CALIFORNIA BOATING EVALUATION EXAMS QUESTIONS
AND SOLUTIONS 2025/2026 GRADED A+
✔✔Which of the following is a feature of a type IV floating device? - ✔✔it is designed to
be thrown
✔✔What is a characteristic of a Type III life jacket? - ✔✔it will not turn most
unconscious wearers face-up
✔✔When selecting a life jacket, what should be the most important consideration? -
✔✔size
✔✔What is the purpose of filing a float plan? - ✔✔to provide important information in
case of an emergency
✔✔In the United States, what is the VHF radio safety and distress calling channel? -
✔✔16
✔✔What is the best way to avoid running aground? - ✔✔looking at a nautical chart
✔✔What does a boat's capacity plate indicate? - ✔✔the safe load carrying capacity
✔✔When performing self rescue, when should you swim to shore? - ✔✔as the last
resort
✔✔What type of report must be filed if there is an accident while boating? - ✔✔Boating
Accident Report
✔✔What should you do first when a vessel capsizes? - ✔✔take a head count and
ensure all are wearing life jackets
✔✔What type of Boating Emergency causes the most fatalities? - ✔✔capsizing
✔✔A boat operating in a narrow channel is required to keep as close as is safe to what
side? - ✔✔side closest to starboard
✔✔What action should be taken when nearing a bend in a narrow channel? - ✔✔stay to
the starboard edge of the channel and signal one prolonged blast
✔✔Who has the primary responsibility for the safety of all persons aboard a recreational
boat? - ✔✔boat operator
✔✔What equipment is required to be on a trailer? - ✔✔lights
, ✔✔When retrieving a boat at a ramp what should be avoided? - ✔✔power loading onto
the trailer
✔✔Personal water craft are considered what type of vessel? - ✔✔powered
✔✔The US Coast Guard considers personal watercraft what kind of boat? -
✔✔recreational powerboat
✔✔Other than a PFD, what two things must be aboard every personal watercraft? -
✔✔fire extinguisher and a sound producing device
✔✔For most anchoring situations, which is the best type of anchor line? - ✔✔three-
strand twisted nylon
✔✔In a crossing situation, which vessel is required to maintain its course and speed? -
✔✔stand-on boat
✔✔Inboard gasoline boats built after July 31st, 1981 must have what type of ventilation
system? - ✔✔mechanical
✔✔Boating safety advocates suggest that adults wear a life jacket during what activity?
- ✔✔at all times when on the water
✔✔A properly fitted wearable PFD should have which characteristics? - ✔✔keep the
head and chin above the water
✔✔Which is a characteristic of low head dams? - ✔✔they pose hazards both above and
below dams
✔✔Which of the following is recommended when docking your boat? - ✔✔use lines and
cleats to help maneuver your boat
✔✔Which of the following is a good way to prevent accidental carbon monoxide
poisoning? - ✔✔keep the boat well ventilated
✔✔California
Peace officers on the waterways of California have the authority to do which of the
following? - ✔✔stop and inspect vessels for safety violations
✔✔What is the maximum speed for a no-wake speed in California? - ✔✔5 mph
AND SOLUTIONS 2025/2026 GRADED A+
✔✔Which of the following is a feature of a type IV floating device? - ✔✔it is designed to
be thrown
✔✔What is a characteristic of a Type III life jacket? - ✔✔it will not turn most
unconscious wearers face-up
✔✔When selecting a life jacket, what should be the most important consideration? -
✔✔size
✔✔What is the purpose of filing a float plan? - ✔✔to provide important information in
case of an emergency
✔✔In the United States, what is the VHF radio safety and distress calling channel? -
✔✔16
✔✔What is the best way to avoid running aground? - ✔✔looking at a nautical chart
✔✔What does a boat's capacity plate indicate? - ✔✔the safe load carrying capacity
✔✔When performing self rescue, when should you swim to shore? - ✔✔as the last
resort
✔✔What type of report must be filed if there is an accident while boating? - ✔✔Boating
Accident Report
✔✔What should you do first when a vessel capsizes? - ✔✔take a head count and
ensure all are wearing life jackets
✔✔What type of Boating Emergency causes the most fatalities? - ✔✔capsizing
✔✔A boat operating in a narrow channel is required to keep as close as is safe to what
side? - ✔✔side closest to starboard
✔✔What action should be taken when nearing a bend in a narrow channel? - ✔✔stay to
the starboard edge of the channel and signal one prolonged blast
✔✔Who has the primary responsibility for the safety of all persons aboard a recreational
boat? - ✔✔boat operator
✔✔What equipment is required to be on a trailer? - ✔✔lights
, ✔✔When retrieving a boat at a ramp what should be avoided? - ✔✔power loading onto
the trailer
✔✔Personal water craft are considered what type of vessel? - ✔✔powered
✔✔The US Coast Guard considers personal watercraft what kind of boat? -
✔✔recreational powerboat
✔✔Other than a PFD, what two things must be aboard every personal watercraft? -
✔✔fire extinguisher and a sound producing device
✔✔For most anchoring situations, which is the best type of anchor line? - ✔✔three-
strand twisted nylon
✔✔In a crossing situation, which vessel is required to maintain its course and speed? -
✔✔stand-on boat
✔✔Inboard gasoline boats built after July 31st, 1981 must have what type of ventilation
system? - ✔✔mechanical
✔✔Boating safety advocates suggest that adults wear a life jacket during what activity?
- ✔✔at all times when on the water
✔✔A properly fitted wearable PFD should have which characteristics? - ✔✔keep the
head and chin above the water
✔✔Which is a characteristic of low head dams? - ✔✔they pose hazards both above and
below dams
✔✔Which of the following is recommended when docking your boat? - ✔✔use lines and
cleats to help maneuver your boat
✔✔Which of the following is a good way to prevent accidental carbon monoxide
poisoning? - ✔✔keep the boat well ventilated
✔✔California
Peace officers on the waterways of California have the authority to do which of the
following? - ✔✔stop and inspect vessels for safety violations
✔✔What is the maximum speed for a no-wake speed in California? - ✔✔5 mph
