DMV Practice Test Hub › Boating › Boating under the influence

Boating test topic: boating under the influence

14 test-style questions with the answer and the exact rule.

Boater education courses? Feature it at the top of this page — $49 for 30 days →

1. Under the general operating rules for vessels subject to inspection, how long must a crew member wait after consuming alcohol before performing scheduled duties?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;”
2. What is the role of a marine employer regarding alcohol use on board a vessel according to this regulation?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.”
3. Under what specific conditions does reasonable cause exist for a law enforcement officer to direct you to undergo a chemical test?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.”
4. What action is required of a marine employer if they have reason to believe a crew member is intoxicated?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.”
5. If you refuse to submit to a chemical test when directed by a law enforcement officer who has reasonable cause, what is the consequence regarding your status?You are presumed to be under the influence of alcohol or a dangerous drug. Refusing a directed chemical test results in a presumption that the operator is under the influence.
   33 CFR § 95.040(a): “If an individual refuses to submit to or cooperate in the administration of a timely chemical test when directed by a law enforcement officer based on reasonable cause, evidence of the refusal is admissible in evidence in any administrative proceeding and the individual will be presumed to be under the influence of alcohol or a dangerous drug.”
6. Under what circumstances does the federal regulation on operating a vessel under the influence apply to a vessel owned in the United States?When the vessel is operating on the high seas. The regulation extends its applicability to U.S.-owned vessels operating on the high seas, in addition to those on U.S. jurisdictional waters.
   33 CFR § 95.005(a): “This part is applicable to a vessel (except those excluded by 46 U.S.C. 2109) operated on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and to a vessel owned in the United States on the high seas.”
7. Who is authorized to direct an individual operating a vessel to undergo a chemical test when reasonable cause exists?A law enforcement officer or a marine employer. The rule specifically limits the authority to direct a test to law enforcement officers and marine employers.
   33 CFR § 95.035(a): “Only a law enforcement officer or a marine employer may direct an individual operating a vessel to undergo a chemical test when reasonable cause exists.”
8. Who is authorized to obtain a chemical test from a vessel operator under this regulation?Any law enforcement officer authorized under Federal, State, or local law. The definition of 'Law enforcement officer' includes not just Coast Guard personnel but also other authorized officers under various levels of law.
   33 CFR § 95.010: “Law enforcement officer means a Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer; or any other law enforcement officer authorized to obtain a chemical test under Federal, State, or local law.”
9. How does a state-established blood alcohol concentration level affect the federal standard for recreational vessel operators within that state's boundaries?The state level applies instead of the federal level provided in § 95.020(a). The rule states that a specific state statute's level replaces the federal baseline within that state's geographic boundaries.
   33 CFR § 95.025(b): “If the applicable State statute establishes a blood alcohol concentration level at which a person is considered or presumed to be under the influence of alcohol, then that level applies within the geographical boundaries of that State instead of the level provided in § 95.020(a) of this part.”
10. How is 'Alcohol concentration' defined for the purpose of determining impairment?Either grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. The rule provides a precise technical definition involving specific units of measurement for blood and breath, distinguishing it from general consumption metrics.
    33 CFR § 95.010: “Alcohol concentration means either grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, or grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.”
11. Besides blood alcohol concentration, what other observable factor can establish that an operator is under the influence?The effect of intoxicants on manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance, or behavior. Impairment can be determined by observing how intoxicants affect an operator's physical behavior and appearance.
    33 CFR § 95.020(c): “The individual is operating any vessel and the effect of the intoxicant(s) consumed by the individual on the person's manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior is apparent by observation.”
12. What condition must be met for a crew member to consume a non-prescription or prescription drug while on duty?The drug does not cause the individual to be intoxicated. The rule permits drug consumption only if the medication does not result in intoxication.
    33 CFR § 95.045(d): “May consume a legal non-prescription or prescription drug provided the drug does not cause the individual to be intoxicated.”
13. How does the federal regulation regarding alcohol and drugs interact with state laws concerning recreational vessels?It does not pre-empt enforcement by a State of its applicable laws and regulations. The rule clarifies that federal standards do not override state enforcement powers regarding recreational vessel operation under the influence.
    33 CFR § 95.001(a): “This part does not pre-empt enforcement by a State of its applicable laws and regulations concerning operating a recreational vessel while under the influence of alcohol or a dangerous drug.”
14. What is the recommended practice for a marine employer when determining reasonable cause for a chemical test, when practicable?Base the determination on observation by two persons. The regulation advises that marine employers should ideally use observations from two persons to establish reasonable cause.
    33 CFR § 95.035(c): “When practicable, a marine employer should base a determination of the existence of reasonable cause, under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, on observation by two persons.”

Take a boating practice test →