Boaters Safety – Practice Exam cards

A boat’s capacity plate gives the maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely in certain weather conditions. What are these conditions?

rainy weather
weather with winds up to 76 knots
weather with winds up to 154 knots
good weather

good weather

You file a float plan for a weekend trip. Which of these should be included in the plan?

your boat’s horsepower rating
onboard location of food and cooking utensils
names and addresses of your passengers
chart showing planing speed vs. fuel use

names and addresses of your passengers

What should you do with your float plan for a weekend water outing?

Mail it to your home address.
Stow it with the boat’s registration papers.
Fax it to the nearest U.S. Coast Guard station.
Leave it with a friend or relative.

Leave it with a friend or relative.

Where should portable gasoline fuel tanks be filled?

in the boat’s cabin
in the boat’s cockpit
on the dock
on the gunwale

on the dock

Which fueling practice is safe?

fueling your boat at night when it is cooler
filling portable fuel tanks on the fuel dock
turning on the boat’s ventilation system while fueling
opening all windows, ports, doors, and other openings before fueling

filling portable fuel tanks on the fuel dock

What factor determines a boat’s required equipment?

storage capacity
rate of speed
fuel tank weight
length of boat

length of boat

What is the problem with using your boat’s engine to drive it onto a trailer?

You may break the winch cable.
You may damage the engine.
The boat’s forward motion can disconnect the trailer lights.
The propeller’s wash can create a large hole just beyond the ramp.

The propeller’s wash can create a large hole just beyond the ramp.

How full should you fill the fuel tank on a PWC?

Leave a little empty space in the tank.
Fill the tank all the way up.
Tip the PWC to top off the fuel tank.
Overfill slightly to avoid any air pocket.

Leave a little empty space in the tank.

When moored to a dock, what should you do before casting off while you warm up the engine?

Make sure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket.
Use an oar or boat hook to keep the boat moving in the water.
Shift into forward gear.
Raise the engine out of the water.

Make sure everyone on board is wearing a life jacket.

Which side of a boat has a green light at night?

gunwale
starboard (right)
stern
keel

starboard (right)

Which vessel should display yellow lights when towing?

PWC
sailboat
ski boat
commercial vessel

commercial vessel

You are operating a powerboat at night. Your green sidelight must be visible to boats approaching from which direction(s)?

head-on only
port (left) only
head-on and starboard (right)
head-on and behind

head-on and starboard (right)

You are operating a powerboat at night. You see red and white lights on another boat. What do these lights tell you?

A power-driven vessel is approaching head-on, but you have the right of way.
A sailing vessel is crossing your path, and you must swerve to avoid it.
You must give way to the other vessel.
You are the stand-on vessel.

You must give way to the other vessel.

What is the best source for a complete listing of navigation rules that apply to recreational boaters?

U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Fish and Game Commission
U.S. Wildlife Federation

U.S. Coast Guard

Two powerboats are about to cross paths. What should the boat on the starboard (right) do?

Speed up to cross in front of the other boat.
Speed up and turn toward the other boat.
Maintain course and speed, but stay alert.
Shoot a flare and sound a danger signal on a horn or whistle.

Maintain course and speed, but stay alert.

A sailboat and a PWC are meeting head-on. Which one is the stand-on vessel?

sailboat
PWC
neither
both

sailboat

One boat is overtaking another. Which boat must give way?

the faster boat
the larger boat
the boat that is overtaking
the boat being overtaken

the boat that is overtaking

You are out on the water in foggy conditions. You hear one prolonged blast every two minutes. What does this sound signal mean?

I am a power-driven vessel at anchor.
I am a power-driven vessel underway.
I am an inflatable raft at anchor.
I am an inflatable raft adrift in the water.

I am a power-driven vessel underway.

Which of these anchors is a good choice for most recreational boats?

fluke-style
clamp-style
galvanized chain
concrete block

fluke-style

What is the best way to avoid being run over by your own PWC or motorboat?

wear a USCG-approved life jacket
use the PWC’s self-circling feature
swim away from the boat or PWC if you fall overboard
wear an ignition safety switch lanyard

wear an ignition safety switch lanyard

Which class of boats has priority when using river locks?

paddleboats
personal watercraft
commercial boats
private fishing boats

commercial boats

You are traveling upstream on a river. You see a green square daymark. What should you do?

Slow down to no-wake speed.
Keep the marker on your port (left) side.
Wave a skier-down flag.
Go around the marker on either side.

Keep the marker on your port (left) side.

You see a white marker with red vertical stripes. What type of marker is this?

polluted water marker
safe water marker
low bridge marker
information marker

safe water marker

Which symbol on a regulatory marker indicates hazards such as rocks or stumps?

green square
yellow crossed diamond
aqua circle
orange diamond

orange diamond

You see a white marker with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering. What does this marker tell you?

mooring area
keep out
PWCs only
good fishing area

keep out

What is needed for steering control on a PWC?

an outboard motor
an adjustable propeller
a passenger in front of the operator
power to the jet drive

power to the jet drive

Which part of a PWC is dangerous to your hands, feet, and hair?

drive shaft
ignition safety switch
pump intake area
rudder control

pump intake area

If you are involved in a boating accident, what is the FIRST thing you must do?

go for a law enforcement officer or other help
stop and make a thorough assessment of all property damage
stop and assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident
set off flares or other visual distress signals

stop and assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident

Which vessel requires that the operator be at least 14 years of age to operate on Washington waters?

sailboat
personal watercraft (PWC)
boat powered by a motor of 10 hp or less
canoe

personal watercraft (PWC)

Under Washington law, what blood or breath alcohol concentration, present in a vessel operator, is considered to be boat operation under the influence (BUI)?

0.10%
0.08%
0.06%
0.04%

0.08%

When is a vessel operator required to use navigation lights?

at all times
when moored at a dock or pier
when away from the dock during the day
during periods of restricted visibility

during periods of restricted visibility

By law, what age children must wear a USCG-approved life jacket when underway on the open deck of a vessel less than 19 feet in length?

12 years old and younger
12 years old and older
7 years old and younger
7 years old and older

12 years old and younger

What must be on board and available for inspection by enforcement officers whenever a vessel is operated?

float plan
Bill of Sale
trailer license
registration information

registration information

According to Washington law, during what hours is it legal to operate a personal watercraft?

6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
sunrise to sunset
after dark
6 a.m. to noon

sunrise to sunset

When a vessel is towing a skier, what are the legal requirements for observing that skier?

A capable observer must be on board and report the skier’s progress to the operator.
A capable observer must watch from shore or a nearby vessel.
A capable observer must be on board only if the skier is not wearing a life jacket.
A capable observer must be on board only if the operator and/or skier are under the age of 18.

A capable observer must be on board and report the skier’s progress to the operator.

A boat operator is involved in an accident in which a person is injured and requires hospitalization. How quickly must the operator file a boating accident report?

within 48 minutes
within 48 hours
within 48 days
before the vessel registration expires

within 48 hours

In Washington, how old must a person be to legally operate a personal watercraft?

at least 4 years of age
at least 9 years of age
at least 14 years of age
at least 19 years of age

at least 14 years of age

If convicted for boat operation under the influence (BUI), how long can you be imprisoned?

364 days
180 days
90 days
30 days

364 days

In addition to an all-round white light, what light(s) must power-driven vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) long exhibit when underway between sunset and sunrise?

blue or red flashing light
red and green sidelights
orange sternlight
one lantern or flashlight shining a white light

red and green sidelights

In addition to the required wearable PFD(s), what other equipment must you have on board if your vessel is 16 feet or longer?

Red Cross-approved first-aid kit
Type IV USCG-approved throwable PFD
kitchen facilities
flashing blue light

Type IV USCG-approved throwable PFD

Which of these vessels must be registered to operate on Washington’s waters?

18-ft. sailboat
14-ft. rowboat
canoe
kayak

…

Which action would be legal for personal watercraft?

chase birds that are on or near the water
jump the wake of another vessel unreasonably close to that vessel
attach the lanyard of an ignition switch to the operator’s PFD
allow a person 9 years of age to operate the PWC

attach the lanyard of an ignition switch to the operator’s PFD

What minimum distance must be maintained from a U.S. Navy boat?

100 yards
500 yards
2,000 yards
5,000 yards

100 yards

A passenger on your boat has irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness. These are early symptoms of what injury?

hyperventilation
shock
carbon monoxide poisoning
head, neck, or spinal injury

carbon monoxide poisoning

What is the first stage of cold water immersion?

swim failure
cold shock
hyperventilation
collapse

cold shock

What should you do after your boat runs aground and you determine that there are no leaks?

Put the engine in reverse, and gun it.
Shift the weight to the back of the boat, and rock it.
Try to shove off with a paddle or boathook.
Make a MAYDAY call with a megaphone.

Try to shove off with a paddle or boathook.

Someone falls into the water from a dock. What is the proper sequence of actions to help this person?

reach, row, throw, go
reach, throw, row, go
throw, row, reach, rest
throw, reach, rest, row

reach, throw, row, go

What type of fire can be put out safely with water?

oil
engine
gasoline
paper

paper

For most people, how many alcoholic drinks does it take before judgment and physical reaction time are impaired?

one
five
ten
fifteen

one

What is the cause of most boating accidents?

equipment failure
other boats
human error
bad weather

human error

What is the best way to check the buoyancy of your PFD?

Wear it in an emergency and hope for the best.
Check whether the PFD floats throughout a washing machine cycle.
Squeeze the PFD against your body.
Wear the PFD in shallow water or a swimming pool.

Wear the PFD in shallow water or a swimming pool.

Which statement about life jackets is true?

Life jackets do not float well in shallow water.
Life jackets are difficult to put on in the water.
Life jackets are easy to put on in the water.
Children’s life jackets should fit loosely.

Life jackets are difficult to put on in the water.

You are caught in severe weather while boating. What should you do?

Throw all unnecessary gear overboard.
Head for the closest low-head dam or rapids.
Turn your navigation lights off to save the battery.
Slow down but maintain headway and steering.

Slow down but maintain headway and steering.

While boating, you see a red flag with a white diagonal stripe. What does this flag mean?

diver underwater in the immediate area
area designated for one boat at a time
outer limits of a pump-out station zone
center of an environmental survey area

diver underwater in the immediate area

What safety precaution should you take when hunting from a boat?

Always remain seated while shooting.
Have your dog stand on the bow for faster retrieval.
Lower the anchor slowly from the side of the boat.
Wear two layers of warm clothing over your PFD.

Always remain seated while shooting.

Which action shows responsibility toward the aquatic environment?

tossing used fishing line in the water
tossing plastic six-pack holders in the water
operating a powerboat in shallow water
using phosphate-free products to clean a boat

using phosphate-free products to clean a boat

What is the likelihood of drowning for paddlers in small boats (such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts)? (Compare paddlers to other boaters.)

Paddlers never drown.
Paddlers are less than half as likely to drown.
Paddlers are more than twice as likely to drown.
Paddlers are 22 times more likely to drown.

Paddlers are more than twice as likely to drown.

Two people are on a boat towing a skier. One person is the operator. What is the role of the second person?

watch the skier

What kind of hulls do most sailboats and large cruisers have?

flat-bottom
catamaran
displacement
cathedral

displacement

A boat’s capacity plate gives the maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely in certain weather conditions. What are these conditions?

rainy weather
weather with winds up to 76 knots
weather with winds up to 154 knots
good weather

good weather

Suppose you have a 19-foot boat. What information will be shown on your boat’s capacity plate?

maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely
maximum gallons of fuel the boat can carry
minimum weight of people and/or gear needed for stability
minimum load capacity of a trailer for this boat

maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely

You file a float plan for a weekend trip. Which of these should be included in the plan?

names and addresses of all passengers

You file a float plan for a weekend trip. Which of these should be included in the plan?

registration number, size, and make of your boat
floor plan of your boat’s cabin and number of berths
inventory of onboard provisions
location of built-in flotation

registration number, size, and make of your boat

What is likely to happen if you do not ventilate your boat after fueling?

Gas fumes will slowly dissolve.
Gas fumes will stay in the bottom of the boat.
Gas fumes will give everyone carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gas fumes will rise above the air and float away.

Gas fumes will stay in the bottom of the boat.

Where should your passengers be while you are tied to the dock fueling your boat?

on the boat wearing a PFD
on the boat securing the gear
seated in the boat
on the dock and away from the boat

on the dock and away from the boat

Under federal and state law, boats must carry certain equipment. To determine the types of equipment your boat must carry, you need to make a measurement of the boat. What is this measurement?

hull weight
height above waterline
length overall
mast height

length overall

You are retrieving your boat from the water. What should you do to prevent a traffic jam on the boat ramp?

Block the boat ramp with an unattended vehicle.
Power load your boat onto its trailer instead of using the trailer’s winch.
Pull your boat away from the ramp to prepare it for the drive home.
Attach the rear tie-downs and drain the bilge water before you leave the boat ramp.

Pull your boat away from the ramp to prepare it for the drive home.

How full should you fill the fuel tank on a PWC?

Leave a little empty space in the tank.
Fill the tank all the way up.
Tip the PWC to top off the fuel tank.
Overfill slightly to avoid any air pocket.

Leave a little empty space in the tank.

What is the best way to cast off if the wind or current direction is away from the dock?

Cast off all lines. Keep the boat clear of the dock. Shift into forward gear and slowly leave the area.

Cast off all lines, shift into reverse and turn the bow sharply toward the dock, and then add power.

Keep the stern line tied to the dock, shift into forward and turn the bow sharply away from the dock, and then add power.

Keep the stern line tied to the dock, shift into reverse, and then add power.

Cast off all lines. Keep the boat clear of the dock. Shift into forward gear and slowly leave the area.

Which side of a boat has a red light at night?

port (left)
gunwale
stern
keel

Port (left)

Which side of a boat has a green light at night?

gunwale
starboard (right)
stern
keel

starboard (right)

You are operating a powerboat at night. You see red and white lights on another boat. What do these lights tell you?

A power-driven vessel is approaching head-on, but you have the right of way.
A sailing vessel is crossing your path, and you must swerve to avoid it.
You must give way to the other vessel.
You are the stand-on vessel.

You must give way to the other vessel.

You are operating a powerboat at night. Your green sidelight must be visible to boats approaching from which direction(s)?

head-on only
port (left) only
head-on and starboard (right)
head-on and behind

head-on and starboard (right)

If two boats are traveling on paths that will cross, what determines which boat is the give-way vessel?

The size of the boats
How the two boats are propelled
The speed of the boats
The time of day

How the two boats are propelled

A sailboat under sail is about to cross paths with a PWC. What action should be taken?

No action is required.
The sailboat should change course and speed.
The PWC should change course and speed.
The PWC should speed up.

The PWC should change course and speed.

A motorboat and a PWC are approaching head-on. What action should be taken?

Both vessels should turn to starboard (right).
Both should maintain course until the last moment.
The motorboat and the PWC should speed up until one of them has to turn the last moment.
The PWC should slow down to a no-wake speed and give way to the motorboat.

Both vessels should turn to starboard (right).

One boat is overtaking another. Which boat should stand on?

the boat being overtaken
the boat creating the most wake
the faster boat
the larger boat

the boat being overtaken

What is one possible meaning of a single prolonged blast of a horn?

I am passing an information marker.
I am coming around a blind bend.
I am creating a large wake.
I am filling my gas tank.

I am coming around a blind bend.

How do most anchors hold a recreational boat in place?

by being heavy enough not to drag in a normal wind
by the weight of the anchor and chain
by digging into the bottom when pulled horizontally
by clamping onto a rock or other object

by digging into the bottom when pulled horizontally

What is the best way to avoid being run over by your own PWC or motorboat?

wear a USCG-approved life jacket
use the PWC’s self-circling feature
swim away from the boat or PWC if you fall overboard
wear an ignition safety switch lanyard

wear an ignition safety switch lanyard

When boating on coastal waters, it is important to be aware of the tides. Why?

High tide is a warning sign that your boat could capsize.
Low tide is a warning sign of bad weather.
Tides cause electrical storms and hurricanes.
Tides cause water levels to rise and fall.

Tides cause water levels to rise and fall.

You are traveling upstream on a river. You see a green square daymark. What should you do?

Slow down to no-wake speed.
Keep the marker on your port (left) side.
Wave a skier-down flag.
Go around the marker on either side.

Keep the marker on your port (left) side.

What color is a marker that indicates safe water on all sides?

black with white dots
blue with yellow triangles
white with red vertical stripes
gray with black diagonal stripes

white with red vertical stripes

Which symbol on a regulatory marker is used to warn of a rock or other underwater hazard?

green square
orange diamond
aqua circle
yellow crossed diamond

orange diamond

You see a white marker with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering. What does this marker tell you?

mooring area
keep out
PWCs only
good fishing area

keep out

Which statement about PWCs is true?

PWCs are outboards.
PWCs have a sail in case they run out of gas.
PWCs are not required to observe any boating laws or regulations.
PWCs are subject to all boating laws, plus a few laws specific to PWCs.

PWCs are subject to all boating laws, plus a few laws specific to PWCs.

You are operating a PWC. What will happen if you shut off the engine?

The PWC will not stop until it runs out of gas.
The PWC will lose all buoyancy and turn over.
You will go in reverse.
You will keep going in the same direction with no steering control.

You will keep going in the same direction with no steering control.

What should a PWC operator do to minimize the risk of accident or injury?

Be aware of all traffic in the boating area.
Focus only on boats directly ahead.
Focus only on the rearview mirror to check for traffic behind.
Make turns quickly to get away from larger boats.

Be aware of all traffic in the boating area.

If you are involved in a boating accident, what is the FIRST thing you must do?

go for a law enforcement officer or other help
stop and make a thorough assessment of all property damage
stop and assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident
set off flares or other visual distress signals

stop and assist anyone injured or in danger from the accident

In Washington, how old must a person be to legally operate a personal watercraft?

at least 4 years of age
at least 9 years of age
at least 14 years of age
at least 19 years of age

at least 14 years of age

Under Washington law, what blood or breath alcohol concentration, present in a vessel operator, is considered to be boat operation under the influence (BUI)?

0.10%
0.08%
0.06%
0.04%

0.08%

Under Washington law, what must be displayed when a water skier is preparing to ski or has fallen into the water?

a bright red or brilliant orange flag
a rectangular blue flag with a white diagonal stripe
a warning light
a VDS

a bright red or brilliant orange flag

What light(s) are ALL vessels required to display when moored or anchored outside a designated mooring area between sunset and sunrise?

white light visible in all directions
orange sternlight
two yellow lights
blue or red flashing light

white light visible in all directions

In addition to the required wearable PFD(s), what other equipment must you have on board if your vessel is 16 feet or longer?

Red Cross-approved first-aid kit
Type IV USCG-approved throwable PFD
kitchen facilities
flashing blue light

Type IV USCG-approved throwable PFD

Where must a vessel’s registration number and registration decals be displayed?

on both sides of the stern
on only the starboard side of the vessel
on only the port side of the vessel
on both sides of the bow

on both sides of the bow

Which of the following actions is legal for PWCs?

weave through congested waterway traffic
operate between sunset and sunrise with a small flashlight on board
operate while under the influence of alcohol
operate while wearing a Type III USCG-approved life jacket

operate while wearing a Type III USCG-approved life jacket

According to Washington law, during what hours is it legal for a vessel to tow a person on water skis?

midnight to 6 a.m.
6 a.m. to noon
one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
four hours before sunrise to four hours after sunset

one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset

When boating in Washington, which of the following actions are considered LEGAL?

allowing a passenger to stand up while the vessel is underway at full speed
causing danger to people and other vessels with your vessel’s wake
letting a passenger ride on the gunwale of a boat WITHOUT adequate railings
attaching the vessel to a mooring buoy

attaching the vessel to a mooring buoy

What colorless, odorless, poisonous gas is a by-product of gasoline engines?

carbon disulfide
carbon monoxide
hydrogen oxide
hydrogen sulfide

carbon monoxide

What is the primary danger during the first 3-5 minutes if you are suddenly immersed in cold water?

being run over by another boat and drowning
icing of your clothes and PFD, reducing your buoyancy
involuntary gasping, leading to water inhalation and drowning
losing consciousness due to shock and hyperventilation

involuntary gasping, leading to water inhalation and drowning

Who is responsible for avoiding a collision between two boats?

the operators of both boats
the operator of the stand-on boat
the operator of the smaller boat
the operator of the larger boat

the operators of both boats

Your boat capsizes but remains afloat. What should you do?

Swim up under the boat to stay out of the wind.
Swim away from the boat and tread water.
Hang onto the boat or climb onto it.
Remove your life jacket and wave it to signal for help.

Hang onto the boat or climb onto it.

What is the proper way to use a fire extinguisher?

Aim at the top of the flames. Do not move.
Aim at the top of the flames. Sweep in circles.
Aim at the base of the flames. Sweep side to side.
Aim at the base of the flames. Sweep up and down.

Aim at the base of the flames. Sweep side to side.

For most people, how many alcoholic drinks does it take before judgment and physical reaction time are impaired?

one
five
ten
fifteen

one

What is the best way to minimize the risk of dehydration while boating in warm weather?

Drink plenty of fresh water.
Take off an outer layer of clothing.
Put on an extra layer of clothing.
Wear plenty of sunblock.

Drink plenty of fresh water.

When should you replace the CO2 cylinder in an inflatable PFD?

each time the PFD is inflated
the third time a PFD is inflated
monthly
annually

each time the PFD is inflated

What causes a PFD to wear out over time?

washing it with soap and water
storing it upside down
exposure to cold air and rain
exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun

exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun

You are caught in a storm in your boat. Your engine stops. What should you do?

Swim for shore.
Tread water until hypothermia occurs.
Drop a sea anchor off the bow.
Use all of the life jackets to build a raft.

Drop a sea anchor off the bow.

What does a diver-down flag look like?

red flag with white diagonal stripe
white flag with blue diagonal stripe
black flag with white circle
blue flag with white square

red flag with white diagonal stripe

What should you do before firing a shot from a small boat?

Stand up.
Move to the bow.
Move your dog and gear behind you.
Stop the boat and turn off the motor. Anchor or secure the boat.

Stop the boat and turn off the motor. Anchor or secure the boat.

Which action shows responsibility toward the aquatic environment?

tossing used fishing line in the water
tossing plastic six-pack holders in the water
operating a powerboat in shallow water
using phosphate-free products to clean a boat

using phosphate-free products to clean a boat

Responsible boaters use cleaning products that won’t harm lakes or rivers. Which product is a responsible choice for cleaning your boat?

industrial-strength detergent
toxic cleaner
ethylene glycol
non-phosphate detergent

non-phosphate detergent

A paddler is approaching unfamiliar rapids. What should this paddler do?

Swim beside the paddlecraft to go over the rapids.
Aim for the middle of the rapids.
Go over the rapids as quickly as possible.
Go ashore well upstream to check out the rapids.

Go ashore well upstream to check out the rapids.

When boating on a river, you may encounter strainers. What is the danger of a strainer?

Strainers make the water dangerously cold.
Strainers attract dangerous wildlife.
Strainers can make you dizzy.
Strainers can trap small boats.

Strainers can trap small boats.

What should you do before letting someone else operate your boat?

Test the person’s swimming skills.
Make sure the person meets the minimum age and boater education requirements.
Check that the person is wearing sunscreen.
Ask the person to complete a float plan and file it with the Coast Guard.

Make sure the person meets the minimum age and boater education requirements.

What should you do before letting someone else operate your PWC?

Explain how to seat a passenger in front of the operator.
Explain how to increase the noise level.
Explain how to spray a wake at other PWCs.
Explain how to steer and control the PWC.

Explain how to steer and control the PWC.

A skier is being towed behind a boat. Who has responsibility for avoiding other boats and hazards?

skier
boat operator
boat owner
no one

boat operator

Which is the safest area for towing a skier?

near the shoreline where others can watch
near other skiers or swimmers in the water
in the middle of the lake away from other boaters
in the heavy-traffic area of the waterway

in the middle of the lake away from other boaters

What should you do with your float plan for a weekend water outing?

Mail it to your home address.
Stow it with the boat’s registration papers.
Fax it to the nearest U.S. Coast Guard station.
Leave it with a friend or relative.

Leave it with a friend or relative.

What should you do when approaching a low-head dam in a canoe or kayak?

Carry your craft around the dam.
Turn around and paddle backward over the dam.
Cross with your craft parallel to the dam face.
Shoot over the dam as fast as possible.

Carry your craft around the dam.

What is a leading cause of death for paddlers in small crafts such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts?

capsizing
improper clothing
boat leaks
starvation

capsizing

What should divers do for their own safety?

dive alone to avoid other boaters
tie two boats together
remain close to the diver-down flag
avoid displaying the diver-down flag

remain close to the diver-down flag

What should you do with a rag that has been used to wipe up spilled gasoline?

Place it in the bilge.
Hang it over the gunwale.
Put it in the cockpit to air dry.
Dispose of it on shore.

Dispose of it on shore.

What should you do before and while fueling your boat?

Turn OFF the engine. CLOSE all windows, doors, and openings.
Turn ON the engine. CLOSE all windows, doors, and openings.
Turn ON the ventilation system and the engine. CLOSE all windows, doors, and openings.
Turn ON the ventilation system. Keep all windows, doors, and openings cracked.

Turn OFF the engine. CLOSE all windows, doors, and openings.

What should you look out for when launching a sailboat with a raised mast?

launch ramp erosion
location of the sun
overhead wires
immersion depth of trailer

overhead wires

Two powerboats are about to cross paths. What should the boat on the starboard (right) do?

Speed up to cross in front of the other boat.
Speed up and turn toward the other boat.
Maintain course and speed, but stay alert.
Shoot a flare and sound a danger signal on a horn or whistle.

Maintain course and speed, but stay alert.

A sailboat and a PWC are meeting head-on. Which one is the stand-on vessel?

sailboat
PWC
neither
both

sailboat

One boat is overtaking another. Which boat should stand on?

the boat being overtaken
the boat creating the most wake
the faster boat
the larger boat

the boat being overtaken

What do two short blasts of a horn mean?

I disagree with your plans.
I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side.
I am stopping at the next dock.
My flashlight needs batteries.

I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side.

What is one possible meaning of a single prolonged blast of a horn?

I am passing an information marker.
I am coming around a blind bend.
I am creating a large wake.
I am filling my gas tank.

I am coming around a blind bend.

You see a white marker with black vertical stripes. What should you do?

Do not pass between the marker and the shore.
Keep the marker on your port (left) side.
Use the marker as a mooring buoy if you wish to tie up.
Prepare for bad weather.

Do not pass between the marker and the shore.

Which symbol on a regulatory marker is used to warn of a rock or other underwater hazard?

green square
orange diamond
aqua circle
yellow crossed diamond

orange diamond

Which symbol on a regulatory marker is used to mark a swimming area?

green square
yellow circle
orange crossed diamond
aqua diamond

orange crossed diamond

You see a white marker with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering. What does this marker tell you?

mooring area
keep out
PWCs only
good fishing area

keep out

How does the effect of alcohol while boating compare to its effect while on land?

The effect is increased while boating.
The effect is increased while on land.
The effect is slightly greater while on land.
Alcohol does not affect you while boating or on land.

The effect is increased while boating.

What should you do to reduce the risk of capsizing or swamping your boat in rough water?

Anchor from the stern.
Keep most of the weight close to the motor.
Turn at controlled speeds.
Sit on the gunwale.

Turn at controlled speeds.

What should you do immediately if a boat motor catches fire?

Signal for help.
Shut off the fuel supply.
Abandon the boat.
Grab a fire extinguisher.

Shut off the fuel supply.

When boating, you see a blue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag). How far away must you stay from the displayed flag?

at least 25 feet
at least 85 feet
at least 140 feet
at least 200 feet

at least 200 feet