Boatswain's Mate First Class (BM1) Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• At which mark is a white rag indicated on the lead line?
• What is the best knot for bending together two lines around a capstan or winch drum?
• What type of record is contained in a ship's deck log?
• At the 10 mark of a lead line, what feature is present?
• What type of hitch is primarily useful for securing ropes to hooks in maritime activities?
• What are the honors, except gun salutes, called when ships and boats pass close aboard dignitaries?
• Line is available in sizes up to what maximum diameter?
• What line, formally authorized for use where great strength was required, is made from the abaca plant?
• If a polypropylene line has ultraviolet inhibitors added, it should meet which military specifications?
• What hitch is used to secure a rope to a hook?
• How much strength is reduced when lines are used on double bitts with figure eights?
• How much strength may polypropylene line lose in 3 months when exposed to tropical sunlight without ultraviolet inhibitors?
• What material is required for bridles, stage lines, and gantlines when performing burning, welding, and blowtorch operations?
• Which knot is not typically used for mooring applications?
• What is found on the lead line at the 3 mark?
• Which of the following knots is commonly used in fancy work?
• For what unique purpose is a barrel hitch particularly acclaimed?
• What is the purpose of the ship's deck log?
• What do boats assigned for the personal use of the chief of staff and commanding officers of the ship refer to?
• How much is polyester rope stretched in comparison to its original length?
• What is the maximum number of personnel authorized during hoisting or lowering a lifeboat?
• Canvas is often referred to as what type of cloth?
• How would you characterize the overall strength retention of polypropylene when treated with ultraviolet inhibitors?
• Natural fiber lines primarily consist of which substance, resembling the aging properties of paper?
• In nautical terms, what is usually a line bent to itself?
• What is indicated at the lead line's 25 mark?
• What is indicated by the 17 mark on the lead line?
• What signal calls all personnel attached to the ship to return?
• What is the length of a flag measured from the staff to the outside edge referred to as?
• What action does a ship take when it displays the flag 'Mike'?
• What is the primary function of deck fittings?
• What nautical tool, dating back to the days of sail, originally termed a cal, has practical uses that have diminished over time?
• What is made of small cord, such as cod line or Belfast cord, and is used to form ornamental lines or lanyards?
• What term describes any buoy that is smaller than a lighthouse buoy and has a tall central structure?
• When parting, nylon rope is stretched nearly what fraction of its original length?
• What can be used to support the accommodation ladder over the side when outriggers are not available?
• What is made from various materials and serves mainly as decorative coverings in areas where an enhanced appearance is desired?
• Which type of line is typically not used for applications requiring high strength?
• What is the primary purpose of a buoy in relation to lines?
• What is the term for a hoist when it is hoisted three-fourths of the way up toward the point of the hoist?
• What marks the 2 mark on a lead line?
• What is required for passing honors to be rendered before 0800 or after sunset?
• How many degrees is the lip required on the outboard side of the lifeboat cradle for standard Navy lifeboat stowage?
• What is the vertical width of the flag when it is flying free called?
• What is considered the most dangerous moment when hoisting a boat out of the water?
• Which device is essential for launching lifeboats in an emergency?
• What is the color rag indicated at the 7 mark on the lead line?
• In traditional sailing ships, which knots were used at the top of the masts?
• Why should sail needles be oiled after being used?
• Which type of fiber is used for high-strength lines and has been in use for a long time?
• What is the night marker for a gale warning?
• What is known as the aristocrat of the calls on the boatswain's pipe?
• What is the name of the device that consists of a padded weight attached to the end of a nylon shot line?
• What series contains the safety precautions relevant to naval operations?
• A temporary eye splice may be put in wire by using what?
• From which navy were most of the honors and ceremonies rendered by the U.S. Navy originally carried over?
• The 17 mark on the lead line indicates which color?
• In terms of elongation properties, how does polyester compare to nylon?
• What is a lifeboat's average capacity in terms of personnel?
• What is used when two lines or two parts of a single line are to be married permanently?
• What is a wave that breaks into foam called?
• What material is stronger than fiber and can be used where conditions such as high temperatures would damage fiber?
• Every Navy ship must have a tailored boat bill. The guidelines for this are set forth in which instructions?
• What is the length of the sea painter on the Navy lifeboat?
• Which mark shows that there are two knots tied on the lead line?
• Which flag is flown when divers or demolition personnel are in the water?
• What constitutes a monkey fist?
• What term is used to indicate the arrival and departure of commanders and other senior personnel?
• What serves as a spacer to separate the flags in a hoist for clear reading of signals?
• Which mark indicates a red rag?
• What knot is traditionally associated with securing lines at the top of masts?
• What flag is used to direct a boat in a man overboard situation?
• What is attached to the top of the tabling and snaps into the tail line of the preceding flag?
• What call is piped to indicate avast hauling and make fast while also annulling a previously piped order?
• How long should the mess call last at minimum?
• Which wind speed is associated with a hurricane warning?
• Which sling can boost closed drums or boxes easily?
• What is indicated at the 13 mark on a lead line?
• What is the name of the towline harness that allows a towing vessel to maintain control over heading and position?
• What is the term used to ensure the longest life of a line?
• In maritime contexts, what does SWL stand for?
• What is flown outboard at the starboard yardarm when there is no flag officer's pennant on the ship?
• What is the purpose of a "Trolley" in mooring operations?
• What characteristic of synthetic fibers' friction is lower than that of Manila?
• What type of lines are primarily recommended for use in wet conditions due to their resistance to mildew?
• Where is the appropriate guidance for substituting synthetic-fiber line for Manila line found?
• While stoppers alone can hold an anchor, they should be backed up with what for additional support?
• What flag is used during the day for a storm warning?
• What entity provides guidance regarding synthetic towing hawsers and end fittings?
• How many types of chocks are there?
• Boats assigned for the personal use of flag officers are typically referred to as what?
• What is the standard release hook used by the Navy on boat davits?
• What flag is used by the ship with visual communication duty while in port?
• What is the area between the first break in the swells and the shoreline known as?
• What is the function of a J-bar davit in relation to accommodation ladders?
• During what condition is the ship required to sound the man overboard alarm?
• At what depth will the hydrostatic release activate the lifeboat to prevent it from sinking with the ship?
• Which knot is specifically designated for securing objects in a rough manner?
• What item indicates the 5 mark on a lead line?
• What material is commonly used for whipping and lashing in maritime applications?
• The most common ship fender is a pneumatic fender made of rubber and is approximately how long?
• What is generally used on stanchions but can also be applied in many other places where a round core is to be covered?
• Which instruction outlines the ships 3-M manual?
• What is a primary function of the boatswain's mate regarding safety on board?
• What type of knot is used as a substitute for a boatswain's chair?
• What does "close aboard" signify for ships in terms of distance?
• What is a barrel hitch primarily used for?
• How often should the anchor log be updated?
• Which term describes a waterborne unit of the fleet not classified as a service craft that can operate independently?
• At what angle does a spring line typically lead from the ship to the pier?
• When correctly secured with round turns on "H" bitts, the line will retain what percentage of its strength?
• What knot can also relieve load from a weak spot in the line?
• A cable jack is used to handle anchor chain of what sizes and above?
• Which knot is useful for maintaining the center of a line while working?
• What knot is typically used to bend a line to a becket or eye?
• What is described as a stout plank attached with two short wooden horns for support?
• Which wind speed range indicates a gale warning?
• How much higher can the actual breaking strength (BS) of a line be compared to the minimum BS?
• What indicates the absence of the civil or military official whose flag is flying on the ship?
• Which flag is flown inboard at the port yardarm in the absence of the chief of staff?
• Personnel working aloft must wear safety harnesses equipped with which type of assemblies?
• Lines from what sizes should be opened and a few feet of the end led out for various applications on deck?
• What flag is hoisted by vessels when transferring fuel or explosives?
• What type of seizing is light and used where strain is not too great?
• What type of anchors are specifically used as bow and stern anchors?
• Which two types of stoppers are commonly used in nautical applications?
• What does the ship on medical guard duty fly?
• What is the instruction number for making out the ship's deck log?
• What should be used to prevent sail needles from rusting after use?
• What percentage does aramid rope stretch?
• What type of hook is used to hold the ends of two pieces of canvas being sewn together?
• What is the authority that governs the establishment of operational guidelines for Navy boats?
• What is the correct term for the ceremonial day each ship commemorates its historical achievements?
• When the surf zone is not too wide, how many fathoms is it possible to pay out a surf line around the Samson post or towing bit?
• What is the typical diameter range for lines necessary for various lengths on deck?
• What is the purpose of the 'Bravo' flag in nautical signaling?
• What is the percentage by which the strength of line can be reduced for hitches?
• What is a type of craft that supports operations and is not designed for independent missions?
• How many historic ceremonial occasions are ships constructed for the service honored?
• For a gale warning, what is the day marker?
• What is the indication for a small craft warning during the day?
• At what approximate distance from the mooring buoy should a boat containing a buoy party be lowered into the water?
• Synthetic line should not be stowed on which item?
• What is located on the crown of old-fashioned anchors, the flat of stock less anchors, and the shank of light weight anchors?
• What flag indicates a man overboard and is made ready to break?
• What is found on the lead line at the 20 mark?
• What document shows the sea watch stations that must be manned and the divisions required to man them?
• What permanent record are boatswain mates responsible for regarding their ground tackle?
• Side boys are not paraded on which day?
• The MK-2 anchor has the greatest holding power. What is its maximum weight capacity for use aboard large aircraft carriers?
• Which flag indicates that a vessel is conducting operations with explosives?
• Which document contains detailed information about burial at sea?
• Which type of boat would be most appropriate for personal leisure use by high-ranking officers?
• What is the term for the double thickness of bunting-taped, bound, and stitched at the list of a flag?
• What flag is flown while a ship is conducting a signal drill?
• What are the four correct positions of the hand for using the boatswain pipe?
• What connects two anchors for mooring purposes, utilizing two links at each end?
• What can be used for temporary whipping, seizing, and lashing?
• In port, what signal at the dip on an approaching ship indicates it is preparing to come alongside?
• What is the day marker for a hurricane warning?
• What is the minimum size circumference for navy lines that require being right laid?
• Which document serves as the official guide for watch officers?
• Which knot is typically identified as a method for shortening a line?
• Which hitch is most appropriately used on rough-surfaced materials like logs and spars?
• What is used to cover boat hooks, bucket bails, handrails, ladders, and similar items?
• At which point is a red rag located on the lead line?
• What is the purpose of the breakdown flag?
• What color rag is on the lead line at the 15 mark?
• During the night for a small craft warning, which marker is used?
• What is actually a round seizing and is used wherever a temporary eye is needed on the middle of a line?
• What is a hoist called when it is returned to the deck?
• What best describes a 'knot' in nautical terms?
• Which mark signifies the presence of one knot tied to the top?
• Which line type typically offers a lower friction coefficient, resulting in easier slipping?
• Who establishes the allowance of boats for forces afloat?
• What marks the first milestone in the history of a ship?
• What does the 25 mark on the lead line signify?
• In port, what flag is flown by the ship having the ready duty?
• What is the primary function of a "Gig" in the Navy?
• What property of synthetic lines contributes to their ease of slipping compared to natural lines?
• What is the current standard for anchor chains in the Navy during wartime?
• A sea anchor towed how many fathoms behind a boat serves to keep the stern or bow into the surf?
• What type of rope stretches only 6 percent at minimum breaking strength?
• What does the presence of a single knot at the lead line signify?
• How is an anchor reported when the shank is in the hawsepipe and the flukes are against the ship's side?
• Passing honors are not rendered after sunset or before which time?
• For a storm warning during the night, what is the signal used?
• Which method allows for rapid mooring to a buoy by letting the chain slide on the wire shackled to the buoy?
• Which type of lines, made from various synthetic materials, have substituted for Manila in most applications?
• What is the observable feature at the 15 mark on the lead line?
• Which knot helps prevent the end of a line from coming unlaid?
• What type of line is susceptible to mildew and rotting?
• What color is typically associated with the Navy's pilot flag?
• For ease of handling, what material has the Navy switched to for accommodation ladders?
• What should be used where there is an unequal strain on the two parts of the line?
• Which flag should be flown when an emergency arises and personnel need to be alerted?
• Which type of anchor is known for being easy to stow and was adopted by the Navy?
• What is the flag signal for boat recall?
• How many feet is the diameter of a common pneumatic fender?
• What does the flag 'Alpha' signify in naval operations?
• What term is used for cloth that is specifically woven of cotton or linen and is heavy?
• What are the various devices attached to the hull that assist in the handling of the ship called?
• Canvas is issued in widths ranging from what length?