Boating Exam Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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

Between one-half hour before sunrise and one half hour after sunset (correct)

Between sunrise and sunset

Between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset

Between two hours before sunrise and two hours after sunset

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

On both sides of the forward half of the boat (correct)

On only the starboard side of the boat

On both sides of the stern of the boat

On only the port side of the boat

What should you do before fueling your boat?

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

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

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

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

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

Conduct an emergency drill with the passengers Signup and view all the answers

When can navigation rules be overlooked?

When necessary to avoid immediate danger Signup and view all the answers

In Rhode Island, what is the minimum age of an observer on a vessel towing a person on water skis or a tube?

14 Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning while boating?

Never allow swimmers to enter an enclosed area under a swim or dive platform, even for one second Signup and view all the answers

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

500 yards Signup and view all the answers

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

Danger area, such as a dam or rocks Signup and view all the answers

Where is the best place to store PFDs on a boat?

In a locker with other safety gear Signup and view all the answers

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

Maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely Signup and view all the answers

What device on a boat is most important to prevent propeller strike injuries?

Ignition safety switch lanyard Signup and view all the answers

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

Have all passengers wear a life jacket at all times Signup and view all the answers

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

Letting off the throttle control Signup and view all the answers

Which regarding the operator's action, what is the cause of most boating collisions?

Failing to keep a proper lookout Signup and view all the answers

Which is true about operating a boat in Rhode Island while intoxicated?

By operating your boat on Rhode Island waters, you have consented to alcohol testing by a law enforcement official Signup and view all the answers

What age of children are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD when riding on the open deck of a vessel less than 65 feet long on Rhode Island waters?

Those under 13 years of age Signup and view all the answers

What determines if a speed is safe for your boat?

Visibility conditions Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are operating power-driven vessel A and power-driven vessel B begins to cross on your starboard (right) side?

Give way by slowing down and changing course Signup and view all the answers

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

Reduce speed to the minimum needed to stay on course Signup and view all the answers

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

Try to re-board your boat, even if it is swamped Signup and view all the answers

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

It may cause the boat to swamp Signup and view all the answers

At night, what color lights will you see on another powerboat that is passing in front of you from your right?

A red light and a white light Signup and view all the answers

Navigation rules require power-driven vessels to give way to which of these vessels?

A vessel engaged in commercial fishing Signup and view all the answers

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

You have enough time and distance to avoid a collision Signup and view all the answers

Stage 3 (long-term immersion hypothermia) sets in after about 30 minutes following immersion in cold water. What happens during Stage 3 of cold water immersion?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What vessels are exempt from having to have a Type B fire extinguisher on board on Rhode Island waters?

Vessel more than 26 feet in length with an outboard engine and closed construction Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of most boating accidents?

Human error Signup and view all the answers

If you are operating a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard 14 feet in length on Rhode Island waters, what safety equipment are you required to have on your vessel?

A wearable life jacket for each person on board and a sound-producing device Signup and view all the answers

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

Wear your life jacket at all times Signup and view all the answers

What channel is used for emergencies on a marine radio?

16 Signup and view all the answers

What determines how many wearable PFDs are required on a vessel?

A number of persons on board Signup and view all the answers

What is the mandatory boating safety education requirement for persons who are operating personal watercraft on Rhode Island waters?

Must have passed an approved boater education course Signup and view all the answers

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

Much greater effect while boating Signup and view all the answers

In Rhode Island, how far must a PWC operating at more than 'headway speed' stay from swimmers, divers, the shoreline, or moored vessels?

200 feet Signup and view all the answers

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

Where to locate all the safety equipment Signup and view all the answers

Why should you avoid operating your PWC at greater than 'no wake' speed when close to shore?

It prevents damage to aquatic vegetation and erosion to the shoreline Signup and view all the answers

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

Float plan for your trip Signup and view all the answers

When you see a diver-down flag displayed from either a boat or floating on the water, how far should you stay away from it?

50 feet from the diver-down flag Signup and view all the answers

According to Rhode Island law, what are the conditions that require operators or owners of vessels involved in a boating accident to report the accident immediately?

Accident results in death or personal injury Signup and view all the answers

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

When the sailboat is crossing ahead from the starboard (right) side Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should you take when towing a trailer?

Allow more time and greater distances for stopping Signup and view all the answers

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

To provide assistance Signup and view all the answers

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

Consult a nautical chart Signup and view all the answers

If someone falls into the water from your boat, what is the first thing you should attempt to do?

Reach for the victim Signup and view all the answers

What time restrictions does Rhode Island law place on the operation of a personal watercraft?

May not operate between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise Signup and view all the answers

Two boats are operating in the same general area. Who is responsible for maintaining a sharp lookout?

The operators of both boats Signup and view all the answers

Your boat capsizes but remains afloat. What should you do?

Hang onto the boat or climb on it Signup and view all the answers

How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel?

Into the wind or current, whichever is stronger Signup and view all the answers

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

Make sure they know how to operate it safely Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding personal watercraft (PWC) operation in Rhode Island is true?

A PWC operator, when launching from shore, must proceed at headway speed in a perpendicular direction to the area of operation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Towing Regulations

Towing a person behind a boat is legal between one-half hour before sunrise and one-half hour after sunset.

Vessel Registration

Registration numbers and validation decals must be displayed on both sides of the forward half of the boat.

Fueling Safety

Before fueling a boat, the engine must be turned off, and all windows, ports, doors, and openings should be opened.

Emergency Preparedness

Vessel operators should conduct emergency drills to ensure all passengers know what to do in case of an emergency.

Navigation rules can be overlooked when necessary to avoid immediate danger.

Observer Age Requirement

The minimum age of an observer on a vessel towing a person on water skis or a tube in Rhode Island is 16 years.

Carbon Monoxide Safety

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, ensure swimmers don't enter enclosed areas under platforms, even briefly.

U.S. Naval Vessels

When approaching a U.S. Naval vessel, recreational vessels must slow to minimum speed at a distance of 500 yards.

Marker Indicators

A white marker with an orange crossed diamond indicates a danger area, such as rocks or dams.

PFD Storage

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) should be stored in a locker with other safety gear for easy access.

Capacity Plate Information

The capacity plate of a boat indicates the maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can safely carry.

Propeller Strike Prevention

The ignition safety switch lanyard is crucial for preventing propeller strike injuries.

Drowning Risk Minimization

Ensuring all passengers wear life jackets at all times significantly minimizes the risk of drowning.

PWC Steering Loss

Letting off the throttle control on a Personal Watercraft (PWC) can result in loss of steering ability.

Boating Collisions

Most boating collisions occur due to failing to keep a proper lookout.

Intoxication Laws

Operating a vessel in Rhode Island while intoxicated involves consent to alcohol testing by law enforcement officials.

Child PFD Requirements

Children under the age of 13 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD when on the open deck of a vessel less than 65 feet long.

Safe Speed Determinants

Safe speed for a vessel is determined by visibility conditions.

A power-driven vessel must give way when another vessel crosses on its starboard side.

In fog, a vessel should reduce speed to the minimum necessary to maintain course to avoid collisions.

Cold Water Immersion Response

If falling overboard into cold water, the best response is to attempt to re-board your boat.

Anchoring Precautions

Anchoring from the stern may cause the boat to swamp.

A passing powerboat from the right will show a red light and a white light at night.

Give-Way Regulations

Power-driven vessels must give way to vessels limited in their ability to move, such as commercial fishing vessels.

Safe Speed Awareness

Operating at a safe speed provides adequate time and distance to avoid collisions.

Hypothermia Stages

Stage 3 of long-term immersion hypothermia occurs after about 30 minutes, with internal body core cooling.

Fire Extinguisher Exemptions

Certain vessels over 26 feet in length with outboard engines may be exempt from having a Type B fire extinguisher onboard.

Major Boating Accident Cause

Most boating accidents are primarily caused by human error.

Manually Propelled Vessel Requirements

Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards 14 feet long must have a wearable life jacket for each person on board and a sound-producing device.

Angling and Hunting Safety

Anglers and hunters should wear life jackets at all times when fishing or hunting from a boat.

Marine Radio Emergency Channel

Channel 16 is designated for emergencies on a marine radio.

PFD Requirements

The number of wearable PFDs required on a vessel depends on the number of persons on board.

PWC Operating Education

Operating a PWC requires certification from an approved boater education course in Rhode Island.

Alcohol Consumption Effects

Alcohol has a much greater effect on individuals while boating compared to on land.

PWC Operating Distance Rules

A PWC must stay 200 feet away from swimmers, divers, the shoreline, or moored vessels when operating above headway speed.

Pre-Departure Checks

Before departing, a vessel operator should inform all passengers where safety equipment is located.

No Wake Speed Benefits

Avoiding greater than "no wake" speed near shores helps prevent damage to aquatic vegetation and shoreline erosion.

Float Plan Importance

A float plan detailing the trip should be left with a friend or relative before taking an extended outing on the water.

Diver-Down Flag Rule

Stay at least 50 feet away from a diver-down flag displayed from a boat or floating in the water.

Boating Accident Reporting

Operators must report if a boating accident results in death, personal injury, or damages exceeding $2,000.

Sailing Vessel Right-of-Way

A sailboat under sail generally gives way to a power-driven vessel when crossing paths.

Trailer Towing Precautions

When towing a trailer, allow more time and greater distances for stopping.

First Response to Accidents

The first required action for a boat operator who witnesses an accident is to provide assistance.

Waterway Hazard Awareness

Consulting a nautical chart is the best way to learn about hazards on local waterways.

Rescue Protocol for Overboard Situations

If someone falls overboard, the first action should be to reach for the victim.

Personal Watercraft Operation Timing

In Rhode Island, a PWC may not operate between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise.

Responsibility for Lookout

Both vessels operating in the same area are responsible for maintaining a sharp lookout.

Capsized Boat Response

When a boat capsizes but remains afloat, hold onto the boat or climb onto it for safety.

Docking Approach Strategy

Approach the dock into the wind or current, whichever is stronger, for safer docking.

Operator Responsibility Check

Before allowing others to operate a vessel, the owner must ensure they know how to operate it safely.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Rhode Island boating laws with these flashcards. Review important regulations regarding towing and vessel registration. Perfect for anyone preparing for the boating exam.