USCG Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield USCG facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following statements about Fireman's attire is TRUE under the laws for cargo vessels? → Each fireman's outfit shall contain a flame safety lamp of an approved type
2. What does SAR datum mean? → The most probable position of a missing vessel or person, accounting for drift and leeway
3. After removing someone from an electrical source who has been rendered unconscious by electric shock, you should _______. → Determine if he is breathing
4. What does 'securing cargo' involve? → Using lashings, blocking, and bracing to prevent cargo movement during the voyage
5. What is the purpose of the fire main system aboard a vessel? → To distribute seawater under pressure to fire hoses and hydrants throughout the vessel
6. The sizing of tubing is ____. → nominal outside diameter
7. What is a 'fire party' on a vessel? → A designated team of trained crew members responsible for fighting fires
8. When fighting a fire in an enclosed space, what is the primary personal safety concern? → Oxygen depletion and toxic smoke inhalation
9. Which immersion suit feature is most critical for survival in cold water? → Thermal insulation to prevent hypothermia
10. The general by-products of oxidation caused by hydraulic il water contamination are ____. → gums, varnishes, and acids
11. What is the recommended immediate action when a person falls overboard? → Throw a life ring, shout 'man overboard,' alert the crew, and keep the person in sight
12. What is a 'man overboard' (MOB) buoy used for? → Marking the location of a person in the water to assist in recovery
13. Which regulation requires vessels over 400 GT to have an approved Sewage Treatment Plant or holding tank? → MARPOL Annex IV
14. What is the primary SAR coordination agency in the U.S.? → The U.S. Coast Guard
15. Under the Inland Rules, a white light visible all around the horizon is required for which vessel? → A vessel less than 7 meters at anchor
16. What are the three elements of the fire triangle? → Fuel, heat, and oxygen
17. Before activating a fixed CO2 system in the engine room, what must be done first? → Ensure all personnel have evacuated the space and close all ventilation
18. What is a 'Vessel Response Plan' (VRP) required to address? → Procedures for responding to a worst-case oil spill scenario
19. A power-driven vessel less than 50 meters may not show which light combination? → A tricolor lantern at the masthead
20. Which of the following best describes a striker or double plate's function? → Provides landing surface for the sounding bob of a tank sounding tap
21. Which VHF channel is designated exclusively for Digital Selective Calling (DSC) distress alerts? → Channel 70
22. ____ determines how the free surface affects initial stability. → the dimensions of the liquid surface and the vessel's displacement
23. Which type of breathing apparatus is required for fighting fires in enclosed spaces? → A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
24. What is the international distress, safety, and calling frequency on VHF radio? → Channel 16
25. A Coast Guard Sector coordinates SAR efforts in its area. What is the first step in a SAR response? → Evaluate the alert to determine the nature and urgency of the distress situation
26. In terms of MODU construction, the quarters' bulkheads are typically ___. → non-structural
27. What gear is required for oily mixtures on oceangoing boats ranging in size from 100 GT to 00 GT? → A fixed system to discharge oily mixtures to a reception facility
28. What class of fire involves flammable liquids such as oil, gasoline, and paint? → Class B
29. A vessel's trim is defined as? → The difference in draft between the bow and the stern
30. What does a vessel display two cones apex-to-apex to indicate? → Vessel engaged in fishing