Comprehensive Test- Alabama Boating Answers (31-60) *Q&A* (100% Correct) 2025/2026 |VERIFIED|

Comprehensive Test- Alabama Boating Answers (31-60) *Q&A* (100% Correct) 2025/2026 |VERIFIED| What is the main purpose of using a lifejacket on a boat? To keep you afloat in the water What should you do if you encounter a submerged object while operating a boat? Slow down and steer clear of the object What is the minimum age for operating a motorboat without adult supervision in most states? 16 years old What is the best way to prevent sunburn while boating? Wear protective clothing and sunscreen What does the "no wake" zone mean in boating? You must operate your vessel at a speed that does not create a wake Why is it important to check the weather before heading out on the water? To avoid dangerous conditions such as storms or high winds When operating a boat, what should you do if you see a red flag with a white diagonal stripe? It indicates a water-skiing hazard or a boating accident How should you position your boat when docking? Approach the dock slowly and at a slight angle 1 What action should a vessel operator take when passing another boat head-on? Both vessels should turn to the right (starboard) What is the best way to secure a boat to a dock? Use proper docking lines and tie them securely How should you handle a boating emergency involving a person who has fallen overboard? Throw them a lifejacket and attempt to retrieve them safely When should a boat operator use their horn or whistle? When signaling their intentions to other boats or when in danger What should you do before leaving the dock in a boat? Check that all equipment is secure and functional What is the primary reason for maintaining a safe speed while operating a boat? To avoid collisions and have time to react to hazards How should you navigate through a narrow waterway? Proceed at a slow, controlled speed and stay to the right side What does a green buoy mark? The right side of the channel when entering from open water Why is it important to monitor your boat’s fuel levels during operation? To prevent running out of fuel and being stranded What is the best way to avoid a collision when boating at night? 2 Use navigation lights and maintain a proper lookout What does a red buoy mark? The left side of the channel when entering from open water What should you do if you notice another boat operating erratically? Keep a safe distance and avoid passing too closely What is the primary cause of boating accidents? Inattention or lack of proper lookout What should you do if your boat capsizes? Stay with the boat and signal for help Why is it important to wear a lifejacket while fishing from a boat? To ensure safety in case of sudden movement or capsizing What should you do if your engine stalls while on the water? Attempt to restart the engine or signal for assistance What is the correct response if your boat runs aground? Stop the engine, assess the situation, and check for damage How should you handle a boating situation in foggy conditions? Reduce speed and sound your horn periodically What is the best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning on a boat? Ensure proper ventilation and avoid idling near the transom 3 4 How do you know when it is safe to return to shore during a storm? Monitor weather reports and wait until conditions improve What should you do if you find yourself in the water without a lifejacket? Try to remain calm and look for something to float on What is the recommended method for keeping the boat balanced while operating at high speed? Keep weight evenly distributed What should you do if you encounter a wake from another vessel? Slow down and steer in a way that minimizes the impact of the wake What is the proper way to store a boat's fuel? Keep it in a well-ventilated area away from heat sources What is a good habit to get into when launching your boat? Check that all safety equipment is aboard What should you do if you lose power while operating a boat? Check the engine and fuel system for issues and signal for help What is the most effective way to avoid a collision with a vessel at night? Ensure your navigation lights are on and your speed is appropriate How should you handle a situation where you are about to hit another boat? Steer away from the collision path, if possible, and signal the other boat 5 What is the best way to keep your boat clean and well-maintained? Rinse the boat with fresh water after every outing and inspect it regularly What should you do if you encounter a buoy that is overturned or missing? Report the hazard to the appropriate authorities What is the correct procedure for operating a boat in a no-wake zone? Operate the boat at idle speed to avoid creating a wake What should you do if you are caught in a thunderstorm while boating? Seek shelter, reduce speed, and stay away from tall structures What is the main purpose of using a kill switch on a boat? To stop the engine if the operator falls overboard What is the safest way to store personal items while boating? Keep them in waterproof containers or bags What should you do if you see a boat in distress while out on the water? Offer assistance if safe to do so and contact authorities if needed When does a sailboat under sail have the responsibility to give way to a power-driven vessel? When the sailboat is overtaking the power-driven vessel What is the best way for a vessel operator to ensure that everyone is prepared for an emergency? Conduct an emergency drill with the passengers Which item must a vessel have when towing a skier without a capable observer onboard? 6 A wide-angle rearview mirror What does a white marker with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering signify? Exclusion or keep-out area, such as a dam Why is carbon monoxide gas particularly hazardous? It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can be fatal How close must a recreational vessel be to a U.S. Naval vessel to reduce speed to a minimum? 500 yards What is required before allowing others to operate your vessel? Make sure they know how to operate it safely How can you reduce the chances of falling overboard while on a boat? Keep centered in the boat What should a motorboat operator do when pulling someone into the boat from the water? Turn off the engine What is the first thing a boat operator must do after witnessing a boating accident? Provide assistance When must a boating accident be reported to the Alabama Marine Police Division? When damage to the boat exceeds $2,000 Which condition increases the risk of hypothermia? When immersed in cold water 7 What should you do if your boat motor catches on fire? Shut off the fuel supply, and try to put out the fire with an extinguisher What should you do if your inboard/outboard boat runs aground? Stop the engine and lift the outdrive What can cause a loss of steering ability on a personal watercraft (PWC)? Letting off the throttle control At what age can a person operate a personal watercraft without supervision, according to Alabama law? At least 14 years old When is it legal to tow someone behind a boat on water skis or a similar device in Alabama? Between one hour before sunset and one hour after sunset What is required of a vessel operator to maintain a proper lookout? Watch for navigational hazards Which action is legal when operating a PWC in Alabama? Crossing at right angles to another vessel when visibility is unobstructed When is the recommended time to operate a personal watercraft in Alabama? Between sunset and sunrise (daylight hours) Why is it important for a vessel operator to keep a proper lookout? To avoid collisions 8 How can paddlers prevent capsizing their canoe or kayak? Keep a low center of gravity and maintain three points of contact What should anglers and hunters do while fishing or hunting from a boat? Wear a lifejacket at all times Which age group is required to wear a properly secured personal flotation device (PFD) in Alabama, unless in an enclosed cabin? Children under 8 years old What factors should determine a safe speed for your boat? Visibility conditions What should operators of a PWC and a motorboat do when approaching head-on? Both vessels should turn to the starboard (right) When should navigation lights be turned on? From sunset to sunrise, or when visibility is restricted What could happen if you anchor a boat from the stern? It may cause the boat to swamp What should you do when visibility is restricted due to fog? Reduce speed to the minimum needed to stay on course What should you do if you fall into cold water? Try to reboard your boat, even if it is swamped