Alabama Boating License Exam Questions
& Answers | Updated 2026
What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating? - CORRECT ANSWER -Have
everyone wear an appropriate life jacket at all times
How should a vessel's registration number and validation decal be displayed? - CORRECT
ANSWER -On both sides of the bow of the boat
What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Passenger's body weight and chest size
What important safety information is found on a boat's capacity plane? - CORRECT ANSWER -
maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely
What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Consult a nautical chart
According to Alabama law, what operators are required to have completed an approved boating
course in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC)? - CORRECT ANSWER -Operators who
are 12 years of age or older
Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in water? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Type I
Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is responsible for
ensuring this? - CORRECT ANSWER -The vessel operator
, Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? - CORRECT ANSWER -Mounted in
an accessible location
When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced? - CORRECT ANSWER -When it is slightly
torn
What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel? - CORRECT ANSWER -Increases
the likelihood of accidents
When boating on federally controlled waters in an 18-foot boat, what equipment are you legally
required to have on board? - CORRECT ANSWER -U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress
signals
What sound-producing device(s) is required when boating on Alabama waters in an 18-foot
powerboat? - CORRECT ANSWER -A whistle, a horn, or another sound device
Which of these provides warning that dangerous weather is approaching? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Dark clouds and shifting winds
What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Checking the oil level before every outing
How should you approach the dock when socking your vessel? - CORRECT ANSWER -Into the
wind or current, whichever is stronger
What should you do before fueling your boat? - CORRECT ANSWER -Turn off the engine and close
all windows, ports, doors, and other openings
& Answers | Updated 2026
What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating? - CORRECT ANSWER -Have
everyone wear an appropriate life jacket at all times
How should a vessel's registration number and validation decal be displayed? - CORRECT
ANSWER -On both sides of the bow of the boat
What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Passenger's body weight and chest size
What important safety information is found on a boat's capacity plane? - CORRECT ANSWER -
maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely
What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Consult a nautical chart
According to Alabama law, what operators are required to have completed an approved boating
course in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC)? - CORRECT ANSWER -Operators who
are 12 years of age or older
Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in water? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Type I
Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is responsible for
ensuring this? - CORRECT ANSWER -The vessel operator
, Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? - CORRECT ANSWER -Mounted in
an accessible location
When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced? - CORRECT ANSWER -When it is slightly
torn
What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel? - CORRECT ANSWER -Increases
the likelihood of accidents
When boating on federally controlled waters in an 18-foot boat, what equipment are you legally
required to have on board? - CORRECT ANSWER -U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress
signals
What sound-producing device(s) is required when boating on Alabama waters in an 18-foot
powerboat? - CORRECT ANSWER -A whistle, a horn, or another sound device
Which of these provides warning that dangerous weather is approaching? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Dark clouds and shifting winds
What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Checking the oil level before every outing
How should you approach the dock when socking your vessel? - CORRECT ANSWER -Into the
wind or current, whichever is stronger
What should you do before fueling your boat? - CORRECT ANSWER -Turn off the engine and close
all windows, ports, doors, and other openings
