Boating Test Study Guide

#1 What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water? A. Try to reboard your boat. B. Remove any unnecessary clothing. C. Tread water or swim to generate heat. D. Try to float on your stomach. Answer: A

#2 Visibility is restricted due to fog. What should the vessel operator do to avoid the risk of collision: Speed up as much as possible. Reduce speed to the minimum needed to stay on course. Sound two long blasts Maintain the same speed. Answer: B

#3 What could happen if you anchor a boat from the stern? The anchor line may get tangled. It may cause the boat to swamp. The anchor can’t hold firmly. The anchor is difficult to retrieve. Answer: B

#4 When must navigation lights be displayed? At night when there is a risk of collision. Only when adrift at night. From sunset to sunrise and when visibility is restricted Only when you are anchored or in fog. Answer: C

#5 What should the operators of a PWC and a motorboat do when approaching head-on? Both vessels should turn to starboard(right) Both should maintain course and swerve at last moment. The boat should turn starboard and the PWC should turn port. The boat should turn port and the PWC should turn starboard. Answer: A

#6 What determines if a speed is safe for your boat? Type of engine Shoreline conditions Visibility conditions Amount of fuel available Answer: C

#7 According to Alabama law, children of what age are required to wear a properly secured PFD while on a vessel unless in a closed cabin? Under 10 years of age Under 9 years of age Under 8 years of age Under 7 years of age Answer: C

#8 What should anglers and hunters do when they are fishing or hunting from a boat? Anchor in the middle of the waterway Wear a life jacket at all times Keep clothing to a minimum Take along extra food and gear Answer: B

#9 What should paddlers do to protect against capsizing their canoe or kayak? Keep a low center of gravity and three points of contact. Stand up in the craft while getting ready to dock Lean one shoulder over the side while paddling Move to the side closest to the shore. Answer: A

#10 Why should a vessel operator keep a proper lookout? To locate fuel To appreciate nature To avoid collisions To stay on course Answer: C

#11 In Alabama, what are the recommended hours for personal watercraft operations? Between 7pm and 7am Between sunset and sunrise (daylight hours) Between ½ hour after sunset and ½ hour before sunrise Answer: B

#12 Which of the following is legal operation of a PWC in Alabama? Crossing at right angles to another vessel when visibility is obstructed. Buzzing another vessel or person in water Weaving through conjested traffic Swerving at the last possible second. Answer: A

#13 What should a vessel operator do to keep proper lookout? Listen to your vessel’s engine Listen to passengers Watch for navigational hazards Watch for good fishing locations Answer: C

#14 According to Alabama law, during what hours is it legal to tow a person behind a boat on water skis or other device? Between 7am and midnight Between sunrise and sunset Between ½ hour before sunrise and ½ hour after sunset Between 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset. Answer: D

#15 According to Alabama law, what age person who has boater certification may operate a PWC without supervision? At least 17 years old At least 14 years old At least 11 years old At least 8 years old Answer:B

#16 Which action may cause the loss of steering ability in a PWC? Running at maximum throttle Letting off the throttle control Over steering Under steering Answer: B

#17 If your inboard/outboard boat runs aground, what action do you take to shift weight away from point of impact? Stop the engine and lift the outdrive Put in reverse and gun the engine Put in forward and gun the engine Keep the engine running and drop anchor Answer: A

#18 What should you do immediately if a boat motor catches on fire? Turn the stern of your boat into the wind Shut off the fuel supply and use fire extinguisher Abandon the boat Turn on ventilation system. Answer: B

#19 Under what condition is a person at the greatest risk of hypothermia? Being in the wind a long time When deprived of liquid When exposed to cold air When immersed in cold water Answer: D

#20 Which condition requires you to report a boating accident? Boat breaks down Witness a boating accident from shore You are arrested for BUI Damage to your boat is more than $2000 from the accident. Answer: D

#21 What is the first action required of a boat operator who witnesses a boating accident? To provide assistance Keep out of way Write an incident report Wait for rescue personnel Answer: A

#22 What should a motorboat operator do when someone is being pulled into the boat from the water? Put engine in forward Put engine in reverse Keep engine in neutral Turn off the engine Answer: D

#23 What should you do to reduce the risk of falling overboard? Stand up when changing seats Move around while underway Keep 2 points of contact if you move Keep centered in the boat. Answer: D

#24 What must an owner do before allowing others to operate the vessel. Check the weather Read the manual and pass the test Make sure they know how to operate it safely Make sure they have a license Answer: C

#25 At what distance should a vessel slow to minimum speed when approaching a US Naval vessel. 200 yards 300 yards 400 yards 500 yards Answer: D

#26 Why is carbon monoxide gas dangerous? It is flammable It blocks your view of vessels It causes corrosion that can spark It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can be fatal. Answer: D

#27 What is indicated by a white marker with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering? Exclusion or keep out area No wake zone Information, such as food Danger or hazard Answer: A

#28 According to Alabama law, what is required when a vessel is towing a skier with no other observer is on board? A wide angle rear view mirror 2 way radio to talk with skier Green and red signal flag Extra life jacket for skier Answer: A

#29 What should a vessel operator do to make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency? Throw a passenger overboard Explain everything when emergency occurs Have everyone take a written exam Conduct an emergency drill with the passengers Answer: D

#30 When is a sailboat the give-way vessel when meeting a power driven vessel? When sailboat is crossing ahead on starboard side. When sailboat is crossing ahead from port side When the sailboat is overtaking the power driven vessel. When 2 vessels are moving in opposite directions. Answer: C

#31 According to Alabama law, which of these are considered legal operation? Operating a vessel without the required safety equipment. Operating above a plane speed Operating at a speed that causes hazardous wakes Operating at less than 5mph in a slow, no wake speed area. Answer: D

#32 What is the main purpose of the lateral system of red and green buoys and markers? To show the outer boundaries of federally controlled areas. To provide traffic control devices To mark the edges of safe water areas. To provide mooring locations Answer: C

#33 How do you know when you are operating your vessel at a safe speed. No vessel passes you. You are not overtaking any other vessels You care going slower than vessels towing skiers You have enough time to avoid collisions Answer: D

#34 When two vessels are operating in the same area, who is responsible for avoiding a collision? The operators of both vessels The operator of the stand-on vessel The operator of the give-way vessel The operator of the smaller vessel. Answer: A

#35 Which is true about operating a boat in Alabama while intoxicated? Drinking alcohol isn’t dangerous. Operating under the influence doesn’t carry a penalty for 1st offense By operating a boat in Alabama, a boater must submit to testing for blood alcohol concentration. A boater paddling a canoe is less likely to be affected. Answer: C

#36 How does the effect of alcohol consumed while boating compare to the effect on land? About the same effect Much greater effect while boating Much greater effect on land Slightly greater on land. Answer: B

#37 In Alabama, how far must a vessel stay from a diver down flag? 200 feet 150 feet 100 feet 50 feet Answer: C

#38 What is the main function of an ignition safety switch? To shut off the engine if the operator is thrown overboard. To shut off engine when boat is beached To prevent unauthorized operation To prevent theft Answer: A toss a life saving device to the person

#39 What should the vessel operator tell everyone on board before departing? How far the vessel can go before running out of fuel Where to find PFDs and visual distress signals What time they are returning What food and drink is onboard Answer: B

#40 How can you prevent transporting nuisance species (plants or animals) with your vessel from one waterway to another? Flush vessel engine Run vessel through vegetation Avoid washing your vessel Remove any zebra mussels you see before leaving the body of water. Answer: D

#41 What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating? Have everyone wear an appropriate life jacket at all times. Put on life jacket after in water Allow on board only those who have passed a swim test Have a lifeguard on board Answer: A

#42 Which of the following is an example of careless operation? Displaying navigation lights in fog Not having enough fuel in the bilges Having wrong color flotation devices Not having enough personal flotation devices on board Answer: D

#43 How can a propeller strike accidents be avoided? Turn on the engine when passengers board Let passengers ride on the bow Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding Have children watch out for each other. Answer: C

#44 Where should your trailer be located while you prepare to launch your vessel? On your driveway In front of a vessel being launched In the water at the boat ramp Well away from the boat ramp Answer: D

#45 What should you do before fueling your boat? Turn off the engine and open all windows, doors Turn off the engine and close all windows, doors Turn on the engine and open all windows, doors Turn on the engine and close all windows, doors. Answer: B

#46 How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel? Into the wind or current, whichever is stronger With the wind or current, whichever is stronger At regular operating speed without slowing down Between other vessels in heavy traffic Answer: A

#47 What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program? Storing the vessel in the sun Checking the oil level before every outing Cleaning the hull with a detergent Using coarse sandpaper on aluminum hulls Answer: B

#48 Which of these provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching? clear, sunny skies Drop in wind speed and calm water White clouds and gentle waves Dark clouds and shifting winds Answer: D

#49 What sound-producing device is required when boating on Alabama waters in an 18 foot powerboat? None A whistle, a horn, or another sound device A whistle and a bell A whistle, a horn, and a bell Answer: B

#50 When boating on federally controlled waters in an 18 foot boat, what equipment are you legally required to have? Blue and white international flag US Coast Guard approved visual distress signals Emergency radio beacon Compass and map Answer: B

#51 What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel? Makes it easier to pay attention Helps you perform multiple tasks Helps you avoid dehydration Increases the likelihood of accidents Answer: D

#52 When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced? When it fits snugly When it is slightly torn After it has been used 20 times After someone borrows it Answer: B

#53 Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? In the engine compartment In a locked storage compartment Mounted in an accessible location Mounted in the bilge Answer: C

#54 Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is responsible for ensuring this? The vessel operator The dock attendant The most experienced passenger An adult at least 18 years of age Answer: A

#55 Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water? Type I Type II Type III Type IV Answer: A

#56 According to Alabama law, what operators are required to have completed an approved boating course in order to operate a PWC? Operators 21 years or older Operators 16 or 17 years old Operators 12 years or older Only operators who are residents of other states Answer: C

#57 What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway? Consult a nautical chart Consult a topographical map Ask someone who went there last year Listen to your favorite radio station Answer: A

#58 What important safety information is found on a boat’s capacity plate? Minimum number of PFDs required Minimum number seats Maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely Maximum capacity of fuel tanks Answer: C

#59 What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger? Total number of passengers on board Color of PFD Passenger’s body weight and chest size Passenger’s age and gender Answer: C

#60 How should a vessel’s registration number and validation decal be displayed? On both sides of the stern of the boat On only the starboard side of the boat On both sides of the bow of the boat On only the port sides of the boat Answer: C

STUDY GUIDE FOR TEST!! THE END