Boat Safety and Terminology Quiz

Study Notes

Capacity Plates

Outboard capacity plates indicate maximum weight capacity, including persons, motor, gear, and horsepower.
Inboard capacity plates specify maximum weight capacity for persons and gear only.
Manually propelled boats also use capacity plates that show limits on person weight and total weight.

Boat Terminology

Bow refers to the front part of the hull, also known as the pointy end.
Port designates the left side of the boat when facing the bow.
Helm is the steering mechanism used to control a vessel.
Starboard is the right side of the boat when facing the bow.
Transom indicates the flat area at the stern of the boat.
Stern represents the rear end of the ship.
Gunwales (gunnels) are the upper edges along the sides of a boat.

Hull Types

Hull is the fundamental frame or body of the ship.
A planing hull is designed to rise out of the water at high speeds, typically featuring a "V" shape for better handling in rough waters.
Displacement hulls operate by displacing an amount of water equal to the weight of the boat.

Speed Measurement

A knot measures speed as one nautical mile (6,076 feet) per hour.

Boat Numbers Regulations

Boat numbers must be displayed on the forward portion of both the port and starboard sides.
Numbers should be in block letters, not script.
Height of numbers must be at least three inches.
Numbers must contrast in color against the hull.
Use spaces or hyphens between numerals and letters (e.g., ST 1234 AB).

Florida Vessel Registration

All vessels on Florida waters must be registered unless they are used exclusively on private lakes or are non-motor-powered and less than 16 feet.

Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD)

MSD Type 1 employs maceration and disinfection for sewage treatment, suitable for boats up to 65 feet.
MSD Type 2 uses biological treatment and is typically seen on large commercial vessels.
MSD Type 3 consists of a holding tank and features a Y valve.

Environmental Awareness

A No Discharge Zone (NDZ) prohibits any sewage discharge from vessels, treated or untreated.
Black water refers to sewage or water containing human waste.
Gray water is wastewater from sinks and showers, often containing detergents and food residues.

Boat Care Tips

Before leaving a launch area, it’s crucial to CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY the boat, trailer, and equipment.

Sea Life Protection

Navigation charts mark sea grass beds in light green; avoid running through these areas.
Minimum approach distances are set at 50 yards (150 feet) for sea turtles, dolphins, porpoises, and seals.
For North Atlantic right whales, the minimum approach distance is 500 yards (1,500 feet).
For other large whales, maintain a distance of at least 100 feet to avoid intentional approach.

Garbage Disposal Regulations

A garbage dumping placard must be displayed on boats longer than 26 feet.

Description

Test your knowledge on boat safety with a focus on capacity plates, terminology, and hull types. This quiz covers essential information for both new and experienced boaters, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.