Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

On both sides of the bow of the boat

Answer

On only the port side of the boat

Answer

On both sides of the stern of the boat

Answer

On only the starboard side of the boat

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

passenger's body weight and chest size

Answer

total number of passengers on board

Answer

passenger's age and gender

Answer

color of the pfd

Question 3

What important safety information is found on a boat's capacity plate?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

minimum number of pfd's required to be on board

Answer

maximum capacity of the fuel tanks

Answer

minimum number of seats for the operator and passenger

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Consult a nautical chart.

Answer

Consult a topographical chart

Answer

listen to your favorite radio station

Answer

ask someone who went there last year

Question 5

According to Texas law, what operators are required to 
have passed an approved boating course in order to operate PWC without supervision?

Accepted Answer

operators at least 13 years of age and born on or after September 1, 1993

Answer

operators at least 11 years of age and born on or after 
September 1, 1993

Answer

operators at least 11 years of age and born on or after 
September 1, 1984

Answer

operators at least 13 years of age and born on or after 
September 1, 1984

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Wearable Type I

Answer

Throwable Type IV

Answer

Wearable Type II

Answer

Wearable Type III

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

the vessel operator

Answer

an adult at least 18 years of age

Answer

the dock attendant

Answer

the most experienced passenger

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

mounted in an accessible location

Answer

mounted in the bilge

Answer

in a locked storage compartment

Answer

in the engine compartment

Question 9

When should a PFD be discarded and replaced?

Accepted Answer

when it is slightly torn

Answer

after someone borrows it

Answer

after it has been used 20 times

Answer

when it fits snugly

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

increases the likelihood of accidents

Answer

helps you perform multiple tasks

Answer

makes it easier to pay attention

Answer

helps you avoid dehydration

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

U.S. Coast Guard-approved visual distress signals (VDSs)

Answer

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)

Answer

lue and white International Code Flag A (or Alfa flag)

Answer

compass and map

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

a whistle, horn, or other means to make an efficient signal

Answer

a whistle, a horn, and a bell

Answer

none

Answer

a whistle and a bell

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

dark clouds and shifting winds

Answer

clear, sunny skies and no wind

Answer

white clouds and gentle waves

Answer

drop in wind speed and calm water

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

checking the oil level before every outing

Answer

using coarse sandpaper on aluminum hulls

Answer

cleaning the hull with a phosphate detergent

Answer

storing the vessel in the sun to keep it dry

Question 15

How should you approach the dock when docking your 
vessel?

Accepted Answer

into the wind or current, whichever is stronger

Answer

at regular operating speed without slowing down

Answer

between other vessels in heavy traffic

Answer

with the wind or current, whichever is stronger

Question 16

What should you do before fueling your boat?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Answer

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

Answer

Turn on the engine, and open all windows, ports, doors, 
and other openings.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

well away from the boat ramp

Answer

in front of a vessel being launched

Answer

in the water at the boat ramp

Answer

on your driveway at home

Question 18

How can propeller strike accidents be avoided?

Accepted Answer

Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding.

Answer

Have children watch out for each other.

Answer

Let passengers ride on the bow while underway

Answer

Turn on the engine when passengers are boarding

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Remove any zebra mussels you see before leaving the 
body of water.

Answer

Flush vessel engines with contaminated water.

Answer

Run your vessel through vegetation to cut it up.

Answer

Avoid washing your vessel after you leave a body of 
water.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Have everyone wear an appropriate PFD at all times.

Answer

Allow on board only those persons who pass a swim test.

Answer

Put on your PFD after you are in the water.

Answer

Make sure you have a lifeguard on board your vessel.

Question 21

Which of these should you leave with a friend or relative 
before taking an extended outing on the water?

Accepted Answer

float plan for your trip

Answer

insurance policy

Answer

vessel registration certificate

Answer

operator's license

Question 22

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

Accepted Answer

where to find the PFDs and fire extinguishers

Answer

what time they should expect to return to dock

Answer

what food and drink are on board the vessel

Answer

how far the vessel can go without running out of fuel

Question 23

What is the main function of an engine cut-off switch?

Accepted Answer

to shut off the engine if the operator is thrown  overboard

Answer

to prevent operation by unauthorized persons

Answer

to prevent theft when the PWC or boat is left 
unattended

Answer

to shut off the engine when the PWC or boat is beached

Question 24

According to the Texas Water Safety Act, how far must 
you keep your vessel from a diving area marked by a diver-down flag?

Accepted Answer

at least 50 feet

Answer

at least 25 feet

Answer

at least 150 feet

Answer

at least 100 feet

Question 25

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

Accepted Answer

much greater effect while boating

Answer

about the same effect whether on land or out boating

Answer

slightly greater effect when on land

Answer

much greater effect when on land

Question 26

Which is true about operating a boat in Texas while intoxicated?

Accepted Answer

By operating a vessel on Texas waters, a boater has 
consented to alcohol testing if arrested by a law 
enforcement officer

Answer

A boater paddling a canoe is less likely to be affected as 
much as someone operating a motorboat.

Answer

Operating while under the influence does not carry 
penalties for a first offense.

Answer

Drinking alcohol is not considered to be dangerous.

Question 27

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

Accepted Answer

the operators of both vessels

Answer

the operator of the stand-on vessel

Answer

the operator of the smaller vessel

Answer

the operator of the give-way vessel

Question 28

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

Accepted Answer

You have enough time to avoid a collision.

Answer

No other vessels are passing you.

Answer

You are not overtaking any other vessels.

Answer

You are going slower than vessels towing skiers.

Question 29

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

Accepted Answer

to mark the edges of safe water areas

Answer

to show the outer boundaries of federally controlled 
waterways

Answer

to provide traffic control devices for commercial vessels

Answer

to provide convenient mooring locations

Question 30

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

Accepted Answer

operating at a speed that does not endanger others if no no speed limit is posted

Answer

operating within a marked restricted area

Answer

operating at a speed that causes damage produced by the 
vessel's wake in a “No Wake" area

Answer

encircling swimmers, divers, or anglers while pulling a water-skier

Question 31

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

Accepted Answer

when the sailboat is overtaking the power-driven vessel

Answer

when the sailboat is crossing ahead from the starboard 
(right) side

Answer

when the two vessels are moving in opposite directions

Answer

when the sailboat is crossing ahead from the port (left) 
side

Question 32

What should a vessel operator do to make sure everyone  knows what to do in case of an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Conduct an emergency drill with the passengers.

Answer

Explain what to do as an actual emergency occurs.

Answer

Have everyone take a written exam until they can pass 
it.

Answer

Throw a passenger overboard unexpectedly.

Question 33

According to Texas law, who must be on board, in  addition to the operator, if the vessel is towing a skier and does not have a rearview mirror?

Accepted Answer

an observer at least 13 years of age to observe the 
progress of the person being towed

Answer

an adult at least 18 years of age

Answer

an adult at least 24 years of age

Answer

an observer at least 13 years of age to watch for other 
boats or obstacles in the area

Question 34

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

Accepted Answer

exclusion or keep-out area, such as a dam

Answer

danger or hazard, such as rocks

Answer

information, such as places to find food

Answer

controlled area, such as a no-wake zone

Question 35

Why is carbon monoxide gas dangerous?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

It creates a cloud that blocks your view of other vessels.

Answer

It is flammable and ignites easily.

Answer

It causes corrosion on electrical connections that can 
cause sparks.

Question 36

A recreational vessel is approaching a U.S. Naval vessel. At 
what distance from the U.S. Naval vessel must the recre ational vessel slow to minimum speed?

Accepted Answer

500 yards

Answer

200 yards

Answer

400 yards

Answer

300 yards

Question 37

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

Accepted Answer

Make sure they know how to operate it safely.

Answer

Check the weather forecast for the day

Answer

Have them read the owner's manual and pass a test.

Answer

Make sure they have a valid driver's license.

Question 38

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

Accepted Answer

Keep centered in the boat.

Answer

Stand up when changing seats.

Answer

Move around while underway.

Answer

Keep two points of contact if you move.

Question 39

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

Accepted Answer

Turn off the engine.

Answer

Keep the engine idling in neutral.

Answer

Put the engine in reverse gear at the slowest speed.

Answer

Put the engine in forward gear at the slowest speed.

Question 40

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

Accepted Answer

to provide assistance

Answer

to wait for rescue personnel

Answer

to keep out of the way

Answer

to write an incident report

Question 41

Which condition requires that you report a boating 
accident to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department?

Accepted Answer

Damage to your boat is more than $2,000 as the result 
of a boating accident.

Answer

Your boat is stopped, and you are arrested for boating 
under the influence.

Answer

You witness a boating accident from shore.

Answer

Your boat breaks down and requires on-the-water 
repairs.

Question 42

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

Accepted Answer

when immersed in cold water

Answer

after being in the wind for a long time

Answer

when exposed to cold air

Answer

when deprived of liquid

Question 43

What should you do immediately if a boat motor catches 
on fire?

Accepted Answer

Shut off the fuel supply, and try to put out the fire with an extinguisher.

Answer

Turn on the ventilation system to remove gasoline 
vapors from the bilge.

Answer

Abandon the boat, and swim to shore.

Answer

Turn the stern of your boat into the wind.

Question 44

If your inboard/outboard boat runs aground, what action 
should you take in addition to shifting the weight away from the point of impact?

Accepted Answer

Stop the engine, and lift the outdrive.

Answer

Keep the engine running, and drop the anchor.

Answer

Put the boat in forward, and gun the engine.

Answer

Put the boat in reverse, and gun the engine.

Question 45

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

Accepted Answer

letting off the throttle control

Answer

running at maximum throttle

Answer

Under-steering

Answer

over-steering

Question 46

According to Texas law, what age person must be supervised by

Accepted Answer

those less than 13 years of age

Answer

those less than 15 years of age

Answer

those less than 11 years of age

Answer

those less than 17 years of age

Question 47

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

Accepted Answer

between one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset

Answer

between sunrise and midnight

Answer

between two hours before sunrise and two hours after 
sunset

Answer

between one hour before sunrise and one hour after 
sunset

Question 48

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

Accepted Answer

Watch for navigational hazards.

Answer

Listen to your vessel's engine.

Answer

Watch for good fishing locations.

Answer

Listen to the passengers talking.

Question 49

In Texas, how far must a PWC stay from another vessel,  unless the PWC is maintaining headway speed?

Accepted Answer

at least 50 feet

Answer

at least 150 feet

Answer

at least 200 feet

Answer

at least 100 feet

Question 50

According to Texas law, during what hours is it illegal to operate a PWC?

Accepted Answer

between sunset and sunrise

Answer

between one hour after sunset and one hour before 
sunrise

Answer

between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Answer

between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour

Question 51

Why should a vessel operator keep a proper lookout?

Accepted Answer

to avoid collisions

Answer

to stay on course

Answer

to locate fuel

Answer

to appreciate nature

Question 52

What should paddlers do to protect against capsizing their canoe or kayak?

Accepted Answer

Keep a low center of gravity and three points of contact.

Answer

Stand up in the craft while getting ready to dock.

Answer

Lean one shoulder over the side while paddling.

Answer

Move to the side of the craft closest to the shoreline.

Question 53

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

Accepted Answer

Wear a PFD at all times.

Answer

Take along extra food and gear.

Answer

Anchor in the middle of the waterway.

Answer

Keep clothing to a minimum.

Question 54

According to Texas law, children under what age must wear a USCG-approved PFD while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long?

Accepted Answer

those under 13 years of age

Answer

those under 9 years of age

Answer

those under 11 years of age

Answer

those under 15 years of age

Question 55

What determines if a speed is safe for your boat?

Accepted Answer

visibility conditions

Answer

amount of fuel available

Answer

shoreline conditions

Answer

type of engine

Question 56

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

Accepted Answer

Both vessels should turn to starboard (right).

Answer

Both should maintain course and swerve to port (left) at 
the last moment.

Answer

The motorboat should turn to port (left), and the PWC 
 should turn to starboard (right).

Answer

The motorboat should turn to starboard (right), and the 
PWC should turn to port (left)

Question 57

When must navigation lights be displayed?

Accepted Answer

from sunset to sunrise and when visibility is restricted

Answer

only when adrift at night

Answer

at night when there is a risk of collision

Answer

only when you are anchored or in fog

Question 58

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

Accepted Answer

It may cause the boat to swamp.

Answer

The anchor is difficult to retrieve.

Answer

The anchor line may get tangled

Answer

The anchor can't hold firmly.

Question 59

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

Accepted Answer

Reduce speed to the minimum needed to stay on course

Answer

Speed up as much as possible to go around other vessels.

Answer

Maintain the same speed until the other vessel is visible.

Answer

Sound two long blasts with a sound-producing device.

Question 60

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

Accepted Answer

Try to reboard your boat, even if it is swamped.

Answer

Tread water or swim around to generate heat.

Answer

Remove any unnecessary clothing.

Answer

Try to float on your stomach with legs extended.

Related quizzes

Related quizzes