Tonnage, Oceans Examination Practice

Coast Guard Second 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 the International Regulations for

Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs)?

• To determine vessel cargo limits
• To provide navigation charts
• To prevent collisions between vessels
• To regulate marine insurance

Rationale: COLREGs establish navigational rules and conduct of

vessels to reduce the risk of collisions.

• Which type of stability refers to a vessel’s ability to return to an

upright position after being heeled by wind or waves? 1 / 4

• Initial stability
• Dynamic stability
• Positive stability
• Negative stability

Rationale: Positive stability is the condition where a vessel rights

itself when heeled.

• What does the term “mean draft” refer to?
• The maximum allowable draft
• The average of the forward and aft drafts
• The depth of the keel below waterline at midship
• Draft measured in fresh water only

Rationale: Mean draft is calculated by averaging forward and aft

drafts and is used for stability and loading calculations.

• In the event of a fire in the engine room, what is the first action the

officer on watch should take?

• Attempt to extinguish the fire personally
• Sound the general alarm and notify the bridge
• Shut down all electrical systems immediately
• Evacuate the engine room

Rationale: Alerting the crew is essential before attempting

firefighting, ensuring coordinated response.

• A vessel is underway in restricted visibility. What sound signal should it

give? 2 / 4

• One prolonged blast every 2 minutes
• One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts every 2 minutes
• Continuous ringing of the bell
• Two prolonged blasts every 5 minutes

Rationale: The sound signals for vessels underway in restricted

visibility are defined in the COLREGs to prevent collisions.

• What is the purpose of a rudder angle indicator?
• To measure vessel speed
• To show the current angle of the rudder relative to the keel
• To calculate turning radius
• To determine propeller pitch

Rationale: The rudder angle indicator allows the bridge team to

know the exact rudder position for maneuvering.

• Which type of cargo requires special ventilation and monitoring due to

toxic fumes?

• Grain
• Chemical cargo
• Machinery
• General dry cargo

Rationale: Certain chemical cargoes can release toxic gases,

requiring ventilation and monitoring.

• What is the proper procedure for abandoning ship at night?
• Jump into water immediately 3 / 4

• Launch lifeboats or life rafts using proper signals and lights
• Remove life jackets before boarding lifeboats
• Wait until daylight to abandon ship

Rationale: Night abandonment requires using lifeboats/life rafts with

lights and signals to increase survival chances.

• Which navigational aid provides information about a channel edge?
• Buoy
• Lighthouse

C) GPS

• Sextant

Rationale: Buoys mark the edges of channels and indicate safe

passage.

• In the event of a man overboard, what is the first action a vessel

should take?

• Drop anchor immediately
• Sound the man overboard alarm and keep visual contact
• Increase speed to search faster
• Radio the nearest port before turning

Rationale: Immediate notification and maintaining visual contact are

essential for safe recovery.

• Which of the following is a correct description of an isobar?
• A line of equal water depth
• A line of equal atmospheric pressure
• / 4