Boater Safety Course

What should the operators of a PWC and a motorboat do when approaching head on?

Both vessels should turn to starboard (right)

Which is true about operating a boat in Rhode Island while intoxicated?

By operating a vessel on Rhode Island water, a boater has consented to alcohol testing by a law enforcement official

What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway?

Consult a nautical chart

When must navigation lights be displayed?

From sunset to sunrise and when visibility is restricted

What should a motorboat operator do when someone is being pulled into the boat from the water?

Turn off the engine

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 hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise

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

What is indicated by a white marker with an orange crossed 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

On Rhode Island waters, how far must a powerboat vessel stay away from a diver-down flag?

at least 50 feet

In Rhode Island, how far must a PWC operating at more than "headway speed" stay from swimmers,divers, the shore line,or moored vessels?

200 feet

According to Rhode Island's law, what is the maximum speed allowed for "no wake speed"?

5 miles per hour

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

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.

Why should you avoid operating your PWC above "slow, no wake speed" near shore?

It helps prevent erosion

How full should you fill the fuel tank on a pwc?

Leave a little empty space in the tank.

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

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 fire?

Shut off the fuel suppy

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

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 cause by the negligent operation of your vessel?

The vessel is being operated by someone who stole it

What does a falling barometer mean?

There is a storm coming

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

What should you do to reduce the risk of capsizing or swamping in rough water?

Turn at controlled speeds

What should a vessel operator do to keep a proper lookout?

Watch for navigational hazards

You are allowed to tie up to a mooring buoy with permission. What does a mooring buoy look like?

White with a blue hazard 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

A life jacket must be readily accessible. What does this mean?

You can put it on without delay in an emergency

Which marker indicates that there is diving activity in the area?

a rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe

According to Rhode Island law, 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 to local or state police?

accident results in death, disappearance, personal injury, and/or damage in excess of $200

When should you turn on the power ventilation system to help eliminate fuel vapors in the bilge?

after fueling and before starting the engine

According to Rhode Island boating 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

If you have a recreational vessel with installed toilet facilities, what other equipment must be on board?

an operable marine sanitation device

How long should you run your boat's power ventilation system (exhaust blower) 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

Which of the following is legal operation of a PWC in Rhode Island?

operating at headway speed in a direct path to the operating area for PWCs

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 location

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

Which action may cause the loss of steering ability in a PWC?

letting off the throttle control

How do noise and vibration "stressors" affect you when operating a vessel?

make you tire more rapidly

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 in U.S.-controlled waters?

none

What determines how many wearable PFD's 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

How should you pull someone out of the water and onto a small boat?

over the stern with engine turned off

Which PFD is designed to be thrown to someone in the water?

ring buoy

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 four-second blast

Which side of a vessel has a green light at night?

starboard (right) side

When two vessels are operating in the same general area, who is responsible for avoiding a collision?

the operation of both vessels

What is the main purpose of the lateral system of red and green buoys and markers?

to mark edges of safe water edges

What do the rating symbols on a fire extinguisher indicate?

type of fire it will extinguish and relative size of extingisher

Where are the exhaust outlets located that could cause a swimmer to get a fatal dose of carbon monoxide?

under a swim platform

When boating on federally controlled waters in a 18-foot boat, what equipment are you legally required to have on board?

visual distress signals (VDS)

Under which condition is a person at the greatest risk of developing hypothermia?

when immersed in cold water