National Maritime Center

National Maritime Center
Keep ’em Safe, Keep ’em Sailing
U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam
Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessels
Q356 Deck General – Safety
(Sample Examination)
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Illustrations: 0
Choose the best answer to the following Multiple Choice Questions:
1. You are making a sharp turn in a channel and using a buoy four points on the bow to gauge your
rate of turn. If you observe the buoy moving aft relative to you, what should you do?
• (A) Increase the rate of turn

o (B) Decrease speed
o (C) Decrease the rate of turn
o (D) Maintain a constant rate of turn
If choice A is selected set score to 1.
2. Your vessel is preparing to proceed up a river. Which of the following is true concerning the handling
of the vessel in shallow water?
o (A) There will be no difference in the steering of the vessel

o (B) Steering will be more responsive in shallow water as opposed to deep water
• (C) Steering will be sluggish in shallow water as opposed to deep water
o (D) The steering is sluggish in deep water as opposed to shallow water
If choice C is selected set score to 1.
3. Which is a predictable result of a vessel nearing a bank or edge of a steep banked channel?
o (A) The bow sheers toward the bank

• (B) The stern is drawn to the bank as the bow sheers off
o (C) The vessel continues in a straight line, but with greatly reduced maneuverability
o (D) The vessel will be drawn bodily into the bank unless the engines are stopped
If choice B is selected set score to 1.
4. You are docking a vessel. When are the wind and current most favorable in this situation?
o (A) When they are both setting you on the pier

• (B) When they are both parallel to the pier from ahead
o (C) When they are crossing your course, both in the same direction
o (D) When they are crossing your course, in opposite directions to the other
5. Which statement is TRUE when anchoring in calm water?
• (A) Maintain slight sternway on the vessel while letting go the anchor
o (B) Let the anchor go with good headway on then go full astern until the vessel is stopped
o (C) Maintain headway on the vessel when letting go the anchor
o (D) Wait until the vessel is dead in the water before letting go the anchor
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6. Which type of bottom provides most anchors with the best holding ability?
o (A) Soft sand

• (B) Sandy mud
o (C) Clay and rocks
o (D) Soft mud
7. Which is TRUE when you pay out more anchor cable?
o (A) This action decreases the swing of your vessel while at anchor
• (B) This action will increase the holding power of your anchor
o (C) This action will increase the possibility that your vessel will drag anchor
o (D) This action decreases the holding power of your anchor
8. Using a scope of 5, determine how many feet of cable you should put out to anchor in 5 fathoms of
water.
o (A) 100 feet

• (B) 150 feet
o (C) 200 feet
o (D) 250 feet
9. You are mooring to a buoy. How should you make your approach?
o (A) The current should be on the beam

o (B) Place the current astern and drift to the buoy
• (C) The current should be dead ahead
o (D) The current should be broad on the bow
10. Which term defines when a boat turns broadside to heavy seas and winds, thus exposing the boat to
the danger of capsizing?
o (A) Yawed
o (B) Pitchpoled
o (C) Trimmed
• (D) Broached
If choice D is selected set score to 1.
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11. In which situation could a vessel most easily capsize?
o (A) Running with following seas

o (B) Anchored with your bow into the seas
• (C) Running in the trough
o (D) Running into head seas
12. The possibility of wake damage can be reduced by following which action?
• (A) Slow down when passing moored vessels

o (B) Alternate engine speeds
o (C) Apply rudder in both port and starboard directions
o (D) Passing close aboard to the moored vessel
13. Which is the root cause of wake damage to a vessel or structure in a narrow channel?
o (A) Slack mooring lines

o (B) Trim of the vessel
o (C) Improper steering of the vessel
• (D) Excessive speed
14. Most of your vessel's superstructure is forward. How will the vessel lie when drifting with no way on?
o (A) With the wind from ahead

o (B) With the wind off the port beam
o (C) With the wind off the starboard beam
• (D) With the wind from abaft the beam
15. Small quantities of flammable liquids needed at a work site should be __________.
o (A) used only when a pressurized fire hose is laid out ready for immediate use
o (B) used only under the supervision and direction of a ship's officer
• (C) in a metal container with a tight cap
o (D) tightly capped and stowed with other tools near the job site when securing at the end of the
day
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16. How can you prevent the spread of fire by conduction?
• (A) Cool the bulkheads around the fire

o (B) Shut off all electric power
o (C) Remove combustibles from direct exposure
o (D) Close all openings to the area
17. All of the following are part of the fire triangle EXCEPT __________.
o (A) heat
o (B) oxygen
o (C) fuel
• (D) electricity
18. Which causes spontaneous combustion?
• (A) A chemical action within a substance

o (B) An outside heat source heating a substance until it ignites
o (C) The conduction of heat through a wall of material to the substance
o (D) All of the above
19. Which may ignite fuel vapors?
o (A) An open and running motor

o (B) Static electricity
o (C) Loose wiring
• (D) All of the above
20. When flammable liquids are handled in a compartment on a vessel, which is TRUE concerning the
ventilation for that area?
o (A) It should be available on standby for immediate use

• (B) It should be operated continuously while vapors may be present
o (C) It should be shut down if an explosive mixture is present
o (D) It should be only operated intermittently to remove vapors
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21. A fire in electrical equipment should be extinguished by using which type of extinguishing agent?
o (A) Low-velocity fog

o (B) Salt water
o (C) Foam
• (D) CO2
22. A burning pile of canvas is which classification of fire?
• (A) A
o (B) B
o (C) C
o (D) D
23. When discharging a portable CO2 fire extinguisher, why must you grasp the hose handle and NOT
the discharge horn?
o (A) The horn could come off in your hands

o (B) The discharge horn becomes extremely hot
• (C) The discharge horn becomes extremely cold
o (D) The horn is placed directly in the flames
24. In order to discharge a CO2 portable fire extinguisher, the operator must FIRST take which action?
o (A) Open the discharge valve

o (B) Invert the CO2 extinguisher
• (C) Remove the locking pin
o (D) Squeeze the two trigger handles together
25. When must a dry chemical fire extinguisher be recharged?
• (A) After each use

o (B) When the air temperature exceeds 90°F
o (C) Every 6 months
o (D) Every 12 months
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26. Which is the most effective extinguishing action of dry chemical extinguisher?
o (A) The CO2 that is formed by heat

• (B) Breaking the chain reaction
o (C) Smothering
o (D) Shielding of radiant heat
27. Which is the primary method by which water spray puts out fires?
• (A) Cooling the fire below the ignition temperature

o (B) By removing combustible material
o (C) Diluting combustible vapors
o (D) By removing the oxygen
28. If you must swim through an oil fire, which action should be avoided?
o (A) Cover eyes with one hand when entering the water
o (B) Enter the water feet first
o (C) Wear as much clothing as possible
• (D) Swim with the wind
29. A situation has occurred where it becomes necessary for you to be towed. What action should be
taken to prevent your vessel from yawing?
o (A) Shift weight to the bow

• (B) Shift weight to the stern
o (C) Shift weight to the center of the boat
o (D) Throw excess weight overboard
30. What is meant by the term "overhaul" in firefighting?
o (A) Slow down the spread of fire by cooling adjacent structures

o (B) Cover the fire with foam
• (C) Break up solid objects to ensure that any deep seated fires are extinguished
o (D) Smother the fire with a blanket or similar object
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31. If heavy smoke is coming from the paint locker, what should be the FIRST firefighting response?
o (A) Release the CO2 flooding system

• (B) Secure the ventilation
o (C) Enter and use a portable extinguisher
o (D) Open the door to evaluate the extent of the fire
32. An important step in fighting any electrical fire is to take which action?
• (A) De-energize the circuit

o (B) Stop the vessel
o (C) Apply water to extinguish the fire
o (D) Stop ventilation
33. On a small boat, if someone fell overboard and you did not know over which side the person fell,
which action should you take?
o (A) Immediately reverse the engines

• (B) Stop the propellers from turning and throw a ring buoy over the side
o (C) Increase speed to full to get the vessel away from the person
o (D) First put the rudder hard over in either direction
34. A person who observes an individual fall overboard should do which of the following?
o (A) Go to the control room for the distress flares

• (B) Call for help and keep the individual in sight
o (C) Immediately jump into the water to assist the individual
o (D) Run to the radio room to send an emergency message
35. On uninspected vessels, when may U. S. Coast Guard approved work vests be substituted for life
jackets?
o (A) Only when aboard sailing vessels

o (B) Only when aboard towing vessels
• (C) Under no circumstances may they be substituted
o (D) Only when aboard work vessels
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36. The remote control for a fixed fire extinguishing system, on an uninspected vessel, should be which
of the following?
o (A) Concealed from the crew

• (B) Labeled in red letters 2 inches high
o (C) The valves shall be padlocked
o (D) Protected by plexiglass
37. A change of a documented vessel's name can only be made by which organization?
o (A) American Bureau of Shipping

o (B) Treasury Department
• (C) Coast Guard
o (D) Commissioner of Customs
38. Which is TRUE for a vessel's Certificate of Documentation?
o (A) It may be retained by the owner at the home port OR kept on the vessel
o (B) It must be kept on file at the corporate offices of the owner or operator
o (C) It must be posted under transparent material in the pilothouse
• (D) It must be carried on board
39. Which term(s) are in the category of "oil" as used in the Oil Pollution Regulations?
o (A) Oil refuse

o (B) Fuel oil
o (C) Sludge
• (D) All of the above
40. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act requires the person in charge of a vessel to immediately
notify the Coast Guard as soon as he knows of any oil discharge. Failure to notify the Coast Guard
can lead to a monetary fine and imprisonment up to what duration?
• (A) 5 years
o (B) 3 years
o (C) 2 years
o (D) 1 years
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41. Fueling results in the collection of waste oil in drip pans and containers. Which is an approved
method of disposing of the waste oil?
o (A) Draining it overboard when the vessel gets underway

o (B) Adding sinking agents and discharging it into the water
o (C) Mixing it with dispersants before draining it overboard
• (D) Discharge to a proper reception facility
42. What can be done to prevent small oil spills on deck from going overboard?
o (A) Closing the lids on the vents

o (B) Driving wooden plugs into the vents
• (C) Plugging the drains and scuppers
o (D) Plugging the sounding pipes
43. 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
44. Normally, before taking drinking water on board in the U.S. or its possessions, the responsible
person from the vessel should determine which information about the water source?
o (A) Is used by a city

• (B) Is approved by the Public Health Service
o (C) Has been treated with chlorine
o (D) Is not from surface water
45. Why is it desirable to have screens on the vents of potable water tanks?
• (A) To stop insects from entering

o (B) To prevent backups
o (C) To filter the incoming air
o (D) To prevent explosions
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46. Which action should you take after sending a false Distress alert on VHF?
• (A) Make a voice announcement to cancel the alert on Ch-16.

o (B) Make a voice announcement to cancel the alert on Ch-22A.
o (C) Make a voice announcement to cancel the alert on Ch-13.
o (D) Send a DSC cancellation message on Ch-70.
47. Under the "Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone Act" the frequency for bridge-to-bridge
communications is 156.65 MHz or which channel?
o (A) 12
• (B) 13
o (C) 14
o (D) 16
48. When should you use distress flares and rockets?
• (A) Only when there is a chance of their being seen by rescue vessels
o (B) At one-hour intervals
o (C) At half-hour intervals
o (D) Immediately upon abandoning the vessel
49. Which is TRUE concerning the stowage of life jackets?
o (A) They are always locked watertight containers

• (B) They must be stowed in readily accessible locations
o (C) They are required to be stowed in messrooms
o (D) They are required to be stowed in a central location
50. Which statement is TRUE concerning life preservers (Type I personal flotation devices)?
o (A) Buoyant vests may be substituted for life jackets.

• (B) Life preservers are designed to turn an unconscious person's face clear of the water.
o (C) Lightly stained or faded life jackets will fail in the water and should not be used.
o (D) Life preservers must always be worn with the same side facing outwards to float properly.
9/7/2022 Page 11 of 11

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Keep ’em Safe, Keep ’em Sailing

U.S.C.G. Merchant Marine Exam

Operator Uninspected Passenger Vessels

Q356 Deck General – Safety

Choose the best answer to the following Multiple Choice Questions:

• (A) Increase the rate of turn

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

o (A) There will be no difference in the steering of the vessel

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

o (A) The bow sheers toward the bank

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

o (A) When they are both setting you on the pier

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

5. Which statement is TRUE when anchoring in calm water?

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

o (A) Soft sand

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

7. Which is TRUE when you pay out more anchor cable?

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

o (A) 100 feet

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

o (A) The current should be on the beam

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

11. In which situation could a vessel most easily capsize?

o (A) Running with following seas

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

• (A) Slow down when passing moored vessels

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

o (A) Slack mooring lines

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

o (A) With the wind from ahead

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

16. How can you prevent the spread of fire by conduction?

• (A) Cool the bulkheads around the fire

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

18. Which causes spontaneous combustion?

• (A) A chemical action within a substance

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

19. Which may ignite fuel vapors?

o (A) An open and running motor

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

o (A) It should be available on standby for immediate use

If choice B is selected set score to 1.

o (A) Low-velocity fog

If choice D is selected set score to 1.

22. A burning pile of canvas is which classification of fire?

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

o (A) The horn could come off in your hands

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

o (A) Open the discharge valve

If choice C is selected set score to 1.

25. When must a dry chemical fire extinguisher be recharged?

• (A) After each use

If choice A is selected set score to 1.

o (A) The CO2 that is formed by heat