MI boater safety

A person has a boater's safety certification, according to MI law, how old does the person have to be to ride a jet ski with a parent of guardian?

14 years of age

According to MI law, who must be onboard when towing a water skier?

A person observing the towed person at all times.

What must owners do before allowing other people to operate their boat?

Teach the operator how to operate it safely.

What is the most important consideration when selecting the right PFD for a passenger?

That it fits their weight and chest size.

Under what condition is a person at greatest risk of developing hyperthermia?

When immersed in cold water

What should the vessel operator tell everyone before departing?

Where the PFDs are and where the distress signals are

What sound producing device is required on a boat in MI waters in an 18 ft. boat under engine power?

Whistle or horn audible for at least one half mile.

Which is true about operating a boat in MI while intoxicated?

You have consented to be tested for alcohol or drugs if arrested by a law enforcement officer.

How far and at what speed must a PWC be from another vessel that is not also a PWC?

at slow no wake or idle speed when within 150 ft. of another vessel

According to MI law, during what hours is it illegal to operate a PWC?

between sunset and 8 A.M.

What is the most common cause of collisions?

boating at night or at restricted visibility

How do you prevent transporting nuisance species with your vessel from one waterway to another?

remove any zebra muscles you see before leaving a body of water

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

stop and provide assistance

What should a motorboat operator do if someone is being pulled into the boat from the water

stop the engine

Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is responsible for doing this?

the vessel operator

What determines if a speed is safe for your boat?

the weather and visibility conditions

Why should a vessel operator keep a proper lookout?

to avoid collisions

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

to mark the edges of safe water areas

What is the main function of the ignition safety switch?

to shut off the engine if the operator falls off

What should you do before fueling your boat?

turn of engine and close all windows, ports, and doors

What is the best way to find hazards on a local lake?

use a nautical chart

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

well away from the boat ramp

When should a life jacket be discarded or replaced?

when it is slightly damaged or torn

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

when the sailboat wants to overtake a motorboat

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

when you have enough time to avoid a collision

During what hours is it legal to tow a person behind a boat?

1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset

In MI, how far must a vessel operator at more than slow no wake speed be from a designated swimming area?

100 ft.

A recreational vessel is approaching a U.S. Naval at what distance must the recreational vehicle reduce to minimal speed? A. 100 yards. B. 200 yards. C. 500 yards. D. 1000 yards.

C. 500 yards.

According to MI law, when are persons allowed to ride on the gunnel when a boat is underway? A. Always. B. When the rider is at least 16 years old. C. Never. D. If ther rider is wearing an approved life vest.

C. Never.

What should a vessel operator do to make sure that everyone knows what to do in an emergency?

Conduct emergency drills

According to MI law which of the following is considered legal? A.operating at a speed producing damage by wakes B.operating in a designated danger area C.operating at a slowest speed still operable in swimming area D.operating at slowest speed which it is still able to maintain control 50 ft. away from a dock

D. operating at slowest speed which it is still able to maintain control 50 ft. away from dock

Which condition requires that you file a report to the MI Department of Natural Resources?

If damage to the vessel is over $2,000 dollars

What effect does alcohol have when operating a vessel?

It increases the likelihood of accidents

Why is carbon monoxide gas dangerous?

It is a colorless, odorless tasteless gas that is fatal.

What should paddlers do to avoid capsizing?

Keep a low center of gravity and three points of contact.

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

Keep centered in the boat.

What should you do immediately if your boat motor catches on fire?

Shut off fuel supply and try to put out fire with extinguisher.

If your inboard / outboard boat runs aground, what, other than shifting your weight, should you do?

Stop engine and lift the outdrive

What should you do when or if you fall overboard in cold water?

Try to stay with your boat and try to board it even if capsized.

Which type of PFD will turn an unconscious person face up in the water?

Type I

When boating on a federally controlled water, on an 18 ft. boat, what equipment do you legally need to have onboard?

U.S. Coast Guard approved visual distress signals.

What should anglers or hunters do if they fish or hunt from a small boat?

Wear a life jacket

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

both operators

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

both vessels should turn to the starboard (right)

How can propeller injuries be avoided?

by turning the engine off when passengers are boarding or disembarking

What is one part of a regular vessel engine maintenance program?

check the oil before every outing

According to Michigan law, children of what age are required to wear PFD on an open deck of a vessel?

children under the age of 6

What provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching?

dark clouds and shifting winds

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

it could cause your boat to swamp

What is indicated by a marker with a orange cross diamond with black lettering?

exclusion to area

When should navigational lights be displayed?

from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility

What is the best way to minimize risk of drowning?

have everyone on board wear a life jacket

How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel?

into the wind/current which ever is stronger

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

it is much greater

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

left to right on both sides of the bow of a boat

What action would cause a loss of steering on a PWC?

letting go of the throttle

What important safety information is found on the boat's capacity plate?

maximum weight and number of people the boat can safely carry

Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat?

mounted in an accessible location

According to MI law how old does a person have to be to ride a jet ski without restrictions?

operators born on or before December 31st

What should you do if your visibility is restricted due to fog?

reduce speed to minimum