Boating Test

According to Alabama law, what age person who has boater safety certification may operate a personal watercraft without supervision?

14 or older

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?

500 yards

According to Alabama law, what age is required to wear a PFD at all times?

8 and under

How can propeller strike accidents be avoided?

Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding

According to Alabama law, what equipment is required when a vessel (other than a PWC) is towing a skier and does not have a capable observer on board in addition to the operator?

a wide angle rear view mirror

Where should your trailer be located while you prepare to launch your boat?

away from the boat ramp

According to Alabama law, during what hours is it legal to tow a person behind your vessel.

between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset (daylight hours)

In Alabama, what are the recommended hours for PWC use?

between sunrise and sunset

How can you prevent transporting nuisance species from one waterway to another?

remove any zebra mussels you see before leaving the water

What should you do if a boat catches on fire?

shut off the fuel supply and use an extinguisher

What should you do to reduce the risk of falling overboard?

stay centered in the boat

IF an inboard/outboard boat runs aground, you should...

stop the engine and lift the outdrive out of the water

What is the main function of the ignition safety switch?

stop the engine if the driver is thrown overboard

T or F: When operating a vessel on Alabama waters, the boat operator must submit to testing for blood alcohol levels

true

What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water?

try to re-board your boat even if it is swamped

What should you do before fueling your boat?

turn off the engine and close all openings/windows/doors

what should a motorboat do when someone is being pulled into the boat from the water

turn the engine off

What should a vessel operator do to keep a proper lookout?

watch for navigational hazards

What should the vessel operator tell everyone on board before departing?

were to find the PFDs and visual distress signals

Under which condition is a person at the greatest risk of developing hypothermia?

when in cold water

When is a sailboat under sail the give-way vessel when encountering a power-driven vessel?

when it is overtaken by the power-driven vessel

How do you know when you are operating your vessel at a safe speed?

you have enough time to avoid a collision

What could happen if you anchor a boat from the stern?

it could swamp

In Alabama, how far may vessels stay from a diver down flag?

100ft

When must navigation lights be displayed?

From sunset to sunrise and when visibility is restricted

What is the best way to minimize drowning while boating?

Have everyone wear a PFD at all times

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?

It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can be fatal

What is indicated by a white marker with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering?

Keep out area

Which of the following is an example of careless operation?

Not having enough PFDs on board

What determines if a speed is safe for your boat?

Visibility conditions

When two vessels are operating in the same area, who is responsible for avoiding a collision?

both vessels

What should the operators of a PWC and a motorboat do when approaching head-on?

both vessels should turn to the right/starboard

What should a vessel operator do to ensure that everyone on board knows what to do in case of an emergency?

conduct an emergency drill

Which of the following is legal operation of a PWC in Alabama?

crossing at right angles to another vessel when visibility is unobstructed

What is the first action required of a boat operator who witnesses a boating accident?

give assistance

What should paddlers do to keep from capsizing their boat?

keep a low center of gravity and three points of contact

What must an owner do before allowing others to operate his or her vessel?

make sure they know how to operate safely

What is the main purpose of the lateral system of red and green buoys and markers?

marks the edges of safe water areas

How should a vessel's registration number and validation decal be displayed?

on both sides of the bow of the boat

According to Alabama boating law, what is considered legal?

operating at less than 5mph in a slow/ low speed zone