Vessel License Study Guide

Alabama law states that a person must be at least _____ old to be eligible for boater safety certification and become legally able to operate any motorized vessel (including PWC).

12

According to Alabama law, a person _____ of age who has a boater safety certification may operate a personal watercraft without supervision.

14

When approaching a U.S. Navy vessel, a recreational vessel must slow to the minimum speed at __________.

500 yards away

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

Accessible location

When boating on federal waters, vessels 18 feet in length are legally required to carry onboard ______.

a visual distress signal

The first action required of a boat operator who witnesses a boating accident is to ______?

assist them

You are operating your vessel at a safe speed when you have enough time to _________.

avoid a collision

The vessel operator is responsible for ensuring that everyone on board understands ____________.

basic safety practices

When selecting the right PFD for a passenger you must consider in ___________.

body weight and chest size

What indicators provide warning that dangerous weather is approaching?

dark clouds, shifting winds

If a boat motor catches on fire you should immediately _____________________________.

shut off fuel source and try to put out the fire

A life jacket should be discarded and replaced when _______.

slightly torn

In addition to shifting the weight away from the point of impact, you should _________ if your vessel runs aground.

stop the engine and lift the out drive

Boaters must ____________ if caught operating a boat on Alabama waters, intoxicated.

submit to testing blood alcohol concentration

The recommended hours for personal watercraft use are between______________.

sunrise and sunset

When a sailboat is overtaking a power-driven vessel_________.

the sailboat is the give away

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

they mark edges of safe water

When passengers are boarding, ________ to avoid propeller strike accidents.

turn off the engine

Safe boating speed is determined by __________?

visibility conditions

Alabama law states that while operating a PWC, it is legal to cross the path of another vessel at right angles when _________.

visibility is unobstructed

Your trailer should be located __________ while you prepare to launch your vessel.

well away from the ramp

You increase the likelihood of an accident by operating a vessel _______________.

while consuming alcohol

A ___________ is required when a vessel is towing a skier and does not have a capable observer on board in addition to the driver.

wide-angle rearview mirror

According to Alabama law, children __________ old are required to wear a PFD while on a vessel, unless they are in an enclosed cabin.

younger than 8 years

Why is carbon monoxide is dangerous?

Odorless, colorless, tasteless and can be fatal

In Alabama, a vessel must stay _______ away from a diver-down flag.

100 feet

During what hours is it legal to tow a person behind a boat on water skis or another device?

Between 1 hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset

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

Both should turn starboard

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

Both vessel operators

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

Conduct a emergency drill

Who should know where to find the PFDs and visual distress signals in a vessel?

Everyone on the boat

What does a white buoy with an orange diamond indicate?

Exclusion or keep out area

What sound-producing devices are required when boating on Alabama water?

Horns or whistle

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

It's much greater

What should paddlers do to protect against capsizing their canoe or kayak?

Keep low center of gravity and three points of contact

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

May cause it to swamp

What should a vessel operator do to avoid the risk of a collision when visibility is restricted due to fog?

Reduce speed

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

Stop the engine

When must navigation lights be displayed?

Sunset to sunrise and when visibility is restricted

What is the main function of an ignition safety switch?

To shut engine off if the operator is thrown off the vessel

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

Try to reboard the boat even if its swamping

Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water?

Type 1: off shore

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

Watch for navigational hazards

What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating?

Wear PFD's

What should anglers and hunters do when they are fishing or hunting from a boat?

Wear a pfd at all times

Not having enough personal floatation devices is an example of _________.

careless operation

On a personal watercraft, letting off the throttle control may _______________________.

cause a loss of steering ability

What should you do before fueling your boat?

close all the doors, ports, window, and other openings

The best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway is to ________________.

consult a nautical chart

When are you required to submit an accident to the Marine Police?

damage to the vessel or other property exceeds $2,000

Keep centered in the boat to reduce ___________.

falling over board

When immersed in cold water, a person is at greatest risk of _________.

hypothermia

How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel?

into the wind or current whichever is stronger

Before allowing anyone to operate your vessel, you should _________________________.

know how to operate safely

According to Alabama state law, operating at less than 5 mph in a "slow, no wake" speed area is considered _________.

legal

To avoid collisions vessel operators should __________?

maintain a safe speed and keep a proper look out

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

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

According to Alabama law, the registration and validation must be attached to both sides_______.

of the bow

Checking the _________ is part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program.

oil level