CALIFORNIA BOATING SAFETY
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
EXAM 2026/2027
1. Where must the registration number and validation decal be displayed on a vessel in
California?
A. On both sides of the forward half of the vessel
B. On both sides of the stern of the vessel
C. Only on the port side next to the operator
D. On the transom near the engine mount
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: California law requires the registration number and validation
decal to be displayed on both sides of the forward half of the vessel where they are clearly
visible.
2. What is the most important factor when selecting a PFD for a passenger?
A. Passenger’s body weight and chest size
B. The total number of pockets for gear
,C. The color and aesthetic design
D. The maximum depth rating of the vest
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A PFD must be properly sized based on the wearer’s weight and
chest size to ensure it provides adequate buoyancy and does not slip off in the water.
3. Under California law, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a person under 21 years
of age considered to be operating under the influence?
A. 0.08% or higher
B. 0.05% or higher
C. 0.10% or higher
D. 0.01% or higher
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: California has a zero-tolerance policy for minors; a BAC of 0.01%
or higher is considered operating under the influence for those under 21.
4. When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what is the required maneuver?
A. The larger vessel has the right of way
B. Both vessels should turn to starboard (right)
C. Both vessels should turn to port (left)
, D. The vessel with the wind at its back stands on
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: According to the Navigation Rules, when meeting head-on, both
vessels must steer to starboard to pass each other on their port sides.
5. Which type of fire extinguisher is required for boats with permanently installed fuel tanks?
A. Class B
B. Class A
C. Class C
D. Class D
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Class B fire extinguishers are specifically designed to put out
flammable liquid fires, such as gasoline or oil, which are common risks on motorboats.
6. What is the purpose of the red and green sidelights on a vessel?
A. To help the operator see the shoreline
B. To indicate the vessel’s speed to others
C. To help other operators determine the vessel’s direction of travel
D. To signal an emergency situation
Answer: C
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
EXAM 2026/2027
1. Where must the registration number and validation decal be displayed on a vessel in
California?
A. On both sides of the forward half of the vessel
B. On both sides of the stern of the vessel
C. Only on the port side next to the operator
D. On the transom near the engine mount
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: California law requires the registration number and validation
decal to be displayed on both sides of the forward half of the vessel where they are clearly
visible.
2. What is the most important factor when selecting a PFD for a passenger?
A. Passenger’s body weight and chest size
B. The total number of pockets for gear
,C. The color and aesthetic design
D. The maximum depth rating of the vest
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A PFD must be properly sized based on the wearer’s weight and
chest size to ensure it provides adequate buoyancy and does not slip off in the water.
3. Under California law, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a person under 21 years
of age considered to be operating under the influence?
A. 0.08% or higher
B. 0.05% or higher
C. 0.10% or higher
D. 0.01% or higher
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: California has a zero-tolerance policy for minors; a BAC of 0.01%
or higher is considered operating under the influence for those under 21.
4. When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what is the required maneuver?
A. The larger vessel has the right of way
B. Both vessels should turn to starboard (right)
C. Both vessels should turn to port (left)
, D. The vessel with the wind at its back stands on
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: According to the Navigation Rules, when meeting head-on, both
vessels must steer to starboard to pass each other on their port sides.
5. Which type of fire extinguisher is required for boats with permanently installed fuel tanks?
A. Class B
B. Class A
C. Class C
D. Class D
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Class B fire extinguishers are specifically designed to put out
flammable liquid fires, such as gasoline or oil, which are common risks on motorboats.
6. What is the purpose of the red and green sidelights on a vessel?
A. To help the operator see the shoreline
B. To indicate the vessel’s speed to others
C. To help other operators determine the vessel’s direction of travel
D. To signal an emergency situation
Answer: C
