Boating exam

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

On both sides of the bow of the boat

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

Passenger's body weight and chest size

What important safety information is found on a boats capacity plate?

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

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

Consult a nautical chart

According to Alabama law, what operators are required to have completed an approved boating course in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC)?

Operators who are 12 years of age or older

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

Type 1

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

The vessel operator

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

Mounted in an accessible location

When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced?

When it is slightly torn

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

Increases the likelihood of accidents

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

visual distress signals

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

A whistle, a horn, or another sound device

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

Dark clouds and shifting winds

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

Checking the oil level before every outing

How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel?

Into the wind or current, whichever is stronger

What should you do before fueling your boat?

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

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

Well away from the boat ramp

How can propeller strike accidents be avoided?

Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding

Which of the following is an example of careless operation?

Not having enough personal flotation devices on board

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

Have everyone wear an appropriate life jacket at all times

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

Remove any zebra mussels you add before leaving the body of water

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

Where to find the PFDs and visual distress signals

What is the main function of an ignition safety switch?

To shut off the engine if the operator is thrown overboard/kills engine

In Alabama, how far must a vessel stay from a diver down flag?

100 feet

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

Much greater effect while boating

What is true about operating a boat in Alabama while intoxicated?

By operating a vessel on Alabama waters, a boater must submit to testing for blood alcohol concentration

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

The operators of both vessels

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

You have enough time to avoid a collision

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

To mark the edges of safe water areas

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

Operating at less than 5mph in a "slow, no wake" speed area

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

When the sailboat is overtaking vessel

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

According to Alabama law, what equipment is required when a vessel (other than a PWC) is towing a skier and does not have a capable observer on board in addition to the operator?

A wide/light-angle rearview mirror

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

Exclusion or keep-out area, such as a dam

Why is carbon monoxide gas dangerous?

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

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

Make sure they know how to operate it safely

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

Keep centered in the boat

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

Turn off the engine

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

To provide assistance

Which condition required that you report a boating accident to the Alabama Marine Police Division?

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

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

When immersed in cold 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

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

Letting off the throttle control

According to Alabama law, what age person who has boater safety certification may operate a personal watercraft without supervision?

Those at least 14 years of age

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

Between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset

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

Watch for navigational hazards

Which of the following is legal operation of a PWC in Alabama?

Crossing at right angles to another vessel when visibility is unobstructed

In Alabama, what are the recommended hours for personal watercraft operation?

Between sunset and sunrise (daylight hours)

Why should a vessel operator keep a proper lookout?

To avoid collisions

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

Wear a life jacket at all times

According to Alabama law, children of what age are required to wear a properly secured PFD while on a vessel unless the child is in an enclosed cabin?

Those under 8 years of age

What determines if a speed is safe for your boat?

Visibility conditions

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

Both vessels should turn to starboard (right)

When must navigation lights be displayed?

From sunset to sunrise and when visibility is restricted

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

It may cause the boat to swamp

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

Reduce speed to the minimum needed to stay on course

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

Try to reboard your boat, even if it is swamped