National Maritime Center Providing Credentials to Mariners (Sample Examination) Page 1 of 15
Choose the best answer to the following Multiple Choice Questions. 1. You are 15 feet off a pier and docking a vessel using only a bow breast line and stern breast line. Once the slack is out of both lines you begin to haul in on the bow breast line. What is the effect on the vessel? o (A) The stern will come in and the bow will remain the same distance off the pier. o (B) The bow will come in and the stern will go out. o (C) The bow and stern come in equally closer toward the pier. (D) The bow will come in and the stern will remain the same distance off the pier. 2. 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 (B) Emergency Instructions o (C) Instructions on artificial respiration o (D) The location of the first aid kit 3. 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 4. When an azimuth of the Sun has been taken and the deviation of the standard magnetic compass computed, the watch officer should record the results. o (A) on a Napier diagram o (B) in the vessel's Official Logbook (C) in the compass deviation log o (D) on the compass deviation card Page 2 of 15
5. You are using the anchor to steady the bow while maneuvering. When do you know you have the proper scope of anchor cable out? (A) When the bow is held in position with the engines coming slowly ahead o (B) When the anchor is just touching the bottom o (C) If the scope is not more than 5 times the depth of the water o (D) When the cable enters the water at an angle between 60 and 85 from the horizontal 6. As a ship moves through the water, it drags with it a body of water called the wake. Which term defines the ratio of the wake speed to the ship's speed? o (A) Speed of advance (B) Wake fraction o (C) Wake distribution o (D) Propeller velocity 7. 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) Drift angle o (B) Transfer (C) Advance o (D) Pivoting point 8. 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) 5 to 7 times the depth of the water o (B) NEVER use the anchor to help in docking (C) 1 1/2 times the depth of the water to the hawsepipe o (D) Equal to the depth of the water 9. Which item is a journal kept by the officer of the watch in which day to day happenings are recorded regarding the deck department? o (A) A cargo record book (B) The deck rough log o (C) The bell book o (D) The Official Logbook Page 3 of 15
10. The S.S. Sheet Bend arrives in New York after encountering heavy weather on a voyage from Cape Town. Who will note the maritime protest for the Master? o (A) Collector of Customs (B) Notary Public o (C) Officer in Charge Marine Inspection o (D) U.S. Shipping Commissioner 11. Your vessel has the symbol shown in illustration D022DG below inscribed on the side. Which statement concerning this symbol is TRUE? (A) The applicable gross and net tonnage of the ship will change if this mark is submerged and the load line mark is visible. o (B) This represents the load line marks when engaged on a voyage upon the Great Lakes. o (C) The symbol is the equivalent of a load line marking and is used by government vessels (USN, MSC, USCG) only. o (D) The line directly under the triangle is at the same level as the summer load line. 12. Which is TRUE concerning fixed ballast, on small passenger vessels? o (A) Moved under any condition except extreme emergency o (B) Only moved under the supervision of the owner, Master or shipyard (C) Moved temporarily for examination or repair of the vessel, when done under the supervision of an inspector o (D) Discharged or moved at any time 13. How long is a credential issued by the U.S. Coast Guard for apprentice mate (steersman) of Towing Vessels valid for? o (A) 2 years and must be renewed o (B) 3 years and must be renewed (C) 5 years and must be renewed o (D) None of the above Page 4 of 15
14. Which statement is TRUE concerning small passenger vessels bunks installed in overnight passenger accommodation spaces? o (A) must be no less than 74" long and 24" wide with 24" of clear space above o (B) must be immediately adjacent to an aisle leading to a means of escape o (C) must not be located more than 3 high, fitted with a suitable aid to access bunks more than 5' above deck with suitable aids to access bunks more than 5' above deck (D) All of the above 15. Which is TRUE of the shut off valve at the gasoline tank which can be operated from outside the tank space? (small passenger vessel regulations) o (A) The valve controls the amount of gasoline to the engine (B) The valve shuts off the gasoline supply at the tank o (C) The valve is used if the gasoline tank leaks o (D) All of the above 16. A mariner whose credential has been revoked shall not be issued another credential without which of the following? o (A) approval of the Officer-in-Charge, Marine Inspection o (B) taking a new examination (C) approval of the Commandant o (D) approval of an administrative law judge 17. After each operation involving the transfer of oil or oily mixture, when shall an entry be recorded in the Oil Record Book? o (A) As the operation permits (B) Without delay o (C) Within 1 hour of completion of the inspection o (D) Within 6 hours of completion of the operation 18. Which statement is TRUE concerning the placard entitled "Discharge of Oil Prohibited"? o (A) It must be located in a conspicuous place in the wheelhouse. o (B) It is required on all vessels. (C) It must be located at the bilge and ballast pump control station. o (D) All of the above Page 5 of 15
19. To prevent damage by and to storage batteries aboard small passenger vessels how should they be mounted? o (A) Protected against shifting as the vessel pitches and rolls o (B) In trays constructed of material that is resistant to the electrolyte o (C) In a well ventilated area (D) All of the above 20. Where must the draft marks be placed on a small passenger vessel? (A) At each end of the vessel o (B) On each side, amidships o (C) On each side of the stem o (D) Near the stern post or rudder post 21. How does the Coast Guard determines how many passengers are permitted on a "T-Boat"? (A) Any or a combination of the above criteria o (B) The "Deck Area" criteria that permits one passenger for every 10 square feet of deck space available for passenger use o (C) The "Fixed Seating" criteria that allocates 18 inches of space for each passenger to rest his/her buttocks upon o (D) The "Length of Rail" criteria, allowing 30 inches of rail space along the vessel's sides and transom for each passenger 22. How long must the operator of each vessel engaged in a vessel-to-vessel oil transfer operation keep a signed copy of the declaration of inspection for? o (A) 10 days (B) 1 month o (C) 6 months o (D) 1 year 23. Which device is required to be installed under the carburetor of a gasoline engine? (A) Drip collector o (B) Vent o (C) Box of sawdust o (D) Flame arrestor ONLY Page 6 of 15
24. Which of the following is a rope ladder with wooden rungs? o (A) A life ladder (B) A Jacob's ladder o (C) A drop ladder o (D) A jury ladder 25. A wire rope rove through two single blocks with two parts at the moving block is used for a boat fall. The weight of the 100-person boat is 5 tons. Compute the required breaking strain per davit (2 per boat). Safety Factor - 6, weight per person - 165 lbs., 10% friction per sheave (2 sheaves). o (A) 18.30 tons B.S. o (B) 20.29 tons B.S. (C) 22.27 tons B.S. o (D) 24.31 tons B.S. 26. 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) Anchors, line, paint cans, and fuel drums o (B) Whistles, searchlights, navigation lights, and ship's bell (C) Life jackets, life floats and paddles o (D) Bunks, silverware, china, and glassware 27. In the regulations that apply to small passenger vessels which describes an "open boat"? (A) A boat that is not protected from entry of water by means of a complete weathertight deck o (B) A boat that is used for charter fishing or tours and is open to the public o (C) A boat that is docked and open for visitors to come aboard and tour the craft o (D) A boat on which gambling and consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted when underway or moored 28. While operating your oceangoing vessel you must keep a record of any discharge or disposal of garbage. When should these entries be made? o (A) Before the end of the voyage (B) At the time the garbage was disposed o (C) Before arriving at your next port o (D) No later than 24 hours after disposal of the garbage Page 7 of 15
29. A small passenger vessel, operating only on domestic routes, which is operated in salt water for more than three months in a year must undergo a dry dock and internal structural examination at which time interval? (A) 2 years o (B) 3 years o (C) 4 years o (D) 5 years 30. What does the line labeled "MS" indicate on the Great Lakes load line model shown in illustration D031DG below? o (A) Midseason o (B) Mean sea level o (C) Maximum submergence (D) Midsummer 31. Which type of stopper should be used to stop off wire rope? (A) Chain o (B) Polypropylene o (C) Wire o (D) Manila 32. Which will most likely occur when your vessel enters shallow water? o (A) Rudder action will become more effective o (B) The vessel's list will decrease o (C) An increase in speed will occur (D) The vessel's trim will change 33. How does the effect known as "bank suction" act on a single-screw vessel proceeding along a narrow channel? o (A) It pulls the bow toward the bank. o (B) It pushes the entire vessel away from the bank. o (C) It heels the vessel toward the bank. (D) It pulls the stern toward the bank. Page 8 of 15
34. Which of the following reduces the holding capacity of a mooring winch brake? o (A) The setting of the manual intake valve o (B) The setting of the windlass/winch control switch o (C) The mooring drum intake rate adjustment (D) The number of layers of wire on the drum 35. Which vessel must carry a compass on board? (small passenger vessel regulations) o (A) A vessel operating in protected waters with a short restricted route o (B) A non-self-propelled vessel o (C) A vessel operating on the Ohio River (D) A vessel operating on the Gulf of Mexico 36. Using a safety factor of 6, determine the safe working load of manila line with a breaking stress of 8 tons. o (A) 0.75 tons o (B) 1.25 tons (C) 1.33 tons o (D) 8.00 tons 37. You are planning to anchor in an area where several anchors have been lost due to fouling. What precaution should you take? o (A) Use a stern anchor with a scope of 8 or more to 1 o (B) Only anchor using both anchors not set in bottom o (C) Anchor with scope of 8 or more to 1 (D) Fit a crown strap and work wire to the anchor 38. Which is an example of a modern anchor which has a stock? o (A) Baldt anchor o (B) Articulated anchor o (C) Flipper Delta anchor (D) Danforth anchor Page 9 of 15
39. 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 40. How can fracture damage to the end links of the anchor cable, or to the anchor ring be eliminated? o (A) Install the connecting shackle with the bow towards the anchor o (B) Use a smaller diameter connecting shackle o (C) Ensure that the swivel is well lubricated and free to turn (D) secure a piece of wood to the anchor ring 41. What should be used when temporarily securing a hook to the end of a wire rope? o (A) A long splice (B) Wire rope clips with a thimble eye o (C) An overhand knot with a wire rope clip o (D) A bowline knot 42. When must a small passenger vessel of not more than 65 feet in length must have a collision bulkhead? o (A) If it carries more than 49 passengers o (B) If it is more than 40 feet in length and operates on partially exposed waters o (C) When operates on exposed waters (D) All of the above 43. What is the FIRST action to take if you detect oil around your tank vessel while discharging petroleum products? (A) Shut down operations o (B) Have the pumpman check the discharge piping o (C) Try to find out where the oil is coming from o (D) Call the Master Page 10 of 15
44. You are docking a vessel. When are the wind and current most favorable in this situation? o (A) When they are crossing your course, in opposite directions to the other o (B) When they are crossing your course, both in the same direction o (C) When they are both setting you on the pier (D) When they are both parallel to the pier from ahead 45. An International Tonnage Certificate will be issued to a vessel when it meets several requirements. Which is one of the requirements? o (A) Will engage in intercoastal trade (B) Must be 79 or more feet in length o (C) Admeasure over 100 GT o (D) Has been issued a Certificate of Inspection 46. Your vessel is at a dock taking bunkers. If oil begins to flow out of a tank vent, what should you do FIRST? (A) Signal the shore control point to shut down. o (B) Set out drip pans and sawdust and begin to mop up the spill. o (C) Close the valve on the tank vent line. o (D) Open the intake valve to an adjacent tank. 47. In the United States, which organization sets the load line markings? o (A) IMO (B) American Bureau of Shipping o (C) Coast Guard o (D) Federal Maritime Board 48. You are docking a vessel. Which statement is TRUE? o (A) You should pass a mooring line to the dock and let the crew pull the vessel to (B) You should go in against the current o (C) You should approach the dock at a 90 angle o (D) You should go in with the current Page 11 of 15
49. Which of the following is the strongest of the natural fibers? o (A) Hemp (B) Manila o (C) Cotton o (D) Sisal 50. Aboard a 60 foot long small passenger vessel (other than a ferry) which is certificated to carry 33 persons, what is the minimum capacity required per bilge pump? (A) 10 gallons per minute o (B) 19 gallons per minute o (C) 38 gallons per minute o (D) 50 gallons per minute Page 12 of 15
National Maritime Center Providing Credentials to Mariners D022DG 5/23/2016 Adapted for testing purposes only Further reproduction prohibited without permission Page 13 of 15
National Maritime Center Providing Credentials to Mariners D031DG 5/23/2016 Adapted for testing purposes only Further reproduction prohibited without permission Page 14 of 15
National Maritime Center Providing Credentials to Mariners D034DG 5/25/2018 Adapted for testing purposes only Further reproduction prohibited without permission Page 15 of 15