TX Boater Education Certification Exam Review

According to the Texas Water Safety Act, how far must you keep your vessel from a diving area marked b diver-down flag?

at least 50 feet

What is indicated by a white marker with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering?

exclusion or keep-out area, such as a dam

When must navigation lights be displayed?

from sunset to sunrise and when visibility is restricted

A recreational vessel is approaching a U.S. Naval vessel. At what distance from the U.S. Naval vessel must the recreational vessel slow to minimum speed?

500 yards

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 Texas while intoxicated?

By operating a vessel on Texas waters, a boater has consented to alcohol testing if arrested by a law enforcement officer.

What should a vessel operator do to make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency?

Conduct an emergency drill with the passengers.

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

Consult a nautical chart.

Which condition requires that you report a boating accident to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department?

Damage to your boat is more than $2,000 as the result of a boating accident

What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating?

Have everyone wear an appropriate life jacket at all times.

Why is carbon monoxide gas dangerous?

It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can be fatal

What could happen if you anchor a boat from the stern?

It may cause the boat to swamp.

What should paddlers do to protect against capsizing their canoe or kayak?

Keep a low center of gravity and three points of contact.

What should you do to reduce the risk of falling overboard?

Keep centered in the boat.

What must an owner do before allowing others to operate his or her vessel?

Make sure they know how to operate it safely.

Visibility is restricted due to fog. What should the vessel operator do to avoid the risk of collision?

Reduce speed to the minimum needed to stay on course.

How can you prevent transporting nuisance species (plants or animals) with your vessel from one waterway to another?

Remove any zebra mussels you see before leaving the body of water.

What should you do immediately if a boat motor catches on fire?

Shut off the fuel supply, and try to put out the fire with an extinguisher.

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.

What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water?

Try to reboard our boat, even if it is swamped.

What should you do before fueling your boat?

Turn off the engine and close all windows, ports, doors, and other openings.

How can propeller strike accidents be avoided?

Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding.

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

Turn off the engine.

Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water?

Type I

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

Watch for navigational hazards.

What should anglers and hunters do when they are fishing or hunting from a boat?

Wear a life jacket at all times.

How do you know when you are operating your vessel at a safe speed?

You have enough time to avoid a collision

What sound producing device(s) is required when boating on Texas waters in an 18-foot powerboat?

a whistle, horn, or other means to make an efficient signal

According to Texas law, who must be on board, in addition to the operator, if the vessel is towing a skier and does not have a rearview mirror?

an observer at least 13 years of age to observe the progress of the person being towed

In Texas, how far must a PWC stay from another vessel, unless the PWC is maintaining headway speed?

at least 50 feet

According to Texas law, during what hours is it legal to tow a person behind a boat on water skis or other device?

between one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset

According to Texas law, during what hours is it illegal to operate a personal watercraft?

between sunset and sunrise

What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program?

checking the oil level before ever outing

Which of these provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching?

dark clouds and shifting winds

What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel?

increases the likelihood of accidents

How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel?

into the wind or current, whichever is stronger

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

letting off the throttle control

What important safety information is found on a boat's capacity plate?

maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely

Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat?

mounted in an accessible location

How does the effect of alcohol consumed while boating compare to the effect on land?

much greater effect while boating

How should a vessel's registration number and validation decal be displayed?

on both sides of the bow of the boat

According to Texas boating law, which of these is considered legal operation?

operating at a speed that does not endanger others if no speed limit is posted

According to Texas law, what operators are required to have passed an approved boating course in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision?

operators at least 13 years of age and born on or after September 1, 1993

What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger?

passenger's body weight and chest size

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

the operators of both vessels

Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is responsible for ensuring this?

the vessel operator

According to Texas law, what age person must be supervised by a person 18 years of age or older on board the vessel in order to operate a personal watercraft?

those less than 13 years of age

According to Texas law, children under what age must wear a USCG-approved PFD (life jacket) while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long?

those under 13 years of age

Why should a vessel operator keep a proper lookout?

to avoid collisions

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

to mark the edges of safe water areas

What is the first action required of a boat operator who witnesses a boating accident?

to provide assistance

What is the main function of an ignition safety switch?

to shut off the engine if the operator is thrown overboard

According to Texas law, in what circumstances are persons allowed to ride on the gunwale of a vessel that is underway?

under no circumstances

What determines if a speed is safe for your boat?

visibility conditions

Where should your trailer be located while you prepare to launch your vessel?

well away from the boat ramp

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

when immersed in cold water

When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced?

when it is slightly torn

When is a sailboat under said the give-way vessel when encountering a power -driven vessel?

when the sailboat is overtaking the power-driven vessel

What should the vessel operator tell everyone on board before departing?

where to find the PFDs and visual distress signals

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

U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals