Alabama Boating Certification Exam *Q&A* (100% Correct) 2025/2026 |VERIFIED|

Alabama Boating Certification Exam *Q&A* (100% Correct) 2025/2026 |VERIFIED| How should the validation decal and registration number be placed on a vessel? Displayed on both sides of the bow of the boat. What is the key factor when choosing a PFD for a passenger? The total number of passengers on board. What key information can you find on a boat’s capacity plate? The maximum number of people and/or weight the boat can safely carry. How can you learn about potential hazards in local waterways? By consulting a nautical chart. Under Alabama law, who must have completed an approved boating course to operate a personal watercraft (PWC)? Anyone 12 years old or older. Which type of PFD is most effective in turning unconscious individuals face up in the water? Type 1 Who is responsible for ensuring that everyone on board understands basic safety measures? The vessel operator. Where is the best location to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? In an easily accessible and mounted position. 1 When should you replace a life jacket? If it shows signs of slight tearing. What impact does alcohol have on boat operation? It increases the chances of an accident occurring. What equipment must you have when boating on federally controlled waters in a boat of 18 feet or more? U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals. What type of sound-producing device must be carried when operating an 18-foot powerboat on Alabama waters? A whistle, horn, or another sound-producing device. What indicates that bad weather is approaching? Darkening clouds and shifting winds. What is an important part of routine vessel and engine maintenance? Checking the oil level before each trip. What is the recommended approach when docking your boat? Head into the wind or the stronger current. What should you do before fueling your vessel? Turn off the engine and open all windows, ports, and other openings. Where should you position your trailer while preparing your boat? Far from the boat ramp. 2 How can you avoid accidents caused by the propeller? Shut off the engine when passengers are boarding. Which of these is a careless operation example? Running out of fuel in the bilge area. What’s the best way to reduce drowning risks while boating? Ensure that everyone is wearing a suitable life jacket at all times. How can you prevent spreading invasive species between waterways? Remove visible zebra mussels before leaving the water. What must the vessel operator inform everyone on board before departure? The location of PFDs and visual distress signals. What is the purpose of the ignition safety switch? To stop the engine if the operator is thrown overboard. In Alabama, how far must you keep your vessel from a diver-down flag? 100 feet. How does alcohol consumption affect boaters compared to land? It has a more intense effect while boating. What is true about operating a boat in Alabama under the influence? Boaters must agree to blood alcohol concentration testing when operating on Alabama waters. 3 4 If two vessels are in the same area, who is responsible for avoiding a collision? Both operators are responsible. How can you determine if you are operating your vessel at a safe speed? Ensure you have enough time to avoid a collision. What is the purpose of the lateral system of red and green buoys? To define the edges of safe water zones. Which is a legal operation under Alabama boating laws? Operating at under 5 mph in a "slow, no wake" area. When is a sailboat considered the give-way vessel when encountering a power-driven vessel? When it is overtaking another vessel. What should the vessel operator do to ensure everyone knows how to respond in an emergency? Conduct an emergency drill with the passengers. According to Alabama law, what equipment is required when a vessel (other than a PWC) is towing a skier and does not have a capable observer on board in addition to the operator? a wide-angle rearview mirror. What is indicated by a white marker with a orange crossed diamond and black lettering? Exclusion Area. Why is carbon monoxide gas dangerous? It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can be fatal. A recreational vessel is approaching a U.S. Naval vessel. At what distance from the U.S. Naval vessel must the recreational vessel slow to minimum speed? 500 Yards. What must and owner do before allowing others to operate his or her vessel? know how to operate it properly. What should you do to reduce the risk of falling overboard? Make sure they Keep centered in the boat. What should a motorboat operator do when someone is being pulled into the boat from the water? turn off the engine. What is the first action required of a boat operator who witnesses a boating accident? assistance. provide Which condition requires that you report a boating accident to the Alabama Marine Police Division? damage to your boat in more than $2000 as the result of a boating accident. Under which condition is a person at the greatest risk of developing hypothermia? immersed in cold water. What should you do immediately if a boat motor catches on fire? when Shut off the fuel supply and try to put out the fire with an extinguisher. If your inboard/outboard boat runs aground, what action should you take in addition to shifting the weight away from the point of impact? Stop the engine and lift the outdrive. Which action may cause the loss of steering ability in a PWC? Letting off the throttle control. According to Alabama law, what age person who has boater safety certification may operate a personal watercraft without supervision? 14 years of age According to Alabama law, during what hours is it legal to tow a person behind a boat on water skis or other device? between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset. 5 What should a vessel operator do to keep a proper lookout? Which of the following is legal operation of a PWC in Alabama? vessel when visibility is unobstructed. watch for navigational hazards. crossing at right angles to another In, Alabama, what are the recommended hours for personal watercraft operation? sunset and sunrise (daylight hours). Why should a vessel operator keep a proper lookout? to avoid collisions. What should paddlers do to protect against capsizing their canoe or kayak? between Keep a low center of gravity and three points of contact. What should anglers and hunters do when they are fishing or hunting from a boat? jacket at all times. wear a life According to Alabama law, children of what age are required to wear a properly secured PFD while on a vessel unless the child is in an enclosed cabin? those under 8 years old. What determines if a speed is safe for your boat? visibility conditions What should the operation of a PWC and a motorboat do when approaching head-on? vessels should turn to starboard (right). When must navigation light be displayed? Both from sunset to sunrise and when visibility is restricted. What could happen if you anchor a boat from the stern? It may cause the boat to swamp. 6 Visibility is restricted due to fog, What should the vessel operator do to avoid the risk of a collision? Reduce speed to the minimum needed to stay on course. What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water ? swamped. Try to reboard your boat, even if it is 7