National Maritime Center

National Maritime Center Providing Credentials to Mariners (Sample Examination) Page 1 of 20

Choose the best answer to the following Multiple Choice Questions. 1. A report of casualty to a vessel must include. o (A) an evaluation of who was at fault o (B) the estimated cost of damage (C) the name of the owner or agent of the vessel o (D) the amount of ballast on board 2. You are piloting your vessel in a narrow channel. How will the vessel react to a steep bank on your starboard side? o (A) The vessel will be bodily pushed away from the bank (B) The bow will swing away from the bank, and stern will swing into the bank o (C) The vessel will be bodily drawn into the bank o (D) The bow will swing toward the bank, and the stern will swing away from the bank 3. 33 CFR sets forth the requirements of a Type I Marine sanitation device. What is the maximum coliform bacteria count for this type of system? (A) 1,000 per 100 Milliliters with no visible floating solids o (B) 200 per 1,000 milliliters and suspended solids less than 150 milligrams per liter o (C) 200 per 100 milliliters with suspended solids less than 150 milligrams per liter o (D) 1,000 per 1000 milliliters with no visible floating solids 4. You should NOT use a power tool if which condition exists? (A) The insulation of the power wires is worn o (B) Hand tools can be used instead o (C) The power source is alternating current o (D) It has a three-prong plug Page 2 of 20

5. Which statement is TRUE concerning cargo hose on tank barges? o (A) Cargo hose must be able to withstand the shut-off head less the static head of the cargo pump but no less than 100 psi. o (B) Cargo hose must be able to withstand the shut-off head plus the static head of the cargo pump. (C) Cargo hose must be able to withstand at least 150 psi. o (D) Cargo hose must be able to withstand the static head of the cargo pump but no less than 100 psi. 6. Which publication would give detailed information on the commercial vessel traffic reporting system for connecting waters from Lake Erie to Lake Huron? o (A) The appropriate Great Lakes Navigation Chart o (B) United States Coast Pilot Number 6 - Great Lakes (C) Code of Federal Regulations - Title 33 o (D) U.S. Coast Guard Light List - Vol. VII 7. Fire protection regulations apply to which of the towing vessels? o (A) Towing vessels used only for pollution response (B) Towing vessels used only on inland waters o (C) Towing vessels used only within a barge fleeting area o (D) Towing vessels owned and operated by the US government 8. Why is it good practice to use long towlines for ocean tows? o (A) The wear on the towline is equalized o (B) The weight of the towline increases the towing force (C) The dip(catenary) in the towline absorbs shock loads o (D) The danger of overriding is reduced 9. What happens to the efficiency of an anchor when it is moved from sand to mud? o (A) The efficiency cannot be determined. (B) The efficiency decreases. o (C) The efficiency increases. o (D) The efficiency remains the same. Page 3 of 20

10. A holder of a credential as Master of towing vessels may work each 24 hours for a period not to exceed how many hours? o (A) 6 hours (B) 12 hours o (C) 18 hours o (D) 24 hours 11. While heaving in the anchor prior to entering the wildcat you observe three white links on each side of a blue link. What does this indicate? o (A) There are six shots on deck o (B) There are three fathoms on deck o (C) There are three fathoms in the water (D) There are three shots on deck 12. In moderate wind and current what should be the length of chain with a single anchor? o (A) 8 times the depth of the water in deep water o (B) 2 times the depth of the water in poor holding ground o (C) 10 times the depth of the water in shallow water (D) 5 times the depth of the water in good holding ground 13. What is the minimum number of portable fire extinguishers required on board a 45-foot uninspected towing vessel having a fixed fire system on board? o (A) 1 B-I (B) 2 B-I o (C) 3 B-I o (D) 4 B-I 14. What is the name of the void or opening when barge headlogs do not meet or are not even with one another? o (A) Hole o (B) Gap o (C) Spacing (D) Notch Page 4 of 20

15. After casting off moorings at a mooring buoy in calm weather, which action should you take? o (A) Go full ahead on the engine(s) o (B) Go half ahead on the engines and pass upstream of the buoy (C) Back away a few lengths to clear the buoy and then go ahead on the engines o (D) Go half ahead on the engines and put the rudder hard right 16. Once a towline is connected between the towing vessel and the disabled vessel, the towing vessel should take which action? o (A) Come up to speed quickly, then cut back power considerably to ease the strain o (B) Take a strain as soon as you can to control the tow o (C) Not exceed bare steerageway during the transit (D) Come up to speed very slowly and maintain a "safe speed" 17. Which term describes the distance a vessel moves parallel to the original course from the point where the rudder is put over to any point on the turning circle? o (A) Pivoting point o (B) Drift angle (C) Advance o (D) Transfer 18. In the uninspected vessel regulations what does the "B" on a "B-II" fire extinguisher refer to? o (A) Size of the nozzle (B) Class of fire that the extinguisher should be used on o (C) Size of the applicator o (D) Size of the extinguisher 19. Which uninspected vessel is required to carry an efficient daylight signaling lamp? o (A) 299 GT towing vessel on a coastwise voyage o (B) 199 GT towing vessel on a coastwise voyage (C) 199 GT towing vessel on an international voyage o (D) 99 GT towing vessel on Inland Waters Page 5 of 20

20. According to the Chemical Data Guide, to what chemical family does 1,3 - pentadiene belong? (A) Olefins o (B) Unsaturated hydrocarbons o (C) Phosphorus o (D) Esters 21. A seaman deserts the vessel in a foreign port. What should the Master do with any of the deserter's personal effects remaining on board? (A) Transfer them to the appropriate district court of the U.S. at the end of the voyage. o (B) Donate them to a local charity upon return to the United States. o (C) Sell them at auction and deposit the money in the ship's morale or welfare fund. o (D) Inventory them, make an appropriate entry in the Official Logbook and dispose of them at sea. 22. According to the Chemical Data Guide, fuel oil number 6 has a flash point (degrees F) of. o (A) 65 o (B) 80-100 o (C) 110-140 (D) 150-430(cc) 23. You are on a 120,000 DWT loaded bulk carrier. When anchoring without the aid of tugs, your maximum speed should not exceed how many feet per second? (A) 0.5 (0.3 knot) o (B) 1.75 (1.0 knot) o (C) 1.0 (0.6 knot) o (D) 1.3 (0.8 knot) 24. If given equal care, nylon line should last how many times longer than manila line? o (A) Three o (B) Four (C) Five o (D) Six Page 6 of 20

25. Which is the primary advantage of using a chain bridle when towing astern offshore? (A) It provides an effective catenary and absorbs shock due to its weight o (B) It makes rigging a swivel unnecessary o (C) It prevents the tow from yawing by the drag of the chains in a seaway o (D) The chain is easy to connect 26. Which is usually the most gentle way of riding out a severe storm on a larger vessel? o (A) Head into the seas at slow speeds o (B) Rig a sea anchor (C) Running before the seas o (D) Hove to 27. What does "Hanging a barge off" refer to? o (A) Towing an empty barge astern o (B) To remove a barge while locking through (C) Mooring a barge to the bank and leaving it there o (D) To remove and deliver a loaded barge from a multiple tow 28. The person in charge on the vessel and the person in charge at the facility must hold a meeting before starting the transfer of oil. Who must decide to start the transfer? (A) Both persons in charge o (B) The person in charge on the vessel o (C) The person in charge of either place that is doing the pumping o (D) The person in charge at the facility 29. Which of the following is required to have a Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan? o (A) All vessels, regardless of size and commercial application o (B) Any barge or ship constructed or operated in such a manner that no oil in any form can be carried aboard o (C) An oil tanker of 400 gross tons and above, or other ships of 150 gross tons and above (D) An oil tanker of 150 gross tons and above, or other ship of 400 gross tons and above Page 7 of 20

30. To overcome the effects of static forces between two vessels of vastly different tonnages that may potentially part a line, which is the best action to take? o (A) Pay out extra towline and increase speed rapidly to "jump start" disabled vessel (B) Commence tow at a slow bell and increase speed incrementally o (C) At slow bell alter course 30 degrees to both sides of disabled tow o (D) Rig a bridle at both the bow of the disabled vessel and stern of the towing vessel 31. Which is a common occurrence when a vessel is running into shallow water? (A) "Squat" will cause a decrease in bottom clearance and an increase in draft o (B) The wake is less pronounced o (C) The vessel is more responsive to the rudder o (D) All of the above 32. Which commodity would be regulated by subchapter D, Rules and Regulations for Tank Vessels? o (A) Vinyl Chloride (B) Asphalt o (C) Benzene o (D) All of the above 33. What is the name of tackle number 12 as shown in illustration D029DG below? o (A) Davit tackle o (B) Deck tackle (C) Threefold purchase o (D) Gin tackle 34. The operator of a vessel subject to the pollution regulations shall keep a written record available for inspection by the COPT or OCMI. What will this record contain? o (A) Hose information including the minimum design burst pressure for each hose o (B) The date and result of the most recent test on the system relief valves o (C) The name of each person currently designated as a person in charge (D) All of the above Page 8 of 20

35. What is the name of the mark indicated by the letter A in illustration D003DG below? o (A) Winter North Atlantic load line o (B) Plimsoll line o (C) Fresh Water load line (D) Deck line 36. A tug is "in irons" when held in a fixed position by. (A) the towing hawser snagged on the bottom o (B) lack of power or an engine breakdown o (C) the weight of its tow, its being anchored, or grounded o (D) an adverse current 37. Which device is used to tighten up remaining slack in wire rope when you are making up to a tow in inland waters? (A) A steamboat ratchet o (B) A tripping bracket o (C) A norman pin o (D) A tripping line 38. What does the term "end-for-end" refer to in regard to a wire towing hawser? (A) Removing the wire rope from the drum and reversing it so that the towing end becomes the bitter end o (B) Cutting off the bitter and towing ends of the wire rope o (C) Splicing two wire ropes together o (D) Removing the wire rope from the drum and turning it over so that the wire bends in the opposite direction when rolled on a drum 39. If the towline parts, which action should you take? (A) Retrieve the tow bridle o (B) Abandon the towing vessel o (C) Start pushing ahead o (D) Relieve strain on the retrieving line Page 9 of 20

40. Why is a warning sign displayed at the gangway or access point of a barge during cargo transfer? o (A) To prohibit open lights o (B) To prohibit smoking o (C) To keep visitors away from the barge (D) All of the above 41. Where is the best location to install a towing hook? (A) Just aft of amidships o (B) On the fantail o (C) Forward of the towing bitts o (D) Near the Norman Pins 42. Which statement is TRUE when an anchor is used to assist in turning the vessel in restricted waters? o (A) Having to use the aid of an anchor is the sign of a novice shiphandler o (B) This technique should only be used as a last resort (C) Deploying the anchor underfoot shifts the pivot point forward o (D) Turning on the anchor is to be used only with a single-screw vessel 43. By law, a user of marijuana shall be subject to which of the following? o (A) loss of pay during the period of such use o (B) termination of employment (C) revocation of Merchant Mariner Credential o (D) reprimand by the US Coast Guard 44. You are on a 120,000 DWT loaded bulk carrier. What is the maximum safe docking speed when coming alongside? (A) 0.2 foot per second (0.12 knot) o (B) 0.75 foot per second (0.44 knot) o (C) 0.5 foot per second (0.30 knot) o (D) 0.1 foot per second (0.06 knot) Page 10 of 20

45. When "checking down" a barge using a check line you should use. (A) at least three round turns around one timber head o (B) one round turn and at least two figure-eights around the timber heads o (C) a clove hitch around one timber head o (D) at least three figure-eights around the timber heads 46. Which knot/bend is used to form the bridle at the standing part of a gantline rigged to a stage? o (A) A sheet bend o (B) A carrick bend (C) A bowline o (D) A fisherman's bend 47. Flammable liquids should have what kind of label? o (A) White (B) Red o (C) Skull and crossbones o (D) Yellow 48. Which term defines the strainer at the bottom of a bilge suction pipe to prevent clogging? (A) Rose box o (B) Bellmouth o (C) Flange o (D) Pipe cap 49. In illustration D024DG below, which item is rigged to transmit the thrust from one barge to another when backing down? o (A) H o (B) I (C) C o (D) B Page 11 of 20

50. Which type of fixed fire protection system is approved for use on board uninspected towing vessels? o (A) Chemical foam (B) Water mist o (C) Steam smothering o (D) Dry chemical 51. When discharging cargo from a tank barge, in which case may the cargo pass through or over the towing vessel? o (A) When off-loading grade C cargo o (B) With permission from the person in charge of the towing vessel o (C) With permission from the person in charge of the shore facility (D) In no case 52. Your tow includes a barge carrying chlorine. Which special requirements must be observed? (A) A cargo information card for chlorine must be in the pilothouse. o (B) You must post a deckhand to keep a special watch on this barge. o (C) The wing voids shall not be opened when underway. o (D) All of the above 53. Your vessel is loading Class 1 explosives into hatch No. 2 when you observe an electrical storm approaching from the east. What actions should you take? o (A) rig a bonding cable from your vessel to the dock in the event the vessel is struck by lighting (B) halt loading operations and close hatch No. 2 until the weather is clear and the storm has passed o (C) continue loading hatch No. 2 and monitor the VHF marine weather channel o (D) call for assist tugs to stand-by and send the longshoremen ashore for their safety 54. The danger of a towing vessel tripping is increased the closer the towline is secured to which area of the vessel? (A) Amidships o (B) The stern o (C) The quarter o (D) The bow Page 12 of 20

55. Who is responsible for any wake damage caused by a passing vessel? o (A) The person deemed competent to steer the vessel o (B) The owner of the damaged vessel (C) The person is charge of the passing vessel o (D) No one is responsible for wake damage 56. What is the period of validity of a Merchant Mariner Credential? o (A) 1 year (B) 5 years o (C) 3 years o (D) 2 years 57. The control panel of a fire detection system must have all of the following EXCEPT which item? (A) A way to bypass the entire panel if it malfunctions o (B) A power-available light o (C) An audible alarm to notify the crew and identify the origin of the fire o (D) A means to silence audible alarms while maintaining visible alarm lights 58. What is NOT an indication that pack ice may be nearby? o (A) Absence of wave motion o (B) Sighting a walrus in the Arctic (C) The presence of icebergs o (D) Ice blink 59. On uninspected vessels, when may U. S. Coast Guard approved work vests be substituted for life jackets? o (A) Only when aboard sailing vessels (B) Under no circumstances may they be substituted o (C) Only when aboard towing vessels o (D) Only when aboard work vessels Page 13 of 20

60. Which of the following applies in determining if all requirements of the Declaration of Inspection are met for oil transfer operations prior to bunkering from a shoreside facility? (A) Vessel and bunker facility must be independently inspected by the designated persons-incharge o (B) The bunker facility must be inspected by the designated person-in-charge of the vessel and vice versa for the vessel o (C) The vessel is responsible to provide an inspected oil hose o (D) Vessel and bunker facility must be inspected by a representative of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port 61. You are on a US vessel loading explosives for the military and will be sailing foreign. Who is required to supervise the loading and stowage of the cargo? o (A) an employee of the carrier designated by the Master o (B) a USCG credentialed officer or rating with a hazmat endorsement (C) a USCG credentialed officer designated by the Master o (D) a USCG credentialed officer with a hazmat endorsement 62. A charterer is unable to complete the loading of a vessel during the lay days specified in the charter party. Under these circumstances, which action may occur? o (A) The charterer must pay dispatch money o (B) The ship is authorized extra time to discharge the cargo (C) The vessel operator can collect demurrage o (D) The effective period of the charter is extended 63. You are conducting trials to determine the maneuvering characteristics of your vessel. While making a turn, you take ranges and bearings of an isolated light. The results are shown in illustration D034DG below. What is the transfer for a turn of 45? (A) 130 yards o (B) 165 yards o (C) 195 yards o (D) 230 yards Page 14 of 20

64. Besides the chemical testing of a mariner's breath for alcohol, what other specimen testing for alcohol is acceptable that can be taken onboard the vessel after a Serious Marine Incident? o (A) Hair (B) Saliva o (C) Blood o (D) None of the above 65. You are on watch and the pilot has just anchored the vessel. What is the next thing that you should do after the anchor has been let go? o (A) Ring off the engines o (B) Escort the pilot to the accommodation ladder o (C) Make a round of the weather decks (D) Plot the vessel's position on the chart 66. Which type of ice is the most difficult to combat and presents the greatest hazard to shipping on the Great Lakes during the winter months? o (A) Slow ice (B) Pack slush ice o (C) Icebergs o (D) Fast ice 67. To determine the number of portable fire extinguishers required on an inspected vessel, you should check which document? (A) The Certificate of Inspection o (B) The Safety of Life at Sea Certificate o (C) The Muster List ("Station Bill") o (D) The hot work permit 68. Which is the proper term for the wheel on the windlass with indentations for the anchor chain to ride in? (A) A wildcat o (B) A locking ring o (C) A grabber o (D) A cat's pawl Page 15 of 20

69. You are steaming in a heavy gale and find it necessary to heave to. Under most circumstances, how is this best accomplished? o (A) Increasing the speed and taking the sea broad on the bow (B) Taking the sea fine on the bow and reducing the speed o (C) Going slow astern and taking the seas on the quarter o (D) Stopping the engines and drifting beam to the seas 70. Which term is sometimes used to describe a heavy steel curved arch constructed athwartships and above the after deck on a towing vessel? o (A) Carling (B) Dutch tow bar o (C) Chafing bar o (D) None of the above Page 16 of 20

National Maritime Center Providing Credentials to Mariners D003DG 5/20/2016 Adapted for testing purposes only Further reproduction prohibited without permission Page 17 of 20

National Maritime Center Providing Credentials to Mariners D024DG 5/23/2016 Adapted for testing purposes only Further reproduction prohibited without permission Page 18 of 20

National Maritime Center Providing Credentials to Mariners D029DG 5/23/2016 Adapted for testing purposes only Further reproduction prohibited without permission Page 19 of 20

National Maritime Center Providing Credentials to Mariners D034DG 5/25/2018 Adapted for testing purposes only Further reproduction prohibited without permission Page 20 of 20