CALIFORNIA BOATING EXAM
MASTERY TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. What is the primary responsibility of a ‘stand-on’ vessel in a crossing situation?
A. To change course to starboard immediately
B. To sound five short blasts and stop
C. To slow down and allow the other vessel to pass
D. To maintain course and speed unless it becomes clear the other vessel is not taking
action
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to navigation rules, the stand-on vessel should
maintain its current course and speed to remain predictable to the give-way vessel, only
taking action if a collision is imminent.
2. In California, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is it illegal for a person 21 years of
age or older to operate a recreational vessel?
A. 0.01% or more
,B. 0.05% or more
C. 0.10% or more
D. 0.08% or more
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: For adults 21 and older, the legal limit for operating a vessel is
0.08%, the same as for driving a car.
3. Which type of PFD is designed to turn most unconscious persons face up in the water?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Type I PFDs (Offshore Life Jackets) provide the most buoyancy
and are specifically designed to turn unconscious wearers face up.
4. When returning from the open sea, what does a red buoy with an even number indicate?
A. The left side of the channel
B. Mid-channel safe water
C. A preferred channel junction
, D. The right side of the channel
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The phrase ‘Red, Right, Returning’ reminds boaters that red
markers should be on the right (starboard) side when returning from sea or heading
upstream.
5. According to California law, every child under what age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-
approved life jacket while on a vessel that is underway?
A. 6 years of age
B. 10 years of age
C. 16 years of age
D. 13 years of age
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: California law requires children under 13 years old to wear a
PFD on vessels under 26 feet while underway, unless they are in an enclosed cabin.
6. Which part of a boat is the ‘transom’?
A. The front of the vessel
B. The left side of the vessel
C. The vertical surface at the back of the hull
D. The lowest part of the boat’s interior
MASTERY TEST QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. What is the primary responsibility of a ‘stand-on’ vessel in a crossing situation?
A. To change course to starboard immediately
B. To sound five short blasts and stop
C. To slow down and allow the other vessel to pass
D. To maintain course and speed unless it becomes clear the other vessel is not taking
action
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: According to navigation rules, the stand-on vessel should
maintain its current course and speed to remain predictable to the give-way vessel, only
taking action if a collision is imminent.
2. In California, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is it illegal for a person 21 years of
age or older to operate a recreational vessel?
A. 0.01% or more
,B. 0.05% or more
C. 0.10% or more
D. 0.08% or more
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: For adults 21 and older, the legal limit for operating a vessel is
0.08%, the same as for driving a car.
3. Which type of PFD is designed to turn most unconscious persons face up in the water?
A. Type I
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type IV
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Type I PFDs (Offshore Life Jackets) provide the most buoyancy
and are specifically designed to turn unconscious wearers face up.
4. When returning from the open sea, what does a red buoy with an even number indicate?
A. The left side of the channel
B. Mid-channel safe water
C. A preferred channel junction
, D. The right side of the channel
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The phrase ‘Red, Right, Returning’ reminds boaters that red
markers should be on the right (starboard) side when returning from sea or heading
upstream.
5. According to California law, every child under what age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-
approved life jacket while on a vessel that is underway?
A. 6 years of age
B. 10 years of age
C. 16 years of age
D. 13 years of age
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: California law requires children under 13 years old to wear a
PFD on vessels under 26 feet while underway, unless they are in an enclosed cabin.
6. Which part of a boat is the ‘transom’?
A. The front of the vessel
B. The left side of the vessel
C. The vertical surface at the back of the hull
D. The lowest part of the boat’s interior
