NEW JERSEY BOATING SAFETY
CERTIFICATE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of the Navigation Rules?
A. To prevent collisions on the water
B. To provide fishing guidelines
C. To set boat registration fees
D. To determine boat sizes
Answer: A
The Navigation Rules are like “rules of the road” for boats to help
avoid collisions and ensure safe operation on the water.
2. When must navigation lights be displayed?
A. Only during the day
B. From sunset to sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility
C. Only when anchored
, D. Only when in motion
Answer: B
Navigation lights help other boaters see you and determine your
position and direction when visibility is limited.
3. What should a vessel operator do when encountering a fishing vessel
displaying restricted maneuverability signals?
A. Speed up and pass quickly
B. Maintain course and speed
C. Keep out of the way
D. Sound the horn continuously
Answer: C
Vessels with restricted maneuverability, like fishing boats, have the
right of way. Other boats must yield.
4. What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating?
A. Carry an air horn
B. Take a boating course
C. Wear a life jacket at all times
D. Use sunscreen
Answer: C
Most boating fatalities are drownings, and life jackets significantly
increase survival chances.
5. When operating at greater than “no wake” speed, how far must you
stay away from the shoreline, swimmers, or docks in New Jersey?
, A. 50 feet
B. 100 feet
C. 150 feet
D. 200 feet
Answer: D
New Jersey law requires staying at least 200 feet away to prevent
wakes that could endanger people or property.
6. Which type of PFD must be readily accessible for each person on
board?
A. Type IV throwable only
B. Inflatable cushion
C. Approved wearable Type I, II, III, or V PFD
D. An unapproved vest
Answer: C
The law requires each person to have a properly fitting, USCG-
approved wearable PFD.
7. What is the purpose of a capacity plate?
A. To show engine maintenance schedules
B. To list the maximum safe load and horsepower
C. To show warranty information
D. To provide the owner’s name
Answer: B
CERTIFICATE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
1. What is the primary purpose of the Navigation Rules?
A. To prevent collisions on the water
B. To provide fishing guidelines
C. To set boat registration fees
D. To determine boat sizes
Answer: A
The Navigation Rules are like “rules of the road” for boats to help
avoid collisions and ensure safe operation on the water.
2. When must navigation lights be displayed?
A. Only during the day
B. From sunset to sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility
C. Only when anchored
, D. Only when in motion
Answer: B
Navigation lights help other boaters see you and determine your
position and direction when visibility is limited.
3. What should a vessel operator do when encountering a fishing vessel
displaying restricted maneuverability signals?
A. Speed up and pass quickly
B. Maintain course and speed
C. Keep out of the way
D. Sound the horn continuously
Answer: C
Vessels with restricted maneuverability, like fishing boats, have the
right of way. Other boats must yield.
4. What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating?
A. Carry an air horn
B. Take a boating course
C. Wear a life jacket at all times
D. Use sunscreen
Answer: C
Most boating fatalities are drownings, and life jackets significantly
increase survival chances.
5. When operating at greater than “no wake” speed, how far must you
stay away from the shoreline, swimmers, or docks in New Jersey?
, A. 50 feet
B. 100 feet
C. 150 feet
D. 200 feet
Answer: D
New Jersey law requires staying at least 200 feet away to prevent
wakes that could endanger people or property.
6. Which type of PFD must be readily accessible for each person on
board?
A. Type IV throwable only
B. Inflatable cushion
C. Approved wearable Type I, II, III, or V PFD
D. An unapproved vest
Answer: C
The law requires each person to have a properly fitting, USCG-
approved wearable PFD.
7. What is the purpose of a capacity plate?
A. To show engine maintenance schedules
B. To list the maximum safe load and horsepower
C. To show warranty information
D. To provide the owner’s name
Answer: B
