Boating Cards Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does a capacity plate indicate?

Vessel dimensions

Safe load limit (correct)

Fuel tank and oil reservoir size

Number of life jackets required

What special care must you take with your hull identification number (HIN)?

Conceal it to prevent identification theft

Be careful not to remove or destroy this number (correct)

Display it on the forward half of your vessel

Remove it after purchase so it doesn't get stolen

A planing hull has which of the following characteristics?

It tends to be very heavy and displaces water

It pushes water out of its way at high speed

It is designed to ride on top of the water (correct)

It maneuvers poorly at any speed

What does a boat's capacity plate indicate?

The maximum number of persons and weight the boat should carry Signup and view all the answers

What does a marine pump out station do?

Pumps out waste from holding tanks Signup and view all the answers

Under federal law, it is illegal to toss any garbage from a boat if you are within how many miles of shore?

3 Signup and view all the answers

When is the best time for cleaning your boat to stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species?

Before you leave the ramp area Signup and view all the answers

Most cruising sailboats and trawlers have what type of hull?

Round Bottom Hull Signup and view all the answers

A cathedral hull allows a boat to do what?

Get up on a plane quicker Signup and view all the answers

What is true of a No Discharge Zone or NDZ?

Discharge of sewage is illegal Signup and view all the answers

On power-driven vessels, which of the following is true of navigation lights?

Lights must be on during periods of restricted visibility Signup and view all the answers

What must you do if you see another vessel's red and white lights off your starboard bow?

Maneuver to avoid a collision Signup and view all the answers

If you see a red, a green, and a white light on another boat, what does this tell you?

A boat is approaching you head-on Signup and view all the answers

If another boat signals their intention to pass you from astern, what should you do?

Answer with the same signal if in agreement and maintain course and speed Signup and view all the answers

What do three short blasts of a horn indicate?

A boat is using astern propulsion and is in the act of backing up Signup and view all the answers

A boat less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length must have which of the following aboard?

Sound signaling device Signup and view all the answers

Which is a characteristic of a Type III PFD?

It will not turn most unconscious wearers face-up Signup and view all the answers

When selecting a PFD, what should be the most important consideration?

Size Signup and view all the answers

When paddling a canoe at night, which piece of equipment should be carried to help avoid a collision?

Flashlight Signup and view all the answers

If pyrotechnic visual distress signals are used, how many must be onboard?

3 Signup and view all the answers

The tongue weight of a trailer should be what percent of the Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR)?

5 to 15% Signup and view all the answers

Trailer ratings are based on what?

The total weight of the trailer and boat Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign that the weather may change for the worse?

A sudden drop in the temperature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is recommended maintenance for an inboard boat?

Deteriorated engine and hull zincs should be replaced if corroded Signup and view all the answers

Which safety precaution should be taken first by a boat operator when boating in stormy weather?

Make sure all aboard are wearing USCG-approved PFDs Signup and view all the answers

Which is a common first indicator of an approaching thunderstorm?

A buildup of dark clouds Signup and view all the answers

What is the vertical movement of the surface of a body of water called?

Tide Signup and view all the answers

Who should you call first if you have an oil or fuel spill?

U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center Signup and view all the answers

By law, what must you do if oil or fuel spills into the water?

Report it to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following must you do when anchoring at night?

Display an all-around white light Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is recommended when docking your boat?

Use lines and cleats to help maneuver your boat Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the use of alcohol while boating?

It is against the law to operate a vessel while intoxicated Signup and view all the answers

When approaching a mooring buoy, what should you do?

Approach slowly, so as not to run over the mooring line or buoy Signup and view all the answers

When is a lookout on a vessel required?

At all times Signup and view all the answers

When operating a boat near other boats or when entering a congested area, why should you watch your wake?

It may cause personal injury or damage Signup and view all the answers

On a recreational boat, the location of emergency equipment should be reviewed before departure with which persons?

Everyone aboard Signup and view all the answers

Under the Navigation Rules, in which situation is it OK to break the rules?

When absolutely necessary to avoid a collision Signup and view all the answers

A float plan should contain what information?

A date and time to contact the authorities Signup and view all the answers

What is the safest thing to do for someone suspected of having hypothermia?

Get immediate medical attention Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your small open boat capsizes?

Stay with the boat and signal for help Signup and view all the answers

What is hypothermia?

A serious condition that requires medical attention as a result of cold water immersion Signup and view all the answers

What type of boating emergency causes the most fatalities?

Capsizing Signup and view all the answers

When performing a self-rescue, when should you swim to shore?

As the last resort Signup and view all the answers

What does a slashing hand motion over the neck mean by a waterskiing participant?

Cut the motor or stop Signup and view all the answers

Other than a PFD, what two things must be aboard every personal watercraft?

Fire extinguisher and emergency signaling devices Signup and view all the answers

When arriving at a navigation lock, what is the order of priority?

Military craft, commercial vessels, fishing vessels then pleasure craft Signup and view all the answers

When passing through a lock, which light means 'approach the lock under full control'?

Amber Signup and view all the answers

What do courteous PWC operators always do?

Control speed, noise and wake Signup and view all the answers

Why are low head dams dangerous to small boats and paddle craft?

Backwash can pin you and your boat indefinitely Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Capacity Plates

Capacity plates indicate a vessel's safe load limit, including maximum number of persons and weight it should carry.
Fuel tank and oil reservoir sizes are also specified on capacity plates.

Hull Identification Number (HIN)

HIN must always remain intact; removing or destroying it is prohibited to prevent identification theft.

Hull Types

A planing hull is designed to ride on top of the water and efficiently displaces water at high speeds.
Most cruising sailboats and trawlers have a round bottom hull, offering stability.

Marine Pump Out Stations

These stations are designated to pump out waste from holding tanks, helping to maintain water cleanliness.

Environmental Regulations

Under federal law, it is illegal to dispose of garbage within 3 miles of shore.
Cleaning boats prior to launching at a different waterway is crucial to prevent spread of aquatic nuisance species.

Power-driven vessels must have navigation lights on during periods of restricted visibility.
Red and white lights off the starboard bow indicate an approaching vessel head-on.

Communication with Other Vessels

Return signals from vessels passing astern with corresponding signals and maintain course and speed.
Three short blasts of a horn signify that a boat is using reverse propulsion.

Safety Equipment

Boats under 12 meters must carry a sound signaling device.
A Type III PFD does not typically turn unconscious wearers face-up, making it essential to choose the right size.

Maintenance and Weather Awareness

It is vital to regularly replace deteriorated engine and hull zincs for optimal boat maintenance.
A sudden drop in temperature can indicate worsening weather conditions, requiring caution.

Boating Emergencies

The U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center should be contacted immediately in case of oil or fuel spills.
In the event of a capsizing, stay with the boat and signal for help while waiting for rescue.

Alcohol and Safety Guidelines

Operating a vessel while intoxicated is illegal, emphasizing the importance of sobriety while boating.
Ensure all operators wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFDs during unsafe weather conditions.

Anchoring and Docking

When anchoring at night, display an all-around white light for visibility.
Use lines and cleats while docking to enhance control and maneuverability.

Weather Indicators and Signals

A buildup of dark clouds typically signals an impending thunderstorm.
Always maintain a lookout on vessels to ensure safety, especially near congested areas.

Emergency Preparedness

A float plan must include a specific date and time for authorities to check in, ensuring safety during excursions.
For hypothermia, immediate medical attention is necessary, highlighting the dangers of cold water exposure.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards focused on boating terminology and safety regulations. Each card provides essential information about boating, including capacity limits and hull identification numbers. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their understanding of boating safety!