Comprehensive TEXAS - Boating Certification Final Exam Question and Answers [100% Correct] 2025/2026 Latest Release!!

Comprehensive TEXAS - Boating Certification Final Exam Question and Answers [100% Correct] 2025/2026 Latest Release!! What is one factor that should be considered when determining a safe speed for a vessel? traffic density What is a recommended practice for reducing the likelihood of a boating emergency? maintaining a safe speed based on the boat traffic What is a primary risk of anchoring a fishing boat from the stern? The boat may swamp. What do lateral markers help to identify? the edges of safe water areas When traveling upstream at dusk and encountering a buoy with the number 4 and a flashing red light, what should you do? Keep the buoy on your starboard (right) side. What type of marker is indicated by a white marker with red vertical stripes? safe water marker What color indicates a marker that signals safe water on all sides? white with red vertical stripes To avoid the risk of being run over by your own PWC or motorboat, what is the safest action? 1 Wear an engine cut-off switch lanyard. When operating a PWC, what occurs if the engine is turned off? You will keep going in the same direction with no steering control. Which action is safe for a PWC? seating two people behind the operator on a PWC rated for three What information would be found on a nautical chart for a harbor? channel locations Which type of PFD will most likely turn an unconscious person face up in the water? Type I What is the main benefit of a Type IV PFD? It is designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. How many unexpired visual distress signals must be carried on board when using pyrotechnic signals? three What is the first thing you must do if you are involved in a boating accident? Stop and render aid to other persons affected by the accident. Why should you avoid spreading non-native species between waterways? to protect the native species in the water How can you reduce the risk of capsizing or swamping your boat in rough water? Turn at controlled speeds. 2 If a passenger shows symptoms like irritated eyes, headache, nausea, and dizziness, what injury should you suspect? carbon monoxide poisoning What is a legal requirement for PFDs? PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition. If your boat runs aground at high speed, what should be your first action? Make sure no one is injured. What should you do when caught in severe weather while boating? Slow down but maintain headway and steering. What is the proper procedure before firing a shot from a small boat? Stop the boat and turn off the motor. Anchor or secure the boat. When sharing public waterways, what is your responsibility regarding your boat's noise? Control the noise from your boat. If your boat capsizes but stays floating upside down, what should you do? Climb onto the bottom of the overturned boat. If a passenger falls overboard, what is the FIRST thing you should do? Reduce speed, and throw the victim a PFD. What must a person born after September 1, 1993, have to operate a powerboat with a motor over 15 horsepower without supervision? a boater education certification card 3 4 How old must someone be to operate a sailboat over 14 feet long unsupervised in Texas if they have boater education certification? at least 13 years of age In Texas, which action is legal when boating? operating outside of restricted areas What is the legal speed when operating a vessel on Texas waters? operating at a speed that allows you to stop the vessel safely What is the potential fine for operators convicted of BWI for the first time in Texas? a fine up to $2,000 What must children under 13 years of age wear while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet in Texas? must wear a USCG-approved PFD What is a legal sound-producing device for recreational vessels less than 39.4 feet long in Texas? human using a horn How far must vessels stay away from diver-down flags when operating in Texas? 50 feet What time frame is it legal to operate a PWC in Texas? sunrise to sunset What must you have when towing a person on water skis behind a PWC rated for two people? rearview mirror (at least four inches by four inches) 5 When must you report a boating accident to the TPWD by the quickest means possible? A person dies or disappears. How can you reduce heat loss when in cold water? Bring your knees to your chest and your arms to your sides. What is the best way to avoid overloading your boat? Don't exceed the limits listed on the capacity plate. What should you do before fueling your boat? Shut off the engine. Close all windows, ports, doors, and other openings. How should you approach a dock when facing strong wind or current? into the wind or current At night, which direction(s) should your green sidelight be visible from? head-on and starboard (right) What is the best way to avoid colliding with another vessel? Keep a proper lookout for other vessels at all times. What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water? Suppose you have a 19-foot boat. What information will be shown on your boat's capacity plate? maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely Under federal law, which type of boat must have a capacity plate? single-hull boats less than 20 feet in length What should you do with your float plan for a weekend water outing? relative. Leave it with a friend or You need to refuel your boat. When should you turn on the power ventilation system? fueling and before starting the engine What is the best way to check for gas fumes after fueling a PWC? How often should you check the engine oil level? Smell for fumes. before each outing What is the main function of a boat trailer's safety chains? after to support the trailer if the hitch or coupling breaks How should you approach a dock when the wind or current is pushing you away from the dock? Approach at a sharp angle (about 40 degrees). Secure the bow line first. You are docking your boat. The current is pushing you toward the dock. What is the best way to dock? Approach parallel to the dock. Let the current push you in. A sailboat is operating under sail at night. Which of these lights should be used? white sternlight You are operating a powerboat at night. You see green and white lights on another boat. What do these lights tell you? You are the stand-on vessel but be prepared to give way if necessary. When a sailboat is approaching a powerboat, which one is the give-way vessel? powerboat You encounter another boat. You assess the situation and determine that you are the give-way vessel. What must you do? Take early and substantial action to keep well away. 6 to keep a proper lookout What is your primary responsibility when other boats are in your area? and avoid a collision How does a vessel operator keep a proper lookout? What is every vessel operator required to do? by watching and listening Take all necessary action to avoid a collision. A powerboat is underway in the fog. What sound signal should you hear? every two minutes Which of these is a factor that determines if a speed is safe for your boat? How do you know when you are operating your vessel at a safe speed? avoid a collision. How do most anchors hold a recreational boat in place? one prolonged blast hazards in the water You have enough time to by digging into the bottom when pulled horizontally You are getting ready to retrieve your anchor. Where should you position your boat? the anchor How are nun buoys marked? red with even numbers You see a red buoy. What should you do? directly over Keep it on your right when heading upstream. You see a white buoy with orange markings and black lettering. What type of buoy is this? regulatory marker One type of marker is used to warn boaters not to pass between the marker and the shore. What color is this marker? white with black vertical stripes 7 How can propeller strike accidents be avoided? boarding. What is the main function of an engine cut-off switch? thrown overboard Turn off the engine when passengers are to shut off the engine if the operator is What is the most important thing to remember about steering a PWC? control when the engine is idling or shut off. You lose all steering You are operating a PWC. You are heading straight toward a dock. You turn the engine off and then turn the steering control hard right. Which way will the PWC go? It will continue straight toward the dock. Which part of a PWC is dangerous to your hands, feet, and hair? What is true about changing water levels? pump intake area Changing water levels can cause special hazards for boaters. All fire extinguishers are labeled with a letter and a number. What does the number indicate? relative size of the extinguisher Whom should you contact if you see suspicious activities on the waterways? Where is the best place to put PFDs while you are out on your boat? U.S. Coast Guard in an open bin near the passenger seats the You are boating in rough waters. If you have an emergency, rescue may take a while. Which type of PFD is recommended? offshore life jacket Which PFD is designed to be thrown to someone in the water? ring buoy 8 When is the best time to wear a PFD? at all times Which of the following visual distress signals is approved for use at night? red flare What is the first action required of a boat operator who is involved in a boating accident? provide assistance What should boaters do when operating a vessel on different waterways? to Avoid spreading non native species to another area. To minimize the risk of an accident, what should you do if your group plans to consume alcohol? Have a non-drinker operate the vessel. How does alcohol use affect boat operators and passengers? What is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard? Reaction time becomes slower. moving around the boat while underway Exhaust outlets are often located in the area under a boat's swim platform. This area should be strictly off limits. What is the danger if a swimmer enters this area? fatal carbon monoxide poisoning What should you do if the motor on your boat catches fire? What causes a PFD to wear out over time? Shut off the fuel supply if possible. exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun Which statement about PFDs is true? PFDs are difficult to put on in the water. What should you do FIRST if your boat runs aground? for leaks. Make sure no one is injured, and then check 9 Drop a sea anchor You are caught in a storm in your boat. Your engine stops. What should you do? off the bow. What can a vessel operator use to make sure he or she has everything needed for a safe trip? departure checklist What should anglers and hunters do when they are fishing or hunting from a boat? pre Wear a PFD at all times. How should you pass a fishing boat? with minimum wake and well away from fishing lines What should you do before letting someone else operate your boat? the minimum age and boater education requirements. Make sure the person meets Who is responsible for reviewing a pre-departure checklist before a boat outing? boat operator What is a leading cause of death for paddlers in small crafts, such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts? capsizing A skier signals that he or she is ready to go. When should the boat operator take off in a straight line? when there is no traffic ahead Your boat gets swamped far from shore. What should you do? help. Your boat capsizes and floats away. What should you do? help. Stay with the boat, and signal for Securely fasten your PFD, and wait for A passenger on a small boat falls overboard. How should this person be pulled back onto the boat? over the stern with the engine turned off 10 What document must be on board and available for inspection by enforcement officers whenever a vessel is operated? Certificate of Number (registration card) A person has boater education certification. According to Texas law, how old must this person be to operate a boat powered by a motor of 15 horsepower or more unsupervised? at least 13 years of age A person has boater education certification. According to Texas law, how old must this person be to operate a PWC unsupervised? at least 13 years of age at least 13 years of age Which of the following best describes "headway speed" under Texas boating law? at which it is still possible to maintain steering When may passengers legally ride on the bow or gunwale while a vessel is underway? considered illegal operation For a first conviction for BWI, how many days of jail time are included in the penalty? slowest speed never; it is up to 180 In Texas, what is the minimum blood alcohol concentration level for an operator to be considered intoxicated? 0.08% According to Texas law, who must wear a USCG-approved PFD? PWC person riding as a passenger on a Which vessels are required to carry on board a sound-producing device that can produce a signal audible for one-half mile? vessels 39.4 feet or more in length cWhat color flag is used to mark an area where people are snorkeling or scuba diving? white diagonal stripe red with a 11 The A person is operating a PWC within 50 feet from another boat. Which should the person do? person should operate at headway speed. When operating at greater than headway speed, how far must a PWC stay from another boat or PWC? at least 50 feet You are towing a skier with a PWC and have an observer on board. How many people must the PWC must be rated to carry? three According to Texas law, during what hours is it legal for a boat (other than a PWC) to tow a person on water skis? one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset Which of these accidents involving property damage requires the operator to report the accident by the quickest means possible? Total damage is more than $2,000. How do you treat a victim of cold water immersion? Seek medical help immediately. What is the important safety information found on a boat's capacity plate? and/or number of people the boat can carry safely maximum weight Suppose you have a 19-foot boat. What information will be shown on your boat's capacity plate? maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely What should be included on a float plan? How full should you fill the fuel tank on a PWC? your plans for the water outing Leave a little empty space in the tank. What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program? before every outing checking the oil level 12 You are overtaking When boating at night, what does a single white light on a boat tell you? another boat or it is anchored. You are operating a powerboat at night. You see red and white lights on another boat. What do these lights tell you? You must give way to the other vessel. A motorboat and a PWC are approaching head-on. What action should be taken? should turn to starboard (right). Both vessels You are approaching another boat. Assume that according to the navigation rules, you are the stand-on boat. Which exception to the rules means you must give way? The other boat has difficulty maneuvering. Why should a vessel operator keep a proper lookout? to avoid collisions You are out on the water in foggy conditions. You hear one prolonged blast every two minutes. What does this sound signal mean? I am a power-driven vessel underway. Two boats are operating in the same general area. Who is responsible for maintaining a sharp lookout? the operators of both boats Who may depart from the Navigation Rules? What determines if a speed is safe for your boat? anyone who needs to avoid a collision visibility conditions Which type of anchor should be used only for small, lightweight boats? What is the best way to retrieve an anchor? Pull the anchor straight up. mushroom-style You are traveling upstream on a river. You see a green square daymark. What should you do? the marker on your port (left) side. Keep 13 You see a buoy with both red and green bands. What does this buoy mark? channels What color are safe water markers? When is it difficult to reboard a PWC? white with red vertical stripes when you are very tired What should a PWC operator do to minimize the risk of accident or injury? in the boating area. the junction of two Be aware of all traffic When boating on coastal waters, it is important to be aware of the tides. What can tides cause? strong currents Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? Which of these actions is a homeland security violation? Naval vessel in a readily accessible location approaching within 100 yards of a U.S. What is most important when selecting the right type of PFD for a passenger? passenger's size What should you do to prevent the discharge of untreated waste from a Type I or Type II marine sanitation device (MSD)? Secure the Y valve so that it cannot be opened. How does having a pre-departure checklist help you? You have what you need for a safe trip. All vessels must have one wearable PFD for each person on board. Which vessels also must have one Type IV (throwable) PFD on board? vessels 16 feet or longer 14 Which of the following equipment is required for motor-driven vessels operating in Texas? effective muffling system Which of the following accurately describes the two types of diver-down flags? f lag and a rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe a blue-and-white 15