Practice Questions Flashcards
When must immediate notification be made of a boating accident?
if a person dies or is lost during an accident
How many life jackets are required to be on board a boat?
for everyone on board the boat
Where could you be in danger of poisonous carbon monoxide gas?
near engine exhaust outlets when turned on
When do boats powered by a water jet drive have reduced or no steering?
reducing speed rapidly
When picking up a mooring buoy and there is no current, how should you make your approach?
bow pointing into the wind
What is a required of a federally documented boat?
display hailing port on the stern.
What is the primary purpose of a float plan?
to inform people of your planned arrival in case you need to be rescued by the USCG.
For best performance, which of the following apply to propellers on slow-speed boats?
larger diameter and lower pitch
In North America, what direction does weather generally move?
west to east
When retrieving an anchor, how should you break it free from the bottom?
pulling directly upward on the anchor line
What is the definition of current?
is the horizontal flow of water.
What is the sound signal for a boat under sail in fog?
one prolonged blast and two short blasts every two minutes
Which of the following can be found on the U.S. Coast Guard approval notice on a life jacket?
size for wearer
What is the proper method of using a safety lanyard to activate the ignition cutoff switch?
attach one end to driver and other end to switch.
When are you allowed to waterski under U.S. federal regulations?
sunrise until sunset
If you are firmly aground with no injuries or damage to the boat and the tide is rising, what action plan should you take?
set an anchor and wait for the tide to float the boat off
When rescuing a person in the water (PIW), how should you make your approach?
bow first heading into the wind
What is a distress signal used to indicate a grave and imminent life-threatening danger?
making a VHF Mayday call
How should a fire extinguisher be used to put out a fire?
sweep its discharge across the base of the flames
What is the suggested scope to use when anchoring for a brief stop in a sheltered place during the day?
5:1
How long should the engine blower be on before starting a gasoline engine?
four minutes
If a neoprene sleeve breaks while underway, what should you do?
try motoring slowly to safety.
When changing gears, what should you do to avoid possible damage to the engine or transmission?
pause briefly in neutral.
What is a requirement for a boat’s state registration certificate (or certificate of number)?
it must be aboard when the boat is in use.
What should you do if there is no water flowing from the inspection outlet of your outboard motor?
turn off the engine immediately.
If you have anchored your boat, what light(s) are you required to display at night?
an all-round white light
When operating in a channel with adequate water depth outside the channel for your boat, what should you do if you meet a ship?
don’t impede its way, move out of channel
What type of boats are required to carry one Type IV throwable device?
any boat 16 feet or over in length
What is the right side (when looking forward) of a boat called?
starboard side
What weather is associated with a low pressure system?
rain and stronger winds
What is the definition of tide?
vertical rise and fall of water
What is the left side (when looking forward) of a boat called?
port side
Which of the following should you do before taking guests out on your boat?
conduct a crew briefing.
“Where can you find the type of measurement Where can you find the type of measurement
units (i.e., feet, meters, fathoms) used on a chart?”
title block on chart
When a person has fallen overboard in the water (PIW), what is a critical safety measure?
always maintaining sight of the PIW
If your boat capsizes, what should you do?
have everyone stay with the boat
If your powerboat is in a crossing situation with another boat under power and a risk of collision exists, when is your powerboat the give-way vessel and must stay clear?
if the other boat is on your starboard side
Which apply to personal watercraft (PWCs)?
comply with the same equipment requirements as boats of the same size
For best performance, which of the following apply to propellers on high-speed boats?
smaller diameter and higher pitch
How can you identify marks of the Intracoastal Waterway?
a yellow triangle or square on the marks
Which of the following is illegal to dump in U.S. waters?
garbage, plastic and oil
Before turning a PWC (personal watercraft) or powerboat, what should the driver do?
look all around
What direction do winds flow around a low pressure system?
counterclockwise
Which of the following is required for a proper lookout by the Navigation Rules?
maintain it at all times by sight and hearing
Which of the following applies to the U.S. federal laws governing oil pollution?
prohibits a discharge that causes a film or discoloration of the water’s surface.
If you have filed a float plan, who should you inform upon your arrival?
person who is holding it
When is a boat more likely to capsize?
overpowered or improperly loaded // operating with improper weight distribution
When anchoring a powerboat with a 4-foot freeboard in a water depth of 16 feet and tide is not a factor, how much anchor line should you let out for a scope of 5:1?
100 feet
What equipment is a powerboat less than 26 feet long required to have on board?
sound-producing device
What direction do winds flow around a high pressure system?
clockwise
Which of the following needs to be considered by a powerboat driver when near a kayak?
boat wake may capsize the kayak.
While underway a fire has started and can’t be put out, what action should you take?
get everyone on deck upwind of fire in life jackets and alert rescuers
Which of the following is a requirement for your life jacket?
is U.S. Coast Guard approved.
When docking a boat and there is no current, how should you make your approach?
bow pointing into the wind
What signal or mark is used to indicate that a diver is in the water and boats need to stay clear?
red square flag with a white diagonal stripe
What happens if an outboard motor is trimmed up too much?
produces bow-up trim.
Which of the following applies to an operator’s responsibility to comply with the Navigation Rules (“rules of the road”)?
nothing in the Rules excuses your failure to follow the Rules if you have an accident or cause an accident.
What is the VHF radio channel used for imminent life-threatening distress calls?
Channel 16
What equipment is required by federal regulations for a boat to operate from sunset to sunrise?
navigation (running) lights
Under what circumstances must a boating accident report be submitted according to federal regulations?
if more than $2,000 damage or loss of boat
What knot has a non-slipping loop?
bowline
What is the definition of scope?
ratio of the rode length to water depth plus freeboard
How can you determine the direction that current is flowing?
how water moves around a fixed buoy.
What is required of a give-way vessel when keeping clear of a stand-on vessel?
it shall alter course in ample time with an obvious change of course and/or speed
If a person falls into cold water, what is the expected instant reaction?
reflex gasping and hyperventilation of cold shock response
What information is contained in Local Notice to Mariners?
missing navigation marks, bridge closures
What should you do to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species from one body of water to another?
wash boat, motor, gear and trailer with fresh water after hauling out
Which of the following is a negligent or grossly negligent operation of a boat?
operating a boat in a designated swimming area // operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs // operating a boat with people sitting on bow or transom or seatback
What are the effects of alcohol use on boaters?
impairs vision and judgment
If you are operating a powerboat in fog and you hear a sound signal of another boat forward of your beam, what action should you take?
slow to minimum control speed and be prepared to stop
When making a tight turn at high speed and suddenly the rpm increases and prop power decreases, what should you do?
reduce the throttle.
What affects the distance a boat takes to coast to a stop?
wind direction and boat size
How can you tell if you are on a collision course with an approaching thunderstorm?
if the two sides of the thundercloud are moving in opposite directions.
Which should be part of the regular inspection before starting an engine?
condition of fuel line, and any fuel leaks
How many and what type of fire extinguishers are required on boats under 26 feet?
one B-I
What is a signal to indicate a vessel is in distress and requires assistance?
continuously sounding a fog horn // raising and lowering arms repeatedly
What is a safety concern when filling a gasoline tank in a boat?
gasoline vapor is heavier than air and can collect in the bilge and a spark can ignite it.
What is the minimum control speed of a boat?
the slowest speed it can operate and still maintain steering control.
What is the name for the sides of a boat above the surface of the water?
topsides
Except for distress and safety calls, what is the preferred channel to use to communicate with the U.S. Coast Guard on a marine VHF radio?
22A
If a person or boat is in danger at sea, what does the Navigation Rules require you to do?
render assistance
Which item placed near a compass would affect its accuracy?
knife
How are two-stroke outboard motors lubricated?
oil mixed with the gasoline
Boat D is overtaking boat A, which boat must give-way to the other?
boat D
What is an important difference between a two-stroke and four-stroke outboard motor?
where oil is added for lubrication
Where can weather information be obtained?
VHF radio, mobile phone
What is the type of turn frequently used in confined spaces to turn a boat within one or two boat lengths?
pivot turn
When is a life jacket unacceptable for use and must be replaced?
it has a rip or tear or a broken zipper.
Which of the following should be included in the pre-departure crew briefing?
location of fire extinguishers and life jackets
Which of the following affect safe speed?
traffic density, visibility, water depth, wind and sea conditions
Which of the following determines the minimum number of hand portable fire extinguishers required on a recreational boat?
overall length of the boat
If you have run onto some rocks and water is flooding into the boat, what is the first thing you should do?
make sure everyone is wearing life jackets
How does alcohol affect a person in the water?
it hastens heat loss and shortens survival time in the water
What method is used to hold position with the bow pointed into the wind?
shift intermittently into forward with small steering adjustments.
When do U.S. federal regulations require navigation (running) lights to be displayed?
from sunset to sunrise and during times of restricted visibility
What fitting is a dockline tied to?
cleat
Where should life jackets be stowed on a boat?
in a readily accessible place
Once you are near enough to a person in the water (PIW) to make contact, what should you do until the person is on board the boat?
immediately turn off the engine
What is usually the first sign of hypothermia?
shivering
Which of the following is a requirement that applies to a carburetor backfire flame arrestor?
required on all boats with inboard gasoline engines.
What VHF radio channel(s) provides continuous local marine weather forecasts?
WX1, WX2, WX3, or WX4
When may you be unable to enter a channel or inlet (narrow opening on the coastline) when returning from the sea or open water?
large waves resulting from ebbing current and onshore wind
What does the letter “B” on a fire extinguisher indicate?
it will put out fires of flammable liquids such as gasoline, diesel and oil.
How are four-stroke outboard motors lubricated?
oil in the crankcase
Why is nylon recommended for docklines and anchor lines?
it stretches.
Which of the following identifies the back end of a boat?
stern
Which type of hull is able to ride on top of the water once it has reached sufficient speed?
planing
If two powerboats are approaching on a head-on collision course, what should be done to avoid the collision?
both boats should turn to starboard
What is the name of a dockline running aft from the boat’s bow cleat to a cleat on a dock near the stern?
after spring line
Which of the following is covered in the definition for safe speed under Navigation Rule 6?
where proper and effective action can be taken to avoid collision and be stopped within appropriate distance.
When filling a fuel tank, what should you do to prevent a buildup of static electricity that might cause a spark?
keep the hose nozzle in contact with tank or fill opening.
What is the purpose of a neoprene sleeve or shear pin?
is a breakable link to protect an outboard motor if the propeller hits an object.
What do the letters and numbers on a fire extinguisher indicate?
type and size of fire it can be used for
On which side of your boat should you leave green marks with odd numbers to stay in a channel when entering a U.S. harbor from the sea?
port
Which of the following are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
headache, nausea, dizziness
When treating someone suffering from hypothermia, what should be done after removing wet clothing?
warm them gradually
When you are rescuing a person in the water (PIW) and have maneuvered the boat close enough to make contact with a boathook or paddle, what should be your next step in the rescue procedure?
attach the PIW to the boat with a line
On what types of waters must boats carry visual distress signals?
U.S. coastal waters
Which of the following identifies the forward end of a boat?
bow
Under federal regulations, at what age must a child wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway and above deck on a boat?
under 13 years
Which is one of the reasons to wear a life jacket when on a boat?
if you fall overboard it is difficult to put on a life jacket before you can be rescued.
What is one of the combinations of lights that a sailboat displays when sailing at night?
red and green sidelights and a sternlight
How is thrust produced by jet drives used in a boat or personal watercraft (PWC)?
a pump and nozzle accelerating water and producing a propulsive jet
How is a high-speed stop performed to reduce the boat’s forward momentum and prevent the boat’s wake from coming over the transom?
reduce throttle to idle while making a sharp 90-degree turn, then shift to neutral.
When does optimum fuel consumption (best miles per gallon) occur for a boat on a plane?
when just comfortably on a plane
What do the small numbers scattered on the water areas of a chart indicate?
water depths at mean lower low water
Which of the following apply to a Type III life jacket (flotation aid)?
is not designed to turn unconscious wearers face-up.
On which side of your boat should you leave red marks with even numbers to stay in a channel when entering a U.S. harbor from the sea?
starboard
What is a danger of low-head dams?
its backflow can capsize or swamp your boat
When using a straight-ahead departure from a dock, what should you do?
steer a straight course until clear of dock.
What is the sound signal for a powerboat in fog?
one prolonged blast every two minutes
What are the requirements for orange smoke visual distress signals?
must not exceed their service life // can be used for only day use.
What knot is used to tie two lines together?
sheet bend
How is a boat steered at minimum control speed?
turn wheel to desired direction while in neutral, then shift into gear.
When returning to a dock, how would you use a spring line to bring and hold the boat alongside the dock?
motor against the after spring line tied amidships on the boat.
What is the requirement to register a powerboat?
in the state of its principal use
When there is a risk of collision, what is the name of the boat that is required to maintain course and speed?
stand-on vessel
Where should you operate a boat in a channel?
near the starboard side of the channel
What safety precaution should you perform before filling a gasoline tank on your boat?
close all hatches, windows and openings.
What is the type of electrical system most powerboats use for starting and powering instruments, pumps and navigation lights?
12-volt DC
Which should be part of the regular inspection before launching a boat from a ramp?
make sure drain plugs are secured // remove all tie-downs before launching
At what time of the day do sea breezes or onshore winds generally occur?
afternoon
What knot is used to tie fenders to a rail or stanchion?
round turn and two half-hitches
What is required for a waterskier when waterskiing on U.S. waters?
wear USCG approved life jacket
Which should be part of the regular inspection before launching a boat from a ramp?
make sure drain plugs are secured // remove all tie-downs before launching
When a risk of collision exists, what is the name of the boat that is required to keep out of the way of the other vessel?
give-way vessel
When is your powerboat the give-way vessel?
when crossing a boat that is sailing and not using its engine
Under what conditions does the Termination of Use Act allow the U.S. Coast Guard to board your boat?
at any time without your permission or a warrant
When anchoring, how should you lower the anchor?
at the bow and let the boat drift or slowly back downwind.
When leaving a dock, how would you use a spring line to rotate the stern away from the dock?
motor against the after spring line tied to the bow cleat.
There are 5 people aboard a powerboat, one of which is a child. What wearable life jackets are required to be on board?
four adult life jackets and one child life jacket
If your powerboat is less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) long and you are underway at night, what lights are you required to display?
red and green sidelights and an all-round white light
Which of the following results from using alcohol while boating?
it increases the adverse effect of sun and fatigue.
What are the leading causes of recreational boating fatalities when fishing or hunting?
falls overboard and capsizes
What is the stay away zone around a U.S. Naval vessel?
100 yards
Which of the following is prohibited under the homeland security measures?
stopping or anchoring under bridges
What is a purpose of the Williamson turn?
it is used to return back along the track of your boat
What is required equipment for anyone using or riding on a personal watercraft (PWC)?
wear USCG approved life jacket
Which of the following applies to a no-discharge zone?
prohibits the discharge of any treated and untreated sewage.
When backing with a single outboard motor, what should you do?
use small steering adjustments for control.
What speed range produces excessive bow-up trim and a higher risk of collision?
semi-displacement speeds
Which type of hull moves through the water and has a maximum speed limited by its length?
displacement
When departing from a dock, what method is used to avoid swinging the stern of a boat into the dock?
back the boat away.
Who should be given a float plan?
a friend or relative
What is required while operating in restricted visibility and fog?
operate at a safe speed for the conditions
