Master/Chief Mate Offshore Supply Vessels, Revision & Practice Exams

Your vessel is damaged and listing to port. The rolling period is long, and the vessel will occasionally assume a starboard list. Which action should you take FIRST?

1. Fill an empty double bottom tank on the starboard side
2. Transfer all possible movable weights from port to starboard
3. Pump out ballast from the port and starboard double bottom tanks
4. Press up a slack centerline double bottom tank ✓

What is the objective of shoring a damaged bulkhead?

1. To support and hold the area in the damaged position ✓
2. To make a watertight seal at the damaged area
3. To force the warped, bulged, or deformed sections back into place
4. To withstand subsequent additional damage

All personnel on board a vessel should be familiar with the rescue boat's __________.

1. fuel consumption rates
2. maintenance schedules
3. boarding and operating procedure ✓
4. navigational systems

In illustration D051NG below, why was the position labeled "E" plotted?

1. A dead reckoning position is plotted for each speed change ✓
2. The vessel's position was fixed at 1145
3. The position is a running fix
4. A dead reckoning position is plotted within a half-hour of each course change

Which type of precipitation is a product of the violent convection in thunderstorms?

1. Sleet
2. Snow
3. Freezing Rain
4. Hail ✓

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

1. 0°
2. 180° ✓
3. 45°
4. 90°

You are plotting a running fix. The LOP to be run forward is an arc from a radar range, what technique should be used?

1. The distance between LOP's should be added to the radar range and a new arc swung.
2. The arc should be converted into a straight line using offsets and then run forward.
3. An arc should never be run forward.
4. The position of the object observed should be advanced to the new time and a new arc swung using the radius of the old arc. ✓

Your vessel is taking on fuel when a small leak develops in the hose. You order the pumping stopped. Before you resume pumping, you should __________.

1. Repair the hose with a patch
2. Notify the terminal superintendent
3. Replace the hose ✓
4. Place a large drip pan under the leak and plug the scuppers

Which is a characteristic of warm air masses?

1. Stratiform clouds ✓
2. Turbulence within the mass
3. Heavy precipitation
4. Good visibility

While steering a course of 150°T, you wish to observe the Sun for a speed check. What would the azimuth have to be?

1. 150°T ✓
2. 060°T
3. 090°T
4. 240°T

Your vessel has a beam of 40 feet, and you observe a still water rolling period of 20 seconds. What is the vessel's metacentric height?

1. 0.3 ft.
2. 0.5 ft.
3. 0.8 ft. ✓
4. 1.1 ft.

Which is the standard meridian for the time zone +1?

1. 15°W ✓
2. 7 1/2°E
3. 0°
4. 7 1/2°W

Pitching is angular motion of the vessel about what axis?

1. Centerline
2. Vertical
3. Transverse ✓
4. Longitudinal

Repairing damage to the hull at or above the waterline reduces which threat?

1. Rapid capsizing of vessel
2. Wind heel
3. Free surface effects
4. Continued progressive flooding ✓

If the current and wind are in the same direction, what does the sea surface represent concern the true wind speed?

1. It appears at the correct speed
2. It appears higher than actually exists
3. It appears less than actually exists ✓
4. The appearance of the sea surface does not change

The possibility of wake damage can be reduced by following which action?

1. Slow down when passing moored vessels ✓
2. Alternate engine speeds
3. Apply rudder in both port and starboard directions
4. Passing close aboard to the moored vessel

What is Metacentric height a measure of?

1. Stability through all angles
2. Initial stability only ✓
3. Maximum righting arm
4. Location of G above the keel

Your vessel is on a course of 082°T at 19 knots. At 0255 a light bears 059.5°T, and at 0312 the light bears 037°T. At what time and distance off will your vessel be when abeam of the light?

1. 0333, 5.1 miles
2. 0321, 4.7 miles
3. 0327, 4.3 miles
4. 0324, 3.8 miles ✓

When observing a rapid rise in barometric pressure, what may you expect?

1. Clearing weather, possibly accompanied by high winds ✓
2. Heavy rain or severe thundershowers
3. Clear weather with no wind, but the possibility of rain or snow within 24 hours
4. Deteriorating weather with rain or snow

Which is a predictable result of a vessel nearing a bank or edge of a steep banked channel?

1. The vessel will be drawn bodily into the bank unless the engines are stopped
2. The bow sheers toward the bank
3. The stern is drawn to the bank as the bow sheers off ✓
4. The vessel continues in a straight line, but with greatly reduced maneuverability

An icebreaker assisting a vessel through an ice field displays a visual signal consisting of the code letter "S" (Sierra). What does this signal indicate?

1. I am operating astern propulsion ✓
2. I am altering my course to port
3. I am altering my course to starboard
4. My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water

Which cloud is described as a low, dark, sheet-like cloud which is associated with continuous precipitation for many hours?

1. Cumulus cloud
2. Nimbostratus cloud ✓
3. Cumulonimbus cloud
4. Cirrus cloud

Your present weather is sunny with a steady barometer. A low swell approaches your vessel from the south with crests passing at relatively long periods of about four per minute. What does this usually indicate?

1. An extra-tropical cyclone
2. A warm front from the south
3. A tropical cyclone south of your vessel ✓
4. A hurricane about 100 miles south of your vessel and heading in your direction

Which statement is TRUE?

1. You must keep a record of the approximate weight of the garbage dumped.
2. You need not keep a record of ground garbage dumped into the sea more than 25 miles offshore.
3. You must keep a record of garbage discharged in port to a shore facility. ✓
4. You need not keep a record of garbage incinerated on the ship.

When using two tugs to assist in mooring a large, deeply laden ship, where is the most powerful tug usually placed?

1. Aft to assist the ship's rudder and propeller
2. Forward to control the bow ✓
3. Amidships to move the entire vessel evenly
4. Anywhere, since the maneuverability of the tug governs the placement not the power

Regulations require that OSV's under 100 GT must have a steering system that is capable of moving the rudder __________.

1. At one-half the maximum astern speed without damage
2. By a required auxiliary steering system under emergency conditions when duplicated main steering power systems are provided
3. From 15° on one side to 15° on the other side, in 30 seconds at 7 knots, or one-half the maximum speed
4. From 35° on one side to 30° on the other side, in no more than 28 seconds, while making maximum headway ✓

Before arriving at the first U.S. port from foreign, you must fill out a Crewman's Landing Permit. Which crewmember(s) require(s) this permit?

1. All crewmembers
2. All alien crewmembers
3. Any nonresident alien crewmembers ✓
4. Only unlicensed crewmembers

Which space(s) is(are) deducted from gross tonnage to derive net tonnage?

1. Passenger spaces
2. Companions and booby hatches
3. Boatswain's stores ✓
4. All of the above

What can cargo hold bilge soundings indicate?

1. If the cargo is leaking into the cargo hold
2. The amount of condensation in the hold
3. If the vessel is taking on water
4. All of the above ✓

An icebreaker assisting a vessel through an ice field would display a visual signal consisting of the code letter "M" (Mike). What does this signal signify?

1. I am altering my course to port
2. I am altering my course to starboard
3. My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water ✓
4. I am operating astern propulsion

Which of the following describes (auto) ignition temperature?

1. the temperature at which a fuel begins to give off explosive vapors
2. the temperature at which a fuel if ignited will continue to burn
3. the temperature at which no spark or flame is required to ignite gas or vapor ✓
4. the temperature at which a 1% mixture of the fuel with air will explode

You are docking an oceangoing single-screw vessel under normal circumstances with a single tug. Which is the usual function of the tug?

1. To pull the vessel into the slip and is tied to the bow
2. To control the bow and is tied to the offshore bow ✓
3. To push the ship bodily alongside and is tied to the offshore side on the stern
4. To control the stern and is tied to the stern on the offshore side

Which item must be entered in the official log?

1. Names of night mates and engineers
2. Number of cargo gangs on board
3. All engine orders
4. Drafts upon leaving port ✓

If a tug equipped with flanking rudders is to be turned in a confined circle, when going astern, which is the best action to take to make the stern move to port?

1. The rudder is hard to port and the flanking rudders are hard to port ✓
2. The rudder is amidships and the flanking rudders are hard to port
3. All of the rudders are hard to starboard
4. The rudder is hard to port and the flanking rudders are hard to starboard

The gross weight of a fully charged CO2 bottle in a fixed CO2 system is 220 lbs. When the bottle is empty it weighs 120 lbs. What is the minimum acceptable gross weight of the CO2 bottle before it should be recharged by the manufacturer?

1. 200 lbs
2. 205 lbs
3. 210 lbs ✓
4. 220 lbs

When compared to a high-expansion foam, a low-expansion foam will __________.

1. be more heat resistant ✓
2. be lighter
3. be dryer
4. cling to vertical surfaces

Which term defines the most probable position of the object of a search at any given time?

1. Reported position
2. Incident position
3. Datum position ✓
4. Dead-reckoning position

You wish to communicate information that the swell in your area is 8-10 feet in height and from the northeast. How would you describe this swell, as defined in the International Code of Signals?

1. Confused
2. Moderate
3. High
4. Rough ✓

What is the proper stimulant for an unconscious person?

1. Ammonia inhalant ✓
2. Coffee
3. Whiskey and water
4. Tea

The shearing stresses on a ship's structure are usually greatest at which area?

1. The bow
2. The stern
3. The ship's quarter-length points ✓
4. The midships section

What is the most probable cause of reduced capacity in a reciprocating air compressor?

1. Carbon on cylinder heads
2. Leaking air valves ✓
3. Faulty unloader
4. Plugged air cooler

What is the expected range of a VHF radio transmission from a vessel to a shore station?

1. About 20 miles ✓
2. 50 - 100 miles
3. 100 - 150 miles
4. 150 - 200 miles

How are lifelines attached to a life float?

1. Securely attached around the outside in bights no longer than three feet ✓
2. With an approved safety hook or shackle
3. By splicing one end of the line around the apparatus
4. By serving

All of the following are recognized distress signals under the Navigation Rules EXCEPT which signal?

1. Red flares
2. Orange-colored smoke
3. A green star signal ✓
4. The repeated raising and lowering of outstretched arms

What is the most serious effect of oxygen retained in a diesel engine jacket water cooling system?

1. The trapped oxygen causes corrosion ✓
2. The oxygen reduces the effectiveness of the coolant
3. The oxygen accelerates formation of hydrogen peroxide deposits
4. Forms air pockets which exclude coolant contact with hot surfaces

Your sailing drafts are: FWD 19'-06", AFT 20'-10" and the GM is 3.3 feet. What will be the angle of list if the #2 starboard deep tank (capacity 100 tons, VCG 19.1 feet, and 24 feet off the centerline) is filled? (Use the data in Section 1, the blue pages, of the Stability Data Reference Book)

1. Less than 1°
2. 2°
3. 4° ✓
4. 6°

You are on a supply run to an offshore drilling rig. You are carrying the load show in table ST-0015 below. What is the height above the main deck of the center of gravity of the cargo?

1. 1.76 feet
2. 1.97 feet ✓
3. 2.21 feet
4. 2.32 feet

Under the IALA cardinal system, a mark with a quick light showing 9 flashes every 15 seconds indicates that the safest water is on which side of the mark?

1. The west side of the mark ✓
2. The south side of the mark
3. The east side of the mark
4. The north side of the mark

Mariners are FIRST warned of serious defects or important changes to aids to navigation by which means?

1. Weekly Notices to Mariners
2. Corrected editions of charts
3. Marine broadcast Notice to Mariners ✓
4. Light Lists

What natural feature is responsible for the rather even climate found on the Florida peninsula throughout the year?

1. The Gulf Stream ✓
2. The Bermuda high
3. Strong masses of continental air
4. The cool waters of the Sargasso Sea

The symbol which appears beside a light on a chart reads "Gp Fl R (2) 10 sec 160 ft 19M". Which characteristic does the light possess?

1. It flashes once every ten seconds.
2. Its distinguishing number is "19M".
3. It is visible two nautical miles.
4. It has a red light. ✓

You will be transiting a traffic lane with a wreck having a charted depth of 40 feet. The Zone of Confidence (ZOC) for that area of the chart is ZOC B. Which of the following statements is true? Illustration D055NG

1. The actual depth of the wreck may be between 36 and 44 feet, anywhere within a 66 feet radius.
2. The actual depth of the wreck may be between 33 and 47 feet, anywhere within a 1640 feet radius.
3. The actual depth of the wreck may be between 36 and 44 feet, anywhere within a 164 feet radius. ✓
4. There is not enough information to determine depth accuracy.

By convention, the Earth's south magnetic pole is which color?

1. Black
2. White
3. Blue
4. Red ✓

While navigating in fog off a coastline of steep cliffs, you hear the echo of the ships fog horn 2 1/2 seconds after the signal was sounded. What is the distance to the shore?

1. 225 yards
2. 460 yards ✓
3. 750 yards
4. 910 yards

As the South Equatorial Current approaches the east coast of Africa, it divides with the main part flowing south to form which current?

1. Agulhas Current ✓
2. Canary Current
3. Benguela Current
4. Madagascar Current

You are underway in an area where the charted depth is 8 fathoms. You compute the height of tide to be -4.0 feet. The draft of your vessel is 5.0 feet (1.52 meters). You determine the depth of the water beneath your keel to be __________.

1. 39 feet (11.9 meters) ✓
2. 43 feet (13.1 meters)
3. 47 feet (14.3 meters)
4. 57 feet (17.4 meters)

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 311°T, and the variation is 8°E. If the heading of your vessel at the time of the sighting is 305° per standard magnetic compass, what is the correct deviation?

1. 2°E
2. 2°W ✓
3. 6°E
4. 6°W

Coral atolls, or a chain of islands at right angles to the radar beam, may show as a long line rather than as individual targets. What causes this distortion?

1. The effects of beam width ✓
2. The multiple-target resolution factor
3. Limitations on range resolution
4. The pulse length of the radar

The range of tide is the __________.

1. distance the tide moves out from the shore
2. maximum depth of the water at high tide
3. difference between the heights of high and low tide ✓
4. duration of time between the high and low tide

Which publication indicates the HYDROLANTS or HYDROPACS issued since the previous working day?

1. Daily Memorandum ✓
2. Summary of Corrections
3. Broadcast Notice to Mariners
4. Local Notice to Mariners

How are you informed of defects or changes in aids to navigation?

1. Local Notice to Mariners
2. Marine Safety Information Website
3. Weekly Notice to Mariners
4. All of the above ✓

The initial great circle course angle between LAT 23°00'S, LONG 42°00'W and LAT 34°00'S, LONG 18°00'E is 063.8°. What is the true course?

1. 063.8°T
2. 296.2°T
3. 243.8°T
4. 116.2°T ✓

The line of position determined from a sight with an observed altitude (Ho) of 88°45.0' should be __________.

1. plotted as an arc around the GP of the body ✓
2. plotted by using an intercept from an assumed position
3. reduced to the meridian and plotted as a latitude line
4. calculated as a longitude line

Apparent altitude is sextant altitude corrected for __________.

1. visibility and magnitude
2. inaccuracies in the reading and reference level ✓
3. parallax and personal error
4. All of the above are correct

Civil twilight starts at 1812 zone time on 26 August, your DR position at that time is LAT 21°06'S, LONG 14°56'W. Which statement concerning the planets available for evening sights is TRUE?

1. Mars will be near the prime vertical in the eastern sky.
2. Venus may be identified from Saturn and Jupiter because it is the brightest. ✓
3. A sight of either Jupiter, Saturn, or Venus will give a latitude line.
4. Sights of Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn will yield a good three-line fix.

On 25 December you observe the Sun's lower limb. The sextant altitude (hs) is 4°06.9'. The height of eye is 47-feet and the index error is 1.6' on the arc. The temperature is 19°F and the barometer reads 1030.8 millibars. What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

1. 3°57.4'
2. 4°01.9' ✓
3. 4°02.5'
4. 4°03.4'

Your radar indicates a target; however, there is no visible object at the point indicated. A large mountain, approximately 50 miles away on the same bearing as the target, is breaking the horizon. You should suspect the radar target is caused by __________.

1. sub-refraction
2. a submerged submarine
3. ducting ✓
4. ionospheric skip waves

Which term is used to describe the speed at which an ocean wave system advances?

1. Wavelength
2. Ripple length
3. Group velocity ✓
4. Wave velocity