25 multiple-choice questions for the boater safety (boating license) exam. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it, quoted from the official source.
1. You are operating a power-driven vessel and see another vessel ahead or nearly ahead. At night, you see the masthead lights of the other vessel in a line and both sidelights. What should you assume?
Answer: A head-on meeting situation exists and you should act accordingly. Seeing masthead lights in line and both sidelights indicates a head-on meeting situation, requiring specific avoidance maneuvers.
33 CFR § 83.14(b): “Such a situation shall be deemed to exist when a vessel sees the other ahead or nearly ahead and by night she could see the masthead lights of the other in a line or nearly in a line and/or both sidelights and by day she observes the corresponding aspect of the other vessel.”
2. Where should a portable fire extinguisher be located if its name plate indicates it requires protection from freezing?
Answer: In a location where freezing temperatures are not expected. The rule mandates that extinguishers needing freeze protection must be placed in areas where freezing temperatures are not expected to occur.
33 CFR § 175.310(c): “Portable or semi-portable extinguishers that are required by their name plates to be protected from freezing must not be located where freezing temperatures may be expected.”
3. When determining if a risk of collision exists, what specific observation regarding the approaching vessel's compass bearing indicates that risk is deemed to exist?
Answer: The compass bearing of the approaching vessel does not appreciably change. The rule states that a lack of appreciable change in the compass bearing is the indicator that a risk of collision exists.
33 CFR § 83.07(d): “Such risk shall be deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change.”
4. When inspecting a portable fire extinguisher to ensure it is in good and serviceable working condition, what must be true regarding its pressure gauge?
Answer: The gauge reading or indicator must be in the operable range or position. The regulation states that for an extinguisher to be considered serviceable, its pressure gauge must indicate that it is within the operable range.
33 CFR § 175.310(a): “If the extinguisher has a pressure gauge reading or indicator it must be in the operable range or position;”
5. According to the rules for action to avoid collision, how should a vessel operator alter course or speed to ensure the action is effective?
Answer: Make a large alteration that is readily apparent to the other vessel. The regulation requires alterations to be large enough to be easily seen and advises against making a series of small changes.
33 CFR § 83.08(b): “Any alteration of course and/or speed to avoid collision shall, if the circumstances of the case admit, be large enough to be readily apparent to another vessel observing visually or by radar; a succession of small alterations of course and/or speed should be avoided.”
6. What is the required horizontal arc of visibility for a sternlight on a vessel?
Answer: 135 degrees. The regulation defines the sternlight's visibility arc as 135 degrees, distinct from the sidelights or all-round lights.
33 CFR § 83.21(c): “Sternlight means a white light placed as nearly as practicable at the stern showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 135 degrees and so fixed as to show the light 67.5 degrees from right aft on each side of the vessel.”
7. You are approaching a bend in a narrow channel where another vessel might be hidden by an obstruction. What action does the rule require you to take?
Answer: Sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e) and navigate with particular alertness. When visibility is limited by an obstruction in a narrow channel, you must proceed with extra caution and sound the specific signal to warn others of your presence.
33 CFR § 83.09(f): “A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or fairway where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with particular alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(e)”
8. Under the general operating rules for vessels subject to inspection, how long must a crew member wait after consuming alcohol before performing scheduled duties?
Answer: Within four hours of consuming alcohol. The regulation mandates a four-hour waiting period after alcohol consumption before performing duties.
33 CFR § 95.045(a): “Shall not perform or attempt to perform any scheduled duties within four hours of consuming any alcohol;”
9. Which of the following structural defects in a PFD's hardware or webbing is cited as a reason for the device to be considered deteriorated?
Answer: Metal hardware that is broken, deformed, or weakened by corrosion. The regulation specifies that hardware broken, deformed, or weakened by corrosion constitutes deterioration that diminishes performance.
33 CFR § 175.23(a): “Metal or plastic hardware used to secure the PFD on the wearer that is broken, deformed, or weakened by corrosion”
10. If a vessel's hull configuration makes a number painted directly on it difficult to see, where must the number be placed?
Answer: On a backing plate attached to the forward half of the vessel so it is visible from each side. The rule requires a backing plate on the forward half to ensure visibility from both sides when the hull itself is not suitable for direct painting.
33 CFR § 173.27(c): “On vessels so configured that a number on the hull or superstructure would not be easily visible, the number must be painted on or attached to a backing plate that is attached to the forward half of the vessel so that the number is visible from each side of the vessel.”
11. When overtaking another power-driven vessel in a narrow channel, what action must the overtaking vessel take?
Answer: Indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal and take steps to permit safe passing. The overtaking vessel must communicate intent via sound signals and actively facilitate a safe passing maneuver.
33 CFR § 83.09(e): “In a narrow channel or fairway when overtaking, the power-driven vessel intending to overtake another power-driven vessel shall indicate her intention by sounding the appropriate signal prescribed in Rule 34(c) (§ 83.34(c)) and take steps to permit safe passing.”
12. Two power-driven vessels are meeting within half a mile of each other. One vessel sounds two short blasts. What does this signal indicate to the other vessel?
Answer: The vessel intends to leave the other vessel on its starboard side. The regulation defines two short blasts as the signal indicating the vessel intends to leave the other vessel on its starboard side.
33 CFR § 83.34(a): “Two short blasts to mean “I intend to leave you on my starboard side”;”
13. What is the role of a marine employer regarding alcohol use on board a vessel according to this regulation?
Answer: Nothing in this part limits the authority of a vessel's marine employer to limit or prohibit alcohol use. The regulation preserves the marine employer's right to set stricter rules regarding alcohol possession and use on their vessels.
33 CFR § 95.001(b): “Nothing in this part shall be construed as limiting the authority of a vessel's marine employer to limit or prohibit the use or possession of alcohol on board a vessel.”
14. If an approved semi-portable fire extinguisher on a recreational vessel is equipped with wheels, how must it be handled when not in use?
Answer: It must be securely stowed to prevent it from rolling out of control under heavy sea conditions. The rule mandates secure stowing specifically to prevent the unit from becoming unstable or moving uncontrollably during rough seas.
33 CFR § 175.320(b): “If an approved semi-portable fire extinguisher has wheels, it must be securely stowed when not in use to prevent it from rolling out of control under heavy sea conditions.”
15. If you detect another vessel by radar alone in restricted visibility and determine a risk of collision exists, which course alteration should be avoided when the other vessel is forward of the beam?
Answer: An alteration of course to port. The rule advises avoiding an alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, unless that vessel is being overtaken.
33 CFR § 83.19(d): “If so, she shall take avoiding action in ample time, provided that when such action consists of an alteration of course, so far as possible the following shall be avoided: (i) An alteration of course to port for a vessel forward of the beam, other than for a vessel being overtaken;”
16. What is the obligation of the give-way vessel even when the stand-on vessel takes action?
Answer: The obligation to keep out of the way is not relieved. The stand-on vessel's actions do not remove the responsibility of the give-way vessel to avoid collision.
33 CFR § 83.17(d): “This Rule does not relieve the give-way vessel of her obligation to keep out of the way.”
17. Which of the following vessels is classified as a 'recreational vessel' under these rules?
Answer: A boat being manufactured or operated primarily for pleasure. The definition includes vessels manufactured or operated primarily for pleasure, while excluding commercial passenger-for-hire vessels and other non-recreational types.
33 CFR § 175.3: “Recreational vessel means any vessel being manufactured or operated primarily for pleasure, or leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's pleasure.”
18. You are approaching another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam. How is your status defined under the rules?
Answer: You are deemed to be overtaking the other vessel. Approaching from behind within the specified angle defines the interaction as an overtaking situation, requiring you to keep clear.
33 CFR § 83.13(b): “A vessel shall be deemed to be overtaking when coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam”
19. A recreational sailing vessel under 7 meters in length is underway at night. If it is not practicable to exhibit the standard prescribed lights, what alternative lighting method is permitted?
Answer: Exhibit an all-round white light or have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light. The rule allows small sailing vessels to use an all-round white light or a handheld torch/lantern if standard lights are not practicable.
33 CFR § 83.25(d): “A sailing vessel of less than 7 meters in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Rule, but if she does not, she shall exhibit an all-round white light or have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.”
20. Under what specific conditions does reasonable cause exist for a law enforcement officer to direct you to undergo a chemical test?
Answer: If you were directly involved in a marine casualty or are suspected of violating impairment standards. Reasonable cause is established if the operator was involved in a marine casualty or is suspected of violating impairment standards.
33 CFR § 95.035(a): “Reasonable cause exists when: (1) The individual was directly involved in the occurrence of a marine casualty as defined in Chapter 61 of Title 46, United States Code, or (2) The individual is suspected of being in violation of the standards in §§ 95.020 or 95.025.”
21. Which of the following is NOT listed as a required piece of information about the operator in the casualty report?
Answer: Marine insurance policy number. The rule lists specific personal and experience details required for the operator, but does not include the marine insurance policy number.
33 CFR § 173.57(b): “Name, address, age, or date of birth, telephone number, vessel operating experience, and boating safety training of the operator making the report”
22. What action is required of a marine employer if they have reason to believe a crew member is intoxicated?
Answer: Not allow that individual to stand watch or perform other duties. The employer is obligated to prevent an intoxicated individual from performing duties or standing watch.
33 CFR § 95.050(b): “If the marine employer has reason to believe that an individual is intoxicated, the marine employer shall not allow that individual to stand watch or perform other duties.”
23. If the operator of a vessel is unable to give the immediate notification required for a death or disappearance, who is responsible for ensuring the notice is given?
Answer: Each person on board the vessel. The regulation assigns the responsibility to every person on board if the operator cannot fulfill the duty.
33 CFR § 173.53(b): “When the operator of a vessel cannot give the notice required by paragraph (a) of this section, each person on board the vessel shall notify the casualty reporting authority or determine that the notice has been given.”
24. Which of the following vessels is exempted from the requirement to carry any Personal Flotation Device (PFD) under § 175.15?
Answer: A racing shell. The rule specifically lists racing shells among the vessels exempted from carrying any PFD.
33 CFR § 175.17(b): “Racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes, and racing kayaks are exempted from the requirements for carriage of any PFD required under § 175.15.”
25. According to the regulations, what is the maximum allowable weight difference for a dry chemical stored pressure fire extinguisher (manufactured prior to January 1, 1965) before it must be serviced?
Answer: The weight can be up to 1/4 ounce less than the stamped weight. The regulation specifies that if the container's weight is 1/4 ounce less than the stamped weight, servicing is required.
33 CFR § 175.310(d): “If the weight of the container is 1⁄4 ounce less than that stamped on the container, it must be serviced.”