BOATING CERTIFICATION EXAM
2026/27 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% CORRECT
Federal law mandates that the steering or helm area of a power boat less
than 20 feet in length must have which of the following? - ANSWER-
Capacity plate.
Hull Identification Numbers (HINs) are used to properly identify a vessel
and are marked on which of the following locations? - ANSWER-Starboard
side of the stern.
Under which of the following conditions would an operator be required to
replace a PFD? - ANSWER-If the PFD is ripped or torn.
Which of the following is an accurate statement with regards to inflatable
PFDs? - ANSWER-They will not float without being inflated.
Which of the following indicates the bow of a vessel? - ANSWER-The front
of the vessel.
Which of the following indicates the STARBOARD side of this vessel? -
ANSWER-The right side of the vessel.
If operating on the Western Rivers System, what do numbers fixed below
Day Markers indicate? - ANSWER-The distance to the river mouth.
When proceeding in the upstream (returning from sea direction), what
side of your vessel should this red marker be on? - ANSWER-Right
(starboard) side.
When encountering other vessels in darkness or reduced visibility, what
do visible lights indicate? - ANSWER-You are overtaking another vessel.
When docking your vessel and the wind is in your face, how should you
approach the dock? - ANSWER-Approach at a steep angle (30-45 degrees)
and swing the boat quickly.
Which of the following indicates the PORT side of this vessel? - ANSWER-
The left side of the vessel.
Which of the following is the proper washing procedure for your Personal
Flotation Device (PFD)? - ANSWER-Mild soap and water.
, Which of the following is an accurate statement about the maintenance of
Back-Fire Flame Control Device arrestors? - ANSWER-Arrestors should be
inspected on a monthly basis.
What type of vessel is required to have a fire extinguisher? - ANSWER-
Powerboat.
Which of the following is a disadvantage of a Type III: Flotation Aid PFD? -
ANSWER-It will not turn an unconscious person face-up.
In preparation to trailer a boat, it is recommended that you do which of
the following? - ANSWER-Tie down all loose items and equipment.
Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding a pre-departure
checklist? - ANSWER-Should be used before each trip, regardless of
length.
Before operating on an unfamiliar body of water why is it important to
determine the location of shoaling areas? - ANSWER-They are often
difficult to spot, even with local charts.
If operating on the Western Rivers System, what do numbers fixed below
Day Markers indicate? - ANSWER-The distance to the river mouth.
When proceeding in the upstream (returning from sea direction), what
side of your vessel should this red marker be on? - ANSWER-Right
(starboard) side.
When encountering other vessels in darkness or reduced visibility, what
do visible lights indicate? - ANSWER-You are overtaking another vessel.
When docking your vessel and the wind is in your face, how should you
approach the dock? - ANSWER-Approach at a steep angle (30-45 degrees)
and swing the boat quickly.
Which of the following is the proper boat launch etiquette? - ANSWER-
Prepare the boat away from the ramp to avoid blocking other vehicles.
What precautions should be taken on board a vessel during a lightning
storm? - ANSWER-Unplug all electrical equipment.
Which of the following is the best method to check for local hazards,
especially when boating in any new or unfamiliar waterways? - ANSWER-
Consult marine charts or ask local boaters.
Which of the following is an accurate statement about using a fire
extinguisher? - ANSWER-Use a sweeping motion and aim at the base of
the flames.
2026/27 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS 100% CORRECT
Federal law mandates that the steering or helm area of a power boat less
than 20 feet in length must have which of the following? - ANSWER-
Capacity plate.
Hull Identification Numbers (HINs) are used to properly identify a vessel
and are marked on which of the following locations? - ANSWER-Starboard
side of the stern.
Under which of the following conditions would an operator be required to
replace a PFD? - ANSWER-If the PFD is ripped or torn.
Which of the following is an accurate statement with regards to inflatable
PFDs? - ANSWER-They will not float without being inflated.
Which of the following indicates the bow of a vessel? - ANSWER-The front
of the vessel.
Which of the following indicates the STARBOARD side of this vessel? -
ANSWER-The right side of the vessel.
If operating on the Western Rivers System, what do numbers fixed below
Day Markers indicate? - ANSWER-The distance to the river mouth.
When proceeding in the upstream (returning from sea direction), what
side of your vessel should this red marker be on? - ANSWER-Right
(starboard) side.
When encountering other vessels in darkness or reduced visibility, what
do visible lights indicate? - ANSWER-You are overtaking another vessel.
When docking your vessel and the wind is in your face, how should you
approach the dock? - ANSWER-Approach at a steep angle (30-45 degrees)
and swing the boat quickly.
Which of the following indicates the PORT side of this vessel? - ANSWER-
The left side of the vessel.
Which of the following is the proper washing procedure for your Personal
Flotation Device (PFD)? - ANSWER-Mild soap and water.
, Which of the following is an accurate statement about the maintenance of
Back-Fire Flame Control Device arrestors? - ANSWER-Arrestors should be
inspected on a monthly basis.
What type of vessel is required to have a fire extinguisher? - ANSWER-
Powerboat.
Which of the following is a disadvantage of a Type III: Flotation Aid PFD? -
ANSWER-It will not turn an unconscious person face-up.
In preparation to trailer a boat, it is recommended that you do which of
the following? - ANSWER-Tie down all loose items and equipment.
Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding a pre-departure
checklist? - ANSWER-Should be used before each trip, regardless of
length.
Before operating on an unfamiliar body of water why is it important to
determine the location of shoaling areas? - ANSWER-They are often
difficult to spot, even with local charts.
If operating on the Western Rivers System, what do numbers fixed below
Day Markers indicate? - ANSWER-The distance to the river mouth.
When proceeding in the upstream (returning from sea direction), what
side of your vessel should this red marker be on? - ANSWER-Right
(starboard) side.
When encountering other vessels in darkness or reduced visibility, what
do visible lights indicate? - ANSWER-You are overtaking another vessel.
When docking your vessel and the wind is in your face, how should you
approach the dock? - ANSWER-Approach at a steep angle (30-45 degrees)
and swing the boat quickly.
Which of the following is the proper boat launch etiquette? - ANSWER-
Prepare the boat away from the ramp to avoid blocking other vehicles.
What precautions should be taken on board a vessel during a lightning
storm? - ANSWER-Unplug all electrical equipment.
Which of the following is the best method to check for local hazards,
especially when boating in any new or unfamiliar waterways? - ANSWER-
Consult marine charts or ask local boaters.
Which of the following is an accurate statement about using a fire
extinguisher? - ANSWER-Use a sweeping motion and aim at the base of
the flames.
