USCG Exam PracticeWatch duties, terminology, and instrumentation
During pre-departure engine checks on a small commercial vessel, what voltage reading on the charge gauge at idle indicates the charging system is functioning normally?
- A. 11.5–12.0 V
- B. 12.0–13.0 V
- ✓ 13.5–14 VCorrect
- D. 14.5–15.5 V
Why C is correct
USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 9 §9.2 lists a charge gauge reading of 13.5–14 V at idle as a normal pre-departure indicator that the charging system is operating correctly. Readings below or above that range fall outside the stated normal band.