Boat Ed Practice Exam

How do most anchors hold a recreational boat in place?

by digging into the bottom when pulled horizontally

What causes a PFD to wear out over time?

exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun

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

float plan

You are operating a vessel that is not engaged in diving operations. How far must you stay away from a displayed diver-down flag?

100 feet

You are traveling upstream on a river at dusk. You see a buoy with the number 4 and a flashing red light. What should you do?

Keep the buoy on your starboard (right) side.

You are operating during a period of restricted visibility. What should you do?

Operate with caution and slow to "idle speed."

A passenger on your boat falls overboard. What should you do FIRST?

Reduce speed, and throw the victim a PFD.

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

Try to reboard your boat, even if it is swamped.

How can propeller strike accidents be avoided?

Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding

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

Type 1

Whom should you contact if you see suspicious activities on the waterways?

U.S. Coast Guard

All vessels must have PFDs for each person on board. What additional equipment must be on board if your vessel is 16 feet or longer?

USCG-approved throwable device

Which of these would be considered a safe speed?

being able to stop within an appropriate distance

A skier is being towed behind a boat. Who has responsibility for avoiding other boats and hazards?

boat operator

Which of these is most likely to create a boating hazard around river bridges?

debris collecting around pilings

Exhaust outlets are often located in the area under a boat's swim platform. This area should be strictly off limits. What is the danger if a swimmer enters this area?

fatal carbon monoxide poisoning

What is good for cleaning your vessel and does not harm lakes or rivers?

non-phosphate products

When preparing to dock, what is the safest way to stop the forward motion of your boat?

shift into reverse gear

Under federal law, which type of boat must have a capacity plate?

single-hull boats less than 20 feet in length

What is the best way to check for gas fumes after fueling a PWC?

smell for fumes

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

steering nozzle

In Wisconsin, which persons may legally operate a motorboat (other than a PWC) without completing a boating safety course?

those born before January 1, 1989

Why should you avoid spreading non-native species between waterways?

to protect the native species in the water

A fire extinguisher is labeled 5-B. What type of fire will be put out by this extinguisher?

gasoline

What should you do to avoid colliding with another vessel?

keep a proper lookout for other vessels at all times

To meet the requirement for the number of VDSs on board, what must be true about pyrotechnic VDSs?

must be unexpired

Where must the expiration decal be placed on a vessel?

three inches behind the number on each side of the vessel

Your boat capsizes but remains afloat. What should you do?

Hang onto the boat or climb onto it.

What should a PWC operator do to minimize the risk of accident or injury?

Be aware of all traffic in the boating area.

You are caught in a storm in your boat. Your engine stops. What should you do?

Drop a sea anchor off the bow.

Which statement about PFDs is true?

Drownings are rare when boaters are wearing an appropriate PFD.

When must navigation lights be displayed?

From sunset to sunrise and when visibility is restricted

What should the operator of a stand-on vessel do when encountering a give-way vessel?

Maintain course and speed unless the give-way vessel does not take action.

What should you do FIRST if your boat runs aground?

Make sure no one is injured, and then check for leaks.

What should you do before letting someone else operate your boat?

Make sure the person meets the minimum age and boater education requirements

Which PFDs would be considered readily accessible?

PFDs located within easy reach of everyone on board

Which of the following describes "slow, no wake speed" under Wisconsin law?

a speed at which the vessel moves as slowly as possible while still maintaining steerage control

Which operators are required to maintain a proper lookout?

those operating any type of vessel

It is a good idea for all boaters to use a pre-departure checklist. Why?

to ensure safety

Which of these is a factor when determining the safe speed for a vessel?

traffic density

Under Wisconsin law, what blood or breath alcohol concentration is considered to be boating under the influence?

0.08% or greater

Under Wisconsin law, how far from shore must a PWC be if it is going faster than "slow, no wake speed" on a lake?

200 feet

To minimize the risk of an accident, what should you do if your group plans to consume alcohol?

Have a non-drinker operate the vessel.

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

Have everyone wear an appropriate PFD at all times.

If you are involved in a boating accident, what is the FIRST thing you must do?

Stop and render aid to other persons affected by the accident.

What is every vessel operator required to do?

Take all necessary action to avoid a collision.

A PWC is overtaking another vessel. Which vessel must give way?

The PWC

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

The effect is increased while boating.

What precaution should anglers and hunters take when fishing or hunting on cold water?

Wear several layers under their PFDs.

Where is the steering nozzle located on a PWC?

at the back of the unit

What is a leading cause of death for paddlers in small crafts, such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts?

capsizing

You are operating a recreational vessel less than 39.4 feet long on federally controlled waters. Which of the following is a legal sound device for this vessel?

horn

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

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?

what to do if someone falls overboard

What color is a marker that indicates safe water on all sides?

white with red vertical stripes

How should you pass a fishing boat?

with minimum wake and well away from fishing lines

How quickly must you file a written report if you're in a boating accident involving death or disappearance?

within 10 days

What is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard?

moving around the boat while underway

When are you allowed to refuse to follow instructions from a law enforcement officer?

never

What type of fire can be put out safely with water?

paper