ri boating license test
What does and Alfa flag look like?
Blue and white international flag
How do you avoid overloading your vessel?
Don't allow the load weight or number of passengers to exceed the maximum stated on the capacity plate
how long should the anchor line be?
at least 7 to ten times the depth of the water you are in
According to Rhode Island law, during what hours is it illegal to operate a personal watercraft?
between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise
According to Rhode Island law, during what hours is it illegal to tow a person behind a boat on water skis or other device?
between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise
What should the operators of a PWC and a motorboat do when approaching head-on?
both vessels should turn to starboard (right)
What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway?
consult a nautical chart
What is indicated by a white marker with an orange diamond and black lettering?
exclusion or keep-out area, such as a swim area
Which of these should you leave with a friend or relative before taking an extended outing on the water?
float plan for your trip
What does a falling barometer indicate?
foul weather approaching
When must navigation lights be displayed?
from sunset to sunrise AND during periods of restricted visibility
where should you never attach an anchor?
from the stern
What should you do if you are operating a power-driven vessel A and power-driven vessel B begins to cross on your starboard (right) side?
give way by slowing down and changing course
square marker...
gives directions and information
How full should you fill the fuel tank on a PWC?
leave a little empty space in the tank
According to Rhode Island law, children of what age are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway on an open vessel less than 65 feet in length?
those under 13 years of age
On Rhode Island waters, how far must a powerboat vessel stay away from a diver-down flag?
at least 50 feet
What should a vessel operator do to keep a proper lookout?
watch for navigational hazards
In Rhode Island, how far must a PWC operating at more than "headway speed" stay from swimmers, divers, the shoreline, or moored vessels?
200 feet
According to Rhode Island law, what is the maximum speed allowed for "no wake speed"?
5 mph
PWCs must say how far away from diver down flags?
50 feet
how much chain should be attached to an anchor?
7-8 feet of chain
What should you do to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning while boating?
Never allow swimmers to enter an enclosed area under a swim or dive platform, even for one second
What marks a swimming area?
Orange crossed diamond
Boats less than 65 feet must have what lights?
Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away an all around white light visible from at least two miles
A life jacket must be readily accessible. What does this mean?
You can put it on without delay in an emergency
By operating a boat in Rhode Island while intoxicated...
a boater has consented to alcohol testing by a law enforcement official
Which marker indicated that there is diving activity in the area?
a rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe
What are the conditions that require operators or owners of vessels involved in a boating accident to report the accident immediately to the DEM or a local or state police?
accident results in death, disappearance, personal injury, and/or damage in excess of $2000
When should you turn on the power ventilation system to help eliminate vapors in the bilge?
after fueling and before starting the engine
What can you do to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species from one waterway to another?
allow your boat to dry before its next use
According to Rhode Island law, who must be on board, in addition to the operator, if the vessel is towing a skier?
an observer at least 12 years old in a position to observe the skier
black with white vertical striped marker marks...
an obstruction to navigation
If you have a recreational vessel with installed toilet facilities, what other equipment must be on board?
an operable marine sanitation device
High and low tides occur when?
approx. twice a day at six hour intervals
On a PWC water it is being operated in should be at least how deep?
at least 30 inches
How long should you run your boat's power ventilation system in order to eliminate fuel vapors in the bilge
at least 4 minutes
What is the purpose of an inboard engine's ventilation system?
avoid explosions by removing flammable gases
At which part of a fire should you aim when using a fire extinguisher?
base
What part of a low-head dam poses the greatest hazard from a strong, recirculating current or boil?
base of the dam
green buoys on right when...
heading out
mushroom style anchor is used for...
holding power is weak, should not be used to anchor boats larger than a small canoe, rowboat, small sailboat, or inflatable boat
What is the cause of most boating accidents?
human error
Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat?
in a readily accessible locatoion
A passenger on a PWC should never be seated where?
in front of the operator
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?
in good weather
Why should you avoid operating your PWC above "slow, no wake speed" near shore?
it helps prevent erosion
Which action may cause the loss of steering ability in a PWC?
letting off the throttle control
Where should you look for nautical charts?
local marinas
How do noise and vibration "stressors" affect you when operating a vessel?
make you tire more rapidly
crossed diamond marker...
marks closed areas
Circle marker...
marks controlled areas
plow style anchor is good for...
most boats
fluke style anchor is good for...
most boats, similar to plow style but more light weight
How does the effect of alcohol consumed while boating compare to the effect on land?
much greater effect while boating
What type of waste products may be discharged into U.S- controlled waters?
none
What determines how many wearable PFDs are required on a vessel
number of persons on board
How should a vessel's registration number and validation decal be displayed?
on both sides of the forward half of the boat
Where should your passengers be while you are tied to the dock and fueling your vessel?
on the dock and away from the vessel
What is the legal operation of a PWC in Rhode Island?
operating at headway speed in a direct path to the operating area for PWCs
How should you pull someone out of the water and onto a small boat?
over the stern with the engine turned off
What does a diver down flag look like?
red flag with white diagonal stripe
what should be done when passing under a bridge?
reduce speed and proceed with caution
Red buoys on right side when...
returning from open ocean
Which PFD is designed to be thrown to someone in the water?
ring buoy
How do you treat a victim of cold water immersion or hypothermia?
seek medical help immediately
What should you do immediately if a boat motor catches on fire?
shut off the fuel supply
What sound-producing device(s) is required when boating on Rhode Island waters in an 18-foot powerboat?
some means of making an efficient sound signal capable of a FOUR-second blast
Which side of a vessel has a green light at night?
starboard (right) side
If your inboard/outboard boat runs aground, what action should you take in addition to shifting the weight away from the point of impact?
stop the engine and lift the outdrive
What is the most dangerous type of dam?
the low head dam
When two vessels are operating in the same general area, who is responsible for avoiding a collision?
the operators of both vessels
Why should you never use a boat's engine to drive it onto a trailer (power load)?
the propeller's wash can erode sediment just beyond the ramp's surface
When are you NOT responsible for any damage or injury caused by the negligent operation of your vessel?
the vessel is being operated by someone who stole it
Alfa flag shows what?
the vessel is involved in diving activity
What is the main purpose of the lateral system of red and green buoys and markers?
to mark the edges of safe water areas
What should you do to reduce the risk of capsizing or swamping in rough water?
turn at controlled speeds
What should a motorboat operator do when someone is being pulled into the boat from the water?
turn off the engine
What do the rating symbols on a fire extinguisher indicate?
type of fire it will extinguish and relative size of extinguisher
Where are the exhaust outlets located that could cause a swimmer to get a fatal dose of carbon monoxide?
under a swim platform
white with red vertical striped marker marks...
unobstructed water on all sides
When boating in an 18-foot boat, what equipment are you legally required to have on board?
visual distress signals (VDS)
diamond marker...
warns of hazards and obstructions
Under which condition is a person at the greatest risk of developing hypothermia?
when immersed in cold water
You are allowed to tie up to a mooring buoy with permission. What does a mooring buoy look like?
white with a blue horizontal band
When boating at night, what does a single white light on a vessel tell you?
you are overtaking another vessel or it is anchored