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.


467: Which is the required location of the radiotelephone station aboard a vessel to which the "Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act" applies?


605: The operator of a vessel subject to the pollution regulations shall keep a written record available for inspection by the COPT or OCMI containing __________.


651: Small passenger vessels not limited to service during daylight hours must carry __________.


660: Reserve buoyancy is __________.

    Y a. the watertight part of a vessel above the waterline
    N b. the void portion of the ship below the waterline which is enclosed and watertight
    N c. transverse watertight bulkheads
    N d. a measure of metacentric height

1089: During counterflooding to correct a severe list aggravated by an off-center load, your vessel 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

1104: When there is a small craft advisory winds are predicted up to __________.

    N a. 15 knots
    N b. 24 knots
    Y c. 33 knots
    N d. 42 knots

1415: You are reading the draft marks in illustration D032DG. The water level forward is at the top of the 8, and the mean water level aft is at the top of the 8. What is the mean draft?

    Y a. 8'06"
    N b. 8'03"
    N c. 8'00"
    N d. 7'06"

1539: The AMVER system requires __________.

    N a. sailing plans to be sent before departure
    N b. more frequent reports in heavy weather
    N c. arrival reports to be sent within 8 hours of arrival
    Y d. a position report within 24 hours of departure

1544: While operating your oceangoing vessel you must keep a record of any discharge or disposal of garbage. These entries shall be made __________.

    N a. before the end of the voyage
    N b. before arriving at your next port
    N c. no later than 24 hours after disposal of the garbage
    Y d. at the time the garbage was disposed

1548: You have abandoned your vessel. You are in a liferaft and have cleared away from your vessel. One of your FIRST actions should be to __________.

    N a. take measures to maintain morale
    N b. prepare and use radio equipment
    N c. identify the person in charge of liferaft
    Y d. search for survivors

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

1552: INTERNATIONAL AND INLAND A sailing vessel must keep course and speed when __________.

    Y a. being overtaken
    N b. to windward of another sailing vessel
    N c. to leeward of another sailing vessel
    N d. crossing a vessel engaged in fishing

1768: The flammable limit of methyl ethyl ketone is from __________.

    Y a. 1.8% to 11.5%
    N b. 6.6% to 12.1%
    N c. 9.6% to 15.1%
    N d. 12.2% to 18.1%

1826: Your vessel displaces 747 tons and measures 136'L by 34'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 56'L x 34'B and the weight of the water is 58.6 tons?

    N a. 6.04 feet
    N b. 6.23 feet
    Y c. 6.51 feet
    N d. 6.76 feet

1863: On offshore drilling units, each storage battery for emergency lighting and power systems must be tested every six months under actual connected load for a period of at least __________.

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

2226: You are sailing on a close reach when a strong wind suddenly heels the vessel hard over. To reduce the heeling and yet maintain speed, you should __________.

    Y a. ease the mainsheet and bear more away from the wind
    N b. haul in on the mainsheet and steer more towards the wind
    N c. haul in on the mainsheet and ease the jib sheet
    N d. ease all sheets and bear more into the wind

2274: A virtual rise in the center of gravity may be caused by __________.

    N a. filling a partially filled tank
    Y b. using an on board crane to lift a freely swinging heavy object
    N c. emptying a partially filled tank
    N d. transferring ballast from the forepeak to the after peak

2326: In order to carry a cargo of triethanolamine, what hull type is required?

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

2461: A special device that, when fitted into the rotary table, transmits torque to the kelly and simultaneously permits vertical movement of the kelly to make the hole is called a __________.

    N a. master bushing
    N b. kelly slips
    Y c. kelly bushing
    N d. rotary bushing

2478: Depending on its concentration, which product(s) can be classified as either grade D or E?

    N a. Sulfuric acid
    Y b. Formaldehyde solutions 37% to 50%
    N c. 1,1,1-trichloroethane
    N d. All of the above

2484: Who may approve cargo piping to pass through a machinery space for a barge designed to carry only grade E products?

    N a. American Bureau of Shipping
    N b. National Cargo Bureau
    Y c. Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard
    N d. Vessel owner

2525: 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-0068

    N a. Available GM 5.26 ft
    N b. Available GM 4.24 ft
    Y c. Available GM 4.11 ft
    N d. Available GM 4.01 ft

2630: According to the Chemical Data Guide, what is NOT a recommended extinguishing agent for an ethylene cyanohydrin fire?

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

2779: Error may be introduced into a magnetic compass by __________.

    N a. making a structural change to the vessel
    N b. a short circuit near the compass
    N c. belt buckles
    Y d. All of the above

2851: Kevlar sails, when not in use, may be damaged if __________.

    N a. left in the sunlight
    N b. stowed wet
    Y c. folded frequently
    N d. washed with soap and water

2915: A MODU lists and trims about the __________.

    N a. center of gravity
    N b. center of buoyancy
    Y c. center of flotation
    N d. centroid of the underwater volume

2936: A vessel's drafts are: FWD 16'-03", AFT 16'-09"; and the KG is 21.3 feet. Use the selected stability curves in the blue pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the angle of list if the center of gravity is shifted 2 feet off the centerline.

    N a. 12°
    N b. 14°
    Y c. 20°
    N d. 22°

2940: You have loaded a deck cargo, and the vessel has assumed a 5° list due to negative GM. Your salt water drafts are: FWD 16'-05", AFT 16'-07". If you then load 1200 tons of cargo in the lower holds (VCG 11 feet) and take on 520 tons of bunkers (VCG 2.5 feet), what is the final GM? (Use the material in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

    N a. 2.5 feet
    Y b. 2.0 feet
    N c. 1.4 feet
    N d. 0.6 foot

2983: The height of the metacenter above the keel will vary depending on the __________.

    Y a. draft and beam of the drilling unit
    N b. displacement and deadweight of the drilling unit
    N c. buoyancy and trim of the drilling unit
    N d. tonnage and deadweight of the drilling unit

3148: The SS AMERICAN MARINER arrived in port with drafts of: FWD 29'-06", AFT 29'-02". Cargo was loaded and discharged as indicated. Use sheet 2 in the white pages of the Stability Data Reference Book to determine the final drafts. ST-0110

    N a. FWD 29'-07", AFT 29'-08"
    N b. FWD 29'-05", AFT 29'-10"
    Y c. FWD 29'-03", AFT 30'-00"
    N d. FWD 29'-01", AFT 30'-02"

3152: U. S. Coast Guard approved work vests may be substituted life jackets __________. (Uninspected Vessel Regulations)

    N a. aboard work vessels
    N b. aboard towing vessels
    N c. aboard sailing vessels
    Y d. under no circumstances

3252: Before any machinery is put in operation, you should __________.

    Y a. ventilate all compartments, see that the machinery is clean and there are no obstructions
    N b. just turn the key and start up
    N c. take for granted that there are no fuel leaks
    N d. assume there are no volatile fumes in the engine space

3305: The height of the transverse metacenter for a MODU is 62.44 feet. The height of the center of gravity is 56.10 feet, and the transverse free surface correction is 1.21 feet. What is the value of the metacentric height corrected for transverse free surface effects?

    Y a. 5.13 feet
    N b. 6.34 feet
    N c. 8.76 feet
    N d. 12.10 feet

3352: Which personal lifesaving device(s) is(are) approved for use on a towboat 150 feet in length? (Uninspected Vessel Regulations)

    Y a. Life preserver
    N b. Buoyant vest or cushion
    N c. Special purpose safety device
    N d. All of the above

3453: Your rescue craft 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

3487: Generally, what is used to inflate liferafts?

    Y a. non-toxic inert gas
    N b. Oxygen
    N c. Hydrogen
    N d. Carbon monoxide

3500: How should the letter "Z" be pronounced when spoken on the radiotelephone?

    N a. ZEE BR AH
    N b. ZEE ZE
    N c. ZE HE
    Y d. ZOO LOO

3565: 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 less than 70 knots?

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

3617: The DEEP DRILLER is moored in 600 feet of water. The average line tension is 190 kips. What is the total vertical component of chain tension?

    N a. 55.3 long tons
    N b. 428.8 long tons
    Y c. 442.4 long tons
    N d. 678.4 long tons

3697: In storm conditions, when slacking the leeward mooring lines of the DEEP DRILLER, maintain in the chain locker at least __________.

    N a. 500 feet
    N b. 350 feet
    Y c. 200 feet
    N d. 100 feet

3736: The most effective treatment for warming a crew member suffering from hypothermia is __________.

    N a. running or jumping to increase circulation
    N b. raising body temperature rapidly by placing hands and feet in hot water
    Y c. bundling the body in blankets to rewarm gradually
    N d. laying prone under heat lamps to rewarm rapidly

3786: When using the rainwater collection tubes of a liferaft, the FIRST collection should be __________.

    N a. passed around so all can drink
    Y b. poured overboard because of salt washed off the canopy
    N c. saved to be used at a later time
    N d. used to boil food

3994: The color of the signal flare sent up by a submarine about to surface due to an emergency condition within the submarine is __________.

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

4104: The inspection of small passenger vessels of 60 feet in length carrying more than twelve persons on an international voyage is required by the Coast Guard __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. once every 6 months
    Y b. once every year
    N c. once every 2 years with a minimum of one reinspection during that period
    N d. once every 3 years with a minimum of two reinspections during that period

4280: Your drafts are: FWD 6'-02", AFT 6'-06". 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 )

    N a. none
    Y b. 5 tons
    N c. 10 tons
    N d. 20 tons

4333: The COASTAL DRILLER is experiencing a single amplitude roll angle of 2 degrees and a roll period of 10 seconds. What is the maximum recommended water depth for elevating?

    N a. 50 feet
    N b. 100 feet
    Y c. 150 feet
    N d. 200 feet

4417: The COASTAL DRILLER, while in an ocean transit, experiences a single amplitude roll of 8 degrees. What is the minimum period of motion which does not exceed the design limits of the legs?

    Y a. 10 seconds
    N b. 8 seconds
    N c. 6 seconds
    N d. 4 seconds

4553: What longitudinal moments are created when 379.97 kips of fresh water is placed in the COASTAL DRILLER's #1 drill water tank?

    N a. 1,729 ft-kips
    N b. 1,739 ft-kips
    N c. 1,749 ft-kips
    Y d. 1,759 ft-kips

4763: The COASTAL DRILLER is loaded as shown in the Sample Load Form #1 (Rig Move). If the entire contents of the port pipe rack are back-loaded to an offshore supply vessel, how much drill water would have to be transferred between tanks 6 and 7 to level the vessel in list?

    N a. 47.2 kips tank #7 to tank #6
    N b. 23.6 kips tank #7 to tank #6
    Y c. 23.6 kips tank #6 to tank #7
    N d. 47.2 kips tank #6 to tank #7

5063: What signal must be sounded by a vessel towing a mobile offshore drilling unit through an area of restricted visibility?

    N a. Two prolonged blasts
    N b. Five or more short blasts
    Y c. One prolonged and two short blasts
    N d. One prolonged and three short blasts

5535: What effect is achieved from soaking an anchor?

    Y a. It allows the bottom soil to consolidate.
    N b. It gives the palms time to trip the anchor.
    N c. It stabilizes the mooring system.
    N d. It lubricates the anchor for better tripping.

6051: The connection facilities for the international shore connection required on board offshore drilling units in international service must be located to provide access __________.

    Y a. to each side of the drilling unit
    N b. as close as possible to the control house
    N c. on the drill floor
    N d. on each level of the accommodation space

6917: Injuries resulting in loss of life or incapacitation, aboard vessels, must be reported to the __________.

    N a. Minerals Management Service
    N b. American Petroleum Institute
    Y c. U.S. Coast Guard
    N d. International Association of Drilling Contractors

6931: A report of casualty to a mobile offshore drilling unit must include __________.

    N a. the estimated cost of damage to the unit
    N b. an evaluation of who was at fault
    N c. the amount of ballast on board
    Y d. the name of the owner or agent of the unit

7805: A tank with internal dimensions of 40 feet X 20 feet X 12 feet is pressed with fuel oil weighing 54 pounds per cubic foot. What is the weight, in short tons, of the liquid?

    N a. 518.4 short tons
    Y b. 259.2 short tons
    N c. 135.0 short tons
    N d. 11.3 short tons

8035: When the wave period and the apparent rolling period of the MODU are the same __________.

    Y a. synchronous rolling occurs
    N b. roll period decreases
    N c. roll period increases
    N d. roll amplitude is dampened

8177: When elevating the COASTAL DRILLER in 200 feet of water, the unit should be placed at an air gap of __________.

    N a. 35 feet
    N b. 32 feet
    Y c. 30 feet
    N d. 25 feet

8671: The plans, for use during emergencies aboard the DEEP DRILLER, are readily available in the __________.

    N a. wheelhouse under glass
    N b. pump room
    N c. OIM's office
    Y d. ballast control room

8688: Life floats must be equipped with __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)

    N a. a sea anchor
    N b. a signal mirror
    N c. an EPIRB
    Y d. paddles

9632: In a fixed carbon dioxide extinguishing system for a machinery space, designed WITH a stop valve in the line leading to the protected space, the flow of CO2 is established by actuating __________.

    N a. one control
    Y b. two controls
    N c. three controls
    N d. none of the above