BOAT ED PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS (GRADED A+)
What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water? - ANSWER-Try to reboard
your boat, even if it is swamped.
Under federal law, which type of boat must have a capacity plate? - ANSWER-single-
hull boats less than 20 feet in length
What should you leave with a friend or relative before a long outing on the water? -
ANSWER-float plan
What is the best way to check for gas fumes after fueling a PWC? - ANSWER-smell for
fumes
What is good for cleaning your vessel and does not harm lakes or rivers? - ANSWER-
non-phosphate products
You are getting ready to launch your boat. Where should you park to load your
equipment and gear? - ANSWER-well away from the boat ramp and approach lane
When preparing to dock, what is the safest way to stop the forward motion of your boat?
- ANSWER-shift into reverse gear
When must navigation lights be displayed? - ANSWER-From sunset to sunrise and
when visibility is restricted
A PWC is overtaking another vessel. Which vessel must give way? - ANSWER-The
PWC
What should the operator of a stand-on vessel do when encountering a give-way
vessel? - ANSWER-Maintain course and speed unless the give-way vessel does not
take action.
What should you do to avoid colliding with another vessel? - ANSWER-keep a proper
lookout for other vessels at all times
Which operators are required to maintain a proper lookout? - ANSWER-those operating
any type of vessel
What is every vessel operator required to do? - ANSWER-Take all necessary action to
avoid a collision.
, You are operating during a period of restricted visibility. What should you do? -
ANSWER-Operate with caution and slow to "idle speed."
Which of these is a factor when determining the safe speed for a vessel? - ANSWER-
traffic density
Which of these would be considered a safe speed? - ANSWER-being able to stop within
an appropriate distance
How do most anchors hold a recreational boat in place? - ANSWER-by digging into the
bottom when pulled horizontally
You are traveling upstream on a river at dusk. You see a buoy with the number 4 and a
flashing red light. What should you do? - ANSWER-Keep the buoy on your starboard
(right) side.
What color is a marker that indicates safe water on all sides? - ANSWER-white with red
vertical stripes
How can propeller strike accidents be avoided? - ANSWER-Turn off the engine when
passengers are boarding
Where is the steering nozzle located on a PWC? - ANSWER-at the back of the unit
What should a PWC operator do to minimize the risk of accident or injury? - ANSWER-
Be aware of all traffic in the boating area.
The motor on a PWC is running. Which part of the PWC can cause severe internal
injuries? - ANSWER-steering nozzle
Which of these is most likely to create a boating hazard around river bridges? -
ANSWER-debris collecting around pilings
A fire extinguisher is labeled 5-B. What type of fire will be put out by this extinguisher? -
ANSWER-gasoline
Whom should you contact if you see suspicious activities on the waterways? -
ANSWER-U.S. Coast Guard
Which PFDs would be considered readily accessible? - ANSWER-PFDs located within
easy reach of everyone on board
Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious people face up in the water? - ANSWER-
Type 1
AND ANSWERS (GRADED A+)
What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water? - ANSWER-Try to reboard
your boat, even if it is swamped.
Under federal law, which type of boat must have a capacity plate? - ANSWER-single-
hull boats less than 20 feet in length
What should you leave with a friend or relative before a long outing on the water? -
ANSWER-float plan
What is the best way to check for gas fumes after fueling a PWC? - ANSWER-smell for
fumes
What is good for cleaning your vessel and does not harm lakes or rivers? - ANSWER-
non-phosphate products
You are getting ready to launch your boat. Where should you park to load your
equipment and gear? - ANSWER-well away from the boat ramp and approach lane
When preparing to dock, what is the safest way to stop the forward motion of your boat?
- ANSWER-shift into reverse gear
When must navigation lights be displayed? - ANSWER-From sunset to sunrise and
when visibility is restricted
A PWC is overtaking another vessel. Which vessel must give way? - ANSWER-The
PWC
What should the operator of a stand-on vessel do when encountering a give-way
vessel? - ANSWER-Maintain course and speed unless the give-way vessel does not
take action.
What should you do to avoid colliding with another vessel? - ANSWER-keep a proper
lookout for other vessels at all times
Which operators are required to maintain a proper lookout? - ANSWER-those operating
any type of vessel
What is every vessel operator required to do? - ANSWER-Take all necessary action to
avoid a collision.
, You are operating during a period of restricted visibility. What should you do? -
ANSWER-Operate with caution and slow to "idle speed."
Which of these is a factor when determining the safe speed for a vessel? - ANSWER-
traffic density
Which of these would be considered a safe speed? - ANSWER-being able to stop within
an appropriate distance
How do most anchors hold a recreational boat in place? - ANSWER-by digging into the
bottom when pulled horizontally
You are traveling upstream on a river at dusk. You see a buoy with the number 4 and a
flashing red light. What should you do? - ANSWER-Keep the buoy on your starboard
(right) side.
What color is a marker that indicates safe water on all sides? - ANSWER-white with red
vertical stripes
How can propeller strike accidents be avoided? - ANSWER-Turn off the engine when
passengers are boarding
Where is the steering nozzle located on a PWC? - ANSWER-at the back of the unit
What should a PWC operator do to minimize the risk of accident or injury? - ANSWER-
Be aware of all traffic in the boating area.
The motor on a PWC is running. Which part of the PWC can cause severe internal
injuries? - ANSWER-steering nozzle
Which of these is most likely to create a boating hazard around river bridges? -
ANSWER-debris collecting around pilings
A fire extinguisher is labeled 5-B. What type of fire will be put out by this extinguisher? -
ANSWER-gasoline
Whom should you contact if you see suspicious activities on the waterways? -
ANSWER-U.S. Coast Guard
Which PFDs would be considered readily accessible? - ANSWER-PFDs located within
easy reach of everyone on board
Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious people face up in the water? - ANSWER-
Type 1
