USCG Mate 1600-Ton License

As the mate on watch, you take over the bridge during a planned course change in heavy traffic. Under STCW bridge-watchkeeping principles, what should you do?

• AAccept the watch immediately so the relieved officer can leave the bridge
• BDelay the formal handover until the maneuver is complete
• CTake the conn and complete the maneuver alone without input
• DSign the handover log and then start a new plan from scratch

Under Rule 5 of the COLREGS, the mate on watch must maintain a proper lookout by:

• ARadar alone in restricted visibility
• BSight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate to the circumstances
• CAIS only when other vessels are within 6 nautical miles
• DVisual observation only, since electronics can be misleading

Under Rule 7, what is one of the principal means by which the mate on watch determines whether risk of collision exists?

• AWatching for a change in the masthead light color
• BUsing systematic radar observation including long-range scanning, plotting, or equivalent…
• CCalling the other vessel on Channel 13 and asking
• DWaiting until the CPA is less than 0.5 nautical miles

Two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on at night and each sees both sidelights of the other. Under Rule 14, each vessel shall:

• AHold course and speed and pass port to port without action
• BAlter course to starboard so each passes on the port side of the other
• CAlter course to port so each passes on the starboard side of the other
• DStop and exchange whistle signals before maneuvering

Under Rule 13, a vessel is considered to be overtaking when she is approaching another vessel from a direction more than:

• A11.25 degrees abaft her beam
• B22.5 degrees abaft her beam
• C45 degrees abaft her beam
• D90 degrees abaft her beam

In a crossing situation between two power-driven vessels, under Rule 15 the vessel that has the other on her starboard side shall:

• AMaintain course and speed as the stand-on vessel
• BKeep out of the way of the other and, if circumstances admit, avoid crossing ahead
• CSound five short blasts and stop
• DTurn to port to clear the other vessel's bow

Under Rule 17, the stand-on vessel may take action to avoid collision by her maneuver alone:

• AOnly after sounding the danger signal
• BOnly after VTS authorizes the maneuver
• CAs soon as it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action
• DOnly after collision is unavoidable

Under Rule 19 in restricted visibility, you detect a vessel by radar alone forward of the beam. The Rule says you shall, so far as possible, avoid:

• AAn alteration of course to starboard for a vessel forward of the beam
• BAn alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam other than for a vessel…
• CReducing speed below bare steerageway
• DSounding any fog signals until visual contact is made

A power-driven vessel of 60 meters length underway at night shall exhibit, in addition to sidelights and a sternlight:

• AOne masthead light only
• BTwo masthead lights, the after one higher than the forward one
• CThree masthead lights in a vertical line
• DAn all-round yellow light over the masthead lights

A vessel engaged in fishing other than trawling at night shall display:

• ATwo all-round red lights in a vertical line
• BAn all-round red light over an all-round white light
• CTwo all-round green lights in a vertical line
• DAn all-round white light only

Under Rule 27, a vessel not under command exhibits in the daytime:

• AA single black ball
• BTwo black balls in a vertical line
• CThree black balls in a vertical line
• DA black ball over a black diamond

While the mate on watch is conning a 700 GRT vessel, another power-driven vessel sounds one short blast in an Inland Rules crossing situation. The signal means:

• AI intend to leave you on my starboard side
• BI intend to leave you on my port side
• CI do not understand your intentions
• DI am operating astern propulsion

Under Rule 35, a power-driven vessel making way through the water in restricted visibility shall sound:

• AOne short blast every 2 minutes
• BOne prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes
• CTwo prolonged blasts at intervals of not more than 1 minute
• DThree short blasts at intervals of not more than 2 minutes

In a narrow channel under Rule 9, a vessel of less than 20 meters in length shall not impede the passage of:

• AAny other power-driven vessel regardless of size
• BA vessel that can safely navigate only within the channel
• CAny fishing vessel using the channel
• DOnly vessels engaged in towing

Under Rule 10, a vessel using a traffic separation scheme shall:

• AProceed in the appropriate traffic lane in the general direction of traffic flow for that…
• BCross all traffic lanes at the smallest possible angle to minimize time inside
• CAnchor in the separation zone if visibility drops below 1 nautical mile
• DUse the inshore traffic zone whenever convenient

You see a vessel ahead at night showing three masthead lights in a vertical line plus sidelights. She is most likely:

• AConstrained by her draft
• BNot under command
• CRestricted in her ability to maneuver
• DEngaged in towing where the tow exceeds 200 meters

Under Rule 34(d), the danger signal sounded by a vessel in sight of another when in doubt about the other's actions is:

• AOne prolonged blast
• BTwo prolonged blasts
• CAt least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle
• DOne short blast followed by one prolonged blast

Rule 2 (Responsibility) makes clear that the Rules:

• AAlways shift fault entirely to the give-way vessel
• BExcuse the master of a vessel from any departure where the crew is inexperienced
• CDo not exonerate any vessel from the consequences of neglect or any departure that specia…
• DApply only to ocean voyages outside the demarcation lines

As the relieving mate on watch, you arrive on the bridge but have come from a brightly lit space. Before assuming the watch you should:

• ATake over immediately so the relieved officer is not delayed
• BAllow time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness before accepting the watch
• CTurn on the bridge floodlights to inspect the chart
• DSkip the night vision adjustment if radar is operating

STCW bridge resource management (BRM) emphasizes that the mate on watch should:

• AWork in isolation to avoid distractions
• BUse leadership and teamwork, share the mental model of the situation, and challenge unsaf…
• CDefer all decisions to the master, even routine ones
• DAvoid using the helmsman except for emergencies

The mate on watch should call the master immediately when:

• AThe master has finished a meal
• BRestricted visibility is encountered or expected
• CAny vessel is sighted within 12 nautical miles
• DThe deck gang begins a routine wash-down

Even after the master takes the conn, the mate on watch:

• AIs relieved of all duties and may leave the bridge
• BContinues to carry out the duties of the watch until the master expressly relieves him or…
• CBecomes the helmsman by default
• DIs responsible only for radio communications

When passing the watch, the mate on watch should record in the bell book or bridge log:

• AOnly the time of the change
• BThe position, course, speed, weather, traffic, and any standing orders or special instruc…
• CThe names of off-duty crew
• DCargo manifest details

On a 1,200 GRT freighter, the mate is supervising the heaving of the starboard anchor. The chain leads sharply forward and tight. What should the mate do next?

• AContinue heaving aggressively to break the anchor free
• BStop heaving, report to the master, and consider easing tension by maneuvering the ship
• CPay out more chain and increase engine RPM ahead
• DCut the chain at the windlass

On an anchored vessel, the rule of thumb for minimum scope of anchor chain in moderate conditions is at least:

• ATwo times the depth of water
• BThree times the depth of water
• CFive to seven times the depth of water
• DTen times the length of the vessel

Which factor most affects the holding power of an anchor on a given bottom?

• AThe paint scheme of the anchor
• BThe type and condition of the bottom, scope, and weight/type of the anchor
• CWhether the vessel is single- or twin-screw
• DThe number of crew aboard

The eye splice is most commonly used to:

• APermanently join two ropes end-to-end of equal size
• BForm a permanent loop in the end of a line
• CDecorate the end of a line
• DReplace a damaged center section of a wire rope

A line under heavy strain parts. The greatest snap-back hazard for line handlers is in:

• AThe zone directly along the lead of the line
• BThe deck areas beam to the bitt
• CBelow the main deck
• DOn the bridge wings

When approaching a berth, the mate is told to use a 'spring line'. The primary purpose of a forward spring line leading aft from the bow is to:

• AHold the vessel from moving forward along the dock
• BHold the vessel from moving aft along the dock
• CPull the bow into the dock
• DTake the load off the head line in heavy seas

The mate is briefing the deck gang on transferring a pilot via a pilot ladder. Per SOLAS V/23, the pilot ladder shall be:

• ARigged at any convenient location regardless of obstructions
• BRigged clear of any possible discharges and where the steps rest firmly against the ship'…
• CLimited to one-time use only
• DRigged from the highest superstructure deck for visibility

The mate on watch in pilotage waters is responsible for which of the following while the pilot is conning the ship?

• ASurrendering all responsibility for the safe navigation of the vessel
• BMonitoring the ship's position, traffic, and the pilot's orders, and informing the master…
• CLeaving the bridge to handle cargo paperwork
• DTaking the helm personally to ensure orders are executed exactly

On a vessel of 1,000 GRT, the freeboard is best described as the:

• ADistance from the keel to the load line
• BDistance from the waterline to the freeboard deck, measured at the side
• CTotal height of the superstructure
• DDistance from bow to stern at the design draft

The mate observes that fire doors in an accommodation passageway are wedged open. Under SOLAS, the correct action is to:

• ALeave them open if the crew finds them more convenient
• BClose and secure them so they will function as a fire barrier
• CReport it at the next scheduled inspection only
• DRemove the door hinges to prevent re-wedging

The fire triangle consists of:

• AHeat, fuel, and oxygen
• BSmoke, sparks, and water
• CFoam, CO2, and dry chemical
• DAir, water, and pressure

A small electrical-panel fire breaks out at the chart table. Which portable extinguisher is most appropriate as a first response?

• AWater (Class A)
• BFoam (Class B)
• CCO2 or dry chemical (Class C)
• DSoda-acid solution

The mate organizes the fire party for a galley grease fire. The correct attack technique uses:

• AA straight water stream directly into the grease
• BAn open burner valve to vent the gas
• CSmothering with foam, dry chemical, or a fire blanket plus securing fuel supply
• DOpening all ventilation to dilute the smoke

After a fixed CO2 system is discharged into a machinery space, the mate should:

• AOpen all doors immediately to ventilate the space
• BEnter immediately wearing only goggles
• CKeep the space sealed, boundary-cool as needed, and only enter with SCBA and per re-entry…
• DRefill the system before the casualty is assessed

The mate is in charge of a fire-and-boat drill. Per SOLAS Chapter III, abandon-ship drills shall normally be held:

• AOnce a year for the entire crew
• BOnce a month for cargo ships and weekly for passenger ships, with each crew member partic…
• COnly when ordered by the port state
• DOnly when boarding new crew

An immersion suit provides:

• AProtection from sunburn only
• BThermal protection in cold water and inherent buoyancy
• CUnderwater breathing apparatus for 30 minutes
• DA bulletproof outer layer

The pyrotechnic SOLAS distress signal that consists of a red star producing red light for a short time is the:

• AOrange smoke signal
• BHand-held red flare
• CEPIRB
• DBlack-and-white international code flag NC

A 406 MHz EPIRB transmits distress information primarily via:

• AVHF Channel 16 only
• BCommercial AM radio broadcasts
• CThe COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system with GPS location data
• DA direct cable link to the U.S. Coast Guard

Under GMDSS, a DSC distress alert is transmitted on VHF Channel:

• A16
• B13
• C70
• D22A

Following a Mayday call, the mate transmits the spoken word 'Pan-Pan' three times. This indicates:

• AGrave and imminent danger to a vessel or person
• BUrgent message concerning the safety of a vessel or person, but no immediate distress
• CA routine traffic call
• DA request for VTS clearance

The mate is preparing for heavy weather. Best practice for free surfaces in slack tanks is to:

• ALeave them slack to allow easy fuel transfer
• BPress up tanks or empty them to minimize free surface effect
• COpen all tank vents to relieve pressure
• DAdd more ballast to all tanks regardless of need

After taking on ballast low in the vessel, the metacentric height (GM) generally:

• ADecreases
• BStays the same
• CIncreases
• DBecomes negative immediately

A vessel with a very small or negative GM in calm water may exhibit:

• AA short, snappy roll period
• BA long, sluggish roll or a list to one side that cannot be corrected by symmetric ballast…
• CGreater fuel efficiency
• DIncreased speed through the water

The center of buoyancy (B) of a floating vessel is located at the:

• AGeometric center of the underwater volume
• BTop of the wheelhouse
• CIntersection of the keel and waterline at the bow
• DCenter of gravity of the cargo only

When loading cargo high in the vessel, the change to KG and GM is:

• AKG rises and GM decreases
• BKG falls and GM increases
• CKG and GM both decrease
• DKG and GM both stay constant