USCG Master/Mate Great Lakes and Inland 200 GRT

Under Rule 5 of the Inland Navigation Rules, a proper lookout must be maintained by:

• ASight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate to the circumstances
• BRadar alone whenever electronic equipment is operating
• CThe licensed master only, without assistance from the deck crew
• DMonitoring AIS and VHF from the chart table only

Under the Inland Rules, risk of collision is generally deemed to exist when:

• AThe compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change
• BAnother vessel is more than 12 miles away on radar
• CYou are overtaking and will pass more than one mile clear
• DYou hear a fog signal abaft the beam only

In a meeting situation under the Inland Rules when power-driven vessels are in sight of one another, one short blast means:

• AI intend to leave you on my port side
• BI intend to leave you on my starboard side
• CI am operating astern propulsion
• DI am altering course to port

Under Inland Rules, two short blasts from a power-driven vessel in a meeting or crossing situation generally means:

• AI intend to leave you on my starboard side
• BI intend to leave you on my port side
• CDanger; I do not understand your intentions
• DI am backing down

The danger or doubt signal under the Inland Rules is:

• AAt least five short and rapid blasts
• BOne prolonged blast
• CThree short blasts
• DTwo prolonged blasts followed by one short

A power-driven vessel underway in restricted visibility must sound which signal at intervals of not more than two minutes?

• AOne prolonged blast
• BTwo prolonged blasts
• COne short, one prolonged, and one short blast
• DRapid ringing of the bell for about five seconds

In a narrow channel or fairway, a vessel shall keep as near as is safe and practicable to the:

• AOuter limit of the channel or fairway which lies on her starboard side
• BCenterline of the channel at all times
• COuter limit of the channel which lies on her port side
• DDeepest water regardless of traffic flow

When overtaking under the Inland Rules in a narrow channel, the vessel intending to overtake on the overtaken vessel's starboard side sounds:

• AOne short blast
• BTwo short blasts
• CTwo prolonged blasts followed by one short blast
• DFive or more short and rapid blasts

Under Rule 13, a vessel is deemed to be overtaking when she is coming up with another vessel from a direction more than:

• A22.5 degrees abaft her beam
• B45 degrees abaft her beam
• C90 degrees abaft her beam
• D112.5 degrees abaft her beam

In a crossing situation under the Inland Rules, the vessel which has the other on her own starboard side shall:

• AKeep out of the way and, if the circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of…
• BHold course and speed as the stand-on vessel
• CSound five short blasts and reverse immediately
• DAlter course to port as the preferred action

Which statement best describes the stand-on vessel's duty under Rule 17?

• AShe shall keep her course and speed, but may take action to avoid collision if it becomes…
• BShe may freely maneuver at any time without regard to the give-way vessel
• CShe must always reverse engines as soon as risk of collision exists
• DShe has no duties once designated stand-on

Under Rule 18(c), a vessel engaged in fishing when underway shall, so far as possible, keep out of the way of:

• AA vessel not under command and a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
• BAll power-driven vessels underway
• CAll sailing vessels underway
• DVessels lying at anchor

Under Rule 19(e), a vessel that hears apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel, or that cannot avoid a close-quarters situation with a vessel forward of her beam, shall:

• AReduce speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on her course and, if necessary, tak…
• BIncrease speed to clear the area quickly
• CAlter course to port toward the sound to identify it
• DSound the danger signal and hold her course and speed

Under Rule 19, a vessel which detects by radar alone another vessel forward of her beam should, so far as possible, avoid:

• AAn alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel…
• BAny reduction of speed
• CAn alteration of course to starboard
• DSounding fog signals

In restricted visibility, a vessel aground of less than 100 metres in length sounds the bell signal prescribed for a vessel at anchor and, in addition:

• AThree separate and distinct strokes on the bell immediately before and after the rapid ri…
• BFive short and rapid blasts on the whistle
• COne prolonged blast every two minutes
• DTwo prolonged blasts every two minutes

Under Inland Rules, a vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall sound:

• AOne prolonged blast
• BTwo short blasts
• CThree short blasts
• DFive short and rapid blasts

A vessel of less than 20 meters or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway. This is required by:

• ARule 9
• BRule 13
• CRule 15
• DRule 18 only

Under Inland Rules, which lights must a power-driven vessel of less than 50 meters underway exhibit?

• AMasthead light, sidelights, and sternlight (or all-round white and sidelights if under 12…
• BSidelights only
• CSternlight and all-round red only
• DTwo masthead lights and a flashing yellow light only

A vessel engaged in towing alongside or pushing ahead on Western Rivers or certain inland waters (as specified) shows special towing lights. On the Great Lakes and most inland waters, a power-driven vessel when towing astern exhibits:

• ASidelights, sternlight, towing light, and the appropriate masthead lights for the length…
• BOnly a flashing yellow light
• CSidelights and a red all-round light only
• DAnchor lights while the tow is underway

When a vessel is at anchor in restricted visibility and is less than 100 meters in length, she shall sound at intervals of not more than one minute:

• ARapid ringing of the bell for about five seconds
• BOne prolonged blast
• CTwo prolonged blasts
• DThree short blasts

On Western Rivers (as defined) and certain inland waters, a power-driven vessel crossing a river must keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river. This special rule is best characterized as:

• AAn Inland Rules special circumstance that prioritizes traffic in the channel over a cross…
• BA COLREGS Rule 15 override that never applies on the Great Lakes
• CA requirement that the downbound vessel always reverse engines
• DA rule that applies only to vessels over 200 GRT

You are the give-way vessel in a crossing situation. The stand-on vessel maintains course and speed. The most appropriate early action is usually to:

• ATake substantial action early, typically by altering to starboard and/or reducing speed s…
• BHold course until CPA is less than 0.1 nm, then sound five short blasts only
• CAlter boldly to port across the stand-on vessel's bow
• DExtinguish sidelights to become the stand-on vessel

Under the International Rules, a vessel constrained by her draft may exhibit which additional signal?

• AThree all-round red lights in a vertical line, or a cylinder
• BTwo all-round green lights
• CA flashing blue light
• DOne all-round white light only

Under Rule 9, a vessel shall not anchor in a narrow channel in such a manner as to:

• AObstruct the passage of other vessels navigating the channel
• BShow an anchor ball in the daytime
• CRemain within 100 yards of a bank
• DUse both anchors under any conditions

You hear five short and rapid blasts from a vessel you are approaching. The correct interpretation is that the other vessel:

• AIs in doubt as to your intentions or actions, or whether sufficient action is being taken…
• BIntends to leave you on her starboard side
• CIs operating astern propulsion
• DIs constrained by her draft and requires sea room

On an inspected passenger or small passenger vessel under 200 GRT, the master is primarily responsible for:

• AThe safety of the vessel, passengers, and crew, and compliance with applicable navigation…
• BOnly engineering maintenance while the mate handles all navigation
• CCargo stowage only, with no duty for life-saving equipment
• DAdvertising passenger itineraries

Gross register tonnage (GRT) is best described as:

• AA measure of the vessel's internal volume used for regulatory and manning thresholds
• BThe actual weight of the vessel in long tons
• CThe maximum cargo weight the vessel may carry
• DThe displacement of the vessel when fully loaded

Before getting underway on an inland or Great Lakes route, the master should ensure that:

• ARequired charts/publications, navigation equipment, life-saving gear, and crew familiariz…
• BOnly the radar is functioning; charts are optional on familiar routes
• CLife jackets may remain in the lazarette unopened for the entire season
• DAIS is turned off to reduce clutter

Stability on a small vessel is generally improved by:

• AKeeping weight low and securing free surface in tanks and bilges
• BStowing all heavy gear as high as possible in the superstructure
• CAllowing free-surface water to accumulate on deck
• DCarrying fuel tanks empty on one side only

The draft of a vessel is the:

• AVertical distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the hull (keel)
• BHeight of the mast above the waterline
• CLength overall of the vessel
• DWidth of the vessel at the waterline

A vessel's freeboard is best defined as:

• AThe vertical distance from the waterline to the weather deck edge or main deck at side
• BThe distance from the keel to the truck of the mast
• CThe horizontal distance from bow to stern
• DThe depth of the bilge wells

When docking a twin-screw vessel under 200 GRT with a port-side approach and wind off the dock, a common technique is to:

• AUse engines and rudder with spring lines and fenders to control lateral motion, accountin…
• BApproach at full cruise RPM and reverse only after contact
• CIgnore spring lines because twin screws eliminate the need for lines
• DDrop the anchor underfoot at full speed into the berth

The primary purpose of a spring line when mooring is to:

• AControl fore-and-aft movement of the vessel alongside the dock
• BServe as the only required towing hawser at sea
• CReplace the need for breast lines and fenders
• DAct as an emergency steering cable

On vessels subject to Subchapter T or similar small-passenger rules, passenger count must not exceed:

• AThe number authorized on the Certificate of Inspection (COI)
• BWhatever the master estimates the weather will allow that day
• CTwice the number of life jackets on board
• DThe number of seats visible on deck

A Great Lakes/Inland master planning a trip through locks should primarily review:

• ALock schedules, radio procedures, line-handling requirements, and vessel dimensions versu…
• BOnly ocean pilotage rates
• CDeep-sea load line zone charts exclusively
• DCOLREGS Rule 10 traffic separation schemes for open ocean

When approaching a lock, the preferred practice is to:

• AContact the lockmaster as required, reduce speed, and stand by clear of the approach unti…
• BEnter the lock chamber at full speed to keep schedule
• CRaft tightly to commercial tows without communication
• DShut down VHF to avoid distraction

Bilge pumping arrangements on a small inspected vessel should be capable of:

• ARemoving water from machinery and other spaces as required by the vessel's inspection sta…
• BPumping only the chain locker, never the engine room
• COperating solely with shore power
• DDischarging oily bilge water overboard in any harbor without restriction

Which practice best reduces free-surface effect in fuel or water tanks?

• AKeeping tanks pressed full or empty rather than slack when practicable
• BRunning all tanks at 50% forever
• COpening tank vents fully to atmosphere during heavy weather for free flow on deck
• DConnecting tanks so liquid can flow freely between port and starboard

Compartmentation and watertight integrity on a small passenger vessel are maintained by:

• AKeeping watertight doors and hatches properly closed when required and reporting defects
• BWedging watertight doors permanently open for convenience
• CRemoving door gaskets to ease operation
• DDrilling extra holes in bulkheads for cable runs without repair

When taking a tow alongside on inland waters, the most important early control is:

• ASecure, properly led lines and controlled relative speed before the vessels make hard con…
• BMaximum RPM to snatch the tow into position
• CNo fenders so steel-to-steel friction holds alignment
• DTying only with a single light messenger for the voyage

Ground tackle selection for a vessel under 200 GRT should consider:

• AHolding ground, depth, wind/current, scope, and anchor type/size appropriate to the vessel
• BOnly the color of the anchor
• CUsing chain alone with zero scope in all bottoms
• DAnchoring with synthetic rode only in coral with zero chafe protection

Recommended scope for anchoring in moderate conditions is often about:

• A5:1 to 7:1 (rode length to depth of water plus freeboard to bow chock), adjusted for cond…
• B1:1 in all weather
• C20:1 minimum in every anchorage regardless of space
• DZero scope with the anchor hanging at short stay only

When shifting berth with limited crew on a small vessel, the master should:

• ABrief the crew, stage lines and fenders, account for wind/current, and move at controlled…
• BCast off all lines at once and hope for the best
• CLeave the bridge unattended to handle stern lines personally without a lookout
• DRely solely on thrusters without any lines ready

Oil pollution prevention on a small commercial vessel includes:

• AProper bilge management, drip containment, and no illegal discharge of oil or oily mixtur…
• BPumping oily bilges overboard whenever offshore of the pier
• CUsing bilges as the primary fuel storage
• DIgnoring small sheens because they evaporate

A lookout posted on the bow of a small passenger vessel in reduced visibility is most valuable because:

• AThe lookout can detect unlit objects, small craft, and sound signals sooner than reliance…
• BIt allows the radar to be secured completely
• CIt replaces the need for fog signals
• DIt permits exceeding COI speed restrictions

Your vessel has a slight starboard list after fueling. The most professional first response is to:

• AInvestigate tank levels and loading for asymmetric fuel/water and correct by transfer or…
• BIgnore it because list never affects passenger vessels under 200 GRT
• CImmediately flood the port deck with free surface water to 'balance'
• DOrder passengers to the high side permanently as the only correction

When operating near a commercial tow on a river, the safest practice for a small power vessel is usually to:

• AGive the tow a wide berth, avoid cutting between towboat and barges, and understand the t…
• BPass close under the towboat's stern at high speed for the 'cushion'
• CCross tightly over the towline of a tow astern
• DAnchor in the channel bend where tows must swing

Ice accumulation on decks and superstructure of a Great Lakes vessel is dangerous primarily because it:

• ARaises the center of gravity, reduces stability, and can add significant topside weight
• BOnly improves radar reflection
• CAlways increases freeboard
• DHas no effect on vessels under 200 GRT