Boater Exam Questions & Answers
Which of the following indicates the BOW of this vessel? - ANSWER front of boat
The U.S. Coast Guard requires certain equipment be carried onboard a vessel based
on the vessel's length. How must an operator measure the length of their vessel? -
ANSWER length of vessel, not including attachments
What useful information can be found on a capacity plate? - ANSWER Max Persons,
Max Gross Load, Max pounds, and Max Horsepower
The following vessel has an example of which type of engine attached to it? - ANSWER
outboard, inboard, and stern drive
Federal Law mandates that the steering or helm area of a power boat less than 20 feet
in length must have which of the following? - ANSWER Capacity Plate
Where can you find the maximum horsepower for your boat? - ANSWER Capacity Plate
Which of the following indicates the STARBOARD side of this vessel? - ANSWER
drivers side of boat (left side)
Which of the following indicates the PORT side of this vessel? - ANSWER left side of
boat (passenger side)
Which of the following indicates the STERN of this vessel? - ANSWER back of the boat
Which of the following is a characteristic common to both Type II: Near-Shore Buoyant
Vest and Type III: Flotation Aid? - ANSWER They are designed for calm, inland water
Which of the following is the proper washing procedure for your Personal Flotation
Device (PFD)? - ANSWER Mild soap and water
Which of the following is a characteristic of a properly fitted personal flotation device
(PFD)? - ANSWER Should be relatively snug fit
When encountering a powerboat in darkness or reduced visibility, what do visible white
and green lights indicate? - ANSWER Approaching starboard side of powerboat
Which type of personal flotation device (PFD) has the greatest amount of buoyancy? -
ANSWER Type 1 - offshore
The carburetors on inboard mounted gasoline engines must be equipped with an
approved back-fire flame arrestor. What purpose does having a back-fire flame arrestor
, play? - ANSWER To prevent back fire which results when unburned exhaust collects in
the engine area
When is it most important that a power-driven vessel exhibit the proper navigation
lights? - ANSWER When away from dock after sunset
As a MINIMUM requirement, a boat that is less than 26 feet in length with an installed
fuel tank must have what type of fire extinguisher onboard? - ANSWER B 1
Which of the following would be considered the most hazardous condition on board a
vessel? - ANSWER Not having enough life jackets
Which of the following is an accurate description of a Type I: Offshore Life Jacket
(PFD)? - ANSWER Designed for open, rough and remote waters
Which of the following would indicate foul weather might be approaching? - ANSWER
Rapid change in weather
Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding a pre-departure checklist? -
ANSWER Should be used before each trip, regardless of length
Why should a boat's gas tank never be completely filled? - ANSWER Gas needs room
to expand inside the tank
Which of the following is a proper fueling tip? - ANSWER Ensure that the engine is off
and no one is onboard
When a storm hits while a vessel is underway, the operator should do which of the
following? - ANSWER Ensure that all of those aboard are wearing a personal flotation
device
What is a CRITICAL step to take before launching your boat? - ANSWER Insert the
drain plug
From which direction does foul weather typically approach? - ANSWER West
What should an operator keep in mind when preparing a boat for safe towing? -
ANSWER An appropriate hitch and safety chains should be used
If your engine stops while you are trying to reach the shore during a storm, what should
you do? - ANSWER Drop an anchor from the bow
When launching your boat, when should you start and test the engine? - ANSWER In
the water with the winch line still attached
Which of the following indicates the BOW of this vessel? - ANSWER front of boat
The U.S. Coast Guard requires certain equipment be carried onboard a vessel based
on the vessel's length. How must an operator measure the length of their vessel? -
ANSWER length of vessel, not including attachments
What useful information can be found on a capacity plate? - ANSWER Max Persons,
Max Gross Load, Max pounds, and Max Horsepower
The following vessel has an example of which type of engine attached to it? - ANSWER
outboard, inboard, and stern drive
Federal Law mandates that the steering or helm area of a power boat less than 20 feet
in length must have which of the following? - ANSWER Capacity Plate
Where can you find the maximum horsepower for your boat? - ANSWER Capacity Plate
Which of the following indicates the STARBOARD side of this vessel? - ANSWER
drivers side of boat (left side)
Which of the following indicates the PORT side of this vessel? - ANSWER left side of
boat (passenger side)
Which of the following indicates the STERN of this vessel? - ANSWER back of the boat
Which of the following is a characteristic common to both Type II: Near-Shore Buoyant
Vest and Type III: Flotation Aid? - ANSWER They are designed for calm, inland water
Which of the following is the proper washing procedure for your Personal Flotation
Device (PFD)? - ANSWER Mild soap and water
Which of the following is a characteristic of a properly fitted personal flotation device
(PFD)? - ANSWER Should be relatively snug fit
When encountering a powerboat in darkness or reduced visibility, what do visible white
and green lights indicate? - ANSWER Approaching starboard side of powerboat
Which type of personal flotation device (PFD) has the greatest amount of buoyancy? -
ANSWER Type 1 - offshore
The carburetors on inboard mounted gasoline engines must be equipped with an
approved back-fire flame arrestor. What purpose does having a back-fire flame arrestor
, play? - ANSWER To prevent back fire which results when unburned exhaust collects in
the engine area
When is it most important that a power-driven vessel exhibit the proper navigation
lights? - ANSWER When away from dock after sunset
As a MINIMUM requirement, a boat that is less than 26 feet in length with an installed
fuel tank must have what type of fire extinguisher onboard? - ANSWER B 1
Which of the following would be considered the most hazardous condition on board a
vessel? - ANSWER Not having enough life jackets
Which of the following is an accurate description of a Type I: Offshore Life Jacket
(PFD)? - ANSWER Designed for open, rough and remote waters
Which of the following would indicate foul weather might be approaching? - ANSWER
Rapid change in weather
Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding a pre-departure checklist? -
ANSWER Should be used before each trip, regardless of length
Why should a boat's gas tank never be completely filled? - ANSWER Gas needs room
to expand inside the tank
Which of the following is a proper fueling tip? - ANSWER Ensure that the engine is off
and no one is onboard
When a storm hits while a vessel is underway, the operator should do which of the
following? - ANSWER Ensure that all of those aboard are wearing a personal flotation
device
What is a CRITICAL step to take before launching your boat? - ANSWER Insert the
drain plug
From which direction does foul weather typically approach? - ANSWER West
What should an operator keep in mind when preparing a boat for safe towing? -
ANSWER An appropriate hitch and safety chains should be used
If your engine stops while you are trying to reach the shore during a storm, what should
you do? - ANSWER Drop an anchor from the bow
When launching your boat, when should you start and test the engine? - ANSWER In
the water with the winch line still attached
