TX Boater Education Certification Exam Review 2023

What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger? - Answer- passenger's body weight and chest size What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway? - Answer- Consult a nautical chart. Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water? - Answer- Type I Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? - Answer- mounted in an accessible location What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel? - Answer- increases the likelihood of accidents What sound producing device(s) is required when boating on Texas waters in an 18-foot powerboat? - Answer- a whistle, horn, or other means to make an efficient signal What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program? - Answer- checking the oil level before ever outing What should you do before fueling your boat? - Answer- Turn off the engine and close all windows, ports, doors, and other openings. How can propeller strike accidents be avoided? - Answer- Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding. What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating? - Answer- Have everyone wear an appropriate life jacket at all times. What should the vessel operator tell everyone on board before departing? - Answer- where to find the PFDs and visual distress signals According to the Texas Water Safety Act, how far must you keep your vessel from a diving area marked b diver-down flag? - Answer- at least 50 feet Which is true about operating a boat in Texas while intoxicated? - Answer- By operating a vessel on Texas waters, a boater has consented to alcohol testing if arrested by a law enforcement officer. How do you know when you are operating your vessel at a safe speed? - Answer- You have enough time to avoid a collision According to Texas boating law, which of these is considered legal operation? - Answer- operating at a speed that does not endanger others if no speed limit is posted What should a vessel operator do to make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency? - Answer- Conduct an emergency drill with the passengers. What is indicated by a white marker with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering? - Answer- exclusion or keep-out area, such as a dam 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? - Answer- 500 yards What should you do to reduce the risk of falling overboard? - Answer- Keep centered in the boat. What is the first action required of a boat operator who witnesses a boating accident? - Answer- to provide assistance Under which condition is a person at the greatest risk of developing hypothermia? - Answer- when immersed in cold water If your inboard/outboard boat runs aground, what action should you take in addition to shifting the weight away from the point of impact? - Answer- Stop the engine and lift the outdrive. According to Texas law, what age person must be supervised by a person 18 years of age or older on board the vessel in order to operate a personal watercraft? - Answer- those less than 13 years of age What should a vessel operator do to keep a proper lookout? - Answer- Watch for navigational hazards. According to Texas law, during what hours is it illegal to operate a personal watercraft? - Answer- between sunset and sunrise What should paddlers do to protect against capsizing their canoe or kayak? - Answer- Keep a low center of gravity and three points of contact. According to Texas law, children under what age must wear a USCG-approved PFD (life jacket) while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long? - Answer- those under 13 years of age What should the operators of a PWC and a motorboat do when approaching head-on? - Answer- Both vessels should turn to starboard (right). What could happen if you anchor a boat from the stern? - Answer- It may cause the boat to swamp. What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water? - Answer- Try to reboard our boat, even if it is swamped. How should a vessel's registration number and validation decal be displayed? - Answer- on both sides of the bow of the boat What important safety information is found on a boat's capacity plate? - Answer- maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely According to Texas law, what operators are required to have passed an approved boating course in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision? - Answer- operators at least 13 years of age and born on or after September 1, 1993 Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is responsible for ensuring this? - Answer- the vessel operator When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced? - Answer- when it is slightly torn When boating on federally controlled waters in an 18-foot boat, what equipment are you legally required to have on board? - Answer- U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals Which of these provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching? - Answer- dark clouds and shifting winds How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel? - Answer- into the wind or current, whichever is stronger