Boating Practice Exam Questions
When boating in Texas, which of the following actions would be legal?
encircling boaters who are fishing operating outside of restricted areas riding on the back of a boat seat while underway riding on a seat mounted on a raised deck while at full speed
By operating a vessel on Texas waters, to what have you consented?
first-aid quiz PFD flotation test alcohol or drug test fire extinguisher demonstration
How full should you fill the fuel tank on a PWC?
Leave a little empty space in the tank; Fill the tank all the way up.; Tip the PWC to top off the fuel tank.; Overfill slightly to avoid any air pocket.
What is one of the first symptoms of hypothermia?
Sweating; Shivering; Increased Sensitivity in Fingertips; Dryness in Mouth
Your boat capsizes but remains afloat. What should you do?
Swim up under the boat to stay out of the wind. Swim away from the boat, and tread water. Hang onto the boat or climb onto it. Remove your PFD, and wave it to signal for help.
What should you do before letting someone else operate your boat?
Test the person's swimming skills. Make sure the person meets the minimum age and boater education requirements. Check that the person is wearing sunscreen. Ask the person to complete a float plan and file it with the Coast Guard.
In Texas, which of the following is a requirement when towing a person on water skis?
The observer on board must be at least 13 years of age. The person being towed must be at least 18 years of age. The operator of the vessel must be at least 20 years of age. The people watching on shore must be at least 16 years of age.
You are approaching another boat. Assume that according to the navigation rules, you are the stand-on boat. Which exception to the rules means you must give way?
The other boat is operating at no-wake speed.; The other boat has difficulty maneuvering.; The other boat is being used for recreational fishing.; The other boat is coming up from behind.
In Texas, which is a requirement for the person riding on a PWC?
The person must be over 18 years of age. The person must carry a throwable device. The person must have an observer on shore. The person must wear a USCG-approved PFD.
You are caught in severe weather while boating. What should you do?
Throw all unnecessary gear overboard. Head for the closest low-head dam or rapids. Turn your navigation lights off to save the battery. Slow down but maintain headway and steering.
How do you know when you are operating your vessel at a safe speed?
You are not exceeding the maximum speed limit for the area where you are operating. You are able to pass other vessels while remaining on course at a constant speed. You can stop within an appropriate distance to avoid a collision. You can see hazards and other vessels clearly.
A person has boater education certification. According to Texas law, how old must this person be to operate a PWC unsupervised?
at least 25 years of age at least 19 years of age at least 13 years of age at least 7 years of age
A person has boater education certification. According to Texas law, how old must this person be to operate a boat powered by a motor of 15 horsepower or more unsupervised?
at least 25 years of age at least 21 years of age at least 17 years of age at least 13 years of age
When operating at greater than headway speed, how far must a PWC stay from another boat or PWC?
at least 83 feet at least 50 feet at least 29 feet at least 7 feet
When is the best time to wear a PFD?
between sunset and sunrise after you fall overboard in rough water at all times
What color flag is used to mark an area where people are snorkeling or scuba diving?
blue with a large white X red with a white diagonal stripe green with a yellow square black with a white circle
What must be affixed to both sides of the bow of a vessel?
boater safety certification registration number owner's name bill of sale
How does a vessel operator keep a proper lookout?
by trusting an observer; by watching and listening; by having a large rearview mirror; by looking through a telescope
What is a leading cause of death for paddlers in small crafts, such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts?
capsizing improper clothing boat leaks starvation
How should a trailer's safety chains be attached to the towing vehicle?
crisscrossed under the trailer coupler; crisscrossed over the trailer coupler; under the body of the vehicle and attached to the front bumper; over the trailer coupler and attached to the rear tires
What information is usually found on the capacity plate of a powerboat?
displacement weight of the boat with a full load of fuel and/or gear; minimum horsepower rating maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely load rating of the boat's trailer
You see a white buoy with a blue band. What type of buoy is this?
fishing area buoy mooring buoy lateral marker regulatory marker
What is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard?
fishing from a boat moving around the boat while underway slowing down while turning sitting on a pedestal chair when anchored
What is the best way to reboard a PWC in the water?
from the front of the PWC over the bow pull it to shore with a rope and then jump on board climb onto a larger boat and then jump on board from the rear of the PWC over the stern
When boating on coastal waters, it is important to be aware of the tides. What can tides cause?
hurricanes tsunamis strong currents falling barometer
How does alcohol affect you when you are operating a boat?
improves your reaction time helps you avoid dehydration increases your ability to keep track of two other boats in your area makes it more likely that you will have an accident
Where should you avoid anchoring?
in calm water in a lake near a launching ramp within 200 feet of shore
Where should portable gasoline fuel tanks be filled?
in the boat's cabin; in the boat's cockpit; on the dock; on the gunwale
You are boating in rough waters. If you have an emergency, rescue may take a while. Which type of PFD is recommended?
inflatable raft water wings ring buoy offshore life jacket
You see a white buoy with an orange square and black lettering. What does this buoy tell you?
keep out which fish are biting information or directions time of day
What do the symbols on a fire extinguisher indicate?
minimum charge level recommended frequency of inspections number of times the extinguisher can be used size and type of fire the extinguisher can put out
What is the important safety information found on a boat's capacity plate?
minimum number of PFDs that must be carried on the boat; minimum number of seats that must be available for people on the boat; maximum capacity of the fuel tanks; maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely
What is most important when selecting the right type of PFD for a passenger?
number of people on board color of the PFD passenger's experience passenger's size
What amount of alcohol consumed while boating is equivalent to the amount of alcohol required to make a person legally intoxicated on land?
one-third two-thirds two times three times
You are operating a PWC. What is most likely to create a blind spot that blocks other boats from seeing you?
operating well offshore having a passenger on a PWC rated for two people passing too closely behind another boat operating at slow speed near shore
Which of the following is a non-pyrotechnic VDS that is approved for use during the day?
orange smoke distress flag parachute flare electric light
Which of the following equipment is required for motor-driven vessels operating in Texas?
permanently mounted compass effective muffling system gray skier-down flag extra vessel battery
Which side of a boat has a red light at night?
port (left); gunwale; stern; keel
Which of the following would be required when towing a person on water skis behind a PWC rated for two people?
power winch reboarding ladder rearview mirror (at least four inches by four inches) rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe
Which operation on a PWC requires more than idle speed?
refueling avoiding erosion stopping steering control
A skier is being towed behind a boat. Who has responsibility for avoiding other boats and hazards?
skier boat operator boat owner no one
Which of the following best describes "headway speed" under Texas boating law?
speed that is too slow to maintain steering and headway slowest speed at which the vessel still creates a wake slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering cruising speed at which the vessel still creates a wake but does not disturb other boaters
If you carry passengers in your boat, you should have a safety discussion before departing. Which of these topics should be included in the discussion?
the proper use of navigation lights what to do if someone falls overboard where the food and drink are located type of soap to use when washing the hull
A PWC is overtaking another vessel. Which vessel must give way?
the vessel creating the least wake; the PWC; the slower vessel; the faster vessel
It is a good idea for all boaters to use a pre-departure checklist. Why?
to keep passengers calm to delay departure to follow the law to ensure safety
Why should a vessel operator keep a proper lookout?
to locate fuel; to avoid collisions; to stay on course; to appreciate nature
What is the first action required of a boat operator who is involved in a boating accident?
to provide assistance to keep out of the way to write an incident report to wait for rescue personnel
When are you required to report a boating accident to the TPWD by the quickest means possible?
A person dies or disappears. A person is scratched and needs a small bandage. Property damage is $50, and no one is injured. Property damage is $100, and one person needs a pain reliever.
What should you do when you are sharing public waterways with others?
Control the noise from your boat. Ignore the other boats around you. Meet as many people as you can. Make a large wake near small boats.
You are out on the water in foggy conditions. You hear one prolonged blast every two minutes. What does this sound signal mean?
I am a power-driven vessel at anchor.; I am a power-driven vessel underway.; I am an inflatable raft at anchor.; I am an inflatable raft adrift in the water.
What should you do if a PFD has a tear in the outer fabric?
Iron on a patch. Replace the PFD. Repair the tear with duct tape. Don't worry about it.
What is the main advantage of a Type IV PFD?
It is designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. It is very comfortable to wear. It has a lot of pockets. It provides good protection from cold water.
What should you do to prevent the discharge of untreated waste from a Type I or Type II marine sanitation device (MSD)?
Let the toilet's water supply line discharge into the waterway as you get close to shore. Disconnect the toilet from the holding tank and let it discharge into the waterway. Secure the Y valve so that it cannot be opened. Keep the Y valve in the open position.
What is the best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning while boating?
Operate generators only at night. Use a breathing tube when swimming near the boat. Keep fresh air flowing through the boat. Keep doors and windows closed while using a cabin heater.
Which statement about PFDs is true?
PFDs do not float well in shallow water. PFDs are difficult to put on in the water. Children's PFDs should fit loosely to allow for growth. You should use gasoline to clean a PFD coated with oil or grease.
You see a green buoy. What should you do?
Prepare for a thunderstorm. Wave an orange distress flag. Keep it on your left when heading upstream. Stay at least 500 feet away from it.
How can propeller strike accidents be avoided?
Put the engine in gear while passengers are swimming. Turn on the engine when passengers are boarding. Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding. Have children watch out for each other.
A passenger on your boat falls overboard. What should you do FIRST?
Reduce speed, and throw the victim a PFD. Jump into the water with a spare PFD. Speed up, and drive in circles around the victim. Tow a line behind the boat to encircle the victim.
Your boat capsizes and floats away. What should you do?
Securely fasten your PFD, and wait for help. Tie all the PFDs together to make a buoyant raft. Swim after the boat, and try to catch it. Remove your PFD, and wave it to signal for help.
When preparing to dock, what is the safest way to stop the forward motion of your boat?
Shift into reverse gear.; Use your arms and/or legs.; Use the boat's rear brakes.; Toss a mooring line around a cleat.
What should you do FIRST if your boat runs aground?
Shift the weight to the point of impact. Make sure no one is injured, and then check for leaks. Put the engine in reverse, and gun it. Put the engine in forward, and gun it.
If the wind or current is pushing your boat away from the dock as you prepare to dock, which line should you secure first?
towing line; bow line; starboard (right) line; port (left) line
How often should you check the engine oil level?
twice each year; once each month; before each outing; before each boating season
What determines if a speed is safe for your boat?
type of engine shoreline conditions visibility conditions amount of fuel available
How should firearms be transported in a boat?
unloaded and lying flat on a seat or the boat's bottom unloaded with the safety on and in a gun case loaded and lying across a hunter's lap loaded with the safety on and upright in the stern
When can navigation rules be overlooked?
when operating less than 50 feet away from shore; when necessary to avoid immediate danger; in small lakes that do not have navigational aids; in good visibility during the day
What type of fire can be put out safely with water?
wood grease electrical gasoline
Whom should you contact if you see suspicious activities on the waterways?
your parents your boat dealer NASA U.S. Coast Guard
In Texas, what blood alcohol concentration constitutes proof that an operator is operating a vessel while intoxicated (BWI)?
0.01% or greater 0.08% or greater 0.15% or greater 0.22% or greater
How long should your anchor line be?
3 inches less than the length of the boat 3 inches more than the length of the boat 10 to 20 times the depth of the water 7 to 10 times the depth of the water
In Texas, during which time periods may a person operate a PWC?
5 a.m. to sunset 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. sunrise to sunset before sunrise
You are getting ready for a short daytime outing on the water. What is the most important information to tell a responsible person?
your phone number and address; where you will be boating and when you plan to return; a description of your boat's equipment; layout of your marina and assigned slip number
You are operating a powerboat at night. You see green and white lights on another boat. What do these lights tell you?
You are the stand-on vessel but be prepared to give way if necessary.; A sailboat is approaching head-on, but you have the right of way.; A power-driven vessel is approaching head-on, but you have the right of way.; You are the give-way vessel in a head-on situation.
What is the most important thing to remember about steering a PWC?
You must stand up to turn a PWC. You use both hands and both feet to turn a PWC. You must exert considerable effort to turn a PWC around. You lose all steering control when the engine is idling or shut off.
What does a green, can-shaped buoy mark?
a dangerous mooring area for recreational boats the best waterfront restaurant in the area the edge of a channel on your left side when heading upstream the center of an unobstructed channel
