Missouri Boat Course

A boat is towing two skiers at the same time. How long should the tow lines be?

Both lines should be the same length.

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

Carry your craft around the dam.

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

more than twice as likely

The motor on a PWC is running. Which part of the PWC can cause severe internal injuries?

steering nozzle

Who is responsible for keeping a sharp watch to avoid a collision between two boats?

the operators of both boats

Which action shows responsibility toward the aquatic environment?

using phosphate-free products to clean a boat

Who is responsible for explaining fire safety procedures to passengers on a boat?

boat operator

Who is responsible for performing the pre-departure check of a recreational boat?

boat operator

What information would you find on a nautical chart of a harbor?

water depth

What should you do if a fire breaks out in the back of your boat?

Head the boat into the wind.

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

danger or hazard

What causes a PFD to wear out over time?

exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun

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?

length overall

What must be displayed on both sides of the bow of a registered vessel?

registration number

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

port (left)

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

Always remain seated while shooting.

You are docking your boat. There is no wind or current. What is the best way to dock?

Approach the dock slowly at a narrow angle (about 20 degrees).

What is the main advantage of a Type IV PFD?

It is designed to be thrown to someone in trouble.

What is the best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning while boating?

Keep fresh air flowing through the boat.

You need to refuel your boat. When should you turn on the power ventilation system?

after fueling and before starting the engine

Boats typically have several metal fittings where ropes can be fastened. What is the name for these metal fittings?

cleats

What should you leave with a friend or relative before a long outing on the water?

float plan

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?

good weather

A powerboat is operating at night. Which color light must show on the starboard (right) side of this boat?

green

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

keep out

How does alcohol affect you when you are operating a boat?

makes it more likely that you will have an accident

What information is usually found on the capacity plate of a powerboat?

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

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

the boat that is overtaking

What do lateral markers indicate?

the edges of safe water areas

Two boats are operating in the same general area. Who is responsible for maintaining a sharp lookout?

the operators of both boats

What is the main function of an ignition safety switch?

to shut off the engine if the operator is thrown overboard

You see a white buoy with a blue band. What type of buoy is this?

mooring buoy

You are getting ready to launch your boat. Where should you park to load your equipment and gear?

well away from the boat ramp and approach lane

When should you expect dangerous weather?

when there is a buildup of dark clouds and shifting winds

What should be included on a float plan?

your plans for the water outing

What is the minimum age in Missouri to operate a motorboat or PWC alone?

14 years of age

How long should your anchor line be?

7 to 10 times the depth of the water

What can you do to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species from one waterway to another?

Drain your live well and bilge on the ramp before leaving a waterway area.

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

Give way to the other vessel.

You are operating a motorboat. You hear one prolonged blast from the horn of another vessel. What should you do?

Look out for the other vessel.

What should a sailboat operator do when approaching a PWC head-on?

Maintain present course and speed.

Which statement about PWCs is true?

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

Boaters have a responsibility to the environment. What is one of the three Rs?

Recycle old fire extinguishers and marine batteries.

A motorboat is crossing paths with a PWC. What action should be taken?

The vessel on the port (left) should give way.

A passenger on your boat falls overboard. What should you do while this person is being pulled back into the boat?

Stop the engine.

How do noise and vibration affect you when operating a boat?

They make you tire more rapidly.

What should you do before and while fueling your boat?

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

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

Wear the PFD in shallow water or a swimming pool.

You need to refuel your PWC. When should you check for gas fumes?

after fueling and before starting the engine

What is the most important thing to remember about steering a PWC?

You lose all steering control when the engine is idling or shut off.

Stage 2 (short-term swim failure) occurs 3-30 minutes following immersion in cold water. What happens during Stage 2 of cold water immersion?

You lose manual dexterity, strength, and speed of movement.

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

You must give way to the other vessel.

Which of the following accurately describes the two types of diver-down flags?

a blue-and-white flag or a rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe

According to Missouri law, who must wear a U.S. Coast GuardÐapproved life jacket?

a person riding as a passenger on a PWC

An inboard engine backfires. What will prevent the ignition of gasoline fumes?

backfire flame arrestor

When are you required to operate a motorboat or PWC at 30 miles per hour or less?

between one-half hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise

What does a diver-down flag look like?

red flag with white diagonal stripe

A skier signals that he or she is ready to go. When should the boat operator take off in a straight line?

when there is no traffic ahead

You are operating a PWC in an area where swimmers are in the water. When must you slow your PWC to "slow, no wake" speed?

when you are within 50 feet of the swimmer

You are in a boating accident, and someone is injured. How quickly must you file an accident report?

within 48 hours