USCG Mate Great Lakes and Inland Unlimited Tonnage

As mate on watch under Rule 5, a proper lookout must be maintained by:

• ASight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate to the circumstances
• BAIS alone when traffic density is low
• CRadar only in restricted visibility
• DVisual observation only because electronics can mislead

Under Rule 7, risk of collision shall be deemed to exist when:

• AYou hear a fog signal abaft the beam
• BThe compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change
• CAnother vessel is more than 12 miles away on radar
• DYou are overtaking and will pass more than 1 mile clear

Under the Inland Rules, the exchange of maneuvering whistle signals between two power-driven vessels meeting or crossing is required when they are in sight of one another and within:

• AOne mile of each other
• BTwo miles of each other
• CHalf a mile of each other
• DAny distance at which the whistle can be heard

Under Rule 14(c), when a vessel is in any doubt as to whether a head-on situation exists, she shall:

• AAssume that no such situation exists and hold her course
• BSound one short blast and wait for a reply before acting
• CAlter course to port to open the passing distance
• DAssume that it does exist and act accordingly

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
• C10 degrees either side of the stern
• D45 degrees forward of the beam

In a narrow channel, a vessel of less than 20 meters in length or a sailing vessel shall not:

• ASound any whistle signal
• BImpede the passage of a vessel that can navigate only within the channel
• CDisplay sidelights
• DUse radar for collision avoidance

Under Inland Rules, when power-driven vessels are in sight of one another and meeting or crossing with risk of collision, a vessel intending to leave the other on her port side sounds:

• ATwo short blasts
• BThree short blasts
• COne short blast
• DOne prolonged blast

Under the Inland Rules, a vessel that receives a maneuvering whistle signal it does not agree with shall:

• AIgnore the signal and proceed as originally planned
• BAnswer with the same signal to acknowledge that it was heard
• CSound one prolonged blast and stop engines
• DSound the danger signal of at least five short and rapid blasts and take appropriate prec…

In restricted visibility under Rule 19, a power-driven vessel hearing apparently forward of her beam the fog signal of another vessel shall, so far as the circumstances of the case admit:

• AReduce speed to the minimum at which she can be kept on course, and if necessary take all…
• BIncrease to full sea speed to clear the area quickly
• CSound five short blasts and continue at the same speed
• DAlter course to port toward the signal

A power-driven vessel underway shall exhibit sidelights, a sternlight, and:

• AOnly an all-round white light
• BA masthead light forward; vessels 50 m or more shall also exhibit a second masthead light…
• CThree all-round red lights in a vertical line
• DA flashing yellow light only

A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre while engaged in dredging or underwater operations shows, in addition to the red-white-red all-round lights, which signal on the side where an obstruction exists?

• ATwo all-round green lights, or two diamonds, in a vertical line
• BA single yellow flashing light
• CTwo all-round red lights, or two balls, in a vertical line
• DA sternlight repeated on both quarters

Under Rule 18(b), a sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of:

• AAll power-driven vessels
• BVessels at anchor only
• CAny vessel exhibiting a masthead light
• DA vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, and a vessel…

A vessel engaged in fishing, other than a vessel engaged in trawling, shall exhibit by night:

• ATwo all-round lights in a vertical line, the upper red and the lower white, plus sideligh…
• BOnly a masthead light and sternlight
• CThree all-round red lights in a vertical line
• DA flashing blue light

Under Rule 10(j), a vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel:

• AIs prohibited from entering a traffic separation scheme under any circumstances
• BShall not impede the safe passage of a power-driven vessel following a traffic lane
• CMay anchor in the separation zone provided a watch is kept
• DMust cross the lanes at a fine angle in order to stay clear

Under Inland Rules, which statement about the danger signal is correct?

• AIt may only be given by the give-way vessel
• BIt replaces the requirement to take avoiding action
• CIt may be given by the stand-on or give-way vessel when in doubt about the other's intent…
• DIt is used only in restricted visibility

Rule 6(b) lists additional safe-speed factors that apply to a vessel with operational radar. They include:

• AThe cost of fuel at the speed being considered
• BThe number of officers present on the bridge
• CThe vessel's charter party speed warranty
• DThe characteristics, efficiency and limitations of the radar equipment, and the effect on…

A power-driven vessel leaving a dock or berth under Inland Rules shall sound:

• AOne prolonged blast
• BTwo short blasts
• CFive short blasts
• DOne short blast only

Under the stand-on vessel's obligations (Rule 17), if it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action, the stand-on vessel:

• AMust maintain course and speed until collision is inevitable and then stop engines only
• BMay take action to avoid collision by her maneuver alone, and shall take such action as w…
• CMust immediately turn to port in every case
• DIs relieved of all further responsibility once she has held course for 3 minutes

Under STCW watchkeeping standards, the officer of the navigational watch may hand over the watch at night to a relieving officer who:

• AHas just come up from a brightly lit space and is still adapting to the darkness
• BDeclines a briefing so as not to delay the off-going officer
• CHas had adequate time for the eyes to adjust to the prevailing light conditions and is sa…
• DIs willing to accept the watch while a collision-avoidance manoeuvre is being executed

During a bridge resource management briefing before arrival, the mate's priority is to ensure that:

• AOnly the master speaks so that orders are not questioned
• BCharts are left unmarked to keep them clean
• CRadios are secured to reduce bridge noise
• DThe team shares a common understanding of the plan, contingencies, and individual roles

When a pilot is embarked, the mate of the watch should:

• AMonitor the pilot's advice, keep the master informed as needed, and ensure the ship's tea…
• BLeave the bridge once the pilot has the conn
• CStop plotting positions because the pilot knows the waters
• DDisable the ECDIS so only paper charts are used

The primary purpose of the official deck log entries made by the mate is to:

• AReplace the need for any voyage data recorder
• BProvide a contemporaneous legal record of the vessel's navigational and operational events
• CServe only as a personal notebook for the master
• DDocument only cargo quantities and nothing else

When mooring a large vessel alongside, the mate should ensure mooring lines are tended so that:

• AAll lines are set slack to avoid overstress
• BOnly spring lines are used in any condition
• CLines are adjusted for changes in draft, wind, current, and tide to keep the vessel safel…
• DWinches are left in automatic heave without monitoring

Before commencing cargo operations as mate, you should verify that:

• AOnly the terminal's plan is used without shipboard review
• BBallast is left unchanged for the entire load regardless of stress
• CHatches remain closed until cargo is finished
• DThe cargo plan, stability condition, equipment readiness, and safety communications with…

When heaving up the anchor, the mate should be alert for:

• ACable leading, scope remaining, windlass load, and any indication the anchor is fouled or…
• BOnly the engine telegraph orders
• CWhether the pilot is on the radio only
• DGPS ground speed exclusively

Under good practice for an anchor watch, the mate should:

• ASecure all bridge electronics and leave the bridge unattended
• BFrequently check the vessel's position and cable lead, and be ready to take way or veer c…
• CIgnore swinging room if the chart shows soft mud
• DAssume the anchor will hold once the engine is stopped

When inspecting cargo gear before use, the mate should ensure that:

• AAny wire with broken strands may be used if work is urgent
• BOnly the terminal certifies ship gear
• CSWL markings are legible, certification is current, and gear is free of defects that woul…
• DSWL may be exceeded for short periods

A proper pre-arrival checklist for the mate typically includes verifying:

• AOnly the ETA message to the agent
• BThat all fire dampers are permanently dogged shut for the port stay
• CThat the gyro is switched off to save power
• DCharts and publications updated, passage plan briefed, pilot boarding arrangements ready,…

When communicating VHF collision-avoidance intentions, the mate should:

• AUse clear, standard phraseology, identify the vessels positively, and not rely on VHF alo…
• BMake informal agreements that override the COLREGS
• CUse only first names to save time
• DAssume AIS labels are always correct without visual confirmation

Garbage disposal under MARPOL Annex V on inland and Great Lakes routes generally requires the mate to know that:

• AAll garbage may be discharged once outside the breakwater
• BPlastics are prohibited from discharge into the sea, and other garbage is subject to dist…
• CFood waste may always be discharged in port
• DOnly oil is regulated; garbage is unrestricted

When preparing a pilot ladder, the mate should ensure that:

• AAny available rope ladder is acceptable if the pilot agrees verbally
• BManropes are never provided
• CThe ladder is clean, well-secured, properly rigged to SOLAS/IMO standards, and attended,…
• DThe ladder may rest against sharp rails without padding if time is short

If the magnetic compass shows a sudden large change while the gyro appears steady, the mate should first:

• AIgnore the magnetic compass permanently
• BAssume the gyro has failed and steer by magnetic only without checks
• CSwing the ship immediately without informing the master
• DSuspect local magnetic disturbance, cargo/steel movement, or electrical influence and inv…

When securing for sea after cargo, the mate's priority on deck includes:

• AHatches and accesses secured, loose gear lashed, cargo secured per plan, and weather-tigh…
• BLeaving hatches cracked for ventilation in all weather
• CStowing pilot ladders overside for ready use at sea
• DKeeping deck lighting on full bright for the entire ocean passage

Oil cargo or fuel transfer operations require the mate to ensure that:

• ATransfer may start while the checklist is still being written if the terminal is ready
• BA Declaration of Inspection or equivalent ship-shore checklist is completed and scuppers/…
• CScuppers should remain open to drain rainwater during bunkering
• DOnly the terminal needs an emergency shutdown procedure

The relieving mate should not take over the watch if:

• AThe master is asleep
• BThe vessel is in open waters with little traffic
• CHe or she is unfit due to fatigue, illness, or impairment, or is not fully satisfied with…
• DECDIS is the primary navigation system

When working with tugs during undocking, the mate should:

• ASignal tugs independently of the master's undocking plan
• BLet go all lines at once without confirming tug readiness
• CIgnore bollard SWL if the tug requests more line tension
• DEnsure agreed lines, communications, and order of operations are clear before heaving or…

A draft survey difference that cannot be explained by cargo or known ballast change should cause the mate to:

• ARecheck drafts, density, corrections, and ballast soundings before accepting the figure a…
• BIgnore the discrepancy if the terminal invoice looks reasonable
• CAssume the ship has permanently changed her lightship weight mid-voyage
• DAlter the stability booklet constants without master approval

When the vessel is under pilotage in confined waters, effective closed-loop communication means:

• AOrders are whispered so as not to distract the pilot
• BHelm and engine orders are repeated back, confirmed, and the result is monitored
• COnly the pilot may speak on the bridge
• DThe helmsman steers without acknowledging orders

For a mate managing a ballast operation, a key stability concern is:

• AThat ballast always increases GM regardless of tank level
• BThat only double-bottom tanks create free surface
• CFree surface effect in slack tanks reducing GM and increasing roll
• DThat free surface can be ignored if departure GM was positive

When preparing the vessel for a Coast Guard or port state inspection, the mate should prioritize:

• AOnly polishing brightwork in public spaces
• BHiding expired certificates until after the visit
• CDisabling alarms that have been sounding intermittently
• DSafety equipment readiness, valid certificates, drill records, and corrected deficiencies…

A fire in a deep-fat fryer in the galley is classified in U.S. shipboard practice as:

• AClass K, requiring a wet chemical agent that saponifies the hot cooking oil
• BClass A, best fought with a straight stream of water
• CClass D, requiring a metal-fire powder
• DClass C, because the fryer remains electrically hazardous after power is secured

The extinguishing agent that is LEAST appropriate as a first choice for a diesel fuel fire on deck is:

• AAFFF foam
• BA solid (straight) stream of water
• CDry chemical
• DCO2

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

• ALeave one person inside to report progress
• BOpen all doors to improve gas flow
• CEvacuate personnel, shut down ventilation, and seal the space as designed for the system
• DStart forced ventilation to mix the gas

A thermal protective aid (TPA) carried in a survival craft differs from an immersion suit in that the TPA:

• AProvides more buoyancy than a lifejacket
• BIs fitted with an integral hydrostatic release
• CRemoves the requirement to carry lifejackets
• DIs intended for occupants who are out of the water, to reduce body heat loss in the craft…

In a man-overboard situation as mate of the watch, your immediate priorities include:

• AMark the position, release a lifebuoy with light/smoke if possible, sound the alarm, and…
• BContinue on course until the next waypoint
• CWait 15 minutes to see if the person swims back
• DSecure from drills before taking action

Free surface effect in a partially filled tank:

• AAlways increases GM
• BReduces the vessel's effective metacentric height (GM)
• CHas no effect on stability
• DOnly affects trim, never list or roll

A vessel with a large GM will generally:

• ABe tender, with a long, slow roll period
• BHave no roll motion
• CBe stiff, with a short, snappy roll period
• DAlways be unstable

When lowering a lifeboat, the mate supervising should ensure that:

• APeople stand under the boat to steady it
• BTricing pendants are left connected after the boat is waterborne and away
• CLimit switches are bypassed to speed the evolution
• DThe boat is cleared, painters and plugs tended as required, falls are evenly paid out, an…