Boating Exam QUESTIONS AND DETAILED ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. How should a vessels registration number and validation decal be dis-
played? ANSWER On both sides of the bow of the boat
2. What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger?
ANSWER A passengers body weight and chest size
3. What important safety information is found on a boats capacity plate?
ANSWER The maximum body weight and number of people a boat can hold
safely
4. What is the best way to find out about hazards on a locate waterway?
ANSWER Con- sult a nautical chart
5. According to Alabama law, what age can operators be to have completed an
approved boating course in order to operate watercraft? ANSWER 12 years
or older
6. Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in water?
ANSWER -
Type I
7. Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who
is responsible for ensuring this? ANSWER The vessel operator
8. Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? ANSWER
Mounted in an accessible place
9. When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced? ANSWER When it is
slightly torn
10. What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel? ANSWER
It is much greater while boating
11. When boating on federally controlled waters in an 18-foot boat, what equip-
ment are you legally required to have on board? ANSWER US Coast Guard
approved visual distress signal
12. What sound-producing devices is required when boating on Alabama
waters in an 18-foot powerboat? ANSWER A whistle, a horn, or another sound-
producing advice
13. What provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching?
ANSWER Dark clouds and shifting winds
14. What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program?
ANSWER -
Check the oil level before every outing
15. How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel?
ANSWER Into the wind or current, whichever is stronger
16. What should you do before fueling your boat? ANSWER Turn off the engine
and close all openings
17. Where should your trailer be located while you prepare to launch your
vessel? ANSWER Well away from the boat ramp
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, Boating Exam QUESTIONS AND DETAILED ANSWERS 2026/2027
18. How can propeller strike accidents be avoided? ANSWER Turn off the
engine while people are boarding
19. What is an example of careless operation? ANSWER Not having enough
PFD's on the boat
2/7
1. How should a vessels registration number and validation decal be dis-
played? ANSWER On both sides of the bow of the boat
2. What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger?
ANSWER A passengers body weight and chest size
3. What important safety information is found on a boats capacity plate?
ANSWER The maximum body weight and number of people a boat can hold
safely
4. What is the best way to find out about hazards on a locate waterway?
ANSWER Con- sult a nautical chart
5. According to Alabama law, what age can operators be to have completed an
approved boating course in order to operate watercraft? ANSWER 12 years
or older
6. Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in water?
ANSWER -
Type I
7. Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who
is responsible for ensuring this? ANSWER The vessel operator
8. Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? ANSWER
Mounted in an accessible place
9. When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced? ANSWER When it is
slightly torn
10. What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel? ANSWER
It is much greater while boating
11. When boating on federally controlled waters in an 18-foot boat, what equip-
ment are you legally required to have on board? ANSWER US Coast Guard
approved visual distress signal
12. What sound-producing devices is required when boating on Alabama
waters in an 18-foot powerboat? ANSWER A whistle, a horn, or another sound-
producing advice
13. What provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching?
ANSWER Dark clouds and shifting winds
14. What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program?
ANSWER -
Check the oil level before every outing
15. How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel?
ANSWER Into the wind or current, whichever is stronger
16. What should you do before fueling your boat? ANSWER Turn off the engine
and close all openings
17. Where should your trailer be located while you prepare to launch your
vessel? ANSWER Well away from the boat ramp
1/7
, Boating Exam QUESTIONS AND DETAILED ANSWERS 2026/2027
18. How can propeller strike accidents be avoided? ANSWER Turn off the
engine while people are boarding
19. What is an example of careless operation? ANSWER Not having enough
PFD's on the boat
2/7
