NEW JERSEY BOATING EXAM
2026/27 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS (GRADED A+)
Type IV — Throwable Devices - ANSWER-Circular
Type II — Near-shore Buoyant PFDs - ANSWER-Decent Life Jacket
Type I — Offshore Lifejackets - ANSWER-Really nice tight life Jacket
Type III — Flotation Aid PFDs - ANSWER-Used for Jet Ski and Water Sports
(don't use air filled flotation ever for these sports)
Why is it important to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times
when in or around the water? - ANSWER-A PFD takes some time to fit
properly, especially in an emergency
All gasoline-powered vessels built after 1940 are required to have either
natural or powered ventilation systems. What is the purpose of having a
ventilation system? - ANSWER-It removes flammable gases
Which of the following is an accurate description of a Type I: Offshore Life
Jacket (PFD) - ANSWER-It is designed for open, rough or remote waters
Which of the following is a characteristic of a properly fitted personal
flotation device (PFD)? - ANSWER-It should be a relatively snug fit
Powered ventilation systems should be turned on for how many minutes
before starting the engine to ensure all gasoline vapors have been
removed before ignition? - ANSWER-4 (four) minutes
During which of the following activities may an Inflatable Personal
Flotation Device (PFD) be used? - ANSWER-Fishing (not high impact)
The carburetors on inboard mounted gasoline engines must be equipped
with an approved back-fire flame arrestor. What purpose does having a
back-fire flame arrestor play? - ANSWER-To prevent back fire which results
when unburned exhaust collects in the engine area
When encountering a powerboat in darkness or reduced visibility, what do
visible white and green lights indicate? - ANSWER-You are approaching
the starboard side of a powerboat
, Which of the following is a characteristic common to both Type II: Near-
Shore Buoyant Vest and Type III: Flotation Aid? - ANSWER-They are
designed for calm, inland water (they do not turn person head side up)
Which of the following fire extinguishers would be best suited for use
onboard a boat? - ANSWER-Type B (Gasoline)
As a minimum requirement, a boat that is less than 26 feet in length of
closed construction must have what type(s) of fire extinguisher onboard? -
ANSWER-1 B I ?
When encountering other vessels in darkness or reduced visibility, what
do visible white, green and red lights indicate? - ANSWER-You are
approaching a powerboat head-on
Which of the following is the SAFEST use of a life jacket or PFD? -
ANSWER-Worn at all times when in or around the water
Which of the following is the recommended method for storing your
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)? - ANSWER-In an open area to allow for
quick access
Which of the following marine distress signals would be most effective
when operating after dark or during restricted visibility? - ANSWER-Flares
What is the purpose of having a ventilation system on board a motorized
vessel? - ANSWER-To remove flammable gases
Which of the following navigation lights is required for non-powered
vessels under 23 feet operating during times of restricted visibility? -
ANSWER-Must carry a working flashlight or lantern onboard
Which of the following terms is used to describe severe weather
conditions? - ANSWER-Small craft advisory
What should be done onboard a vessel during a lightning storm? -
ANSWER-Unplug all electrical equipment
Which of the following is the proper boat launch etiquette? - ANSWER-
Prepare the boat away from the ramp to avoid blocking other vehicles
In preparation to trailer a boat, it is recommended that you do which of
the following? - ANSWER-Tie down all loose items and equipment
Which of the following flags is used to indicate a Storm Warning (observed
forecast winds of 48 knots or greater)? - ANSWER-Red Flag square, and
two red dot signs
2026/27 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS (GRADED A+)
Type IV — Throwable Devices - ANSWER-Circular
Type II — Near-shore Buoyant PFDs - ANSWER-Decent Life Jacket
Type I — Offshore Lifejackets - ANSWER-Really nice tight life Jacket
Type III — Flotation Aid PFDs - ANSWER-Used for Jet Ski and Water Sports
(don't use air filled flotation ever for these sports)
Why is it important to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times
when in or around the water? - ANSWER-A PFD takes some time to fit
properly, especially in an emergency
All gasoline-powered vessels built after 1940 are required to have either
natural or powered ventilation systems. What is the purpose of having a
ventilation system? - ANSWER-It removes flammable gases
Which of the following is an accurate description of a Type I: Offshore Life
Jacket (PFD) - ANSWER-It is designed for open, rough or remote waters
Which of the following is a characteristic of a properly fitted personal
flotation device (PFD)? - ANSWER-It should be a relatively snug fit
Powered ventilation systems should be turned on for how many minutes
before starting the engine to ensure all gasoline vapors have been
removed before ignition? - ANSWER-4 (four) minutes
During which of the following activities may an Inflatable Personal
Flotation Device (PFD) be used? - ANSWER-Fishing (not high impact)
The carburetors on inboard mounted gasoline engines must be equipped
with an approved back-fire flame arrestor. What purpose does having a
back-fire flame arrestor play? - ANSWER-To prevent back fire which results
when unburned exhaust collects in the engine area
When encountering a powerboat in darkness or reduced visibility, what do
visible white and green lights indicate? - ANSWER-You are approaching
the starboard side of a powerboat
, Which of the following is a characteristic common to both Type II: Near-
Shore Buoyant Vest and Type III: Flotation Aid? - ANSWER-They are
designed for calm, inland water (they do not turn person head side up)
Which of the following fire extinguishers would be best suited for use
onboard a boat? - ANSWER-Type B (Gasoline)
As a minimum requirement, a boat that is less than 26 feet in length of
closed construction must have what type(s) of fire extinguisher onboard? -
ANSWER-1 B I ?
When encountering other vessels in darkness or reduced visibility, what
do visible white, green and red lights indicate? - ANSWER-You are
approaching a powerboat head-on
Which of the following is the SAFEST use of a life jacket or PFD? -
ANSWER-Worn at all times when in or around the water
Which of the following is the recommended method for storing your
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)? - ANSWER-In an open area to allow for
quick access
Which of the following marine distress signals would be most effective
when operating after dark or during restricted visibility? - ANSWER-Flares
What is the purpose of having a ventilation system on board a motorized
vessel? - ANSWER-To remove flammable gases
Which of the following navigation lights is required for non-powered
vessels under 23 feet operating during times of restricted visibility? -
ANSWER-Must carry a working flashlight or lantern onboard
Which of the following terms is used to describe severe weather
conditions? - ANSWER-Small craft advisory
What should be done onboard a vessel during a lightning storm? -
ANSWER-Unplug all electrical equipment
Which of the following is the proper boat launch etiquette? - ANSWER-
Prepare the boat away from the ramp to avoid blocking other vehicles
In preparation to trailer a boat, it is recommended that you do which of
the following? - ANSWER-Tie down all loose items and equipment
Which of the following flags is used to indicate a Storm Warning (observed
forecast winds of 48 knots or greater)? - ANSWER-Red Flag square, and
two red dot signs
