ALABAMA BOATING TEST EXAM
2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% PASS
How should a vessel's registration number and validation decal be displayed? - ANS C. On
both sides of bow of boat
What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger? - ANS C. Passenger's
body weight and chest size
What important safety information is found on a boat's capacity plate? - ANS C. Maximum
weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely
What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway? - ANS A. Consult a
nautical chart
According to Alabama law, what operators are required to have completed an approved
boating course in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC)? - ANS C. Operators who are
12 years of age or older.
Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water? - ANS A. Type 1
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026
, Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is responsible for
ensuring this? - ANS A. The vessel operator
Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? - ANS C. Mounted in an
accessible location
When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced? - ANS B. When it is slightly torn
What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel? - ANS D. Increase the
likelihood of accidents
When boating on federally controlled waters in an 18-foot boat, what equipment are you
legally required to have on board? - ANS B. A U.S. Coast Guard-Approved visual distress
signals
What sound-producing device(s) is required when boating on Alabama waters in an 18-foot
powerboat? - ANS D. A whistle, a horn, or another sound device
Which of these provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching? - ANS D. Dark
clouds and shifting winds
What id one part of a regular vessel engine maintenance program? - ANS B. Checking the oil
level before every outing
How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel? - ANS A. Into the wind or
current, whichever is stronger
What should you do before fueling your boat? - ANS B. Turn off the engine and close all
windows, ports, doors, and other openings
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026
2025/2026 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% PASS
How should a vessel's registration number and validation decal be displayed? - ANS C. On
both sides of bow of boat
What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger? - ANS C. Passenger's
body weight and chest size
What important safety information is found on a boat's capacity plate? - ANS C. Maximum
weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely
What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway? - ANS A. Consult a
nautical chart
According to Alabama law, what operators are required to have completed an approved
boating course in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC)? - ANS C. Operators who are
12 years of age or older.
Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water? - ANS A. Type 1
1 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026
, Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is responsible for
ensuring this? - ANS A. The vessel operator
Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? - ANS C. Mounted in an
accessible location
When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced? - ANS B. When it is slightly torn
What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel? - ANS D. Increase the
likelihood of accidents
When boating on federally controlled waters in an 18-foot boat, what equipment are you
legally required to have on board? - ANS B. A U.S. Coast Guard-Approved visual distress
signals
What sound-producing device(s) is required when boating on Alabama waters in an 18-foot
powerboat? - ANS D. A whistle, a horn, or another sound device
Which of these provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching? - ANS D. Dark
clouds and shifting winds
What id one part of a regular vessel engine maintenance program? - ANS B. Checking the oil
level before every outing
How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel? - ANS A. Into the wind or
current, whichever is stronger
What should you do before fueling your boat? - ANS B. Turn off the engine and close all
windows, ports, doors, and other openings
2 @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026