Mixed Deck — All USCG Topics Flashcards

What are the three elements of the fire triangle?

Answer: Fuel, heat, and oxygen

The fire triangle consists of fuel (combustible material), heat (ignition source), and oxygen; removing any one element will extinguish the fire.

What is the primary purpose of the Oil Record Book?

Answer: To document all oil transfer and discharge operations for USCG inspection

The Oil Record Book is a legal document required by MARPOL and U.S. law to record all oil transfers, bilge discharges, and oily water separator operations, subject to USCG inspection.

Under COLREGS, what action shall the stand-on vessel take when a collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone?

Answer: Take the best action to avoid collision

COLREGS Rule 17 allows the stand-on vessel, when collision cannot otherwise be avoided, to take whatever action will best aid in avoiding collision.

What does the COSPAS-SARSAT system primarily do?

Answer: Detects and locates 406 MHz emergency beacons including EPIRBs and PLBs

COSPAS-SARSAT is an international satellite-based search and rescue system that detects and locates distress signals from 406 MHz emergency beacons.

What information must be included in a MAYDAY distress call?

Answer: MAYDAY, vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of persons aboard, and any other relevant information

A MAYDAY call must include the word MAYDAY spoken three times, vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of persons aboard, and any other information helpful to rescuers.

In a ship's electrical system, what is the purpose of a bus bar?

Answer: To serve as a common conductor connecting multiple circuits

A bus bar is a metallic conductor that acts as a common connection point distributing electrical power from generators to various shipboard circuits.

What does the term 'sheen' indicate in the context of an oil spill?

Answer: A visible film of oil on the water surface, indicating a reportable discharge

A sheen is a visible oily film on the water surface and under OPA 90 and the Clean Water Act, any discharge causing a sheen must be reported to the National Response Center.

What does one short blast on a whistle mean under the Inland Rules?

Answer: I am altering course to starboard

Under Inland Rule 34, one short blast means 'I intend to alter my course to starboard,' and the other vessel must respond with the same signal if in agreement.

Under U.S. law, what obligation does a vessel master have upon receiving a distress signal?

Answer: Proceed to render assistance if it can be done without serious danger to the vessel

Under 46 U.S.C. § 2304, every vessel master must render assistance to any person in danger at sea as long as doing so does not place the rescuing vessel in serious danger.

Which of the following fittings has to be used when installing pipework so that the pump can be removed for maintenance?

Answer: Union

A union is a pipe fitting specifically designed to allow two pipes to be connected or disconnected without disturbing the rest of the piping system. This makes it ideal for installing components like pumps, valves, or filters that may need to be removed for maintenance or replacement. Unions consist of three parts that can be easily separated and reconnected, facilitating quick and efficient servicing.

The _____ must contain a list of the kinds and strengths of steels utilized on a MODU.

Answer: Construction portfolio

The Construction Portfolio for a Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) is a comprehensive document that details the unit's structural design and materials. It specifically includes a list of the kinds and strengths of steels used in the MODU's construction. This information is crucial for ensuring structural integrity, compliance with design specifications, and for future maintenance and repair operations.

What is the duty watch requirement for VHF Channel 16 on commercial vessels?

Answer: Maintain a continuous watch while underway

FCC and USCG regulations require commercial vessels subject to the Bridge-to-Bridge Communications Act to maintain a continuous watch on VHF Channel 16 at all times while underway.

How often must GMDSS operators test DSC equipment to ensure its readiness?

Answer: Daily

GMDSS regulations require daily testing of DSC equipment to verify proper function and ensure the system is operational in an emergency.

What lights must a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver display?

Answer: Red, white, red lights in a vertical line

COLREGS Rule 27 requires a vessel restricted in her ability to maneuver to show three all-round lights — red over white over red — in a vertical line.

What does 'securing cargo' involve?

Answer: Using lashings, blocking, and bracing to prevent cargo movement during the voyage

Securing cargo involves the use of lashings, chains, wire, blocking, and bracing to prevent cargo from shifting, sliding, or falling during vessel motion at sea.

The normal usage of the emergency bilge suction valve is ____.

Answer: if the bilges become flooded and they can not be emptied by any other means

The emergency bilge suction valve is a critical safety feature designed to provide a last resort for dewatering the vessel's bilges. It is typically connected to the main circulating pump or another high-capacity pump, allowing rapid removal of large volumes of water in severe flooding situations when the regular bilge pumps are overwhelmed or inoperable. Its use is reserved for emergencies to prevent the vessel from sinking.

Which type of corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in electrical contact in an electrolyte?

Answer: Galvanic corrosion

Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in electrical contact in an electrolyte (such as seawater), causing the less noble metal to corrode preferentially.

What is meant by 'boundary cooling' during a shipboard fire?

Answer: Applying water to bulkheads and decks surrounding the fire to prevent spread

Boundary cooling involves applying water to the metal structures surrounding a fire to prevent heat transfer that could ignite adjacent compartments or spaces.

When is a vessel considered to be 'underway' for purposes of the Navigation Rules?

Answer: When not at anchor, made fast to shore, or aground

COLREGS Rule 3 defines underway as not at anchor, made fast to shore, or aground — the vessel need not be moving.

What is the recommended action when a vessel receives a severe thunderstorm warning?

Answer: Seek shelter in a protected anchorage or harbor if possible

When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, the safest action is to seek a protected anchorage or harbor to avoid lightning, waterspouts, and high seas.