Practice Exam
What does one prolonged blast plus one short blast signal to a river lock attendant?
You want to go through the lock.
You see a white buoy with orange markings and black lettering. What type of buoy is this?
regulatory marker
A sailboat and a PWC are meeting head-on. Which one is the stand-on vessel?
sailboat
On state waters, what must all vessels operating under engine power carry?
sound-producing device
During what hours is it legal to tow a person on water skis behind a vessel?
sunrise to sunset
What hours is it legal to operate a ski craft?
sunrise to sunset
One boat is overtaking another. Which boat should stand on?
the boat being overtaken
All fire extinguishers are labeled with a letter and a number. What does the number indicate?
the relative size of the extinguisher
Under New Hampshire boating laws, what is the requirement for children 12 years of age and younger when underway on a vessel, not completely enclosed by railings at least three feet high?
must wear a USCG-approved life jacket
Which of the following best describes "headway speed" under New Hampshire boating law?
the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering or 6 miles per hour
It is a good idea for all boaters to use a pre-departure checklist. Why?
to ensure safety
On state waters, which vessels operating under engine power are required to carry a hand, mouth, or power whistle audible for ONE-HALF mile?
vessels 16 feet to less than 26 feet long
If a sailboat and a motorboat are both underway, when is the sailboat the give-way vessel?
when the sailboat is overtaking the motorboat
A skier signals that he or she is ready to go. When should the boat operator take off in a straight line?
when there is no traffic ahead
When are children 12 years of age and younger required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket on vessels not equipped with childproof railings at least three feet high?
whenever the vessel is underway
What color is a boat's sternlight?
white
You are caught in severe weather while boating. Where should you seat your passengers?
on the floor close to the centerline
For most people, how many alcoholic drinks does it take before judgment and physical reaction time are impaired?
one
A sailboat is underway in the fog. What sound signal should you hear?
one prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes
Which symbol on a regulatory marker indicates hazards such as rocks or stumps?
orange diamond
Who is responsible for any injury or damage caused by others you allow to operate your vessel?
owner
Which part of a PWC is dangerous to your hands, feet, and hair?
pump intake area
In addition to an all-round white light, what light(s) must power-driven vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) long exhibit when underway between sunset and sunrise?
red and green sidelights
How are nun buoys marked?
red with even numbers
Which of the following must be affixed to both sides of the forward half of the vessel?
registration number
What safety precaution should you take when hunting from a boat?
Always remain seated while shooting.
Under federal law, which type of boat must have a capacity plate?
Any motorboat over 25 mph
How should you approach a dock when the wind or current is pushing you away from the dock?
Approach at a sharp angle (about 40 degrees). Secure the bow line first.
How do you assume the HELP position to reduce heat loss in cold water?
Bring your knees to your chest and your arms to your sides.
What document must be on board and available for inspection by enforcement officers whenever a vessel is operated?
Certificate of Registration
Your boat capsizes but remains floating upside down. What should you do?
Climb onto the bottom of the overturned boat.
What should you do to prevent the discharge of untreated waste from a Type I or Type II marine sanitation device (MSD)?
Close the Y valve with a non-reusable seal.
A motorboat approaches you head-on and sounds one short blast. You would prefer to pass the boat on your starboard (right) side. Which sound signal should you use to indicate your disagreement?
Five or more short blasts
What is the main advantage of a Type IV PFD?
It is designed to be thrown to someone in trouble.
What type of engine is common on boats designed for shallow water?
Jet drive
How can you prevent static sparks while filling your boat's fuel tank?
Keep contact between the tank and the fuel spout
You see a green buoy. What should you do?
Keep it on your left when heading upstream.
By law, what is the minimum distance a vessel must remain from a displayed diver-down flag?
150 feet
What should you do to reduce the risk of capsizing or swamping your boat in rough water?
Turn at controlled speeds
Who is responsible for explaining fire safety procedures to passengers on a boat?
boat operator
Who is responsible for reviewing a pre-departure checklist before a boat outing?
boat operator
Which action is safe for a PWC?
seating two people behind the operator on a PWC rated for three
Who is responsible for avoiding a collision between two boats?
the operators of both boats
What is the purpose of a lanyard attached to an ignition safety switch?
to shut off the engine if the operator falls overboard
Which action shows responsibility toward the aquatic environment?
using phosphate-free products to clean a boat
What blood alcohol concentration is legal proof that an operator is boating while intoxicated (BWI)?
0.08% or greater
What minimum distance must be maintained from a U.S. Navy boat?
100 yards
Which of the following vessels is required to obtain a New Hampshire Certificate of Registration? 12 ft sailboat 2 person row boat canoe kayak
12-ft. sailboat
When boating at greater than "headway speed," what minimum distance must be maintained from docks and the shoreline?
150 feet
When returning to the shore with a skier, how far must the vessel remain from shore?
150 feet
With a Safe Boater Education Certificate in possession, what is the minimum age to operate a ski craft unsupervised?
16
With a Safe Boater Education Certificate in possession, what is the minimum age to operate a vessel powered by more than 25 horsepower (other than a ski craft) unsupervised?
16 years of age
You are towing a skier behind your boat. Which of these is a safety precaution you should take?
Avoid crowded areas near beaches, docks, and swimming areas.
What is the max speed while in a cove?
Headway speed
If two boats are traveling on paths that will cross, what determines which boat is the give-way vessel?
How the two boats are propelled
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 underway.
What words should you look for on the label to be sure an extinguisher is approved for marine use?
Marine Type USCG Approved
What is needed for steering control on a PWC?
Power to the jet drive
When a sailboat is approaching a powerboat, which one is the give-way vessel?
Powerboat
You are caught on open water during a thunderstorm. What should you do?
Seat passengers on the floor close to the centerline.
What is the problem with using your boat's engine to drive it onto a trailer?
The propeller's wash can create a large hole just beyond the ramp.
On New Hampshire waters, what action should you take when approaching an all red spar buoy?
go between it and its companion all black spar buoy
You are operating a PWC. Which boating laws and regulations must you obey?
laws that apply to all boats, plus those specific to PWCs
Under New Hampshire boating laws, which of the following best describes a ski craft?
less than 13 feet long, can go faster than 20 miles per hour, and can carry no more than two persons
How does alcohol affect you when you are operating a boat?
makes it more likely that you will have an accident
Suppose you have a 19-foot boat. What information will be shown on your boat's capacity plate?
maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely
In New Hampshire, which of these vessels must be registered? canoe kayak motorboat inflatable raft
motorboat
Where would a boat produce the highest concentration of carbon monoxide?
near the engine and generator exhaust outlets
You are boating in rough waters. If you have an emergency, rescue may take awhile. Which type of PFD is recommended?
offshore life jacket
Where should your passengers be while you are tied to the dock fueling your boat?
on the dock and away from the boat
When preparing to dock, what is the safest way to stop the forward motion of your boat?
shift into reverse gear
What does a red, cone-shaped buoy mark?
the edge of a channel on a boater's right side when entering from the open sea or heading upstream
Two boats are operating in the same general area. Who is responsible for maintaining a sharp lookout?
the operators of both boats
What is the main function of an ignition safety switch?
to shut off the engine if the operator is thrown overboard
What is the main function of a boat trailer's safety chains?
to support the trailer if the hitch or coupling breaks
What is the maximum number of persons that may be legally towed from a single vessel?
two
What colors appear on a mooring buoy?
white with a blue band
One type of marker is used to warn boaters not to pass between the marker and the shore. What color is this marker?
white with black vertical stripes
What color are safe water markers?
white with red vertical stripes
What should be included on a float plan?
your plans for the water outing
Even if no one was injured or killed, a boating accident on New Hampshire waters must be reported to the Division of State Police, Marine Patrol Bureau if there was property damage of over what amount?
$2,000
You are operating a powerboat at night. What does it mean when you see only a red and a green light on another boat?
A sailing vessel is approaching head-on. You must give way.
A motorboat and a PWC are approaching head-on. What action should be taken?
Both vessels should turn to starboard (right).
What is likely to happen if you do not ventilate your boat after fueling?
Gas fumes will stay in the bottom of the boat.
A fire extinguisher is labeled B-I. What type of fire will be put out by this extinguisher?
Gasoline
A paddler is approaching unfamiliar rapids. What should this paddler do?
Go ashore well upstream to check out the rapids.
What should you do with your float plan for a weekend water outing?
Leave it with a friend or relative
Which statement about life jackets is true?
Life jackets are difficult to put on in the water.
What should you do before letting someone else operate your boat?
Make sure the person meets the minimum age and boater education requirements.
When boating on a river, you may encounter strainers. What are strainers?
Obstructions that allow water to flow, but block small boats
What is the likelihood of drowning for paddlers in small boats (such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts)? (Compare paddlers to other boaters.)
Paddlers are more than twice as likely to drown
What type of fire can be put out safely with water?
Paper
What does a diver-down flag look like?
Red flag with white diagonal stripe
A person 16 years old must have which of the following on board to legally operate a ski craft?
Safe Boater Education Certificate
What should you do before fueling your boat?
Shut OFF the engine. CLOSE all windows, ports, doors, and other openings.
What should you do if the motor on your boat catches fire?
Shut off the fuel supply if possible
What is the best way to check for gas fumes after fueling a PWC?
Smell for fumes
By operating a vessel on New Hampshire waters, what have you consented to?
Sobriety test
What should you do before firing a shot from a small boat?
Stop the boat and turn off the motor. Anchor or secure the boat.
When boating on a river, you may encounter strainers. What is the danger of a strainer?
Strainers can trap small boats.
What happens when a PWC's steering control is turned to the right?
The back of the PWC is pushed to the left, and the PWC turns right.
A motorboat is crossing paths with a PWC. What action should be taken?
The vessel on the port (left) should give way.
How do noise and vibration affect you when operating a boat?
They make you tire more rapidly.
Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious people face up in the water?
Type I
While operating a boat, what must you have for each person on board or being towed?
Type I, II, III or V PFD
You see a white buoy with orange bands and an orange diamond. What should you do?
Watch out for dangers such as rocks or stumps.
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.
Stage 2 (short-term swim failure) occurs 3-30 minutes following immersion in cold water. What happens during Stage 2 of cold water immersion?
You lose manual dexterity, strength, and speed of movement.
If a person is convicted of boating under the influence, while transporting a person under 16 years of age, what ADDITIONAL penalty will he or she incur?
a 7-day residential intervention program at his or her own expense
Which of the following accurately describes the two types of diver-down flags?
a blue and white flag or a rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe
In addition to carrying the required wearable PFDs (life jackets), which of these is required to carry a Type IV (throwable) PFD also?
a motorboat 16 feet long
You need to refuel your PWC. When should you check for gas fumes?
after fueling and before starting the engine
How does a responsible boater protect the shoreline?
by preventing erosion
A passenger on your boat has irritated eyes, headache, nausea, weakness, and dizziness. These are early symptoms of what injury?
carbon monoxide poisoning
Which of the following actions is legal on New Hampshire state waters?
changing course suddenly after determining that there is no danger of collision with another vessel
What information would be included on a nautical chart of a harbor?
channel locations
Which vessel should display yellow lights when towing?
commercial vessel
You are getting ready to retrieve your anchor. Where should you position your boat?
directly over the anchor
Which of the following is legal? discharging oil in state waters discharging sewage in federal waters disposing of oil waste at an approved facility disposing of plastic in coastal waters
disposing of oil waste at an approved facility
On New Hampshire waters, what action should you take when approaching a white with red top spar buoy?
f heading east or west, go south of this buoy
What is the best way to reboard a PWC in the water?
from the rear of the PWC over the stern
How are can buoys marked?
green with odd numbers
What is the maximum legal speed for a vessel passing under a bridge?
headway speed
What is the maximum legal speed for a vessel passing within 150 feet of another vessel?
headway speed
Within 300 feet of shore, what is the maximum legal operating speed for a ski craft?
headway speed
What is the cause of most boating accidents?h
human error
Where is the best place to put PFDs while you are out on your boat?
in an open bin near the passenger seats
You see a white buoy with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering. What does this marker tell you?
keep out
Someone falls into the water from a dock. What is the FIRST thing you should do to help this person?
Try to talk the victim to safety.
Which of these actions is a homeland security violation?
approaching within 100 yards of a U.S. Navy boat
Where is a boat's stern located?
at the back
