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NJ Boating Test Questions and Correct
Answers
How should a boat's registration number and validation decal be
displayed? Ans: — on both sides of the bow
What are the most important factors in choosing a PFD? Ans: —
weight and chest size
Information on the capacity plate Ans: — number of people, max
weight, sometimes max horsepower
Best way to find out about local hazards Ans: — nautical chart
Minimum age to operate a PWC Ans: — 16 years old
Type of PFD that turns most people face up Ans: — off-shore PFD
(type 1)
Who is responsible for making sure passengers know all safety
information? Ans: — the operator
Best place to store a fire extinguisher Ans: — in an easily
accessible place
When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced? Ans: — when
it is torn
What effect does alcohol have on operating a vessel? Ans: —
increases the likelihood of an accident
In federally controlled waters, what equipment is required on an
18 foot boat? Ans: — USCG approved visual distress signal, PFD,
throwable device
sound producing device required on an 18 ft boat in NJ waters
Ans: — horn or whistle
What factors provide warning of dangerous weather? Ans: — dark
clouds and shifting winds
part of a regular engine maintenance program Ans: — check the
oil
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
With respect to the wind or current, how should you approach the
dock? Ans: — into the wind
What should you do before fueling? Ans: — stop the engine, close
all doors/windows/hatches
Where should the trailer be located when loading gear? Ans: —
well away from the dock
how to avoid propeller strikes when boarding Ans: — turn of
engine
What is a reason why boat operators would be directed to shore?
Ans: — not enough PFDs on board
What is the best way of minimizing the risk of drowning? Ans: —
wearing a life jacket
how to avoid transporting nuisance species Ans: — clean hull,
clear bilge, clear off zebra mussels
boat operator should tell passengers Ans: — basic safety
information and the location of safety equipment
function of an ignition safety switch Ans: — kills the engine if it
comes off
How far away from a marina, dock, or wharf must a power boat be
to travel faster than no wake speed? Ans: — 200 feet
effect of alcohol while boating compared to land Ans: — greater
while boating
boating while intoxicated in NJ waters Ans: — boating in NJ =
implied consent for breathilizer
Who is responsible for avoiding collisions? Ans: — the operator
What is a safe speed for boats? Ans: — a speed at which the
operator can avoid collisions
What is the main purpose of the lateral system of red and green
buoys/markers? Ans: — to mark the edge of safe waters
© 2025 All rights reserved
NJ Boating Test Questions and Correct
Answers
How should a boat's registration number and validation decal be
displayed? Ans: — on both sides of the bow
What are the most important factors in choosing a PFD? Ans: —
weight and chest size
Information on the capacity plate Ans: — number of people, max
weight, sometimes max horsepower
Best way to find out about local hazards Ans: — nautical chart
Minimum age to operate a PWC Ans: — 16 years old
Type of PFD that turns most people face up Ans: — off-shore PFD
(type 1)
Who is responsible for making sure passengers know all safety
information? Ans: — the operator
Best place to store a fire extinguisher Ans: — in an easily
accessible place
When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced? Ans: — when
it is torn
What effect does alcohol have on operating a vessel? Ans: —
increases the likelihood of an accident
In federally controlled waters, what equipment is required on an
18 foot boat? Ans: — USCG approved visual distress signal, PFD,
throwable device
sound producing device required on an 18 ft boat in NJ waters
Ans: — horn or whistle
What factors provide warning of dangerous weather? Ans: — dark
clouds and shifting winds
part of a regular engine maintenance program Ans: — check the
oil
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
With respect to the wind or current, how should you approach the
dock? Ans: — into the wind
What should you do before fueling? Ans: — stop the engine, close
all doors/windows/hatches
Where should the trailer be located when loading gear? Ans: —
well away from the dock
how to avoid propeller strikes when boarding Ans: — turn of
engine
What is a reason why boat operators would be directed to shore?
Ans: — not enough PFDs on board
What is the best way of minimizing the risk of drowning? Ans: —
wearing a life jacket
how to avoid transporting nuisance species Ans: — clean hull,
clear bilge, clear off zebra mussels
boat operator should tell passengers Ans: — basic safety
information and the location of safety equipment
function of an ignition safety switch Ans: — kills the engine if it
comes off
How far away from a marina, dock, or wharf must a power boat be
to travel faster than no wake speed? Ans: — 200 feet
effect of alcohol while boating compared to land Ans: — greater
while boating
boating while intoxicated in NJ waters Ans: — boating in NJ =
implied consent for breathilizer
Who is responsible for avoiding collisions? Ans: — the operator
What is a safe speed for boats? Ans: — a speed at which the
operator can avoid collisions
What is the main purpose of the lateral system of red and green
buoys/markers? Ans: — to mark the edge of safe waters
© 2025 All rights reserved
