PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of the Tennessee Boating Safety
Education Certificate?
A) To register your boat
B) To reduce boat theft
C) To prove you know boating laws and safe practices
D) To get a boating license for other states
Answer: C
The certificate shows that you have completed the required
education and understand boating laws and safety practices in
Tennessee.
2. Who must have a Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate?
A) Anyone born before January 1, 1989
, B) Anyone born after January 1, 1989 who operates a vessel alone
C) Only boat owners
D) Anyone operating a boat over 26 feet
Answer: B
Operators born after January 1, 1989 must carry proof of boater
education when operating a vessel alone.
3. What should you do if you see a diver-down flag?
A) Steer toward it
B) Speed up to pass quickly
C) Maintain normal speed
D) Stay at least 100 feet away
Answer: D
This keeps divers safe from boat propellers and wake.
4. When are navigation lights required?
A) Only when moored
B) Between sunrise and sunset
C) Between sunset and sunrise or during restricted visibility
D) Only on sailboats
Answer: C
Lights help prevent collisions when visibility is poor.
5. What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for boat
operators in Tennessee?
A) 0.10%
, B) 0.02%
C) 0.08%
D) 0.15%
Answer: C
The same legal limit for driving a car applies to operating a boat.
6. What does a regulatory marker with an orange diamond mean?
A) Safe water
B) Danger
C) No wake
D) Controlled area
Answer: B
An orange diamond indicates a danger area like rocks or shoals.
7. Which type of fire extinguisher is required on a boat with an inboard
engine?
A) Type A
B) Type B
C) Type C
D) Type D
Answer: B
Type B extinguishers are for flammable liquids like fuel.
8. Where should a fire extinguisher be stored?
A) In the engine compartment
B) Near the stern