves in the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the remaining righting arm at 75° inclination if the center of gravity is 2.5 feet off the centerline.

    N a. 2.5 feet
    N b. 3.3 feet
    Y c. 5.4 feet
    N d. 9.7 feet

2832: Which fuel cannot be used for cooking on vessels carrying passengers for hire? (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. Kerosene
    N b. Coal
    N c. Wood
    Y d. Gasoline

3170: What would be an example of a B-I extinguisher? (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. 2.5 gallon foam
    N b. 10 pound carbon dioxide
    Y c. 2 pound dry chemical
    N d. 5 pound foam

3219: The final inspection responsibility for seeing that a tank barge is provided with the required equipment and fittings in good and serviceable condition prior to loading cargo rests with the __________.

    N a. terminal operator
    N b. owner of the barge
    Y c. tankerman or person in charge of loading
    N d. charterer through the Master of the towing vessel

3361: The moment created by a force of 12,000 tons and a moment arm of 0.25 foot is __________.

    N a. 48,000 ft-tons
    N b. 6,000 ft-tons
    Y c. 3,000 ft-tons
    N d. 0 ft-tons

3361: The moment created by a force of 12,000 tons and a moment arm of 0.25 foot is __________.

    N a. 48,000 ft-tons
    N b. 6,000 ft-tons
    Y c. 3,000 ft-tons
    N d. 0 ft-tons

3403: The COASTAL DRILLER has a trim of 2.13 feet by the stern. The draft at the forward draft marks is observed to be 8.0 feet. The draft at the center of flotation is __________.

    N a. 7.00 feet
    N b. 8.58 feet
    N c. 9.00 feet
    Y d. 9.42 feet

3423: What is the trim of a jack-up with forward draft of 11 feet and aft draft of 13.75 feet?

    N a. 1.38 feet by the stern
    N b. 1.45 feet by the stern
    Y c. 2.75 feet by the stern
    N d. 2.90 feet by the stern

3465: The free surface effects of a partially full liquid tank decrease with increased __________.

    N a. density of the liquid
    N b. placement of the tank above the keel
    Y c. displacement volume of the vessel
    N d. size of the surface area in the tank

3690: The MOST important element in administering CPR is __________.

    N a. having the proper equipment for the process
    Y b. starting the treatment quickly
    N c. administering of oxygen
    N d. treating for traumatic shock

3713: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #5 (Survival) when an unexpected slowly increasing starboard list and bow down trim occurs. A leak in 1S is found. By deballasting from ballast tanks 2S and 3S, the inclination slowly decreases. The increase in the transverse free surface corrections is __________.

    N a. 1.25 feet
    N b. 0.90 foot
    N c. 0.84 foot
    Y d. 0.22 foot

3891: Which statement is TRUE concerning distress signals in a survival craft?

    Y a. Hand held flares and orange smoke signals are required.
    N b. If hand-held rocket-propelled parachute flares are provided, they are the only distress signals required.
    N c. Two hand-held smoke signals shall be provided.
    N d. A Very pistol with twelve flares is required.

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

4133: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #3 (Preparing to Drill). According to the deck load graph, how much additional deck load could be added to the unit?

    Y a. 526.87 long tons
    N b. 276.87 long tons
    N c. 241.50 long tons
    N d. 189.51 long tons

4183: What is the shift in KG if all the liquid mud is dumped when the DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load #3 (Preparing to Drill)?

    N a. 1.26 feet downward
    Y b. 1.51 feet downward
    N c. 2.77 feet downward
    N d. 1.47 feet downward

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

4557: The sounding level of 12 lb. per gallon mud in mud pit 1S of the COASTAL DRILLER is 5.5 feet. What is the weight of the mud?

    N a. 104.53 kips
    Y b. 114.37 kips
    N c. 116.45 kips
    N d. 127.41 kips

4572: You are underway at sea. A fire is reported in the forward part of the vessel. The wind is from dead ahead at 20 knots. You should __________.

    N a. remain on course and hold speed
    Y b. change course and put the stern to the wind
    N c. change course to put the wind on either beam and increase speed
    N d. remain on course but decrease speed

5163: The DEEP DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #3 (Preparing to Drill). If all the liquid mud (see table 8) is dumped, what would be the new height of the longitudinal metacenter?

    N a. 61.13 feet
    Y b. 61.19 feet
    N c. 61.22 feet
    N d. 62.94 feet

5233: During counterflooding to correct a severe list or trim aggravated by an off-center load, a MODU suddenly takes a list or trim to the opposite side. You should __________.

    N a. continue counterflooding in the same direction
    N b. continue counterflooding, but in the opposite direction
    Y c. immediately stop counterflooding
    N d. deballast from the low side

5586: Your drafts are: FWD 17'-09", AFT 21'-01". Use the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the location of the center of flotation relative to amidships.

    N a. 5.1 feet forward
    Y b. 4.7 feet forward
    N c. 2.6 feet aft
    N d. 0.8 foot forward

5586: Your drafts are: FWD 17'-09", AFT 21'-01". Use the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the location of the center of flotation relative to amidships.

    N a. 5.1 feet forward
    Y b. 4.7 feet forward
    N c. 2.6 feet aft
    N d. 0.8 foot forward

5616: You are tending the lifeline of a man who entered a tank using a breathing apparatus. How many tugs on the lifeline indicate that the man should come out immediately?

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

6037: When testing fire hoses on offshore drilling units, each hose must be subjected to a test pressure of at least __________.

    Y a. 100 psi
    N b. 110 psi
    N c. 120 psi
    N d. 150 psi

6856: Fire dampers prevent the spread of fire by __________.

    N a. conduction
    Y b. convection
    N c. radiation
    N d. direct contact

6905: The Master or person in charge of a MODU is required to submit a casualty report of an intentional grounding when it __________.

    Y a. creates a hazard to the vessel
    N b. will last longer than 24 hours
    N c. will last longer than 48 hours
    N d. occurs in international waters

7027: To treat a person suffering from heat exhaustion, you should __________.

    N a. administer artificial respiration
    N b. put him in a tub of ice water
    Y c. give him sips of cool water
    N d. cover him with a light cloth

8491: The DEEP DRILLER, at a draft of 50 feet, has a KGT of 52.12 feet and TCG of 0.5 foot to port of the longitudinal centerline. What is the list in feet?

    N a. 2.7 feet to port
    Y b. 5.4 feet to port
    N c. 5.7 feet to port
    N d. 10.8 feet to port

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

9375: After extinguishing a paint locker fire using the fixed CO2 system, the next action is to have the space __________.

    N a. opened and burned material removed
    Y b. left closed with vents off until all boundaries are cool
    N c. checked for oxygen content
    N d. doused with water to prevent reflash

9531: When the height of the metacenter is greater than the height of the center of gravity, the upright equilibrium position is stable and stability is __________.

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

9537: When the height of the metacenter is less than the height of the center of gravity of a vessel, the upright equilibrium position is __________.

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