NJ BOATING FINAL EXAM STUDY
GUIDE 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. According to New Jersey law, what is the minimum age to operate a personal watercraft
(PWC)?
A. 13
B. 14
C. 18
D. 16
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In New Jersey, you must be at least 16 years old to operate a
PWC. Persons 13 to 15 may operate other powered vessels if they have completed a safety
course, but not PWCs.
2. What is the purpose of the capacity plate on a boat?
A. To show the maximum weight and number of people the boat can carry safely
B. To list the registration number and expiration date
,C. To indicate the maximum speed of the vessel
D. To display the manufacturer’s serial number
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The capacity plate indicates the maximum weight capacity and
the maximum number of people that the boat can carry safely in good weather.
3. Which of the following is a legal requirement for PFDs on a vessel?
A. They must be stored in a locked compartment
B. They only need to be on board if the boat is over 26 feet
C. They must be kept in their original plastic wrapping
D. They must be readily accessible
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: PFDs must be ‘readily accessible,’ meaning they should not be in
locked containers or sealed bags and should be easy to reach in an emergency.
4. When meeting another power-driven vessel head-on, what should both operators do?
A. Turn to port (left)
B. Turn to starboard (right)
C. Maintain course and speed
D. Stop engines immediately
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: When two power-driven vessels meet head-on, both are
required to turn to starboard (right) to pass each other port-to-port.
5. In New Jersey, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a person considered to be
operating under the influence?
A. 0.02% or higher
B. 0.05% or higher
C. 0.08% or higher
D. 0.10% or higher
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: New Jersey’s legal limit for boating under the influence (BUI) is a
BAC of 0.08% or higher, the same as for operating a motor vehicle.
6. What should you do before fueling your boat?
A. Turn off all engines and close all windows, doors, and openings
B. Turn on the engine to check fuel levels
C. Open all windows and doors to increase ventilation
D. Turn on the electrical system to power the fuel gauge
Answer: A
GUIDE 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. According to New Jersey law, what is the minimum age to operate a personal watercraft
(PWC)?
A. 13
B. 14
C. 18
D. 16
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In New Jersey, you must be at least 16 years old to operate a
PWC. Persons 13 to 15 may operate other powered vessels if they have completed a safety
course, but not PWCs.
2. What is the purpose of the capacity plate on a boat?
A. To show the maximum weight and number of people the boat can carry safely
B. To list the registration number and expiration date
,C. To indicate the maximum speed of the vessel
D. To display the manufacturer’s serial number
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The capacity plate indicates the maximum weight capacity and
the maximum number of people that the boat can carry safely in good weather.
3. Which of the following is a legal requirement for PFDs on a vessel?
A. They must be stored in a locked compartment
B. They only need to be on board if the boat is over 26 feet
C. They must be kept in their original plastic wrapping
D. They must be readily accessible
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: PFDs must be ‘readily accessible,’ meaning they should not be in
locked containers or sealed bags and should be easy to reach in an emergency.
4. When meeting another power-driven vessel head-on, what should both operators do?
A. Turn to port (left)
B. Turn to starboard (right)
C. Maintain course and speed
D. Stop engines immediately
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: When two power-driven vessels meet head-on, both are
required to turn to starboard (right) to pass each other port-to-port.
5. In New Jersey, at what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a person considered to be
operating under the influence?
A. 0.02% or higher
B. 0.05% or higher
C. 0.08% or higher
D. 0.10% or higher
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: New Jersey’s legal limit for boating under the influence (BUI) is a
BAC of 0.08% or higher, the same as for operating a motor vehicle.
6. What should you do before fueling your boat?
A. Turn off all engines and close all windows, doors, and openings
B. Turn on the engine to check fuel levels
C. Open all windows and doors to increase ventilation
D. Turn on the electrical system to power the fuel gauge
Answer: A
