National Maritime Center
Keep ’em Safe, Keep ’em Sailing
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Unlimited Tonnage Rivers
Q380 Deck General
(Sample Examination)
8/14/2024 Page 1 of 13
Q380 Deck General
Q380-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Unlimited Tonnage Rivers
Illustrations: 2
Choose the best answer to the following Multiple-Choice Questions.
1. While taking on fuel oil from an offshore supply vessel, the transfer hose leaks, causing a sheen in
the water. Which action should you take FIRST?
A. Immediately shut down operations
B. Reduce the rate of transfer
C. Continue transfer operations
D. Repair the leak with duct tape
Correct answer: A
2. Which statement is TRUE concerning the vessel's slipstream?
A. The propeller gives it a helical motion.
B. It has no effect on the rudder when the helm is amidships.
C. Its velocity is the same as that of the wake.
D. It has no effect on the steering of the vessel.
Correct answer: A
3. When observed, which item indicates a snag or other underwater obstruction in a river?
A. A small patch of smooth water on a windy day
B. A smoothing out of the vessel's wake
C. V-shaped ripple with the point of the V pointing upstream
D. V-shaped ripple with the point of the V pointing downstream
Correct answer: C
4. A breeches buoy is being rigged from the shore to a stranded vessel. The initial shot line passed to
the vessel is normally made fast to a __________.
A. hawser which should be made fast to the vessel below the intended location of the tail-block
B. tail-block and whip which may be used to pass a hawser to the vessel
C. hawser with breeches buoy and harness attached
D. hawser which is used to pass a tail-block and whip to the vessel
Correct answer: B
5. What speed do most bow thrusters generally become ineffective?
A. Over 1 knot sternway
B. At any speed astern
C. At any speed ahead
D. Over 3 knots headway
Correct answer: D
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Q380 Deck General
Q380-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Unlimited Tonnage Rivers
Illustrations: 2
6. A vessel has arrived in a U.S. port from a foreign voyage. Preliminary entry has been made. Formal
entry must be made within how many hours after arrival (Sundays and holidays excepted)?
A. 12
B. 24
C. 48
D. 72 without exception
Correct answer: C
7. Which term describes the force exerted by a propeller which tends to throw the stern right or left?
A. Slip
B. Sidewise force
C. Rotational force
D. Thrust
Correct answer: B
8. You have determined the maneuvering characteristics of your vessel by taking the radar ranges and
bearings of an isolated light while making a turn. The results are listed in illustration D035DG. Based
on this data what is the tactical diameter of the turning circle? D035DG
A. 755 yards
B. 780 yards
C. 820 yards
D. 880 yards
Correct answer: D
9. Who must approve the vessel's trim and stability booklet?
A. United States Coast Guard
B. Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers
C. International Maritime Organization
D. National Cargo Bureau
Correct answer: A
10. You are on a single-screw vessel with a left-handed propeller making no way in the water. How will
your vessel react when you apply right rudder?
A. Stern will kick to port, then slowly swing to starboard
B. Bow will kick to starboard
C. Bow will kick to port
D. Rudder alone has no effect on the vessel
Correct answer: D
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Q380 Deck General
Q380-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Unlimited Tonnage Rivers
Illustrations: 2
11. When underway and proceeding ahead, as the speed increases, what happens to the pivot point?
A. The pivot point will remain stationary
B. The pivot point will move aft
C. The pivot point will move lower
D. The pivot point will move forward
Correct answer: D
12. When shall an Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel be required to produce his/her MMC?
A. An Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel is not required to carry his/her MMC
B. Only when the vessel has at least 6 passengers for hire and requested by a USCG boarding
officer
C. Only when the vessel is involved in a marine accident
D. Immediately, when requested by a USCG boarding officer
Correct answer: D
13. What is a CORRECT reply to a pilot's request, "How's your head"?
A. "Checked"
B. "Eased to 10° rudder"
C. "Passing 50°"
D. "Steady"
Correct answer: C
14. Your containership has a container displaying a hazardous cargo placard. The placard has the
number 2206 on it. This indicates that it is carrying what cargo?
A. Propadiene, inhibited
B. Xylenol
C. Isocyanates, n.o.s.
D. Hexanols
Correct answer: C
15. An International Tonnage Certificate will be issued to a vessel when it meets several requirements.
Which is one of the requirements?
A. Has been issued a Certificate of Inspection
B. Will engage in intercoastal trade
C. Must be 79 or more feet in length
D. Admeasure over 100 GT
Correct answer: C
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Q380 Deck General
Q380-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Unlimited Tonnage Rivers
Illustrations: 2
16. When a tug makes up to a large vessel, why should the spring line be led from as far forward as
possible on the tug?
A. To ensure the friction on the spring line is minimized
B. To ensure that the tug can pivot freely
C. To keep the length of the spring line minimized
D. So that the head line and spring line can be worked simultaneously
Correct answer: B
17. Static electricity may be built up by the __________.
A. flow of petroleum through pipes
B. settling of solids or water in petroleum
C. spraying or splashing of petroleum
D. All of the above
Correct answer: D
18. Which of the signals listed is required to be displayed at night while bunkering at a dock?
A. One red light over a white light
B. Two red lights
C. One red light over a yellow light
D. One red light
Correct answer: D
19. Severe exposure to chlorine gas can be fatal. Chlorine gas is primarily a __________.
A. nerve paralyzing irritant
B. skin burning agent
C. respiratory irritant
D. blood poisoning agent
Correct answer: C
20. A seaman may have all or part of his wages deposited by allotment to a bank or savings institution.
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for this type of allotment?
A. The account must be either a checking or savings account.
B. The account must be opened by the seaman and maintained in the seaman's name.
C. The institution must be insured by the FSLIC or FDIC.
D. All of the above are requirements.
Correct answer: A
21. You are proceeding at a slow speed with your starboard side near the right bank of a channel. If your
vessel suddenly sheers toward the opposite bank, which would be the BEST action to take?
A. Put engine full astern, hard right rudder
B. Put engine full astern, hard left rudder
C. Put engine full ahead, hard left rudder
D. Put engine full ahead, hard right rudder
Correct answer: D
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Q380 Deck General
Q380-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Unlimited Tonnage Rivers
Illustrations: 2
22. According to Pollution Prevention Regulations (33CFR), who is required to sign the entry in the Oil
Record Book after every designated operation?
A. The master
B. Any credentialed officer present at the operation designated by the master
C. The person(s) in charge of the operation and a credentialed officer present at the operation
D. The person(s) in charge of the operation
Correct answer: D
23. Which of the following statement(s) is/are TRUE regarding lashing requirements to secure vehicles
aboard Ro-Ro vessels?
A. The movements experienced by road borne cargo differ significantly from the roll and sway
movements of a ship at sea.
B. It is necessary for adequate number and strength of securing points on the vehicles themselves
in order that lashings may be properly and safely utilized.
C. It is imperative that the securing of cargo on flats and trailers and in containers be adequate for
both road and sea motions.
D. All the above
Correct answer: D
24. When steering a vessel, which of the following will an effective helmsman do?
A. Repeat back to the watch officer any rudder commands before executing them
B. Apply rudder to move the compass card towards the lubber’s line when off course
C. Keep the rudder amidships except when changing course
D. Use as much rudder as possible to keep the vessel on course
Correct answer: A
25. 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?
A. 3nm
B. 6nm
C. 12nm
D. It is Prohibited to discharge bottles, rags, and glass into the sea
Correct answer: D
26. When do the pollution prevention regulations in MARPOL apply to U. S. flag vessels that are certified
for ocean service?
A. Only when the vessel is on the western rivers and international waters
B. Only when the vessel is on international voyages outside U.S. territorial waters
C. When the vessel is on all international and inland waters
D. Only when the vessel is on the Great Lakes and international waters
Correct answer: C
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Q380 Deck General
Q380-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Unlimited Tonnage Rivers
Illustrations: 2
27. In special cases, the Commandant of the Coast Guard may permit cargo piping to pass through
machinery spaces, what are the type(s) of cargo permitted to be carried through such piping?
A. grades D or E
B. grades A or B
C. LFG
D. grade E
Correct answer: D
28. On the cargo manifest, which term is used to describe the weight of the cargo inside a box?
A. Gross weight
B. Net weight
C. Rate weight
D. Light weight
Correct answer: B
29. You operate a harbor craft on inland waters exclusively. If you regularly service or contact foreign flag
vessels in the course of business, which statement is TRUE?
A. Your vessel must be inspected.
B. All contacts with a foreign flag vessel must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard.
C. Your crew must have identification credentials.
D. A customs official must be on board when contacting a foreign flag vessel.
Correct answer: C
30. Which statement is TRUE when an anchor is used to assist in turning the vessel in restricted waters?
A. Turning on the anchor is to be used only with a single-screw vessel
B. Having to use the aid of an anchor is the sign of a novice shiphandler
C. Deploying the anchor underfoot shifts the pivot point forward
D. This technique should only be used as a last resort
Correct answer: C
31. When several salvors are on-scene at the same time to assist a vessel that has not been abandoned,
which principal governs the decision as to which one's services will be accepted?
A. The salvors must agree to a division of any salvage among themselves with the major share
allotted to those doing the most work.
B. The first salvor on-scene has the absolute right to provide assistance; however, he is liable if the
ship is lost due to his lack of experience, equipment, etc.
C. The first salvor on-scene has the prior claim providing he has adequate facilities to assist the
vessel needing assistance.
D. The Master of the ship needing assistance has the absolute right to decide.
Correct answer: D
8/14/2024 Page 7 of 13
Q380 Deck General
Q380-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Unlimited Tonnage Rivers
Illustrations: 2
32. Regulations require which action to be performed prior to the vessel departing on a voyage more than
48 hours long?
A. The emergency generator and lighting system be tested by starting and operating within 12 hours
prior to departure
B. The entire steering gear be tested within 12 hours prior to departure
C. The fire pumps be tested by starting within 12 hours prior to departure
D. A lifeboat drill be held within 12 hours prior to departure
Correct answer: B
33. Which item is a journal kept by the officer of the watch in which day to day happenings are recorded
regarding the deck department?
A. The deck log
B. A cargo record book
C. The Official Logbook
D. The bell book
Correct answer: A
34. Which agency must approve the safety equipment on board inspected vessels?
A. The U.S. Coast Guard
B. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
C. The National Safety Council
D. The Safety Standards Bureau
Correct answer: A
35. A U.S. or foreign flag vessel that does not comply with the Officers Competency Certificates
Convention of 1936 may be detained by certain designated officials. These officials include all of the
following EXCEPT a/an __________.
A. State Police officer
B. officer of the U.S. Customs Service
C. Coast Guard petty officer
D. Coast Guard officer
Correct answer: A
36. Which knot in illustration D030DG below is secure only when there is a strain on the line?
A. H
B. I
C. L
D. P
Correct answer: C
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Q380 Deck General
Q380-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Unlimited Tonnage Rivers
Illustrations: 2
37. While assigned to a 90 GRT vessel, you are required to sign "foreign" articles on a voyage from
Philadelphia to which port?
A. Tampico, Mexico
B. San Francisco, CA
C. Baltimore, MD
D. Montreal, Canada
Correct answer: B
38. You are operating a 1,000 GT non-oceangoing tankship. It must be equipped with or capable of which
of the following?
A. A means on the weather deck to stop each pump used to discharge oily waste overboard
B. Be capable of retaining all oily mixtures onboard in the ship's bilges or sludge tank
C. Shall have a fixed piping system for bilge slops with one outlet on each side of the weather deck
D. Must maintain two pumps for discharging oily bilge slops
Correct answer: B
39. Which document shows a vessel's nationality, ownership, and tonnage?
A. Manifest Certificate
B. Certificate of Documentation
C. Bill of Lading Certificate
D. Official Logbook
Correct answer: B
40. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act requires the person in charge of a vessel to immediately
notify the Coast Guard as soon as he knows of any oil discharge. Failure to notify the Coast Guard
can lead to a monetary fine and imprisonment up to what duration?
A. 5 years
B. 3 years
C. 2 years
D. 1 years
Correct answer: A
41. Which type of carrier accepts without discrimination all legal cargoes of a shipper?
A. Industrial
B. Common
C. Private
D. Tramp
Correct answer: B
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Q380 Deck General
Q380-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Unlimited Tonnage Rivers
Illustrations: 2
42. Which extinguishing agent is effective in combating an isoprene fire?
A. All the above
B. CO2
C. Foam
D. Dry chemical
Correct answer: A
43. Who is responsible for seeing that all hands are familiar with their duties, as specified in the muster
list, and that the muster list is correct?
A. The safety officer
B. The Master
C. The department heads
D. The Chief Mate
Correct answer: B
44. According to regulations, how many portable fire extinguishers are required in the cargo tank area of
an unmanned, cargo pump-equipped tank barge engaged in transferring grade B flammable liquids?
A. One B-I extinguisher or post 2017 One 40-B extinguisher
B. Three B-II extinguishers or post 2017 Three 40-B extinguishers
C. Two B-II extinguishers or post 2017 Two 40-B extinguishers
D. None are required in the tank area of a tank barge
Correct answer: C
45. You are backing on twin engines with rudders amidships. Your starboard engine stalls. To continue
backing on course, which action should you take?
A. Increase your engine speed
B. Apply left rudder
C. Apply right rudder
D. Keep your rudder amidships
Correct answer: B
46. Your vessel is preparing to proceed up a river. Which of the following is true concerning the handling
of the vessel in shallow water?
A. Steering will be more responsive in shallow water as opposed to deep water
B. There will be no difference in the steering of the vessel
C. Steering will be sluggish in shallow water as opposed to deep water
D. The steering is sluggish in deep water as opposed to shallow water
Correct answer: C
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Q380 Deck General
Q380-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Unlimited Tonnage Rivers
Illustrations: 2
47. Your enrolled vessel is bound from Baltimore, MD, to Norfolk, VA, via Chesapeake Bay. Which
statement about the required Pilot is TRUE?
A. The Pilot must be credentialed by Virginia, Maryland and the Coast Guard.
B. The Pilot need only be credentialed by the Coast Guard.
C. The Pilot must be credentialed by either Virginia or Maryland.
D. The Pilot must be credentialed by Virginia and Maryland.
Correct answer: B
48. How many fire axes should be carried by a 700 GT cargo vessel, navigating the Great Lakes?
A. 2
B. 6
C. 8
D. 4
Correct answer: B
49. For insurance purposes, which is a requirement for a general average act?
A. There are no losses
B. There must be no imminent peril
C. It must be a successful venture
D. All of the above
Correct answer: C
50. The scuppers had been plugged as required at the time a small oil spill occurs on deck from a leaking
dresser coupler. After shutting down the transfer, the engine room should first be informed and then
which action should be taken?
A. Remove the plugs from the scuppers
B. Rig a fire hose to wash down the deck
C. Spread an absorbent material, such as sawdust
D. Sound the general alarm
Correct answer: C
8/14/2024 Page 11 of 13
Q380 Deck General
National Maritime Center
Keep 'em Safe, Keep 'em Sailing
D030DG
Adapted for testing purposes only from NOEL, Knight’s Modern Seamanship, 17th edition
Copyright © 1984 by Van Nostrand Reinhold Company Inc.
Further reproduction prohibited without permission
Page 12 of 13
11/27/2018
Q380 Deck General
National Maritime Center
Keep 'em Safe, Keep 'em Sailing
D035DG
HEADING BEARING RANGE
REMARKS
(TRUE) (TRUE) (YDS)
333° INITIAL HEADING
333° 315° 2125 ON INITIAL COURSE
LEFT FULL RUDDER
333° 310° 1650
ORDERED
327° 307° 1475
310° 303° 1250
278° 302° 1050
268° 305° 900
236° 318° 750
196° 337° 800
157° 344° 1100
113° 340° 1350
079° 332° 1525
050° 324° 1575
022° 318° 1550
343° 308° 1400 RUDDER AMIDSHIPS
333° 302° 1175 STEADY ON 333°
Adapted for testing purposes only
Further reproduction prohibited without permission
Page 13 of 13
8/16/2018 Q380 Deck General