Examination Practice Questions And

Coast Guard Able Seafarer–Deck Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a ship’s bridge?
• To store navigational charts
• To monitor cargo operations
• To safely navigate the vessel
• To anchor the ship

Rationale: The bridge is the command center of the vessel where

navigation and safe maneuvering are carried out.

• The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea

(COLREGs) require a vessel underway at night to show which lights?

• Only sidelights 1 / 4

• Only a stern light
• Sidelights, masthead light, and stern light
• Only a deck light

Rationale: Under COLREGs, vessels underway at night must display a

combination of lights to indicate their presence and direction to other vessels.

• What is the correct sequence of sound signals for a vessel at anchor?
• One prolonged blast every minute
• One short, one prolonged, one short
• Two prolonged blasts every minute
• No signal required

Rationale: A vessel at anchor must sound one short, one prolonged, and

one short to indicate it is stationary to nearby vessels.

4. The purpose of a pilot ladder is to:

• Assist in cargo loading
• Allow safe boarding or disembarking of a pilot
• Measure the vessel’s draft
• Moor the vessel alongside a berth

Rationale: Pilot ladders are specifically designed for safe boarding and

disembarking of maritime pilots.

• What is the function of a ship’s binnacle?
• Holds the anchor chain 2 / 4

• Houses the magnetic compass
• Controls engine operations
• Stores life-saving equipment

Rationale: The binnacle is the stand or housing for the ship’s magnetic

compass, often equipped with compensating magnets.

• Which of the following best describes a “heading”?
• The angle between the ship and the nearest buoy
• The direction in which the ship’s bow is pointing
• The distance traveled in a day
• The depth of the water under the keel

Rationale: Heading refers to the compass direction that the bow of the ship

is pointing at any given moment.

• What is the primary role of the Able Seafarer–Deck during cargo

operations?

• Maintain engine room logs
• Ensure safe handling and securing of cargo
• Operate the galley
• Monitor weather forecasts

Rationale: Deck crew, including Able Seafarers, are responsible for cargo

handling, stowage, and securing according to safety regulations.

8. When performing a man overboard rescue, the first action is to:

• Stop the vessel immediately 3 / 4

• Throw a lifebuoy and maintain visual contact
• Sound the general alarm
• Mark the position and maneuver the vessel for recovery

Rationale: Immediate actions must prioritize marking the location and

safely maneuvering for recovery while alerting crew.

• A vessel is on a collision course with another vessel. What should it do

according to COLREGs?

• Maintain course and speed
• Take early and substantial action to avoid collision
• Sound no signals
• Stop engines immediately

Rationale: COLREGs require all vessels to take timely and decisive action to

avoid collisions.

• What is the correct method for heaving a line to shore?
• Throwing it randomly
• Use a heaving line attached to the heavier line
• Tying it to the anchor
• Using a lifeboat

Rationale: A light heaving line attached to a heavier mooring line allows

the heavier line to be hauled safely to shore.

11. The primary purpose of a ship’s logbook is to:

• Record crew personal activities
• / 4