USCG Great Lakes Practice Test

10 sample Great Lakes 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 · Mate Less than 500-1600 Gross Registered Tons

   What name is given to the perforated, elevated bottom of the chain locker, which prevents the chains from touching the main locker bottom and allows seepage water to flow to the drains?

   • A.Manger (correct answer)
   • B.Cradle
   • C.Draft
   • D.Harping

   Answer: A. Manger

   Related regulation: EPA 2013 VGP 2.2.8 — EPA 2013 VGP 2.2.8 Chain Locker Effluent — EPA Vessel General Permit (2013)

2. Question 2 · Master of Unlimited Tonnage

   Assuming that the recommended hatch loading sequence is followed, how many long tons of iron ore may be loaded through hatch No. 20 while using a single belt loader to arrive at a desired mean keel draft of 29'-06"? (Use the Guidance Manual for Loading M.V. GRAND HAVEN.)

   • A.1550 tons
   • B.2920 tons (correct answer)
   • C.3010 tons
   • D.3515 tons

   Answer: B. 2920 tons

   Related regulation: NVIC 03-75 Encl.1 — Bulk Grain Cargoes — Enclosure (1)

3. Question 3 · Mate Less than 500-1600 Gross Registered Tons

   On the Great Lakes, which can cause short-term fluctuations in water levels?

   • A.Below normal rain fall
   • B.Calm winds
   • C.Seiches (correct answer)
   • D.Steady barometric pressure

   Answer: C. Seiches

   Further reading: Bowditch Art.3810 — Bowditch Ch.38 Waves, Breakers, and Surf — 3810. Standing Waves and Seiches

4. Question 4 · Master Less than 500-1600 Gross Registered Tons

   On the Great Lakes, which defines the term "controlling depth"?

   • A.The distance in units of the chart (feet, meters or fathoms) from the reference datum to the bottom
   • B.The designed dredging depth of a channel constructed by the Corps. of Engineers
   • C.The minimum amount of tail water available behind a dam
   • D.The least depth within the limits of the channel which restricts the navigation (correct answer)

   Answer: D. The least depth within the limits of the channel which restricts the navigation

   Related regulation: 33 USC 426o–1 — Great Lakes dredging levels adjustment

5. Question 5 · Master of Unlimited Tonnage

   Assuming that the recommended hatch loading sequence is followed, how many long tons of iron ore may be loaded through hatch No. 3 while using a single belt loader to arrive at a desired mean keel draft of 27'-07"? (Use the Guidance Manual for Loading M.V. GRAND HAVEN.)

   • A.2500 tons (correct answer)
   • B.2550 tons
   • C.2600 tons
   • D.2650 tons

   Answer: A. 2500 tons

   Related regulation: NVIC 03-75 Encl.1 — Bulk Grain Cargoes — Enclosure (1)

6. Question 6 · Master of Unlimited Tonnage

   On the Great Lakes, winter storms compound the ice threat by bringing a variety of wind, wave, and weather problems. On average, how often do these storms occur?

   • A.Every five days
   • B.Every two days
   • C.Every three days
   • D.Every four days (correct answer)

   Answer: D. Every four days

   Further reading: Bowditch Art.3313 — Bowditch Ch.33 Ice Navigation — 3313. Great Lakes Ice

7. Question 7 · Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

   An icebreaker assisting a vessel through an ice field would display a visual signal consisting of the code letter "M" (Mike). What does this signal signify?

   • A.I am altering my course to starboard
   • B.I am operating astern propulsion
   • C.My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water (correct answer)
   • D.I am altering my course to port

   Answer: C. My vessel is stopped and making no way through the water

   Further reading: Pub 102 Ch.1 Sec.10 — Pub 102 Ch.1 International Code of Signals, Signaling Instructions — Section 10: Morse Symbols — Phonetic Tables — Procedure Signals . . 16

8. Question 8 · Mate Less than 500-1600 Gross Registered Tons

   When the height of the metacenter is greater than the height of the center of gravity a vessel has which type of stability?

   • A.Stable (correct answer)
   • B.Neutral
   • C.Negative
   • D.Unstable

   Answer: A. Stable

   Related regulation: 46 CFR 172.165 ↗ — Intact stability calculations

9. Question 9 · Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

   You are transiting the Straits of Mackinac by way of an improved channel. You have information which indicates that the channel's Federal project depth is 28 ft. Which of the following statements is true with regards to this channel?

   • A.The least depth within the limits of the channel is 28 ft.
   • B.The maximum depth which may be expected within the limits of the channel is 28 ft.
   • C.The design dredging depth of the channel is 28 ft. (correct answer)
   • D.The channel has 28 ft. in the center but lesser depths may exist in the remainder of the channel.

   Answer: C. The design dredging depth of the channel is 28 ft.

   Related regulation: 33 CFR 165.944 ↗ — Regulated Navigation Area; Straits of Mackinac

10. Question 10 · Mate of Unlimited Tonnage

    On the Great Lakes, which defines the term "controlling depth"?

    • A.The least depth within the limits of the channel which restricts the navigation (correct answer)
    • B.The distance in units of the chart (feet, meters or fathoms) from the reference datum to the bottom
    • C.The designed dredging depth of a channel constructed by the Corps. of Engineers
    • D.The minimum amount of tail water available behind a dam

    Answer: A. The least depth within the limits of the channel which restricts the navigation

    Related regulation: 33 USC 426o–1 — Great Lakes dredging levels adjustment

Exams these questions come from

Choose one when you start the quiz. A question can appear in more than one exam, so these add up to more than 90.

• Master of Unlimited Tonnage24 questions
• Mate of Unlimited Tonnage24 questions
• Master Less than 500-1600 Gross Registered Tons22 questions
• Mate Less than 500-1600 Gross Registered Tons22 questions

More USCG practice tests