USCG Master Great Lakes and Inland Unlimited Tonnage

Rule 5 requires that a proper lookout be maintained:

• AAt all times, by sight and hearing and by all other available means appropriate in the pr…
• BOnly once other traffic has been reported by a vessel traffic service
• COnly during the hours of darkness
• DOnly while the vessel is outside a narrow channel

Rule 7 warns that risk of collision may exist even when an appreciable bearing change is evident, particularly when:

• AApproaching a very large vessel or a tow, or approaching any vessel at close range
• BThe other vessel is showing an anchor light
• CBoth vessels are inside a traffic separation scheme
• DVisibility exceeds 10 nautical miles

Under Rule 17(c), a power-driven vessel that takes stand-on action to avoid collision with another power-driven vessel in a crossing situation shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, NOT:

• AAlter course to port for a vessel on her own port side
• BReduce speed at any point in the encounter
• CSound any whistle signal
• DUse the engines astern

Rule 14, the head-on situation rule, applies to:

• ATwo power-driven vessels meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses so as to invo…
• BA power-driven vessel meeting a sailing vessel
• CTwo sailing vessels approaching one another
• DAny two vessels that are not in sight of one another

Under the Inland Rules, when power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing with risk of collision, maneuvering signals generally express:

• AIntention and require agreement by the other vessel (reply)
• BAction already taken only, with no need for a reply
• CRestricted-visibility signals under Rule 35
• DDistress signals under Annex IV

Two power-driven vessels meet in a narrow channel on the Great Lakes, the downbound vessel having a following current. Under Inland Rule 9(a)(ii), the maneuvering signals are initiated by:

• AThe downbound vessel, which has the right of way and proposes the manner of passage
• BThe upbound vessel, which has the right of way against the current
• CWhichever vessel sights the other first, regardless of direction
• DNeither vessel, because whistle signals are not used in these waters

Under Inland Rule 9 in a narrow channel, a vessel of less than 20 meters or a sailing vessel shall not:

• AImpede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel or fairway
• BOvertake any power-driven vessel under any circumstances
• CSound any whistle signals when meeting
• DNavigate near the outer limit of the channel on her starboard side

In restricted visibility under Rule 19, a vessel that detects by radar alone another vessel forward of her beam and determines risk of collision should avoid, as far as possible:

• AAn alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam (other than one being ov…
• BAny reduction of speed
• CSounding fog signals
• DAn alteration of course to starboard

A power-driven vessel underway at night (not restricted in ability to maneuver, not constrained by draft, not fishing) generally exhibits:

• AMasthead light(s), sidelights, and a sternlight
• BSidelights and a sternlight only
• CAn all-round white light only
• DTwo all-round red lights in a vertical line

You see only a green sidelight of another vessel on a steady bearing. As Master, you should assume:

• AA crossing situation in which you are the give-way vessel if risk of collision exists
• BYou are the stand-on vessel and must maintain course and speed only
• CThe other vessel is overtaking you
• DThe other vessel is not under command

Under Inland Rules, one short blast by a power-driven vessel in a meeting, crossing, or overtaking situation in sight of another means:

• AI intend to leave you on my port side
• BI am altering my course to port
• CI am operating astern propulsion
• DI am in doubt as to your intentions

A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound:

• AOne prolonged blast
• BOne short blast
• CTwo short blasts
• DFive short blasts

Any vessel overtaking another vessel shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. A vessel is deemed to be overtaking when:

• AComing up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5° abaft her beam
• BCrossing from either side forward of the beam
• CMeeting nearly head-on within 6 points
• DWithin 1 mile on a reciprocal course

When vessels are in sight of one another and one fails to understand the intentions or actions of the other, or is in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken, she shall immediately:

• ASound at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle
• BStop engines and anchor
• CSound one prolonged blast only
• DDisplay two black balls

A vessel constrained by her draft under the International Rules may exhibit, in addition to lights for a power-driven vessel:

• AThree all-round red lights in a vertical line, or a cylinder by day
• BTwo all-round red lights in a vertical line
• CTwo all-round green lights in a vertical line
• DA single all-round red light

Under Rule 18, a power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of all of the following EXCEPT:

• AA seaplane on the water with no special status claimed
• BA vessel not under command
• CA vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver
• DA vessel engaged in fishing

A Master of Great Lakes and Inland Unlimited tonnage whose routes are limited under 46 CFR 11.430 is primarily examined on Rules of the Road applicable:

• AOn inland waters of the United States, including the Great Lakes, with COLREGS awareness…
• BOnly on high-seas COLREGS waters worldwide
• COnly on Western Rivers exclusive of the Great Lakes
• DOnly within a single harbor with no lake transit

In restricted visibility, a power-driven vessel making way through the water shall sound at intervals of not more than 2 minutes:

• AOne prolonged blast
• BTwo prolonged blasts
• COne short, one prolonged, and one short blast
• DFour short blasts

As Master, the person ultimately responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel is:

• AThe Master, even when a pilot is on board advising
• BOnly the pilot when compulsory pilotage applies
• COnly the officer of the watch
• DThe company Designated Person Ashore alone

Under STCW/bridge resource management principles, the Master should ensure that the bridge team:

• AShares a common voyage plan and challenges unsafe decisions without fear of retribution
• BDefers silently to the most senior officer present at all times
• CDisables all alarms to reduce distraction
• DRelies solely on electronic navigation without visual checks

33 CFR Part 164 (Navigation Safety Regulations) generally applies navigation equipment and operating requirements to:

• ASelf-propelled vessels of 1600 or more gross tons operating on the navigable waters of th…
• BOnly recreational vessels under 65 feet
• COnly foreign warships in innocent passage
• DOnly vessels permanently moored as restaurants

Under 33 CFR 164, when a vessel is underway, the person directing the movement of the vessel must ensure that charts and publications for the area are:

• ACorrected and currently applicable for the intended route
• BOptional if GPS is operating
• CKept only in the Master's cabin for security
• DReplaced solely by a smartphone mapping app

Before getting underway as Master, you should ensure the voyage plan includes at least:

• ARoute, under-keel clearance considerations, traffic schemes, contingencies, and monitorin…
• BOnly the estimated time of arrival at the next port
• COnly fuel quantity without route analysis
• DOnly a list of passengers without navigational detail

When anchoring a large vessel, the general best practice for letting go is to:

• AHave slight sternway or be nearly stopped and walk out or let go so the chain lays in a c…
• BSteam ahead at full speed and free-fall the entire chain
• CDrop both anchors simultaneously with maximum headway
• DSecure the brake only after all chain has run out unsupervised

A scope of 5 to 7 (chain length to water depth) is generally used when anchoring because it:

• AImproves holding power by keeping a more horizontal pull on the anchor
• BEliminates any need to set a watch while at anchor
• CGuarantees the vessel will not yaw in wind
• DAllows the anchor to dig only if the chain is vertical

When securing a vessel alongside for expected strong offshore winds, the Master should generally emphasize:

• ABreast lines and springs that control position, plus adequate fendering and line leads th…
• BOnly a single head line with no springs
• CCasting off all lines to ride to the anchors alone while still moored
• DRemoving all fenders so the hull can grind the pier

When loading a general cargo ship, the Master and chief mate should plan stowage primarily to:

• AMaintain stability, trim, stress limits, and cargo compatibility while meeting discharge…
• BAlways fill the uppermost holds first regardless of stability
• CIgnore GM as long as draft marks look even
• DStack all heavy weights as high as possible for easy access

A bill of lading described as "claused" or "dirty" is one that:

• ACarries a notation that the goods or their packaging were received in apparent damaged or…
• BHas been signed by the master rather than by the agent
• CCovers a voyage between two U.S. ports only
• DWas issued before the vessel arrived at the load port

A note of protest (sea protest) is typically noted by the Master before a notary or consul when:

• AHeavy weather or other casualties may have caused cargo or vessel damage and legal protec…
• BThe vessel arrives always, regardless of conditions
• COnly when changing crew lists
• DOnly when ordering stores

Under the ISM Code concept as applied by the company SMS, the Master's overriding authority means the Master may:

• ATake any decision necessary for safety of life, the ship, and the environment, including…
• BNever deviate from written procedures even in extremis
• COnly act after written shore approval in every emergency
• DDelegate all safety authority permanently to the chief engineer

When standing an anchor watch as Master or OOW, the priority is to:

• ADetect dragging early by bearings, radar ranges, GPS anchor alarm, and visual references
• BSecure the bridge and leave the vessel unattended
• CRun generators only and ignore position
• DKeep radar off to save power

Before entering a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) as Master, you should:

• ACross lanes at as nearly right angles as practicable if crossing, and proceed in the gene…
• BAlways steam against the traffic flow for better visibility
• CAnchor in the separation zone as a routine practice
• DIgnore Rule 10 because TSS rules never apply inland

A running mooring (mooring with an anchor ahead while going alongside) is most useful when:

• AControlling the bow in a strong current or wind while landing alongside
• BAbandoning ship in open water
• CReplacing the need for any lines ever
• DLaunching free-fall lifeboats

When heaving a wire or synthetic mooring line on a winch, the most important safety practice is to:

• AKeep personnel clear of snap-back zones and never stand in the bight
• BStand in the bight to feel tension
• CDisable winch brakes for faster operation
• DUse only one person with no communication to the bridge

Draft marks are used by the Master and mates primarily to:

• ADetermine mean draft, trim, and approximate displacement when combined with hydrostatic d…
• BMeasure air draft only
• CReplace the need for a loading computer always
• DIndicate propeller RPM

When taking bunkers as Master, a critical pollution-prevention control is to:

• AAgree a bunkering plan, tend scuppers, monitor tanks continuously, and maintain communica…
• BFill tanks until overflow to confirm capacity
• CDisable high-level alarms to prevent nuisance trips
• DLeave the manifold unattended during smoke breaks

A notice of readiness (NOR) is tendered by the Master to indicate that:

• AThe vessel is ready in all respects to load or discharge as required by the charter party
• BThe vessel has completed cargo and is free of all claims
• CCrew wages have been paid
• DThe vessel is permanently withdrawn from service

When inspecting cargo gear before heavy lifts, the Master or responsible officer should verify:

• ACertificates, SWL markings, condition of wires/blocks, and that the load will not exceed…
• BThat paint color matches the company logo only
• CThat no certificates are needed if the gear looks new
• DThat limit switches are bypassed for speed

Under good watchkeeping practice approaching a pilot station, the Master should ensure:

• AEngines ready for maneuvering, pilot ladder prepared to standard, charts/ ECDIS set, and…
• BAll crew below decks with no one on the bridge wing
• CAIS and VHF secured off
• DAnchors cemented in place

If the magnetic compass and gyro headings disagree significantly while underway, the Master should first:

• AInvestigate by comparing both to known true courses, check gyro settings/errors, and incr…
• BIgnore both and steer by wind alone
• CAssume the magnetic compass is always wrong and never check further
• DShut down all navigation and drift

Initial stability is most commonly described by the metacentric height (GM). A large positive GM generally means:

• AA stiff ship that rights quickly but may have a short, snappy roll
• BA tender ship that is near capsizing
• CNegative stability with no righting arm
• DZero freeboard

For a rectangular slack tank, the free surface loss of GM is most strongly governed by the tank's:

• ABreadth, because the free surface moment varies with the cube of the breadth
• BDepth, because a deeper tank holds more liquid
• CLength, because the moment varies with the square of the length
• DHeight above the keel, because free surface acts only in high tanks

To minimize free surface effect while ballasting, the best practice is to:

• APress tanks up full or empty them rather than leave many tanks slack
• BKeep every tank at exactly 50% forever
• COpen all tank vents to the sea
• DFlood the weather decks intentionally

In damage control after a hull breach, the first priorities are typically to:

• AEnsure personnel safety, assess flooding, shore up/patch if possible, and maintain residu…
• BOpen additional watertight doors to equalize all compartments immediately
• CStop all pumps to save power
• DIgnore progressive flooding until port

Extinguishing a fire by blanketing it with foam or by total-flooding a space with CO2 works by removing which element of the fire triangle?

• AOxygen
• BFuel
• CHeat
• DThe chemical chain reaction, which is the third side of the fire triangle

Which fire aboard a Great Lakes freighter would be classified as Class C?

• AA fire in an energized main switchboard
• BA fire in a pile of dunnage in a cargo hold
• CA lube oil fire on the engine-room plates
• DA fire in a stock of magnesium anodes

When fighting an engine-room fuel oil fire, after sounding the alarm and mustering, a key Master-level decision may be to:

• ASecure fuel sources, use appropriate fixed systems (e.g., CO2) per procedure after ensuri…
• BOpen all ventilation to feed more air into the fire
• CSend untrained crew without BA into thick smoke
• DUse only water fog on live electrical switchboards without securing power

Before releasing fixed CO2 into a machinery space, the Master must ensure:

• AAll personnel are evacuated from the space and accounted for, and ventilation is secured…
• BAs many people as possible remain inside to operate valves
• CDoors are wedged open for easy exit after release
• DThe space is fully ventilated with maximum fans running during release