Maryland Boating Exam UPDATED Exam
Questions and CORRECT Answers
When operating a powerboat, when would you need to possess an approved Certificate of Boater
Safety Education (license)? - CORRECT ANSWER - If you are born after July 1, 1972.
In addition to the registration numbers on the side of the boat, what else is required? -
CORRECT ANSWER - A valid State registration decal.
When is a child required to wear a PFD with a grab handle? - CORRECT ANSWER -
When under the age of 4.
How many PFDs do you need on board? - CORRECT ANSWER - You need a PFD for
each person, and a throwable PFD (Type IV)
What type of PFD is made for rough and remote waters? - CORRECT ANSWER - A Type
1 PFD.
What type of PFD is made to be thrown to someone? - CORRECT ANSWER - A Type 4
PFD.
At what age on a boat less than 21 feet must a person wear a PFD? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Below age 13.
Should PFD'S be orange and stored in a locked compartment? - CORRECT ANSWER -
No, they don't have to be orange, and they should be accessible at all times.
If you anchor after sunset, what light must you turn on? - CORRECT ANSWER - The all-
round white light.
, What vessels must be registered in Maryland? - CORRECT ANSWER - Power boats,
PWC's, and sailboats with engines (any vessel with power).
How old do you have to be operate a boat? - CORRECT ANSWER - 12 on all vessels
except for PWC's, they must be 16.
How many visual distress signals are needed? - CORRECT ANSWER - 3 day/night.
What does it mean when you see orange smoke on the water? - CORRECT ANSWER -
An emergency situation.
Which type of engine needs a backfire flame arrestor? - CORRECT ANSWER - Gasoline
inboard engines.
At what depth must a PWC operate at idle speed (minimum wake speed)? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Less than 18 inches.
What should be the tongue weight of the boat and trailer? - CORRECT ANSWER - 10%
What happens if the tongue weight of a boat is too little? - CORRECT ANSWER - The
trailer will sway/fishtail.
When should a ventilation system be operated? - CORRECT ANSWER - After fueling or
before starting the engine.
What should you do when operating a boat in high waves? - CORRECT ANSWER - Close
windows and hatches, secure loose items, slow down, and head into the waves at a 45 degree
angle. PWC's should head straight for the waves.
From which direction does does most bad weather come from? - CORRECT ANSWER -
West.
Questions and CORRECT Answers
When operating a powerboat, when would you need to possess an approved Certificate of Boater
Safety Education (license)? - CORRECT ANSWER - If you are born after July 1, 1972.
In addition to the registration numbers on the side of the boat, what else is required? -
CORRECT ANSWER - A valid State registration decal.
When is a child required to wear a PFD with a grab handle? - CORRECT ANSWER -
When under the age of 4.
How many PFDs do you need on board? - CORRECT ANSWER - You need a PFD for
each person, and a throwable PFD (Type IV)
What type of PFD is made for rough and remote waters? - CORRECT ANSWER - A Type
1 PFD.
What type of PFD is made to be thrown to someone? - CORRECT ANSWER - A Type 4
PFD.
At what age on a boat less than 21 feet must a person wear a PFD? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Below age 13.
Should PFD'S be orange and stored in a locked compartment? - CORRECT ANSWER -
No, they don't have to be orange, and they should be accessible at all times.
If you anchor after sunset, what light must you turn on? - CORRECT ANSWER - The all-
round white light.
, What vessels must be registered in Maryland? - CORRECT ANSWER - Power boats,
PWC's, and sailboats with engines (any vessel with power).
How old do you have to be operate a boat? - CORRECT ANSWER - 12 on all vessels
except for PWC's, they must be 16.
How many visual distress signals are needed? - CORRECT ANSWER - 3 day/night.
What does it mean when you see orange smoke on the water? - CORRECT ANSWER -
An emergency situation.
Which type of engine needs a backfire flame arrestor? - CORRECT ANSWER - Gasoline
inboard engines.
At what depth must a PWC operate at idle speed (minimum wake speed)? - CORRECT
ANSWER - Less than 18 inches.
What should be the tongue weight of the boat and trailer? - CORRECT ANSWER - 10%
What happens if the tongue weight of a boat is too little? - CORRECT ANSWER - The
trailer will sway/fishtail.
When should a ventilation system be operated? - CORRECT ANSWER - After fueling or
before starting the engine.
What should you do when operating a boat in high waves? - CORRECT ANSWER - Close
windows and hatches, secure loose items, slow down, and head into the waves at a 45 degree
angle. PWC's should head straight for the waves.
From which direction does does most bad weather come from? - CORRECT ANSWER -
West.
