Master/Chief Mate of Unlimited Tonnage, Revision & Practice Exams

What is the difference between net tonnage and gross tonnage?

1. Net tonnage is the gross tonnage less certain deductible spaces. ✓
2. Net tonnage is the net weight of the ship.
3. Net tonnage is gross tonnage minus engine and bunker spaces.
4. Net tonnage is tonnage of cargo compared to tonnage of whole ship.

Which part of a windlass physically engages the chain during hauling or paying out?

1. The cat head
2. The devil's claw
3. The wildcat ✓
4. The bull gear

What will NOT be found on the Certificate of Inspection of an oceangoing tankship?

1. Manning requirements
2. Waters upon which the vessel may be operated
3. Minimum freeboard permitted ✓
4. Grade(s) of cargoes that the vessel may carry

Which is the best method to stop a vessel from dragging anchor in a sand bottom?

1. Back the engines
2. Pay out more anchor cable ✓
3. Swing the rudder several times to work the anchor into the bottom
4. Reduce the length of the cable

What is the minimum number of bolts required in a permanently connected flange oil hose coupling?

1. A bolt must be used in every hole. ✓
2. 6
3. 4
4. 3

You are arriving in port and are assigned to anchor in anchorage circle B-4. It has a diameter of 500 yards and your vessel's LOA is 484 feet. If you anchor in 8 fathoms at the center of the circle, what is the maximum number of shots of chain you can use and still remain in the circle?

1. 6 shots
2. 5 shots
3. 4 shots
4. 3 shots ✓

Under U.S. law, what is the penalty for assaulting the Master?

1. Fine of not more than $1000
2. Fine of not more than $500 and/or imprisonment for not more than 1 year
3. Revocation of the Merchant Mariner Credential
4. Imprisonment for not more than 2 years ✓

What is the period of validity of a Safety Management Certificate?

1. 60 months ✓
2. 48 months
3. 42 months
4. 36 months

Which international body is responsible for drafting the MARPOL convention prohibiting marine pollution?

1. The Maritime Advisory Council
2. The International Maritime Organization ✓
3. The Association of Seafaring Nations
4. The International Association of Shipping

When taking a Pilot from a pilot vessel in a seaway, which way should you head your vessel if the ladder is on the leeward side?

1. Sea on the weather bow and ship moving ahead slowly ✓
2. Sea on the lee quarter with ship moving ahead slowly
3. Bow to the sea and no way on your vessel
4. Sea on the quarter with sternway on the ship

What best describes for how long a gas-free test is good?

1. For the instant that it is made ✓
2. Until valves in line with the tank or compartment are reopened
3. Until changes in temperature or pressure affect the vapor content in the space
4. For as long as is indicated on the gas-free certificate

What is an enclosure which will withstand ignition of a flammable gas, and which will prevent the transmission of any flame able to ignite a flammable gas, which may be present in the surrounding atmosphere called?

1. a flame proof screen
2. gas-safe enclosure
3. explosion proof ✓
4. primary gas barrier

Which lashing gear used aboard Ro-Ro vessels should be painted or soaked in oil when not in use?

1. Wire rope.
2. Chain ✓
3. Webbing
4. All of the above

The wire rope used for cargo handling on board your vessel has a safe working load of eight tons. It shall be able to withstand a breaking test load of __________.

1. 32 tons
2. 40 tons ✓
3. 48 tons
4. 64 tons

Cargo vessels being navigated, and fitted with emergency lighting and power systems, shall have their emergency systems tested at which interval?

1. Once in every 12 months
2. At least once in each week ✓
3. Once in every 6 months
4. At least once in each month

Before loading bulk grain, why should the bilge wells be covered with burlap?

1. To prevent oil, water, or other liquid from reaching the cargo
2. To add strength to the bilge well strainer
3. To permit rapid flow of water to the bilge wells
4. To prevent cargo sifting into the bilge wells ✓

Under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act of 1936, a vessel will be liable for damage to cargo when the damage arises out of which situation?

1. Overloading the vessel ✓
2. Inherent vice
3. A fire caused by lightning
4. The poor stowage of cargo in a container

When using the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR's) for Tank Vessels, you see T/O and B/C. What do the T and B tell you?

1. Type of vessel to which the regulation applies ✓
2. Special construction limitations
3. The waters in which vessels may operate
4. Grades of cargo which may be carried

Because of the arrangement of the cell guides, which is the MOST important factor while loading containers?

1. The size of the shoreside crane
2. The list of the vessel ✓
3. The contents of the container
4. The weight of the container

Your vessel is loaded with nonhygroscopic cargoes and is going from a cold to a warm climate. Which action should you take to avoid sweat damage while on the voyage?

1. Start the intake blowers
2. Start the exhaust blowers
3. Do not ventilate the cargo holds ✓
4. Ventilate the cargo holds

A high cube container is designed specifically to accomplish which task?

1. Carry cargoes of very low stowage factors
2. Stow cargoes with concentrated weights such as machinery
3. Protect fragile cargoes
4. Carry low density cargoes ✓

When is it recommended that the external flotation bladder on an immersion suit be inflated?

1. Only after two hours in the water
2. Only after four hours in the water
3. Upon entry into the water ✓
4. Before entry into the water

Which describes the floors aboard a ship?

1. The longitudinal angle bars fastened to a surface for strength
2. The frames to which the tank top and bottom shell are fastened on a double bottomed ship ✓
3. The longitudinal beams in the extreme bottom of a ship from which the ship's ribs start
4. The transverse members of the ships frame which support the decks

You are fighting a class "B" fire with a portable dry chemical extinguisher. How should the discharge be directed?

1. Aimed to bank off a bulkhead onto the fire
2. At the main body of the fire
3. At the seat of the fire, starting at the near edge ✓
4. Over the top of the fire

On the vessel's Fire Control Plan, all parts of a fixed fire suppression system are listed EXCEPT?

1. Instructions for activation of system ✓
2. Spaces protected by the system
3. Remote cylinder release(s)
4. Extinguishing agent cylinder location

How does good housekeeping prevent fires on a vessel?

1. Allowing better access in an emergency
2. Eliminating trip hazards
3. Improving personnel qualifications
4. Eliminating potential fuel sources ✓

Which term describes the geometric center of the underwater volume of a vessel?

1. Center of gravity
2. Tipping center
3. Center of buoyancy ✓
4. Center of flotation

Where there are multiple accident victims, which type of injury should be the first to receive emergency treatment?

1. Burns
2. Eye injuries
3. Major multiple fractures
4. Severe shock ✓

If you have to jump in the water when abandoning ship, your legs should be in which position?

1. Your legs should be held as tightly against your chest as possible
2. Your legs should be spread apart as far as possible
3. Your legs should be extended straight down and crossed at the ankles ✓
4. Your legs should be in a kneeling position

Blocks and falls used as lifeboat gear must be designed with which minimum safety factor?

1. 6, based on the weight of a fully-loaded survival craft ✓
2. 5, based on the maximum allowable stress
3. 8, based on the normal working load of a survival craft
4. 4, based on the breaking strength of the wire

Which term is given to the maximum length allowed between main, transverse bulkheads on a vessel?

1. Factor of subdivision
2. Floodable length
3. Permissible length ✓
4. Compartment standard

The center of volume of the immersed portion of the hull is given which term?

1. Center of gravity
2. Center of buoyancy ✓
3. Center of flotation
4. Tipping center

In illustration D039SA below, which fire control plan symbol(s) represents the agent or device best suited for extinguishing a class "B" fire?

1. 26
2. 47
3. 16 and 36 ✓
4. 16 and 47

A vessel having continuous closely spaced transverse strength members is __________.

1. cellular framed
2. web framed
3. longitudinally framed
4. transversely framed ✓

When water is used to fight a fire on board a ship, the effect of the weight of the water must be taken into account. How much sea water will increase the weight displacement by one ton?

1. 64 cubic feet
2. 35 cubic feet ✓
3. 100 gallons
4. 500 liters

When flammable liquids are handled in a compartment on a vessel, which is TRUE concerning the ventilation for that area?

1. It should be operated continuously while vapors may be present ✓
2. It should be available on standby for immediate use
3. It should be shut down if an explosive mixture is present
4. It should be only operated intermittently to remove vapors

When evacuating a seaman by helicopter lift, the vessel should be which of the following?

1. Underway on a course to provide no apparent wind
2. Stopped with the wind dead ahead
3. Stopped with the wind on the beam
4. Underway with the wind 30° on the bow ✓

How should latitude 54°18.9'N be written when preparing an AMVER report?

1. 0543N
2. 5419N ✓
3. 54.3N
4. 54°N

Using the information in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book, determine the danger angle for permanent list if the KG is 22.4 feet, and the drafts are: FWD 19'-06", AFT 20'-00".

1. 12°
2. 24° ✓
3. 48°
4. 52°

The SS AMERICAN MARINER is ready to bunker with drafts of FWD 14'-04", AFT 17'-06". After all bunkers are on board, soundings indicate the tonnages shown in table ST-0180 below. Use the white pages of The Stability Data Reference Book to determine the free surface correction.

1. 1.15 feet
2. 1.25 feet
3. 1.31 feet
4. 1.48 feet ✓

You are loading in a port subject to the winter load line mark and bound for a port subject to the tropical load line mark. You will enter the summer zone after steaming four days, and you will enter the tropical zone after a total of seven days. You will consume 38 tons of fuel, water, and stores per day. The hydrometer reading at the loading pier is 1.004, and the average TPI is 72. What is the minimum freeboard required at the start of the voyage? Reference Table BL-0007 below.

1. 94 inches
2. 92 inches
3. 85 inches
4. 90 inches ✓

Use the material in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book. If the KG is 24.2 feet, and the drafts are: FWD 22'-04", AFT 23'-00"; at what angle will the vessel lose positive stability?

1. 72°
2. 78° ✓
3. 86°
4. 92°

How are chart legends which indicate a conspicuous landmark printed?

1. In italics
2. With underlined letters
3. In boldfaced print
4. In capital letters ✓

What is the major limitation in using the Sight Reduction Tables for Air Navigation Volume I (Pub. No. 249) for star sights?

1. Only first magnitude stars are tabulated.
2. Sights must be made at even time increments to benefit from the tables.
3. More accuracy is needed for celestial observations on board ship than what is tabulated.
4. Only certain stars are included and sights must be limited to those stars. ✓

In the Northern Hemisphere, where will the largest waves or swells created by a typhoon or hurricane be located?

1. Directly behind the storm center
2. Behind and to the left of its course
3. In the southeast quadrant of the storm
4. Forward and to the right of its course ✓

Which describes the visible range marked on charts for lights?

1. The minimum distance at which the light may be seen with infinite visibility
2. The maximum distance at which a light may be seen in clear weather with 10 miles visibility ✓
3. The maximum distance the light may be seen restricted by the height of the light and the curvature of the earth
4. The minimum distance at which the light may be seen based on a 12-mile distance to visible horizon

Which level of accuracy can be obtained utilizing the U.S. Coast Guard's Maritime Differential GPS in an established coverage area?

1. 10 meters ✓
2. 20 meters
3. 50 meters
4. 92 meters

Which is the difference between the DR position and a fix, both of which have the same time?

1. Leeway
2. Variation
3. Deviation
4. Current ✓

What is the standard atmospheric pressure in millibars?

1. 760.0
2. 938.9
3. 1000.0
4. 1013.2 ✓

In the North Sea area, you sight a buoy showing an uninterrupted quick-flashing white light. Which of the four topmarks shown in illustration D031NG below will this buoy be fitted with under the IALA Buoyage system?

1. A
2. B ✓
3. C
4. D

How long would a steady wind need to blow in order to create a wind driven current?

1. 2 hours
2. 6 hours
3. 12 hours ✓
4. 18 hours

At 0000 you fix your position and plot a new DR track line. At 0200 you again fix your position, and it is 0.5 mile east of your DR. Which statement is TRUE?

1. The current is westerly at 0.5 knot.
2. The current cannot be determined.
3. The drift is 0.25 knot. ✓
4. You must increase speed to compensate for the current.

What daymark has NO lateral significance?

1. Green square
2. Red triangle with a green horizontal stripe
3. Green and white diamond ✓
4. Red triangle

Which action is the safest and most prudent procedure to follow while navigating in the vicinity of a tropical cyclone?

1. Batten down and prepare to ride out the storm
2. Continue to navigate farther from the coast
3. Always navigate towards the coast by the most direct route
4. Take positive steps to avoid it if possible ✓

When the moon is new or full, which type of tides occur?

1. Spring ✓
2. Neap
3. Apogean
4. Diurnal

The owner or Master of a towing vessel shall ensure that each person that directs and controls the movement of the vessel can accomplish all of the following EXCEPT _________.

1. enter all required test and inspection results in the vessel's log or other record carried on board
2. reduce speed only where local speed limits are posted ✓
3. adjust speed with due regard for the weather and visibility
4. evaluate the danger of each closing visual or radar contact

Ascending and descending air masses with different temperatures is part of an important heat transmitting process in our atmosphere. Which term is given to this process?

1. Convection ✓
2. Barometric inversion
3. Radiation
4. Conduction

When adjusting a magnetic compass for error, which is TRUE concerning the deviation table?

1. Construct the deviation table before the quadrantal correctors are placed on the compass
2. Construct the deviation table after correcting for variation
3. Construct the table after adjusting the fore-and-aft permanent magnets ✓
4. Construct the deviation table before correcting for any deviation

When trying to sight a lighthouse you notice a glare from a town in the background. How does this affect the range at which the light may be sighted?

1. Increased if the light is red or green due to contrast with the glare
2. Considerably reduced and difficult to distinguish ✓
3. Unchanged
4. Increased slightly due to extra lighting

The light characteristic of flashing is used in the Aids to Navigation System on the Western Rivers. Which example is required to utilize this characteristic?

1. Daymarks with no lateral significance
2. Preferred channel buoys
3. Lights marking the right descending bank ✓
4. Lights marking the left descending bank

Your vessel is proceeding up a channel, and you see a pair of range lights that are in line ahead. The chart indicates that the direction of this pair of lights is 014°T, and the variation is 11°E. If the heading of your vessel at the time of the sighting is 009° per standard magnetic compass, what is the correct deviation?

1. 5°E
2. 5°W
3. 6°E
4. 6°W ✓

A great circle will intersect the equator at how many degrees of longitude apart?

1. 0°
2. 180° ✓
3. 45°
4. 90°

You are outbound in a channel marked by a range astern. The range line is 309°T. You are steering 127°T and have the range in sight as shown in illustration D047NG below. What action should you take?

1. Come left until the range comes in line then alter course to 125°T.
2. Come right to 129°T.
3. Come right to close the range then when on the range steer 129°T. ✓
4. Come left until the range comes in line then alter course to 129°T.

In some river mouths and estuaries, the incoming high-tide wave crest overtakes the preceding low-tide trough. This results in a wall of water proceeding upstream. Which term describes this occurrence?

1. Surge
2. Boundary wave
3. Seiche
4. Bore ✓

You are on course 357°T and take a relative bearing of a lighthouse of 180°. What is the true bearing to the lighthouse?

1. 003°
2. 227°
3. 177° ✓
4. 363°

On a nautical chart, what does the inner ring of a compass rose indicate?

1. Compass error
2. Magnetic directions ✓
3. Deviation
4. True directions

Distance along a track line is measured on a Mercator chart by using which method?

1. Use the longitude scale near the middle of the track line
2. Use the latitude or longitude scale at the middle of the scale
3. latitude scale at the mid-latitude of the chart
4. Use the latitude scale near the middle of the track line ✓

What is a sling psychrometer used to measure?

1. The sea water temperature
2. The dry bulb and wet bulb temperatures ✓
3. The barometric pressure
4. The engine temperature

A sidereal day is shorter than a solar day. What is the reason for this difference?

1. The precession of the equinoxes
2. The use of different reference points ✓
3. The space motion of the solar system
4. Irregularities in the daily rotational rate of the Sun

How does the standard magnetic compass heading differ from the true heading?

1. By latitude
2. By variation
3. By compass error ✓
4. By deviation

Your ARPA has two guard zones. What is the purpose of the inner guard zone?

1. Guard against target loss during critical maneuvering situations
2. Alert the watch officer that a vessel is approaching the preset CPA limit
3. Sound an alarm for targets first detected within the zone
4. Warn of small targets that are initially detected closer than the outer guard zone ✓

Which statement about a gnomonic chart is correct?

1. Distance is measured at the mid-latitude of the track line.
2. Meridians appear as curved lines converging toward the nearer pole.
3. Parallels, except the equator, appear as curved lines. ✓
4. A rhumb line appears as a straight line.

Chart information details to be used in ECDIS should be the latest edition of information originated by a government-authorized hydrographic office and conform to the standards of which organization?

1. International Hydrographic Organization ✓
2. International Maritime Organization
3. US Coast Guard
4. NASA

Under the IALA-A Buoyage System, a buoy indicating the preferred channel is to port would have __________.

1. a pillar shape
2. horizontal bands ✓
3. an even number
4. an odd number

When compared to air temperature, which factor is most useful in predicting fog?

1. Barometric pressure
2. Absolute humidity
3. Vapor pressure
4. Dew point ✓

You are preparing to load a heavy cargo with abnormal physical dimensions onboard your vessel. Which of the following is of primary importance when planning the load?

1. Comparing how much cargo can be loaded on top of the abnormal units
2. Comparing the broken stowage factor of the unit to other cargo in the hold
3. Ensuring the proper customs forms and labels are on the units
4. Ensuring the maintenance of adequate stability throughout the voyage ✓

As a general guide, under which condition should hygroscopic cargoes be ventilated?

1. When the dew point of the outside air is greater than the dew point of the air in the hold
2. When the outside dew point is 60°F (16°C) and the cargo temperature is 54°F (12°C)
3. When going from a warm to a cold climate ✓
4. When the dew point of the air in the hold is very low