Texas Oceanographic Research Vessel
Operator Licensing Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales /2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary mission of an oceanographic research vessel?
• A. Transport cargo
• B. Conduct scientific studies of the ocean
• C. Provide tourism services
• D. Support naval combat operations
Answer: B
Oceanographic research vessels are specialized for marine science studies,
not cargo or tourism.
2. Which federal agency often sponsors oceanographic research in U.S.
waters?
• A. EPA
• B. NOAA
• C. USGS
• D. DOT
Answer: B
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration funds and operates
many research programs.
3. The term “CTD” refers to:
,• A. Current Tracking Device
• B. Conductivity, Temperature, Depth instrument
• C. Coastal Towing Device
• D. Cargo Transport Dock
Answer: B
CTD rosettes measure salinity (via conductivity), temperature, and depth —
critical oceanographic parameters.
4. Which international convention governs pollution from ships?
• A. SOLAS
• B. MARPOL
• C. UNCLOS
• D. STCW
Answer: B
MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from
Ships) regulates pollution.
5. A research vessel operating in U.S. coastal waters must comply with:
• A. Only state rules
• B. International rules only
• C. Both federal and international maritime regulations
• D. None
Answer: C
Operators must follow both U.S. Coast Guard and international maritime
conventions.
6. The primary function of a dynamic positioning (DP) system is:
• A. Increase vessel speed
• B. Hold a vessel in a fixed location
• C. Improve cargo loading
, • D. Reduce crew fatigue
Answer: B
DP systems use thrusters and GPS to keep research vessels stationary during
operations.
7. Which document establishes a vessel’s compliance with safety standards?
• A. Seaman’s log
• B. Safety Management Certificate
• C. Deck logbook
• D. Cargo manifest
Answer: B
Issued under the ISM Code, it confirms safety compliance.
8. What is the safest method to deploy oceanographic buoys?
• A. Crane with tag lines
• B. Manual push from deck
• C. Free-fall drop
• D. Overboard toss by hand
Answer: A
Crane deployment with control lines ensures safety and precision.
9. Which U.S. agency certifies vessel operators?
• A. Department of Energy
• B. U.S. Coast Guard
• C. NOAA
• D. Department of Commerce
Answer: B
The Coast Guard oversees licensing of vessel operators.
10. An oceanographic winch is primarily used to:
• A. Lift anchors
Operator Licensing Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales /2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary mission of an oceanographic research vessel?
• A. Transport cargo
• B. Conduct scientific studies of the ocean
• C. Provide tourism services
• D. Support naval combat operations
Answer: B
Oceanographic research vessels are specialized for marine science studies,
not cargo or tourism.
2. Which federal agency often sponsors oceanographic research in U.S.
waters?
• A. EPA
• B. NOAA
• C. USGS
• D. DOT
Answer: B
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration funds and operates
many research programs.
3. The term “CTD” refers to:
,• A. Current Tracking Device
• B. Conductivity, Temperature, Depth instrument
• C. Coastal Towing Device
• D. Cargo Transport Dock
Answer: B
CTD rosettes measure salinity (via conductivity), temperature, and depth —
critical oceanographic parameters.
4. Which international convention governs pollution from ships?
• A. SOLAS
• B. MARPOL
• C. UNCLOS
• D. STCW
Answer: B
MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from
Ships) regulates pollution.
5. A research vessel operating in U.S. coastal waters must comply with:
• A. Only state rules
• B. International rules only
• C. Both federal and international maritime regulations
• D. None
Answer: C
Operators must follow both U.S. Coast Guard and international maritime
conventions.
6. The primary function of a dynamic positioning (DP) system is:
• A. Increase vessel speed
• B. Hold a vessel in a fixed location
• C. Improve cargo loading
, • D. Reduce crew fatigue
Answer: B
DP systems use thrusters and GPS to keep research vessels stationary during
operations.
7. Which document establishes a vessel’s compliance with safety standards?
• A. Seaman’s log
• B. Safety Management Certificate
• C. Deck logbook
• D. Cargo manifest
Answer: B
Issued under the ISM Code, it confirms safety compliance.
8. What is the safest method to deploy oceanographic buoys?
• A. Crane with tag lines
• B. Manual push from deck
• C. Free-fall drop
• D. Overboard toss by hand
Answer: A
Crane deployment with control lines ensures safety and precision.
9. Which U.S. agency certifies vessel operators?
• A. Department of Energy
• B. U.S. Coast Guard
• C. NOAA
• D. Department of Commerce
Answer: B
The Coast Guard oversees licensing of vessel operators.
10. An oceanographic winch is primarily used to:
• A. Lift anchors
