National Maritime Center
Serving Our Nation’s Mariners
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Q160-Deck General
(Sample Examination)
8/11/2020 Page 1 of 15
Q160-Deck General
Q160-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Illustrations: 3
Choose the best answer to the following Multiple Choice Questions.
1. Certain equipment aboard vessels, inspected under the small passenger vessel regulations, is
required to be marked with the vessel's name. Which items are included in this requirement? (small
passenger vessel regulations)
o (A) Bunks, silverware, china, and glassware
o (B) Anchors, line, paint cans, and fuel drums
• (C) Life jackets, life floats and paddles
o (D) Whistles, searchlights, navigation lights, and ship's bell
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
2. Which will most likely occur when your vessel enters shallow water?
o (A) Rudder action will become more effective
o (B) An increase in speed will occur
• (C) The vessel's trim will change
o (D) The vessel's list will decrease
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
3. What is the group of markings shown in illustration D003DG below is called?
o (A) The water mark
o (B) The test mark
• (C) The load line mark
o (D) The loft mark
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
4. How many months after its expiration date may a Coast Guard credential be renewed without
retaking the complete exam?
o (A) 1 month
o (B) 6 months
• (C) 12 months
o (D) 24 months
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
8/11/2020 Page 2 of 15
Q160-Deck General
Q160-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Illustrations: 3
5. A vessel has been surveyed in a foreign port and found unseaworthy as a result of neglect. A
seaman on this vessel is entitled to discharge and which of the following?
o (A) One month's pay only
o (B) One month's pay or transportation to the nearest U.S. port, whichever is the least amount
o (C) Transportation to the port of engagement
• (D) One month's pay or transportation to the nearest U.S. port, whichever is the greater amount
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
6. Who must you report a "T-Boat" accident resulting in loss of life, serious injury or more than $25,000
property damage to?
o (A) The Maritime Administration (MARAD)
o (B) The owner or his insurance agent
• (C) The Coast Guard
o (D) All of the above
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
7. Which color is the last shot of an anchor cable usually painted?
• (A) Red
o (B) Yellow
o (C) White
o (D) International orange
If choice A is selected set score to 1.
8. A vessel reduces speed without backing. Which item is the primary factor that determines the rate
that her speed through the water decreases?
o (A) The vessel's horsepower
• (B) The vessel's displacement
o (C) The number of propellers
o (D) The sea state
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
9. According to 46 CFR Subchapter T the definition of a ferry includes which vessels?
o (A) Vessels that operate in other than ocean or coastwise service
o (B) Vessels that have provisions only for deck passengers, vehicles, or both
o (C) Vessels that operate on a short run on a frequent schedule between two points over the most
direct water route
• (D) All of the above
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
8/11/2020 Page 3 of 15
Q160-Deck General
Q160-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Illustrations: 3
10. The number of certificated able seamen and lifeboatmen required on a vessel is determined by
which organization?
o (A) Corps of Engineers
• (B) Coast Guard
o (C) American Bureau of Shipping
o (D) International Maritime Organization
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
11. Which T-Boat must be fitted with a suitable compass?
o (A) The regulations do not require a compass on any vessel
o (B) A vessel operating on a short, restricted route on lakes, bays, and sounds
o (C) A vessel in river service
• (D) A vessel engaged in ocean or coastwise service
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
12. Which knot in illustration D030DG below represents a bowline?
o (A) G
o (B) H
o (C) L
• (D) Q
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
13. Which of the following is required to have a Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan?
o (A) All vessels, regardless of size and commercial application
• (B) An oil tanker of 150 gross tons and above, or other ship of 400 gross tons and above
o (C) Any barge or ship constructed or operated in such a manner that no oil in any form can be
carried aboard
o (D) An oil tanker of 400 gross tons and above, or other ships of 150 gross tons and above
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
14. Which is a predictable result of a vessel nearing a bank or edge of a steep banked channel?
o (A) The vessel will be drawn bodily into the bank unless the engines are stopped
o (B) The vessel continues in a straight line, but with greatly reduced maneuverability
o (C) The bow sheers toward the bank
• (D) The stern is drawn to the bank as the bow sheers off
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
8/11/2020 Page 4 of 15
Q160-Deck General
Q160-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Illustrations: 3
15. International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificates are required for each U.S. oil tanker at or
above how many gross registered tons?
o (A) 100 gross registered tons
• (B) 150 gross registered tons
o (C) 300 gross registered tons
o (D) 400 gross registered tons
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
16. What must be mounted at a small passenger vessel's operating station for use by the Master and
crew?
o (A) A tide table for the area
o (B) Instructions on artificial respiration
o (C) The location of the first aid kit
• (D) Emergency Instructions
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
17. Which term defines the process of dividing the total volume of the ship in cubic feet (after omission
of exempted spaces) by 100?
o (A) Light displacement
o (B) Bale cubic
o (C) Net tonnage
• (D) Gross tonnage
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
18. The shipping papers for the products being carried in your tankship are NOT required to contain
which information?
o (A) The grades of the cargoes
o (B) The location of the delivery point(s)
o (C) The name of the consignee(s)
• (D) The exact quantity of the cargoes
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
8/11/2020 Page 5 of 15
Q160-Deck General
Q160-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Illustrations: 3
19. How does the Coast Guard determine how many passengers are permitted on a "T-Boat"?
o (A) The "Deck Area" criteria that permits one passenger for every 10 square feet of deck space
available for passenger use
o (B) The "Length of Rail" criteria, allowing 30 inches of rail space along the vessel's sides and
transom for each passenger
o (C) The "Fixed Seating" criteria that allocates 18 inches of space for each passenger to rest
his/her buttocks upon
• (D) Any or a combination of the above criteria
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
20. What is the name of tackle number 2 as shown in illustration D029DG below?
• (A) Gun tackle
o (B) Whip
o (C) Onefold purchase
o (D) Single purchase
If choice A is selected set score to 1.
21. You are a watchstanding mate and have come to the bridge to relieve the watch. After reviewing the
chart and having been briefed by the off-going mate, you are now ready to effect the relief. When is
the watch officially transferred to you?
o (A) As the mate being relieved says, "You have the conn" and you state the ship's course
• (B) When you say, "I relieve you" and you state the course per gyro and magnetic compasses
o (C) When you state the vessel's charted position, present course and port of destination
o (D) As the mate being relieved tells you the vessel's course and speed and states that you have
the watch
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
22. Each vessel shall be dry-docked or hauled out at intervals not to exceed 2 years if operated in salt
water for a total of more than __________. (small passenger vessel regulations)
• (A) 3 months in any 12 month period since it was last hauled out
o (B) 6 months in the 3 year period since it was last hauled out
o (C) 12 months in the 5 year period since it was last hauled out
o (D) whenever ownership or management changes
If choice A is selected set score to 1.
8/11/2020 Page 6 of 15
Q160-Deck General
Q160-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Illustrations: 3
23. What minimum size manila line is required to hold a weight of 932 pounds, if you use a safety factor
of six?
o (A) 2.0"
• (B) 2.5"
o (C) 3.0"
o (D) 3.5"
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
24. When inspecting wire rope before a hoisting operation, what must one look for?
o (A) Kinks
o (B) Worn spots
o (C) Fishhooks
• (D) All of the above
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
25. When running before a heavy sea, what will moving weights aft on the vessel accomplish?
• (A) Reduce the yawing of the vessel
o (B) Reduce the rolling of the vessel
o (C) Increase the rolling of the vessel
o (D) Increase the yawing of the vessel
If choice A is selected set score to 1.
26. How long shall the Oil Record Book be maintained on a vessel engaged in coastwise trade?
o (A) 12 months
o (B) 24 months
• (C) 36 months
o (D) 48 months
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
27. Which is an exception to the garbage discharge requirements in Annex V to MARPOL 73/78?
o (A) The destination port or terminal cannot receive garbage.
o (B) The garbage to be discharged will sink.
• (C) A person falls overboard, and a plastic ice chest is thrown for flotation.
o (D) Garbage accumulation on board has exceeded storage space.
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
8/11/2020 Page 7 of 15
Q160-Deck General
Q160-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Illustrations: 3
28. The number of able seamen required on board a vessel can be found in which document?
o (A) American Bureau of Shipping code
o (B) SOLAS Certificate
o (C) Classification Certificate
• (D) Certificate of Inspection
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
29. What is the name of the mark indicated by the letter D in illustration D003DG below?
• (A) Tropical load line
o (B) Winter load line
o (C) Summer load line
o (D) Fresh load line
If choice A is selected set score to 1.
30. Two vessels are abreast of each other and passing port to port in a confined waterway. What should
you expect as your bow approaches the screws of the other vessel?
• (A) Your bow will sheer towards the other vessel.
o (B) Your draft will significantly decrease.
o (C) Your speed will significantly increase.
o (D) Your bow will sheer away from the other vessel.
If choice A is selected set score to 1.
31. Unless otherwise stated, the term "approved" when applied to a small passenger vessel's
equipment, means approved by which organization?
o (A) American Bureau of Shipping
• (B) Commandant of the Coast Guard
o (C) Congress of the United States
o (D) Board of Fire Underwriters
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
32. Which type of bottom provides most anchors with the best holding ability?
• (A) Sandy mud
o (B) Clay and rocks
o (C) Soft sand
o (D) Soft mud
If choice A is selected set score to 1.
8/11/2020 Page 8 of 15
Q160-Deck General
Q160-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Illustrations: 3
33. Which statement about the deck line is TRUE?
o (A) The deck edge is marked at the intersection of the freeboard deck with the side shell, at the
lowest point of sheer, with the vessel at even trim.
o (B) The top of the deck line is marked at the highest point of the freeboard deck, including
camber, at the midships point.
• (C) A vessel with wooden planks on a steel deck will have the deck line marked at the
intersection of the upper line of the wood sheathing with the side shell.
o (D) On a vessel with a rounded stringer-sheer plate, the deck line is marked where the stringer
plate turns down from the plane of the deck line.
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
34. While on watch at sea you must maintain a proper lookout at all times. On a 700-foot cargo vessel
being hand-steered during daylight hours in good visibility and clear of any navigational hazards,
who may be the lookout?
o (A) The helmsman
• (B) The mate on watch
o (C) Either A or B
o (D) Neither A nor B
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
35. The definition of "partially protected waters", as used in the Regulations does not include which
choice?
o (A) Harbors, lakes and similar waters determined by the OCMI to be protected waters
o (B) The Great Lakes during the summer season
o (C) Waters within 20 nautical miles from the mouth of a harbor of safe refuge
• (D) Sheltered waters presenting no special hazard
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
36. A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher is required to be recharged if the weight loss exceeds what
percentage of the weight of the charge? (small passenger vessel regulations)
o (A) One percent
o (B) Five percent
o (C) Seven percent
• (D) Ten percent
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
8/11/2020 Page 9 of 15
Q160-Deck General
Q160-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Illustrations: 3
37. Which statement is TRUE with reference to small passenger vessels cooking and heating
equipment?
o (A) It shall be suitable for marine use
o (B) It may use liquefied petroleum gas
o (C) The system cannot use gasoline
• (D) All of the above
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
38. What is the cause of most minor spills of oil products?
o (A) Major casualties
• (B) Human error
o (C) Unforeseeable circumstances
o (D) Equipment failure
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
39. As a ship moves through the water, it causes a wake, which is also moving forward relative to the
sea. In addition to a fore and aft motion, which direction will the wake flow?
o (A) Upward and outward flow
• (B) Upward and inward flow
o (C) Downward and outward flow
o (D) Downward and inward flow
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
40. Which term is used to describe the distance a vessel moves at right angles to the original course,
when a turn of 180° has been completed?
o (A) Kick
o (B) Advance
o (C) Pivoting point
• (D) Tactical diameter
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
41. If you are operating on the Inland Waters of the United States, which of the following may you
discharge overboard?
o (A) Bottles
o (B) Metal
o (C) Dunnage
• (D) None of the above
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
8/11/2020 Page 10 of 15
Q160-Deck General
Q160-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Illustrations: 3
42. Which term(s) are in the category of "oil" as used in the Oil Pollution Regulations?
o (A) Fuel oil
o (B) Sludge
o (C) Oil refuse
• (D) All of the above
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
43. As appropriate for the voyage, according to small passenger vessel regulations, all vessels must
carry which adequate and up-to-date item(s)?
o (A) Charts
o (B) Light Lists
o (C) Coast Pilots
• (D) All of the above
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
44. Using a safety factor of 6, determine the safe working load of a line with a breaking strain of 30,000
pounds.
o (A) 100,000 lbs.
o (B) 20,000 lbs.
• (C) 5,000 lbs.
o (D) 4,000 lbs.
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
45. When picking up your mooring at the buoy, which is the correct method?
o (A) Stop upwind and up current and drift down on the buoy
o (B) Approach the buoy with the wind and current astern
• (C) Approach the buoy with the wind and current ahead
o (D) Approach the buoy with wind and sea abeam
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
46. At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification, which inspection procedure must be
conducted on all carbon dioxide fire extinguishers aboard a vessel? (small passenger vessel
regulations)
• (A) All units must be weighed
o (B) All units must be sent ashore for hydro testing
o (C) All units must be discharged and recharged
o (D) All units must be checked for pressure loss
If choice A is selected set score to 1.
8/11/2020 Page 11 of 15
Q160-Deck General
Q160-Deck General
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Master Near Coastal Less than 100 Gross Registered Tons
Illustrations: 3
47. According to small passenger vessel regulations, while serving as Master on board your vessel,
what should be done with your credential?
o (A) It must be displayed in the company office on shore
• (B) It must be in your possession on board the vessel
o (C) It must be displayed in your home
o (D) It must be kept in the Coast Guard office where you sat for your license
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
48. What is a spill pipe?
o (A) A drainage pipe that carries rain or spray from an upper deck to a lower deck
o (B) An opening in the deck leading outside the hull
o (C) A chute, usually over the stern, to lead dumped garbage clear of the hull
• (D) A pipe under the anchor windlass leading to the chain locker
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
49. Which action reduces the yawing of a vessel in a following sea?
o (A) Pumping out tanks aft
o (B) Increasing GM
• (C) Shifting weights to the stern
o (D) Shifting weights to the bow
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
50. You are the Master of a single-screw vessel. You are docking at a port which has no tugs available.
You decide to drop the offshore anchor to help in docking. How much chain should you out?
o (A) NEVER use the anchor to help in docking
o (B) 5 to 7 times the depth of the water
• (C) 1 1/2 times the depth of the water to the hawsepipe
o (D) Equal to the depth of the water
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
8/11/2020 Page 12 of 15
Q160-Deck General
National Maritime Center
Serving Our Nation’s Mariners
D003DG
Adapted for testing purposes only from Code of Federal Regulations
46 CFR 42.13
Further reproduction prohibited without permission Page 13 of 15
8/6/2018 Q160-Deck General
National Maritime Center
Serving Our Nation’s Mariners
D029DG
Adapted for testing purposes only from HAYLER, American Merchant Seaman’s Manual
Copyright © 1980 by Cornell Maritime Press, Inc.
Further reproduction prohibited without permission
Page 14 of 15
7/30/2018 Q160-Deck General
National Maritime Center
Serving Our Nation’s Mariners
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 15 of 15
11/27/2018
Q160-Deck General
