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USCG Assistance Towing Practice Test

17 Assistance Towing questions from the National Maritime Center’s published sample exams for Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons, each with the NMC’s answer key. Questions that need an illustration, a chart or a reference book are left out.

7 of them come with the closest regulation or reference section, shown with the answer.

Take a quiz of 10 drawn at random, or read the 10 sample questions and answers below.

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10 sample Assistance Towing questions with answers

The same 10 on every visit. A related section is the closest match RegKnot found in the regulations and references; it is not part of the NMC’s answer key.

  1. Question 1 · Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons

    You have a large, broken-down vessel in tow with a wire rope and anchor cable towline. Both vessels have made provision for slipping the tow in an emergency; however, unless there are special circumstances which is TRUE?

    • A.They should slip simultaneously
    • B.The vessel towed should slip first
    • C.The towing vessel should slip first (correct answer)
    • D.Either vessel may slip first

    Answer: C. The towing vessel should slip first

    Related regulation: NVIC 05-92 §4 — Guidelines for Wire Rope Towing Hawsers — IMPLEMENTATION.

  2. Question 2 · Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons

    A tug is "in irons" when held in a fixed position by __________.

    • A.an adverse current
    • B.the weight of its tow, its being anchored, or grounded
    • C.the towing hawser snagged on the bottom (correct answer)
    • D.lack of power or an engine breakdown

    Answer: C. the towing hawser snagged on the bottom

    Related regulation: NVIC 05-92 §4 — Guidelines for Wire Rope Towing Hawsers — IMPLEMENTATION.

  3. Question 3 · Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons

    What equipment is NOT used to protect a towing hawser?

    • A.Hawser boards and chafing gear
    • B.Halyards and snap hooks (correct answer)
    • C.Seizing wire, rope yarn and marline
    • D.Norman pins and tow spans

    Answer: B. Halyards and snap hooks

    Related regulation: NVIC 05-92 §4 — Guidelines for Wire Rope Towing Hawsers — IMPLEMENTATION.

  4. Question 4 · Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons

    In a following sea, a wave has overtaken your vessel and thrown the stern to starboard. To continue along your original course, which action should you take?

    • A.Use more left rudder
    • B.Use more right rudder (correct answer)
    • C.Increase speed
    • D.Decrease speed

    Answer: B. Use more right rudder

    Related regulation: NVIC 06-14 Encl.2 — CH-7 to Guidelines for Qualification for STCW Endorsements as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, NVIC 06-14, COMDTPUB 16721 — Enclosure (2)

  5. Question 5 · Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons

    Why is a chain bridle preferable to a wire rope towing bridle on a long ocean tow?

    • A.Requires little maintenance
    • B.Chain is more flexible and has the ability to absorb shock because of its weight(catenary)
    • C.Is less subject to wear and damage from abrasion
    • D.All of the above (correct answer)

    Answer: D. All of the above

    Related regulation: NVIC 05-92 §4 — Guidelines for Wire Rope Towing Hawsers — IMPLEMENTATION.

  6. Question 6 · Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons

    Which is the most effective method for towing and maneuvering on rivers and other restricted waters where wave action is limited?

    • A.Directly astern and pushing the tow (correct answer)
    • B.Towing alongside and parallel to the vessel it is towing
    • C.Towing on the hip
    • D.Towing on a hawser

    Answer: A. Directly astern and pushing the tow

    Related regulation: 33 CFR 162.90 ↗ — White River, Arkansas Post Canal, Arkansas River, and Verdigris River between Mississippi River, Ark., and Catoosa, Okla.; use, administration, and navigation

  7. Question 7 · Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons

    To lead the towing hawser over the center of the stern when not under a strain you could take which action?

    • A.Lead it through the Norman pins
    • B.Hold it in the median position by a gob rope
    • C.Fairlead it through a stern roller chock
    • D.All of the above if the vessel is so equipped (correct answer)

    Answer: D. All of the above if the vessel is so equipped

    Related regulation: NVIC 05-92 §4 — Guidelines for Wire Rope Towing Hawsers — IMPLEMENTATION.

  8. Question 8 · Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons

    Why is it NOT advisable to use nylon for alongside towing?

    • A.Too difficult to make fast
    • B.Parts too readily
    • C.Too susceptible to mildew
    • D.Stretches too much (correct answer)

    Answer: D. Stretches too much

  9. Question 9 · Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons

    A tow of 9 barges is made up three abreast and three long. The towboat is faced up to the center string. What is the name of this string?

    • A.Power string
    • B.Push string (correct answer)
    • C.Face string
    • D.Main string

    Answer: B. Push string

  10. Question 10 · Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons

    Which is one advantage of chain over wire rope for a tow bridle?

    • A.It is better suited for inland towing
    • B.Transfers towing forces better
    • C.Resists damage from chafing (correct answer)
    • D.Handles more easily

    Answer: C. Resists damage from chafing

Exams these questions come from

  • Master or Mate Less than 200 Gross Registered Tons17 questions

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The questions and answer keys are from the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center’s published sample exams. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard or the National Maritime Center. A practice score does not predict your exam result; check the NMC for current exam requirements.