Tonnage, Oceans Examination Practice

Coast Guard Chief Mate – Unlimited Tonnage, Oceans 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 load line?
• To indicate cargo capacity
• To mark draft for stability
• To ensure safe freeboard under varying conditions
• To measure fuel consumption

Rationale: The load line indicates the maximum safe draft a ship can have,

ensuring sufficient freeboard for safe operation under different water conditions.

• When navigating in restricted visibility, what is the primary method to

avoid collision? 1 / 4

• Use only radar and ignore sound signals
• Proceed at a safe speed and use radar and sound signals
• Maintain course and speed
• Use GPS exclusively

Rationale: Safe navigation in restricted visibility requires reduced speed

and the use of radar and sound signals to detect and avoid hazards.

• Which document authorizes a vessel to carry dangerous cargo in bulk?
• Certificate of Inspection
• Dangerous Cargo Manifest
• International Tonnage Certificate
• Ship Security Plan

Rationale: A Dangerous Cargo Manifest is required to authorize and

document carriage of hazardous cargoes in compliance with safety regulations.

• How often must lifeboat drills be conducted on a vessel?
• Weekly
• Monthly
• At least once every month and before departure on a voyage
• Annually

Rationale: Regular lifeboat drills ensure crew readiness for emergencies

and are required monthly and before departure.

• What is the primary consideration when loading heavy deck cargo?
• Cargo color 2 / 4

• Stability and securing of the cargo
• Cargo value
• Crew convenience

Rationale: Proper loading and securing of heavy deck cargo is critical to

maintain ship stability and prevent cargo shifting.

• The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS)

require that a power-driven vessel in fog:

• Maintain full speed
• Proceed at a safe speed and be ready to maneuver
• Stop immediately
• Sound no signals

Rationale: COLREGS mandates safe speed and readiness to maneuver in

restricted visibility to prevent collisions.

• Which type of stability is primarily concerned with a ship’s ability to

return to an upright position after tilting?

• Longitudinal stability
• Dynamic stability
• Transverse stability
• Operational stability

Rationale: Transverse stability refers to a vessel’s ability to resist heeling and return upright after tilting.

8. The effect of free surface in a tank is to:

• Increase vessel speed 3 / 4

• Improve engine efficiency
• Reduce transverse stability
• Increase draft

Rationale: Free surface effect of liquids in partially filled tanks decreases

stability and can make a ship more prone to capsizing.

9. In celestial navigation, the “assumed position” is:

• The actual GPS location
• A reference position used for calculations
• The last port of call
• The ship’s anchorage

Rationale: The assumed position is a convenient reference used to simplify

celestial sight reduction calculations.

• What is the main purpose of a keel?
• To store cargo
• To house the engine
• To provide longitudinal strength and structural support
• To anchor the vessel

Rationale: The keel is the main structural member of a ship’s hull,

providing longitudinal strength.

11. The best indicator that a vessel is in a heavy weather zone is:

• Smooth seas
• Clear sky
• Rapidly changing barometer and high winds
• / 4