Examination Practice Questions And

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

• What is the primary purpose of the Plimsoll mark on a vessel?
• Identify vessel owner
• Indicate maximum safe loading
• Provide registration number
• Mark the bow

Rationale: Indicates the legal limit to which a vessel may be loaded in

various conditions.

2. A spring line is used primarily to:

• Turn the vessel in open water
• Prevent fore-and-aft movement while moored
• Increase anchor holding 1 / 4

• Tow another vessel

Rationale: Springs stop surging along the dock.

3. A “hawsepipe” is:

• Pipe for fuel
• Pipe through which the anchor chain leads
• Drain on deck
• Ventilation opening

Rationale: The hawsepipe guides anchor chain from deck to outside hull.

4. Freeboard is measured from:

• Submerged keel to deck
• Waterline to main deck level
• Bulkhead to bulkhead
• Cargo hold to deckhead

Rationale: Freeboard = distance from waterline up to deck edge.

5. A heaving line is used to:

• Lower lifeboats
• Send a small line to another vessel or pier
• Secure hatches
• Connect mooring wires

Rationale: Lightweight line thrown first to pass heavier lines.

6. A vessel’s draft is: 2 / 4

• Height above water
• Cargo weight
• Depth of hull below waterline
• Length overall

Rationale: Draft measures how deep the ship sits in the water.

7. Chafing gear is used to:

• Increase friction
• Protect lines from wear
• Strengthen steel fittings
• Increase line tension

Rationale: Prevents abrasion where lines rub.

8. The bitter end of a line is the:

• Midpoint
• End secured to a fixed point
• Part thrown
• Spliced section

Rationale: Bitter end refers to the inboard secured end of a line.

• Which knot temporarily joins two lines of unequal size?
• Bowline
• Square knot
• Sheet bend 3 / 4

• Figure-eight knot

Rationale: Sheet bend is designed for lines of different diameter.

10. A flemish coil is:

• Cargo securing
• Wire rope splice
• Flat, decorative deck coil of line
• Mooring aid

Rationale: Rope laid in concentric circles to keep deck tidy.

11. The primary purpose of a bulkhead is to:

• Reduce noise
• Divide the vessel into watertight compartments
• Improve ventilation
• Support cargo

Rationale: Bulkheads limit flooding and add structural strength.

12. The term “abaft” means:

• Toward the bow
• Toward or at the stern
• Off the port side
• Amidships

Rationale: Abaft = behind or toward stern.

13. A vessel “making way” is:

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