Ri Boating License Test UPDATED Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
When must navigation lights be displayed? - Correct Answer- from sunset to sunrise AND
during periods of restricted visibility
How does the effect of alcohol consumed while boating compare to the effect on land? -
Correct Answer- much greater effect while boating
How do you avoid overloading your vessel? - Correct Answer- Don't allow the load weight or
number of passengers to exceed the maximum stated on the capacity plate
A boat's capacity plate gives the maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry
safely in certain weather conditions. What are these conditions? - Correct Answer- in good
weather
How full should you fill the fuel tank on a PWC? - Correct Answer- leave a little empty space
in the tank
What determines how many wearable PFDs are required on a vessel - Correct Answer-
number of persons on board
Under which condition is a person at the greatest risk of developing hypothermia? - Correct
Answer- when immersed in cold water
Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? - Correct Answer- in a readily
accessible locatoion
What do the rating symbols on a fire extinguisher indicate? - Correct Answer- type of fire it
will extinguish and relative size of extinguisher
What is the purpose of an inboard engine's ventilation system? - Correct Answer- avoid
explosions by removing flammable gases
, What sound-producing device(s) is required when boating on Rhode Island waters in an 18-
foot powerboat? - Correct Answer- some means of making an efficient sound signal capable
of a FOUR-second blast
What does a falling barometer indicate? - Correct Answer- foul weather approaching
Which action may cause the loss of steering ability in a PWC? - Correct Answer- letting off
the throttle control
What part of a low-head dam poses the greatest hazard from a strong, recirculating current or
boil? - Correct Answer- base of the dam
Which of these should you leave with a friend or relative before taking an extended outing on
the water? - Correct Answer- float plan for your trip
Which side of a vessel has a green light at night? - Correct Answer- starboard (right) side
When should you turn on the power ventilation system to help eliminate vapors in the bilge? -
Correct Answer- after fueling and before starting the engine
Which PFD is designed to be thrown to someone in the water? - Correct Answer- ring buoy
What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway? - Correct Answer-
consult a nautical chart
Why should you avoid operating your PWC above "slow, no wake speed" near shore? -
Correct Answer- it helps prevent erosion
What should a vessel operator do to keep a proper lookout? - Correct Answer- watch for
navigational hazards
In Rhode Island, how far must a PWC operating at more than "headway speed" stay from
swimmers, divers, the shoreline, or moored vessels? - Correct Answer- 200 feet
Questions and CORRECT Answers
When must navigation lights be displayed? - Correct Answer- from sunset to sunrise AND
during periods of restricted visibility
How does the effect of alcohol consumed while boating compare to the effect on land? -
Correct Answer- much greater effect while boating
How do you avoid overloading your vessel? - Correct Answer- Don't allow the load weight or
number of passengers to exceed the maximum stated on the capacity plate
A boat's capacity plate gives the maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry
safely in certain weather conditions. What are these conditions? - Correct Answer- in good
weather
How full should you fill the fuel tank on a PWC? - Correct Answer- leave a little empty space
in the tank
What determines how many wearable PFDs are required on a vessel - Correct Answer-
number of persons on board
Under which condition is a person at the greatest risk of developing hypothermia? - Correct
Answer- when immersed in cold water
Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? - Correct Answer- in a readily
accessible locatoion
What do the rating symbols on a fire extinguisher indicate? - Correct Answer- type of fire it
will extinguish and relative size of extinguisher
What is the purpose of an inboard engine's ventilation system? - Correct Answer- avoid
explosions by removing flammable gases
, What sound-producing device(s) is required when boating on Rhode Island waters in an 18-
foot powerboat? - Correct Answer- some means of making an efficient sound signal capable
of a FOUR-second blast
What does a falling barometer indicate? - Correct Answer- foul weather approaching
Which action may cause the loss of steering ability in a PWC? - Correct Answer- letting off
the throttle control
What part of a low-head dam poses the greatest hazard from a strong, recirculating current or
boil? - Correct Answer- base of the dam
Which of these should you leave with a friend or relative before taking an extended outing on
the water? - Correct Answer- float plan for your trip
Which side of a vessel has a green light at night? - Correct Answer- starboard (right) side
When should you turn on the power ventilation system to help eliminate vapors in the bilge? -
Correct Answer- after fueling and before starting the engine
Which PFD is designed to be thrown to someone in the water? - Correct Answer- ring buoy
What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway? - Correct Answer-
consult a nautical chart
Why should you avoid operating your PWC above "slow, no wake speed" near shore? -
Correct Answer- it helps prevent erosion
What should a vessel operator do to keep a proper lookout? - Correct Answer- watch for
navigational hazards
In Rhode Island, how far must a PWC operating at more than "headway speed" stay from
swimmers, divers, the shoreline, or moored vessels? - Correct Answer- 200 feet
