Boater Exam

which of the following is a can buoy? a) b) c) d)

a)

'Safe Speed' can best be defined as which of the following? a) a speed that allows time and distance to avoid collision b) a speed at which the operator may operate comfortably c) a speed which is less than or equal to 15 miles per hour d) a speed which is less than or equal to 25 miles per hour

a) a speed that allows time and distance to avoid collision

which of the following is a rule of operator responsibility? a) always stay alert b) remain at no wake speed c) operate only during daylight d) operate offensively

a) always stay alert

in Alabama, which of the following must be present in order to engage in towing activities? a) an observer on board who is at least 12 years of age or a 78 square inch mirror b) operator must be at least 18 years of age c) person(s) being towed must be at least 18 years of age d) must have an observer watching on-shore

a) an observer on board who is at least 12 years of age or a 78 square inch mirror

boat operators are responsible for which of the following? a) any damage caused by their boat's wake b) the condition of the local marina's facilities c) the actions of other boat operators in the area d) the approval of personal flotation devices

a) any damage caused by their boat's wake

when docking your vessel and the wind is in your face, how should you approach the dock? a) approach at a steep angle, (30-45 degrees) and swing the boat quickly b) approach at a shallow angle, (10-20 degrees) and drift into the dock c) approach straight on and let the dock hand pull you in d) approach from any angle and allow simply drift into the dock

a) approach at a steep angle, (30-45 degrees) and swing the boat quickly

which of the following is the responsibility of a boat operator? a) ensuring the vessel is in good working order b) ensuring there is food on board for passengers c) checking fuel prices before heading out d) checking navigational buoys for damage

a) ensuring the vessel is in good working order

If sailboats A and B are approaching each other with the wind on different sides, why is vessel A considered the give-way vessel (vessel that must take early and substantial action to avoid a collision)? (port side is left) a) it has the wind on its port side b) it has the wind on its starboard side c) it is operating at a lower speed d) it is the larger of the two vessels

a) it has the wind on its port side

as a recreational boat operator, what actions must you take when in a narrow channel? a) operate as near as possible to the outer limit of the channel on your starboard side b) operate as near as possible to the outer limit of the channel on your port side c) anchor at the entrance of the channel until larger vessel traffic has left d) operate as near as possible to the center of the channel

a) operate as near as possible to the outer limit of the channel on your starboard side

which of the following is most likely to cause a capsizing? a) operator error b) anchoring in open water c) operating too close to shore d) light winds

a) operator error

which of the following is a legal requirement for boat operation? a) operators must use every available means to determine the risk of a collision b) operators must carry an orange distress flag at all times when boating c) navigation light should ONLY be used if a collision is imminent d) passengers are responsible for keeping a lookout while the operator steers

a) operators must use every available means to determine the risk of a collision

in the state of Alabama, a boating accident must be reported if which of the following is present? a) property damages are greater than $50 b) property damages are less than $50 c) the operator is under the age of 16 d) the Certificate of Registration is lost

a) property damages are greater than $50

if approaching an area of high traffic density, what should a boat operator do? a) slow down b) speed Up c) keep speed constant d) avoid the area entirely

a) slow down

what is the name of the device that regulates the amount of fuel going into the engine of a personal watercraft (PWC)? a) the throttle b) the lanyard c) the backfire flame arrestor d) the handlebars

a) the throttle

which of the following conditions were present in over 80% of paddling fatalities from 1995 - 2000? a) the victims were not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) b) the victims were hunting at the time c) the victims were fishing at the time d) the victims were under 16 years of age

a) the victims were not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD)

before operating on an unfamiliar body of water why is it important to determine the location of shoaling areas? a) they are often difficult to spot even with local charts b) they are the best places to moor or anchor c) they must be approached at a 45 degree angle d) they are the deepest point on a body of water

a) they are often difficult to spot even with local charts

which of the following is an accurate statement regarding a pre-departure checklist? a) they should be used before each trip - regardless of length b) they are only to be used on long trips in unfamiliar waters c) they are handy tools to help deal with emergencies d) they are only to be used by the operator

a) they should be used before each trip - regardless of length

if you fall into cold water, in most case you may only retain the motor skills needed to swim for about how long? a) 1 to 10 minutes b) 10 to 30 minutes c) 60 to 90 minutes d) 90 to 120 minutes

b) 10 to 30 minutes

In Alabama, in order to operate without adult supervision personal watercraft (PWC) operators must be at least what age? a) 10 years of age b) 14 years of age c) 18 years of age d) 22 years of age

b) 14 years of age

because of the fatiguing effects of the sun, wind and motion of the boat, having one drink on the water is like having how many on shore? a) 1 b) 3 c) 10 d) 30

b) 3

as a general rule of thumb, the length of the rode (anchor lines + chain) should be how many times the depth of water in which it will anchor? a) 2-3 times b) 7-10 times c) 15-20 times d) 25-30 times

b) 7-10 times

in areas of heavy boat traffic, how can the operator reduce the chances of a collision? a) operate at higher speeds to leave the area quickly b) assign a responsible passenger to act as a second lookout c) drop anchor and wait for the traffic to subside d) throw any unnecessary equipment overboard

b) assign a responsible passenger to act as a second lookout

in Alabama, who is required to wear a personal floatation device (PFD) when on board a vessel? a) children over 8 years of age that are on deck b) children under 8 years of age that are on deck c) the boat operator only d) only passengers riding in the bow

b) children under 8 years of age that are on deck

which of the following is a proper fueling tip? a) keep all passengers onboard while fueling b) ensure that the engine is off and no one is onboard c) fill the fuel tank to the brim so the fuel is visible d) leave the engine running while you're fueling

b) ensure that the engine is off and no one is onboard

which of the following is a recommended safety precaution while fishing or hunting? a) always hunt or fish alone to avoid distractions or distracting others b) keep an eye out for other boaters and respect their space c) do not use navigation lights during peak fishing hours d) use quick movements to prevent falls overboard

b) keep an eye out for other boaters and respect their space

if you encounter this green marker buoy when heading in the upstream direction (returning from sea), how should you proceed? a) keep the marker on your starboard (right) side b) keep the marker on your port (left) side c) pass on either side of the marker d) turn around--you may not proceed any further

b) keep the marker on your port (left) side

which of the following is the proper washing procedure for your Personal Flotation Device (PFD)? a) machine wash and dry b) mild soap and water c) water and direct sunlight d) wash with bleach

b) mild soap and water

which of the following navigation lights is required for non-powered vessels under 23 feet operating during times of restricted visibility? a) must exhibit the same navigation lights as powered vessels b) must carry a working flashlight or a lantern on board c) must exhibit a red light at the bow d) must exhibit a green light at the stern

b) must carry a working flashlight or a lantern on board

what is the purpose of a propeller guard? a) increase the boat's fuel efficiency b) protect people in the water against propeller strikes c) reduces the engines trim level d) provides a smoother ride for water skiers

b) protect people in the water against propeller strikes

what Federal regulation must Personal Watercraft (PWC) operators adhere to just like all other powerboat operators? a) have an anchor on board at all times b) register the PWC with the state where it is operated c) a Marine Sanitation Device should be installed d) carry a Type IV Personal Flotation Device

b) register the PWC with the state where it is operated

in accordance with Homeland Security measures, recreational boaters should do which of the following? a) approach anyone engaged in suspicious activity b) remain at least a 100 yards from US Naval vessels c) leave your boat unlocked when unattended d) stop or anchor beneath bridges or in channels

b) remain at least a 100 yards from US Naval vessels

which of the following is an action that can help prevent a capsizing? a) keep supplies loaded in the front of the boat b) take corners at a safe speed and angle c) take another boat's waves from the port or starboard side, never head on d) tie the anchor to the stern for extra weight in the rear of the boat

b) take corners at a safe speed and angle

which of the following events will most likely occur if an operator encounters marker buoys indicating shallow water and thinks that they spot a sandbar up ahead? a) the vessel could capsize b) the vessel could run aground c) the operator may fall overboard d) the operator may run into fisherman

b) the vessel could run aground

which of the following will most reduce the chances of fatalities while on or around the water? a) keeping boat registration papers on board b) wearing a properly fitted life jacket at all times c) keeping navigation lights turned on at all times d) using an approved sound signaling device

b) wearing a properly fitted life jacket at all times

which of the following is the SAFEST use of a life jacket or PFD? a) carried on board if expecting dangerous conditions b) worn at all times when in or around water c) kept at the front of the vessel in case of an emergency d) stored safely and securely on any vessel

b) worn at all times when in or around water

in Alabama, what is the minimum Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level in order to be considered "under the influence"? a) 0.04% b) 0.06% c) 0.08% d) 0.10%

c) 0.08%

in Alabama, when measured from 50 feet away, a motorboat's exhaust sound is prohibited from exceeding which of the following? a) 78 decibels b) 82 decibels c) 86 decibels d) 90 decibels

c) 86 decibels

proper maintenance of a vessel has many benefits, including which of the following? a) a greater boat buoyancy b) an increase in wake c) a safer boating experience d) improved towing capacity

c) a safer boating experience

which of the following is the best way to help ensure your safety and the safety of others when operating a vessel? a) store all life jackets under lock and key b) carry trailer registration papers at all times c) avoid alcohol and drugs when operating d) always carry a spare docking fender on board

c) avoid alcohol and drugs when operating

capsizing occurs most often with which of the following types of boats? a) inboards b) outboards c) canoes d) stern drives

c) canoes

in Alabama, which of the following is required to operate a vessel? a) be a minimum of at least 21 years of age b) have your boat inspected before hand c) carry your Certificate of Number on board d) have boat insurance

c) carry your Certificate of Number on board

what information should be included in a Float Plan? a) name of the marine dealer where the boat was purchased b) a waste management plan for those on board c) date and time to contact authorities in an emergency d) how and when to use a very high frequency (VHF) radio

c) date and time to contact authorities in an emergency

what should drivers or snorkelers keep in mind while out on the water? a) restrict driving or snorkeling near beaches and shorelines only b) drive only near channel openings and under bridges c) drivers should remain within a reasonable distance from the driver down flag d) dive in areas where there is moderate to heavy boat traffic

c) drivers should remain within a reasonable distance from the driver down flag

what is a CRITICAL step to take before launching your boat? a) remove the winch line b) unload all equipment c) insert the drain plug d) turn on the trailer's brake lights

c) insert the drain plug

which of the following actions is required of Boat B while being overtaken by Boat A in darkness or reduced visibility? a) turn to either side to give way b) use a visual distress signal c) maintain course and speed d) stop your vessel

c) maintain course and speed

in Alabama, when operating a motorized vessel near or around a boat launch or dock, you must do which of the following? a) give the proper sound signal b) maintain your course and speed c) operate at no wake speed d) hold up an orange flag

c) operate at no wake speed

boat operators should frequently monitor which of the following for weather updates while out on the water? a) clock b) trip plan c) radio d) passengers

c) radio

since boats do not have brakes, what is the best way to bring your boat to a stop? a) cut the power and quickly turn right or left b) increase speed and quickly turn right or left c) shift into reverse and apply power to the engine d) drop a large anchor from the stern

c) shift into reverse and apply power to the engine

which of the following is a characteristic of Type IV Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)? a) they are designed for cooler water b) they are designed to be worn c) they can be thrown to persons in distress d) they are not Coast Guard approved

c) they can be thrown to persons in distress

which of the following is an accurate statement about using a fire extinguisher? a) aim the extinguisher at the highest part of the fire b) only use if the flames grow to be more than 5 feet tall c) use a sweeping motion and aim at the base of the flames d) extinguish only until the majority of the fire is out

c) use a sweeping motion and aim at the base of the flames

which of the following statements regarding safe towing is the most accurate? a) always approach of fallen skier at full speed b) towing can always occur before sunrise and after sunset c) any personal watercraft can be used for water skiing, tubing or wakeboarding d) a seat should be left available on board for each person being towed

d) a seat should be left available on board for each person being towed

drugs and alcohol have which of the following effects on boat operators? a) enhanced vision b) increased balance c) improved judgement d) diminished coordination

d) diminished coordination

which of the following marine distress signals would be most effective when operating after dark or during restricted visibility? a) distress cloth b) dye marker c) arm signals d) flares

d) flares

which of the following is the recommended method for storing your Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) on board a boat? a) in a closed compartment or cupboard b) under the seats, or with other equipment c) wrapped / packaged to protect from wear and tear d) in an open area to allow for quick access

d) in an open area to allow for quick access

under which circumstance may the Maximum Person Capacity of a vessel be exceeded? a) if the weather forecast is favorable b) if the vessel has a closed cabin c) if there are extra life jackets on board d) it may never be exceeded

d) it may never be exceeded

what is an important safety consideration when operating a personal watercraft (PWC)? a) signal for help immediately if the PWC overturns b) the lanyard should be removed before taking off c) always operate close to inhabited shorelines lines d) never exceed the PWCs passenger limit

d) never exceed the PWCs passenger limit

what should you do if you see a distress signal but cannot offer assistance without putting your vessel at risk? a) turn around and leave the area immediately b) attempt to provide assistance as best you can c) head to shore and display a distress flag d) notify the nearest authorities who can assist

d) notify the nearest authorities who can assist

which of the following would help in reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning on board a vessel? a) removing the rear swim step b) using low octane fuel c) sitting near the stern of the vessel d) regular vessel maintenance

d) regular vessel maintenance

under which of the following conditions is a Type B-I Fire extinguisher required onboard a motorized vessel? a) the vessel does not have any closed compartments b) the vessel more than 10 years old c) the vessel has met the life jacket requirement d) the vessel has permanently installed fuel tanks

d) the vessel has permanently installed fuel tanks

in the State of Alabama, all passengers on board a personal watercraft (PWC) must do which of the following? a) be over 18 years of age b) carry a Type IV PFD in a closed compartment c) must have an observer on-shore d) where and approved PFD (lifejacket) designed for the activity

d) where and approved PFD (lifejacket) designed for the activity