BoatUS Foundation's - Online Boating Safety Course

What does a capacity plate indicate?

Safe load limit

When onboard and facing the front of a boat, where is the bow?

In front of you

The helm is what onboard a boat?

The mechanism controlling speed and direction

When onboard and facing the front of a boat, where is the starboard side?

On your right

A planing hull has which of the following characteristics?

It is designed to ride on top of the water

Where must registration numbers be displayed?

Bow

What is another name for the boat's serial number?

Hull identification number

If your marine toilet has a "Y" valve, what must you do in a No Discharge Zone?

Be certain that the Y valve is secured in the closed position

A garbage dumping placard must be prominently posted on boats longer than what size?

26 feet

When is the best time for cleaning your boat to stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species?

Before you leave the ramp area

What should you do with a torn life jacket?

Discard and replace it - do not attempt to fix it

When selecting a life jacket, what should be the most important consideration?

Size

What is the USCG-approved meaning of "serviceable condition" for life jackets?

Straps and zippers work

Which of the following is true of a carburetor backfire flame arrestor?

Prevents explosions on inboard gasoline engines

Boating safety advocates suggest that adults wear a life jacket during what activity?

At all times when on the water

Which of the following items are required on a 12 foot inflatable dinghy?

A PFD for each person aboard

What does a red and green light indicate when seen together at night?

A sailboat is heading straight at you

According to the Navigation Rules, which must be aboard a 22-foot powerboat?

A whistle or horn

Which statement is true concerning visual distress signals?

Flares are rated for day, night or combined day/night use

When operating a VHF marine radio, when should the term MAYDAY be used?

When in imminent danger

What should a boater do with a float plan?

Give it to a friend or relative ashore

Which of the following is a sign that the weather may change for the worse?

A sudden drop in temperature

Which safety precaution should be taken first by a boat operator when boating in stormy weather?

Make sure all aboard are wearing USCG-approved life jackets

What should you do if caught in severe storm conditions?

Put on your life jacket if it's not on already

Which of the following is recommended as part of the annual maintenance program for a gasoline-powered boat?

Examination of thru-hull fittings for signs of leakage or corrosion

What is the first thing you should do after retrieving a boat onto a trailer?

Pull the trailer well away from the boat ramp

When retrieving a boat at a ramp what should be avoided?

Power loading onto the trailer

Which of the following actions is the best to take when fueling an outboard boat with a portable tank?

Place the tank on the dock or on shore to fill it

What safety precaution should you take while filling the fuel tank of a gasoline-powered boat?

Keep engines, motors, and fans turned off

Which one of the following poses a great danger?

Leaking fuel lines

Which of the following will increase the effects of alcohol and drugs when boating?

Vibration

What action should be taken when nearing a bend in a narrow channel?

Stay to the starboard edge of the channel and signal one prolonged blast

When are you allowed to depart from the United States Coast Guard Navigation Rules?

When it is necessary to avoid a collision

When operating a boat near other boats or when entering a congested area, why should you watch your wake?

It may cause personal injury or damage

What does a regulatory buoy with a diamond symbol indicate?

Danger

A yellow buoy may mark which of the following?

Area limits for an anchorage

What should you do to avoid capsizing or swamping?

Anchor from the bow, rather than the stern

Which of the following is recommended when docking your boat?

Use lines and cleats to help maneuver your boat

How does drinking alcohol while boating effect other conditions related to being out on the water?

Increases feelings of fatigue

Who has the primary responsibility for the safety of all persons aboard a recreational boat?

Boat operator

White lights can sometimes be found on what kind of buoys?

Mid Channel buoys

What is the proper technique for anchoring?

From the bow

The state of visibility should be a determining factor when deciding what?

A safe operating speed

What does it mean if you are the stand on vessel in an overtaking situation?

You are about to be passed and should maintain course and speed

How does alcohol use affect boat operators or passengers?

Balance is impaired

When can a Navigation Rule be overlooked?

If necessary to avoid immediate danger

A boat operating in a narrow channel is required to keep as close as is safe to what side?

Side closest to starboard

What is the primary purpose of the Navigation Rules?

To prevent collisions and accidents on the water

When returning from sea, a red navigational buoy should be passed in what manner?

Always kept on the starboard side

When returning to port from seaward and you see a red buoy, how should you respond?

Keep the buoy on your starboard side

Which of the following must you do when anchoring at night?

Display an all-around white light

Which one of the following is designated as a mooring buoy?

White buoy with horizontal blue stripe

According to the Navigation Rules, what factor should be considered in determining a safe speed?

The state of the visibility

When a sailboat overtakes a powerboat, which vessel is the stand-on vessel?

Powerboat

What should you always do when a person falls overboard?

Have someone keep the victim in sight

What is the primary responsibility for a vessel operator assisting a boat in distress?

Stay with the boat and signal for help

What type of Boating Emergency causes the most fatalities?

Capsizing

What type of report must be filed if there is an accident while boating?

Boating Accident Report

If grounded aboard a small powerboat, which is a method to help free yourself?

Try to kedge your boat off the obstruction

Where should fire extinguishers be stored on a boat?

Where they are readily available

Where should you aim a fire extinguisher's stream when extinguishing a fire?

At the base of the fire and use a sweeping motion

Which class of fire extinguisher should be onboard a vessel with a permanently installed fuel tank?

Class B

What is the Heat Escape Lessening Position (H.E.L.P.) designed to prevent?

The loss of body heat when in the water

What is hypothermia?

A serious condition that requires medical attention as a result of cold water immersion

When arriving at a navigation lock, what is the order of priority?

Military craft, commercial vessels, fishing vessels then pleasure craft

When re-boarding a PWC after a fall, how should it be rolled?

In the direction shown in the manual

What is the purpose of the safety lanyard on a PWC?

To shut off the engine if the operator falls overboard

Which of the following is required equipment for personal watercraft?

Fire extinguisher, emergency signaling devices and PFDs

What information is most important when passing near a lighthouse?

Water depth

Which is a recommended water-skiing safety practice?

Holding up a ski after falling

Which is the best precaution against carbon monoxide poisoning?

Keep air flowing through the vessel

An engine cut-off lanyard helps to reduce the risk of what?

Striking a person in the water with a propeller

What should sportsman always consider when hunting from a boat?

Most accidents happen in open motorboats 16 feet or less

What should sportsman always consider when hunting from a boat?

Most accidents happen in open motorboats 16 feet or less

Why are low head dams dangerous to small boats and paddle craft?

Backwash can pin you and your boat indefinitely

Boating accidents involving sportsmen are usually a result of what?

Improperly or overloading the boat

On gasoline powered boats, when should the blower be operated?

After refueling and before starting the engine

In many states, trailers with a GVWR of 1,500 pounds or greater are required by law to have what equipment?

Brakes

What should you do when operating a boat in large waves and high wind?

Head into the waves at a slight angle and reduce speed

Hand-held flares are type approved for what conditions or time?

Day or night

When operating your vessel with a VHF radio, what channel must you monitor?

16

Which of the following is recommended when docking your boat?

Have your fenders and dock lines ready before you approach the dock

What is the safest thing to do for someone suspected of having hypothermia?

Get immediate medical attention

The danger of hypothermia is greatest for a person in which situation?

Immersed in cold water

Which of the following must be taken into consideration when determining a safe speed?

The volume of boat traffic

What should you do if your small open boat capsizes?

Stay with the boat and signal for help

What should you do first when a vessel capsizes?

Take a head count and ensure all are wearing life jackets

When passing through a lock, which light means "approach the lock under full control?"

Amber

Which statement is true about red buoys under the Inland Rules?

They should be passed on your starboard side when going upstream

What do you need to know when passing under a river bridge?

Clearance height under the bridge

How many B1 fire extinguishers must motorboats between 26 and 40 feet have aboard?

At least 2

Which one of the following is a Coast Guard requirement for fire extinguishers?

Must be maintained in a fully charged usable condition

What is the term for the disturbed water left behind as a boat moves through the water?

Wake

How often should the inflator on a Type V life jacket be checked?

Every time its worn

Which of the following is a feature of a Type IV flotation device?

Its designed to be thrown

What do two short horn blasts from another vessel mean in a meeting situation?

They intend to pass starboard side to starboard side

Propeller rings, guards and baskets are designed to do what?

Prevent propeller strikes

What happens to the PWC when the throttle is released?

It loses its steering ability

What does a slashing hand motion over the neck mean by a waterskiing participant?

Cut the motor or stop

FL-9 In Florida, which of the following is required to be installed on airboats?

Automotive style exhaust muffler