STUPIDEST **** IN THE WORLD

What age children must wear an approved life jacket when on board any vessel underway that is 19 feet or less in length?

14 years of age or younger

How long should your anchor line be?

7-10 times maximum water depth

While boating, you see a red flag with a white diagonal stripe. What does this flag mean?

Diver underwater in the immediate area

What is the best way to minimize the risk of dehydration while boating in warm weather?

Drink plenty of fresh water.

What is the best way to minimize the risk of dehydration while boating in warm weather?

Drink water

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

Explain how to steer and control the PWC.

A boater sounds five short blasts on a horn. What does this signal mean?

I disagree with your intentions.

What do two short blasts of a horn mean?

I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side.

You see a buoy with both red and green bands. What does this buoy mark?

Junction of two channels

What is the main advantage of a Type IV PFD?

It is designed to be thrown to someone in trouble.

You are operating a PWC. You are heading straight toward a dock. You turn the engine off and then turn the steering control hard right. Which way will the PWC go?

It will continue straight toward the dock.

If your boat does not have a capacity plate, you will need to estimate the maximum number of people the boat can carry safely. How can you calculate the maximum number of people for boats less than 20 ft. in length?

Multiply boat length (in feet) by boat width (in feet), then divide by 15.

Which of the following is a legal requirement for PFDs?

PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition.

Which of these must have an Idaho Certificate of Registration and validation stickers to operate legally on Idaho waters?

PWC

You are retrieving your boat from the water. What should you do to prevent a traffic jam on the boat ramp?

Pull your boat away from the ramp to prepare it for the drive home.

All recreational vessels must have life jackets for each person on board or being towed. What additional equipment must be on board if your vessel is 16 feet or longer?

Type IV USCG-approved throwable device

What is the best source for a complete listing of navigation rules that apply to recreational boaters?

U.S. Coast Guard

What is the main function of an ignition safety switch?

to shut off the engine if the operator is thrown overboard

If you are towing a person at GREATER than "no wake speed," how far must you stay from a swimmer in the water?

at least 100 feet

Where should a boat compass be mounted?

away from magnets

An inboard engine backfires. What will prevent the ignition of gasoline fumes?

backfire flame arrestor

When should you check to see that fuel lines, connections, and fuel vents are in good condition?

before fueling

Who is responsible for explaining proper waste disposal procedures to passengers on a boat?

boat operator

Who is responsible for reviewing a pre-departure checklist before a boat outing?

boat operator

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

boat operator

You see a white buoy with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering. What does this marker tell you?

keep out

How does alcohol affect you when you are operating a boat?

makes it more likely that you will have an accident

What is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard?

moving around the boat while underway

You are boating in rough waters. If you have an emergency, rescue may take awhile. Which type of PFD is recommended?

offshore life jacket

Which action shows responsibility toward the aquatic environment?

using phosphate-free products to clean a boat

Who is responsible for the actions of any person being towed behind a vessel?

vessel operator

If on federally controlled waters, which vessels are required to carry on board a whistle or horn AND a bell?

vessels 65.6 feet or more in length

Two people are on a boat towing a skier. One person is the operator. What is the role of the second person?

watch skier

Which symbol on a regulatory marker is used to mark a swimming area?

orange crossed diamond

What symbol on a regulatory marker is used to mark a no-wake or idle speed area?

organe circle

What three ingredients are required to ignite a fire?

oxygen, fuel, and heat

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

paper

You are operating a PWC. What is most likely to create a blind spot that blocks other boats from seeing you?

passing too closely behind another boat

What must an operator of a rented PWC carry on board?

proof of boater education instruction

Someone falls into the water from a dock. What is the proper sequence of actions to help this person?

reach, throw, row, go

What does a diver-down flag look like?

red flag with white diagonal stripe

You see a white buoy with orange markings and black lettering. What type of buoy is this?

regulatory marker

You are operating your powerboat near a shoreline. What should you do to help prevent erosion?

run at no wake speed

What condition is often confused with the early stages of carbon monoxide poisoning?

seasickness

For a conviction of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, how long can you be imprisoned?

six months

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

the PWC

What does a green, can-shaped buoy mark?

the edge of a channel on a boater's left side when entering from the open sea or heading upstream

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

Who is responsible for avoiding a collision between two boats?

the operators of both boats

Who is responsible for keeping a sharp watch to avoid a collision between two boats?

the operators of both boats

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

What color are safe water markers?

white with red vertical stripes

How should you pass a fishing boat?

with minimum wake and well away from fishing lines

In Idaho, at what blood alcohol concentration in a person 21 years old or older is considered to be under the influence of alcohol?

0.08% or greater

Most boating deaths are drownings. How many drowning victims were wearing a proper PFD at the time of the accident?

10%

If you see a displayed diver-down flag while boating at GREATER than no wake speed, how far must you stay away from the flag?

100 feet

What minimum distance must be maintained from a U.S. Navy boat?

100 yards

What safety precaution should you take when hunting from a boat?

Always remain seated while shooting.

How can PWC operators minimize annoying noise?

Avoid congregating with other PWC operators near shore.

Where is a boat's stern located?

Back

By operating a vessel on Idaho waters, to which of the following have you consented?

Blood Alcohol Test

What should you do when approaching a low-head dam in a canoe or kayak?

Carry your craft around the dam

What is the best way to cast off if the wind or current direction is away from the dock?

Cast off all lines. Keep the boat clear of the dock. Shift into forward gear, and slowly leave the area.

What is true about changing water levels?

Changing water levels can cause special hazards for boaters.

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.

What is legal when towing a person on water skis or any other device on state waters?

Display an orange flag whenever the skier is in the water.

What should you do with your float plan for a weekend water outing?

Leave it with a friend or relative.

What should a sailboat operator do when approaching a PWC head-on?

Maintain present course and speed.

Boaters have a responsibility to the environment. What is one of the three Rs?

Recycle old fire extinguishers and marine batteries.

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

Reduce speed and head into the waves at a 45-degree angle.

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

Reduce speed, and throw the victim a PFD.

You are caught in severe weather while boating. What should you do?

Slow down but maintain headway and steering.

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.

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.

PWCs are very responsive to slight turns of the steering control. As a result, what dangerous situation can occur when a quick turn is made at high speed?

The operator and passengers can fall off.

A motorboat is crossing paths with a PWC. What action should be taken?

The vessel on the port (left) should give way.

What should you do before and while fueling your boat?

Turn OFF the engine. CLOSE all windows, doors, and openings.

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.

Stage 1 (initial cold shock) occurs in the first 3-5 minutes of immersion in cold water. What can happen during Stage 1 of cold water immersion?

You can experience involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, panic, and vertigo.

You are operating a powerboat at night. You see red and white lights on another boat. What do these lights tell you?

You must give way to the other vessel.

You need to refuel your PWC. When should you check for gas fumes?

after fueling and before starting the engine

How do most anchors hold a recreational boat in place?

by digging into the bottom when pulled horizontally

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

capsizing

Which of the following is legal on Idaho state waters?

displaying a vessel's navigation lights during daylight hours

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 the best way to reboard a PWC in the water?

from the rear of the PWC over the stern

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

gasoline

Which of the following is a legal requirement for PFDs?

good and serviceable condition

A powerboat is operating at night. Which color light must show on the starboard (right) side of this boat?

green

What piece of equipment on a boat is most important in preventing propeller strike injuries?

ignition safety switch lanyard

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 square and black lettering. What does this buoy tell you?

information and directions

What is the primary danger during the first 3-5 minutes if you are suddenly immersed in cold water?

involuntary gasping, leading to water inhalation and drowning