BOATING LICENSE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
How should a vessel's registration number and validation be displayed - Answers- on
both sides of the bow of the boat
What is the most important thing when selecting the right PFD for a passenger -
Answers- body weight and chest side
What important safety information is found on a boat's capacity plate - Answers-
maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely
What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway - Answers- consult
a nautical chart
According to Alabama law, what operators are required to have completed and
approved boating course in order to operate a personal wtaercraft - Answers- operators
who are 12 years of age or older
Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water - Answers-
Type 1
Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is
responsible for this? - Answers- the vessel operator
Which of these provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching - Answers-
dark clouds and shifting winds
What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program - Answers-
checking the oil level before every outing
How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel - Answers- into the wind
or current, whichever is stronger
What should you do before fueling your boat - Answers- turn off the engine and open all
windows, ports, doors, and other openings
Where should your trailer be located while you prepare to launch your vessel -
Answers- well away from the boat ramp
How can propeller strike accidents be avoided - Answers- turn on the engine when
passengers are boarding
What is an example of careless operation - Answers- not having enough personal
flotation devices on board
, What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating - Answers- have
everyone wear an appropriate life jacket at all times
How can you prevent transporting nuisance species (plants and animals) with your
vessel from one waterway to another - Answers- remove any zebra mussels you see
before leaving the body of water
Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? - Answers- mounted in
an accessible location
When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced - Answers- when it is slightly torn
What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel - Answers- increases
the likelihood of accidents
When boating on federally controlled waters in an 18 foot boat, what equipment are you
legally required to have on board - Answers- U.S. coast guard approved visual distress
signal
What sound producing device(s) is required when boating on Alabama waters in an 18
foot powerboat - Answers- whislte, a horn, or another sound device
What should the vessel operator tell everyone on board departing - Answers- where to
find the pfds and visual distress signals
What is the main function of an ignition safety switch - Answers- to shut off the engine if
the operator is thrown overboard
In Alabama, how far must a vessel stay from a diver-down flag - Answers- 100 feet
How does the effect of alcohol consumed while boating compare to the effect on land -
Answers- much greater effect while boating
What is true about operating a boat in Alabama while intoxicated? - Answers- by
operating a vessel on Alabama waters, a boater must submit to testing for blood alcohol
concentration
When two vessels are operating in the same general area, who is responsible for
avoiding a collision - Answers- the operators of both vessels
How do you know when you are operating your vessel at a safe speed - Answers- you
have enough time to avoid a collision
According to Alabama boating law, which of the these is considered legal operation -
Answers- operating at less than 5mph in a "slow, no wake" speed area
How should a vessel's registration number and validation be displayed - Answers- on
both sides of the bow of the boat
What is the most important thing when selecting the right PFD for a passenger -
Answers- body weight and chest side
What important safety information is found on a boat's capacity plate - Answers-
maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely
What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway - Answers- consult
a nautical chart
According to Alabama law, what operators are required to have completed and
approved boating course in order to operate a personal wtaercraft - Answers- operators
who are 12 years of age or older
Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water - Answers-
Type 1
Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is
responsible for this? - Answers- the vessel operator
Which of these provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching - Answers-
dark clouds and shifting winds
What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program - Answers-
checking the oil level before every outing
How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel - Answers- into the wind
or current, whichever is stronger
What should you do before fueling your boat - Answers- turn off the engine and open all
windows, ports, doors, and other openings
Where should your trailer be located while you prepare to launch your vessel -
Answers- well away from the boat ramp
How can propeller strike accidents be avoided - Answers- turn on the engine when
passengers are boarding
What is an example of careless operation - Answers- not having enough personal
flotation devices on board
, What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating - Answers- have
everyone wear an appropriate life jacket at all times
How can you prevent transporting nuisance species (plants and animals) with your
vessel from one waterway to another - Answers- remove any zebra mussels you see
before leaving the body of water
Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? - Answers- mounted in
an accessible location
When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced - Answers- when it is slightly torn
What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel - Answers- increases
the likelihood of accidents
When boating on federally controlled waters in an 18 foot boat, what equipment are you
legally required to have on board - Answers- U.S. coast guard approved visual distress
signal
What sound producing device(s) is required when boating on Alabama waters in an 18
foot powerboat - Answers- whislte, a horn, or another sound device
What should the vessel operator tell everyone on board departing - Answers- where to
find the pfds and visual distress signals
What is the main function of an ignition safety switch - Answers- to shut off the engine if
the operator is thrown overboard
In Alabama, how far must a vessel stay from a diver-down flag - Answers- 100 feet
How does the effect of alcohol consumed while boating compare to the effect on land -
Answers- much greater effect while boating
What is true about operating a boat in Alabama while intoxicated? - Answers- by
operating a vessel on Alabama waters, a boater must submit to testing for blood alcohol
concentration
When two vessels are operating in the same general area, who is responsible for
avoiding a collision - Answers- the operators of both vessels
How do you know when you are operating your vessel at a safe speed - Answers- you
have enough time to avoid a collision
According to Alabama boating law, which of the these is considered legal operation -
Answers- operating at less than 5mph in a "slow, no wake" speed area
