Alabama Boating Terms Exam Elaboration Practice *Q&A* 100% Correct 2025/2026

Alabama Boating Terms Exam Elaboration Practice *Q&A* 100% Correct 2025/2026 What is the term used for the frontmost section of a boat? Bow Which object is used to keep the boat stationary? Anchor Where is the center point of a vessel located? It’s the middle of the boat when looking forward. What refers to the lowest part of a boat’s body? Bilge What is the role of a Give-Way vessel? It yields the right-of-way to avoid a collision with another vessel. What does it mean when a vessel is "Aground"? It happens when the bottom of the boat makes contact with the ground. 1 What type of hull is known for being fast but less durable, riding on top of the water? Planning Hull Which hull type is slower but more durable, and moves through the water rather than on top of it? Displacement hull What direction is represented by 180 degrees on a compass? South What equipment is used to prevent fires caused by backfires in engines? Carburetor Flame Backfire Arrestor What kind of buoy, marked with an odd number, is located on the left side of the boat when returning from the open sea? Can Buoy What information is provided on a vessel’s Capacity Plate? It indicates the weight, horsepower, and occupancy limits, and must be visible to the operator. What does it mean for a boat to "Capsize"? It refers to the boat overturning. 2 Where can you find the Lubbers Line on a boat? On a compass, it indicates the boat’s course or direction. What does the term "Astern" mean? It refers to moving towards the rear of the boat. What is the direction corresponding to 270 degrees on a compass? West What term is used for the flow of water in a horizontal direction? Current How is "Fore" defined in boating terminology? It refers to the front or forward part of the boat. What function does the Gunwale serve on a boat? It is the top edge or rail of the boat’s side. What condition does "Hypothermia" describe? It occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can regenerate it. 3 4 What is meant by "Draft" in relation to a boat? It is the measurement of how deep the boat is in the water, from the hull to the lowest point. What are the "Cardinal Points" on a compass? They are the four main directions: north, south, east, and west. Which buoy indicates the right side of a channel when coming back from the sea? Nun Buoy What does the term "Keel" refer to? It is the central structural beam of the boat, extending from the front to the back, typically below the waterline. What defines a "Motorboat"? It is any boat that is 65 feet or shorter and powered by an engine. What does the term "Foreward" refer to on a boat? It signifies the front or forward area of the boat. What does it mean for a vessel to be "Privileged"? It has the right-of-way and is required to maintain its course and speed. What is the meaning of "Abeam"? It refers to the position directly perpendicular to the center of the boat, extending outwards from the amidship. What does "Mooring" refer to in boating? It involves securing the boat in a fixed location using chains or other permanent attachments. What does "Bearing" mean when navigating? It refers to the direction indicated by the compass in degrees, covering the entire 360-degree circle. What is meant by "Freeboard"? It is the height between the waterline and the top of the boat’s side. Rules of the road Scope Set of guidelines that operators follow for safety on water Length of anchor rope or chain; 6 to 1 scope means that the length of the anchor rope from the boat to the anchor is 6 times the depth of the water Stand-on Vessel Starboard Stern Vessel with right-a-way; must hold course and speed Right side of a boat when facing forward towards the back of the boat 5 Tide up and down movement of water caused by gravitational attraction of the sun or moon Trim Vessel Wake Balancing of weight to obtain desired balance from port to starboard and bow to stern Anything that can float is potentially a vessel Water put out by the stern of the vessel. The operator is responsible for any damage caused by the wake. Way Float Plan Rip Current Movement of the vessel through the water Information left with someone concerning your boat trip strong channel of water flowing sea ward into shore. 6