Massachusetts Boating Test – Complete Verified Questions and Answers with Explanations

Massachusetts Boating Test 2025-2026 –
Complete Verified Questions and Answers with
Explanations



INTRODUCTION:



This document provides the full set of Massachusetts boating test
questions with correct, verified, and detailed answers for the 2025–
2026 exam period. It covers essential boating safety, navigation
rules, equipment requirements, emergency procedures, and
Massachusetts-specific boating laws. The material is a 100%
complete solution, making it highly useful for students preparing for
the official boating exam.




EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:



You should never anchor from the ___ of the vessel as that can
make the vessel unstable. --- correct answer ---Stern



To maintain steering control of a PWC, you must never allow the
engine to ___ or ___. --- correct answer ---Return to idle or shut off

,The most common complaints boaters have against PWC operators
are ___ and ___. --- correct answer ---Wake jumping and riding too
close



As a courtesy to other boaters and people on shore, PWC operators
should ___ the operating area. --- correct answer ---Vary



Name a safety device that shuts the engine off if the operator is
thrown from the proper operating position. --- correct answer ---
Emergency Ignition Safety Switch



To avoid propeller strike accidents, make sure ___ when passengers
are boarding or disembarking a boat. --- correct answer ---The
engine is shut off



The ___ is a number assigned and imprinted by the vessel
manufacturer and is unique to your vessel. --- correct answer ---
Hull Identification Number



Allowing passengers to ride on the ___ or ___while underway is
reckless operation. --- correct answer ---Bow or gunwale



If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above the legal limit, it
is illegal to ___ a vessel. --- correct answer ---Operate

,In order for a PFD to be legal, it must be ___-approved, in ___
condition, and ___ accessible. --- correct answer ---U.S. Coast
Guard approved, in good and serviceable condition, and readily
accessible



Name the five types of PFDs. --- correct answer ---I) Offshore life
Jacket

II) Near-shore Vest

III) Flotation aid

IV) Throwable device

V) Special-use device



These Type ___ PFDs are ___ devices, and most states require at
least one of these to be on board vessels 16 feet in length or longer.
--- correct answer ---Type IV PFDs are throwable devices



PWC operations, no matter what age, must wear an approved ___
whenever underway. --- correct answer ---Personal Flotation
Device (PFD)



Fire extinguishers should be placed in an area that is ___ and not
near the ___. --- correct answer ---Accessible and not near the
engine

, It is recommended that you wait at least ___ minutes after turning
on your vessel's blower (if so equipped) and before starting your
engine. --- correct answer ---Four



For an 18-foot-powerboat, required navigation lights include a red
light on the ___, a green light on the ___, and ___. --- correct
answer ---Red light on the port (left), a green light on the starboard
(right), and a white light



A 16-foot canoe away from dock after dark must have on hand at
least a ___ or ___. --- correct answer ---Flashlight or lantern



Name two visual distress signals (VDSs) for use at night. --- correct
answer ---I) Red flares

II) Red meteors

III) Electric Light



Describe the appearance of a divers flag. --- correct answer ---Red
flag with white diagonal stripe



If an observer is on board when pulling a skier behind a vessel, the
vessel should be rated to carry at least ___ people. --- correct
answer ---Three