NEW JERSEY BOATING SAFETY EXAM
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What is the minimum age to legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC) in New Jersey?
A. 13 years old
B. 16 years old
C. 15 years old
D. 14 years old
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In New Jersey, you must be at least 16 years old to operate a
power vessel, including a PWC, with the exception of electric motors for those 13 and older.
2. According to New Jersey law, children of what age or younger must wear a USCG-approved
PFD while on a vessel under way?
A. 12 years old
B. 10 years old
C. 8 years old
,D. 14 years old
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: New Jersey law requires all children 12 years of age or younger
to wear a PFD at all times while on a vessel that is under way.
3. When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what is the required action?
A. Both vessels should turn to starboard (right)
B. Both vessels should turn to port (left)
C. The larger vessel has the right of way
D. One vessel stops while the other proceeds
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In a head-on situation, both vessels are required to turn to
starboard (right) and pass each other port-to-port.
4. What is the primary purpose of the red and green buoys of the lateral system?
A. To mark the deepest part of the ocean
B. To mark fishing zones
C. To indicate the speed limit
D. To mark the edges of safe water channels
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: The lateral system of markers uses colors and numbers to
indicate the sides of a navigable channel.
5. What does the phrase ‘Red Right Returning’ mean?
A. Red buoys represent the right side of a lake
B. Keep red markers on your right when heading out to sea
C. Always turn right at a red buoy
D. Keep red markers on your right when entering from the sea
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: It is a mnemonic used to remember that red buoys should be on
the right (starboard) side when returning from the sea or heading upstream.
6. Which type of PFD is designed to turn most unconscious persons face up in the water?
A. Type IV
B. Type III
C. Type V
D. Type I
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Type I PFDs (Offshore Life Jackets) provide the most buoyancy
and are designed to turn an unconscious person face up.
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What is the minimum age to legally operate a personal watercraft (PWC) in New Jersey?
A. 13 years old
B. 16 years old
C. 15 years old
D. 14 years old
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In New Jersey, you must be at least 16 years old to operate a
power vessel, including a PWC, with the exception of electric motors for those 13 and older.
2. According to New Jersey law, children of what age or younger must wear a USCG-approved
PFD while on a vessel under way?
A. 12 years old
B. 10 years old
C. 8 years old
,D. 14 years old
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: New Jersey law requires all children 12 years of age or younger
to wear a PFD at all times while on a vessel that is under way.
3. When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what is the required action?
A. Both vessels should turn to starboard (right)
B. Both vessels should turn to port (left)
C. The larger vessel has the right of way
D. One vessel stops while the other proceeds
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In a head-on situation, both vessels are required to turn to
starboard (right) and pass each other port-to-port.
4. What is the primary purpose of the red and green buoys of the lateral system?
A. To mark the deepest part of the ocean
B. To mark fishing zones
C. To indicate the speed limit
D. To mark the edges of safe water channels
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: The lateral system of markers uses colors and numbers to
indicate the sides of a navigable channel.
5. What does the phrase ‘Red Right Returning’ mean?
A. Red buoys represent the right side of a lake
B. Keep red markers on your right when heading out to sea
C. Always turn right at a red buoy
D. Keep red markers on your right when entering from the sea
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: It is a mnemonic used to remember that red buoys should be on
the right (starboard) side when returning from the sea or heading upstream.
6. Which type of PFD is designed to turn most unconscious persons face up in the water?
A. Type IV
B. Type III
C. Type V
D. Type I
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Type I PFDs (Offshore Life Jackets) provide the most buoyancy
and are designed to turn an unconscious person face up.
