Boating license exam
Under federal law, which type of boat must have a capacity plate?
single-hull boats less than 20 feet in length.
Which of the following best describes "headway speed" under Texas boating law?
slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering
According to Texas law, during what hours is it legal to operate a PWC?
sunrise to sunset
Two boats are operating in the same general area. Who is responsible for maintaining a sharp lookout?
the operators of both boats
What color is a marker that indicates safe water on all sides?
white with red vertical stripes
A sailboat is underway in the fog. What sound signal should you hear?
one prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes
What amount of alcohol consumed while boating is equivalent to the amount of alcohol required to make a person legally intoxicated on land?
one third
A passenger on a small boat falls overboard. How should this person be pulled back onto the boat?
over the stern with the engine turned off
What is needed for steering control on a PWC?
power to the jet drive
Alcohol can reduce your ability to distinguish between two colors. What are these colors?
red and green
By operating a vessel on Texas waters, to what have you consented?
Alcohol or drug test
If an operator falls overboard, what can keep him or her from being the victim of a propeller strike?
An engine cut-off switch lanyard
A person has boater education certification. According to Texas law, how old must this person be to operate a PWC unsupervised?
At least 13 years of age
A person has boater education certification. According to Texas law, how old must this person be to operate a boat powered by a motor of 15 horsepower or more unsupervised?
At least 13 years of age
When operating at greater than headway speed, how far must a PWC stay from another boat or PWC?
At least 50 feet
What are small, flat-bottom boats, such as duck hunting boats, prone to do?
Capsize or swamp
What is a leading cause of death for paddlers in small crafts, such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts?
Capsizing
What document must be on board and available for inspection by enforcement officers whenever a vessel is operated?
Certification number (registration card)
Your boat capsizes but remains floating upside down. What should you do?
Climb onto the bottom of the overturned boat.
Which navigation instrument is useful for steering when land is out of sight?
Compass
What should you do when you are sharing public waterways with others?
Control the noise from your boat
What is the best way to avoid overloading your boat?
Don't exceed the limits listed on the capacity plate.
What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating?
Have everyone wear an appropriate life jacket at all times
You are planning to go boating in cold water conditions. How should you equip your boat in order to be prepared for cold water immersion?
Have plenty of thick blankets for easy access
What is the main advantage of a Type IV PFD?
It is designed to be thrown to someone in trouble.
What is the best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning while boating?
Keep fresh air flowing through the boat.
You return from the open sea. You see a red lighted buoy with the number 6. What should you do?
Keep the buoy on your starboard (right) side.
When may passengers legally ride on the bow or gunwale while a vessel is underway?
Never; it is considered illegal operation
What type of waste products may be discharged into U.S. waters?
None
Which type of anchor has little holding power?
Mushroom style
What can a vessel operator use to make sure he or she has everything needed for a safe trip?
Pre-departure checklist
What is legal when towing a person on water skis or any other device on state waters?
Towing a person with an observer at least 13 years on board
Who is responsible for explaining fire safety procedures to passengers on a boat?
boat operator
Which type of anchor should be used only for small, lightweight boats?
mushroom-style
Where must a vessel's registration number be displayed?
on each side of the forward half of the vessel
You file a float plan for a weekend trip. Which of these should be included in the plan?
registration number, size, and make of your boat
You see a white marker with red vertical stripes. What type of marker is this?
safe water marker
When preparing to dock, what is the safest way to stop the forward motion of your boat?
to shift into reverse gear
What should you do to reduce the risk of capsizing or swamping your boat in rough water?
turn at controlled speeds
A skier is being towed behind a boat. Who has responsibility for avoiding other boats and hazards?
boat operator
In Texas, what blood alcohol concentration constitutes proof that an operator is operating a vessel while intoxicated (BWI)?
0.08% or greater
You are operating a powerboat at night. You see red, green, and white lights on another boat. What do these lights tell you?
A power-driven vessel is approaching head-on. Both vessels must give way.
What should a PWC operator do to minimize the risk of accident or injury?
Be aware of all traffic in the boating area.
How often should you check the engine oil level?
Before each outing
If the wind or current is pushing your boat away from the dock as you prepare to dock, which line should you secure first?
Bow line
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.
Which statement about PFDs is true?
Drownings are rare when boaters are wearing an appropriate PFD.
Which of the following equipment is required for motor-driven vessels operating in Texas?
Effective muffling system
Your boat capsizes but remains afloat. What should you do?
Hang onto the boat or climb onto it.
What should you do FIRST if your boat runs aground?
Make sure no one is injured, and then check for leaks
What is the important safety information found on a boat's capacity plate?
Maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely
According to Texas law, who must wear a USCG-approved PFD?
Person riding as a passenger on a PWC
What is the best way to retrieve an anchor?
Pull the anchor straight up.
What should you do if a fire breaks out in the front of your boat?
Put the stern into the wind
Which of the following would be required when towing a person on water skis behind a PWC rated for two people?
Rearview mirror
A passenger on your boat falls overboard. What should you do FIRST?
Reduce speed, and throw the victim a PFD.
You are caught in a severe storm in your boat. What should you do?
Seat passengers on the floor close to the centerline
What do the symbols on a fire extinguisher indicate?
Size and type of fire the extinguisher can put out
What is a good safety precaution when fueling your boat?
Sniff for fumes after fueling and before starting the engine.
Your boat gets swamped far from shore. What should you do?
Stay with the boat, and signal for help
Which of these accidents involving property damage requires the operator to report the accident by the quickest means possible?
Total damage is more than $2,000.
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.
You are approaching another boat. Assume that according to the navigation rules, you are the stand-on boat. Which exception to the rules means you must give way?
The other boat has difficulty maneuvering.
What is the risk when a PWC passes too closely behind another boat?
The other boat may create a blind spot for the PWC operator.
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.
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 require from others who operate your vessel?
They operate the vessel responsibly
If you use pyrotechnic visual distress signals, how many unexpired VDSs must you carry on board your vessel?
Three
What is your primary responsibility when other boats are in your area?
To keep a proper lookout and avoid a collision
Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious people face up in the water?
Type 1
What determines if a speed is safe for your boat?
Visibility conditions
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
At what point should you open all windows and hatches when fueling?
after fueling
Which of these boating activities violates homeland security restrictions?
anchoring beneath a bridge or in a channel
Who may depart from the Navigation Rules?
anyone who needs to avoid a collision
What causes a PFD to wear out over time?
exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun
What is the best way to reboard a PWC in the water?
from the rear of the PWC over the stern
You are operating a powerboat at night. You see red and white lights on another boat. What should you do?
give way to the other vessel
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?
good weather
A powerboat is operating at night. Which color light must show on the starboard (right) side of this boat?
green
How are can buoys marked?
green with odd numbers
Where is the best place to put PFDs while you are out on your boat?
in an open bin near the passenger seats
Which practice reduces the risk of a dangerous boating emergency?
maintaining a safe speed based on the boat traffic
