Connecticut Safe Boating Test Questions
and Correct Answers
Question 1
What are the different kinds of life jackets and the differences between the types?
Correct Answer
Type I: Wearable Offshore Life Jacket
- All waters, especially open, rough, or remote waters where rescue can be delayed
Type II: Wearable Near-Shore Vest
- Calm, inland waters where there is a good chance of rescue
Type III: Wearable Flotation Aid
- Calm, inland waters where there is a good chance of rescue
Type IV: Throwable Devices/Not Wearable
- Designed to be thrown and grasped until rescued; never worn
Type V: Special Use Device
- Some Type V devices provide hypothermia protection.
Question 2
All-round white light
Correct Answer
On power-driven vessels LESS THAN 39.4 feet in length, this light may be used to
combine a masthead light and sternlight into a single white light that can be seen
by other vessels FROM ANY DIRECTION. This light serves as an anchor light when
sidelights are extinguished.
Page 1 of 19
,Question 3
Life jacket requirements during water skiing
Correct Answer
Make sure that the skier is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-Approved PFD for water
skiing.
- A PFD with a high impact rating is recommended
Question 4
What is the give-way vessel?
Correct Answer
The vessel that is required to take early and substantial action to keep well away
from other vessels by stopping, slowing down, or changing course.
- Avoid crossing in front of other vessels
- Any change in course and/or speed should be large enough to be readily
apparent to another vessel (A series of small changes should be avoided).
Question 5
Figure 8 knot
Correct Answer
The figure-eight is the stopper knot most commonly used by sailors. Even after a
heavy load, it loosens much easier than other knots. The so-called figure-eight bend
or Flemish bend is used to securely join two ropes together.
Question 6
What are the vessel classes and sizes?
Correct Answer
Class A = less than 16 feet
Class 1 = 16 feet to less than 26 feet
Class 2 = 26 feet to less than 40 feet
Class 3 = 40 feet to less than 65 feet
Page 2 of 19
, Question 7
When must navigation lights be displayed?
Correct Answer
These lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of
restricted visibility, such as fog.
Question 8
What does a navigational aid with red colors, red lights, and even numbers indicate?
Correct Answer
These mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side as you enter
from the open sea or head upstream.
- Numbers usually will increase consecutively as you return from the open sea or
head upstream
Question 9
How long should the anchor line be?
Correct Answer
7-10 times the maximum water depth
- NEVER anchor from the stern because it will cause the boat to swamp
Question 10
What is the legal limit for alcohol blood concentration while driving the boat?
Correct Answer
person under 21 = blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.02%
adult over 21 = blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%
Question 11
Lighted buoys
Correct Answer
These buoys use the lateral marker shapes, colors, and numbers discussed above. In
addition, they have a matching colored light.
Page 3 of 19
and Correct Answers
Question 1
What are the different kinds of life jackets and the differences between the types?
Correct Answer
Type I: Wearable Offshore Life Jacket
- All waters, especially open, rough, or remote waters where rescue can be delayed
Type II: Wearable Near-Shore Vest
- Calm, inland waters where there is a good chance of rescue
Type III: Wearable Flotation Aid
- Calm, inland waters where there is a good chance of rescue
Type IV: Throwable Devices/Not Wearable
- Designed to be thrown and grasped until rescued; never worn
Type V: Special Use Device
- Some Type V devices provide hypothermia protection.
Question 2
All-round white light
Correct Answer
On power-driven vessels LESS THAN 39.4 feet in length, this light may be used to
combine a masthead light and sternlight into a single white light that can be seen
by other vessels FROM ANY DIRECTION. This light serves as an anchor light when
sidelights are extinguished.
Page 1 of 19
,Question 3
Life jacket requirements during water skiing
Correct Answer
Make sure that the skier is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-Approved PFD for water
skiing.
- A PFD with a high impact rating is recommended
Question 4
What is the give-way vessel?
Correct Answer
The vessel that is required to take early and substantial action to keep well away
from other vessels by stopping, slowing down, or changing course.
- Avoid crossing in front of other vessels
- Any change in course and/or speed should be large enough to be readily
apparent to another vessel (A series of small changes should be avoided).
Question 5
Figure 8 knot
Correct Answer
The figure-eight is the stopper knot most commonly used by sailors. Even after a
heavy load, it loosens much easier than other knots. The so-called figure-eight bend
or Flemish bend is used to securely join two ropes together.
Question 6
What are the vessel classes and sizes?
Correct Answer
Class A = less than 16 feet
Class 1 = 16 feet to less than 26 feet
Class 2 = 26 feet to less than 40 feet
Class 3 = 40 feet to less than 65 feet
Page 2 of 19
, Question 7
When must navigation lights be displayed?
Correct Answer
These lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of
restricted visibility, such as fog.
Question 8
What does a navigational aid with red colors, red lights, and even numbers indicate?
Correct Answer
These mark the edge of the channel on your starboard (right) side as you enter
from the open sea or head upstream.
- Numbers usually will increase consecutively as you return from the open sea or
head upstream
Question 9
How long should the anchor line be?
Correct Answer
7-10 times the maximum water depth
- NEVER anchor from the stern because it will cause the boat to swamp
Question 10
What is the legal limit for alcohol blood concentration while driving the boat?
Correct Answer
person under 21 = blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.02%
adult over 21 = blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%
Question 11
Lighted buoys
Correct Answer
These buoys use the lateral marker shapes, colors, and numbers discussed above. In
addition, they have a matching colored light.
Page 3 of 19
