CALIFORNIA BOATING EXAM B
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to California law, what is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for an adult
operating a recreational vessel?
A. 0.05%
B. 0.02%
C. 0.10%
D. 0.08%
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In California, the legal BAC limit for operating a vessel is 0.08%,
the same as for operating a motor vehicle.
2. When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what is the required action?
A. Both vessels should turn to port (left)
B. Both vessels should turn to starboard (right)
C. The larger vessel has the right-of-way
,D. The vessel on the right has the right-of-way
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Under navigation rules, when two power vessels meet head-on,
both must steer to starboard to pass port-to-port.
3. Under the California Harbors and Navigation Code, at what age is a child required to wear a
USCG-approved life jacket while on a vessel under 26 feet?
A. 10 years of age or younger
B. 12 years of age or younger
C. 13 years of age or younger
D. 16 years of age or younger
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: California law requires all children under 13 years of age to
wear a USCG-approved life jacket while on a vessel under 26 feet that is underway.
4. What is the primary purpose of a Type IV personal flotation device?
A. To be worn by children under 50 pounds
B. To be used for high-speed water sports
C. To provide maximum buoyancy for offshore use
D. To be thrown to a person in the water
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A Type IV PFD is a throwable device, such as a ring buoy or seat
cushion, designed to be thrown to someone who has fallen overboard.
5. A power-driven vessel is overtaking a sailing vessel. Which vessel is the stand-on vessel?
A. The power-driven vessel
B. Whichever vessel is larger
C. The sailing vessel
D. Neither, they must both stop
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The overtaking rule overrides other status rules; the vessel
being overtaken is always the stand-on vessel, regardless of its propulsion.
6. When operating in a ‘Slow-No Wake’ zone, what is the maximum speed allowed?
A. 5 miles per hour
B. The minimum speed to maintain steerage
C. 10 miles per hour
D. 3 miles per hour
Answer: B
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. According to California law, what is the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for an adult
operating a recreational vessel?
A. 0.05%
B. 0.02%
C. 0.10%
D. 0.08%
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In California, the legal BAC limit for operating a vessel is 0.08%,
the same as for operating a motor vehicle.
2. When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what is the required action?
A. Both vessels should turn to port (left)
B. Both vessels should turn to starboard (right)
C. The larger vessel has the right-of-way
,D. The vessel on the right has the right-of-way
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Under navigation rules, when two power vessels meet head-on,
both must steer to starboard to pass port-to-port.
3. Under the California Harbors and Navigation Code, at what age is a child required to wear a
USCG-approved life jacket while on a vessel under 26 feet?
A. 10 years of age or younger
B. 12 years of age or younger
C. 13 years of age or younger
D. 16 years of age or younger
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: California law requires all children under 13 years of age to
wear a USCG-approved life jacket while on a vessel under 26 feet that is underway.
4. What is the primary purpose of a Type IV personal flotation device?
A. To be worn by children under 50 pounds
B. To be used for high-speed water sports
C. To provide maximum buoyancy for offshore use
D. To be thrown to a person in the water
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A Type IV PFD is a throwable device, such as a ring buoy or seat
cushion, designed to be thrown to someone who has fallen overboard.
5. A power-driven vessel is overtaking a sailing vessel. Which vessel is the stand-on vessel?
A. The power-driven vessel
B. Whichever vessel is larger
C. The sailing vessel
D. Neither, they must both stop
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The overtaking rule overrides other status rules; the vessel
being overtaken is always the stand-on vessel, regardless of its propulsion.
6. When operating in a ‘Slow-No Wake’ zone, what is the maximum speed allowed?
A. 5 miles per hour
B. The minimum speed to maintain steerage
C. 10 miles per hour
D. 3 miles per hour
Answer: B
