Boating Safety Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the danger of a strainer?

Strainers can trap small boats.

What does a diver-down flag look like?

Red flag with white diagonal stripe.

Where should portable gasoline fuel tanks be filled?

On the dock.

Where should you park to load your equipment and gear when getting ready to launch your boat?

Well away from the boat ramp and approach lane. Signup and view all the answers

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

Both boats. Signup and view all the answers

What should the boat on the starboard (right) do when two powerboats are about to cross paths?

Maintain course and speed, but stay alert. Signup and view all the answers

Which one is the stand-on vessel when a motorboat and a PWC are meeting head-on?

Neither. Signup and view all the answers

Which boat must give way when one boat is overtaking another?

The boat that is overtaking. Signup and view all the answers

How do you signal that you agree to let a motorboat pass on your port (left) side after it sounds one short blast?

One short blast. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if you hear one prolonged blast every two minutes while out on the water in foggy conditions?

I am a power-driven vessel underway. Signup and view all the answers

How can buoys be marked?

Green with odd numbers. Signup and view all the answers

What do lateral markers indicate?

The edges of safe water areas. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when you see a white marker with black vertical stripes?

Do not pass between the marker and the shore. Signup and view all the answers

What type of buoy is a white buoy with a blue band?

Mooring buoy. Signup and view all the answers

What does a white marker with an orange circle and black lettering indicate?

Controlled area. Signup and view all the answers

Which symbol is used to mark a swimming area on a regulatory marker?

Orange crossed diamond. Signup and view all the answers

What determines the direction a PWC will travel?

The stream of water from the jet nozzle. Signup and view all the answers

What is needed for steering control on a PWC?

Power to the jet drive. Signup and view all the answers

Which operation on a PWC requires more than idle speed?

Steering control. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is safe for a PWC?

Seating two people behind the operator on a PWC rated for three. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a PWC is dangerous to your hands, feet, and hair?

Pump intake area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of an ignition safety switch?

To shut off the engine if the operator is thrown overboard. Signup and view all the answers

How do noise and vibration affect you when operating a boat?

They make you tire more rapidly. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your boat capsizes and floats away?

Securely fasten your life jacket and wait for help. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do FIRST if a passenger on your boat falls overboard?

Reduce speed and throw the victim a PFD. Signup and view all the answers

What is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard?

Standing up in a boat. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for keeping a sharp watch to avoid a collision between two boats?

The operators of both boats. Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire can be put out safely with water?

Gasoline. Signup and view all the answers

What colorless, odorless, poisonous gas is a by-product of gasoline engines?

Carbon monoxide. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are caught in a storm in your boat?

Reduce speed and head into the waves at a 45-degree angle. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it a good idea for all boaters to use a pre-departure checklist?

To ensure safety. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for reviewing a pre-departure checklist before a boat outing?

Boat operator. Signup and view all the answers

Which action shows responsibility toward the aquatic environment?

Using phosphate-free products to clean a boat. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after you fall when skiing behind a boat to help the operator spot you?

Hold a ski up out of the water. Signup and view all the answers

How should firearms be transported in a boat?

Unloaded with the safety on and in a gun case. Signup and view all the answers

Where is a boat's gunwale located?

On the upper edge of each side. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to check for gas fumes after fueling a PWC?

Smell. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to dock your boat when there is no wind or current?

Approach the dock slowly at a narrow angle (about 20 degrees). 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

How long should your anchor line be?

7 to 10 times the depth of the water. Signup and view all the answers

What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger on board your boat?

Passenger's weight and chest size. Signup and view all the answers

When should you discard a PFD?

When it has a torn strap. Signup and view all the answers

Which lights should be used by a sailboat operating under sail at night?

Red. Signup and view all the answers

What do red, green, and white lights on another boat indicate when operating a powerboat at night?

A power-driven vessel is approaching head-on. Both vessels must give way. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you see a flashing amber light near the entrance to a river lock?

Approach the lock at a safe speed and under full control. Signup and view all the answers

What can happen during Stage 1 (initial cold shock) of cold water immersion?

You can experience involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, panic, and vertigo. Signup and view all the answers

What does the number labeled on a fire extinguisher indicate?

It indicates the extinguishing capability or the size of the extinguisher. Signup and view all the answers

Which storage method best meets the requirement for PFDs on a boat to be readily accessible?

PFDs are kept where they can be grabbed quickly by anyone on board. Signup and view all the answers

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

Type I. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about aquatic nuisance species is true?

They are transported by riding on boats and trailers. Signup and view all the answers

When are you required to assist anyone injured in an accident as the boat operator?

If your passengers are not in danger. Signup and view all the answers

How old must a person be to operate a boat if accompanied on board by a parent or guardian?

<ol start="10"> <li></li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What accurately describes the two types of diver-down flags?

Rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe or a blue and white flag. Signup and view all the answers

According to Wisconsin law, who must wear a USCG-approved personal flotation device?

Person on board a boat that is moored. Signup and view all the answers

Where must a vessel's registration number be displayed?

On each side of the forward half of the vessel. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Boating Safety and Regulations

Strainers pose a danger by trapping small boats, making navigation hazardous.
Diver-down flags are essential for divers' safety; they are red with a white diagonal stripe.
Portable gasoline fuel tanks must be filled on the dock to prevent spills or fires.
When preparing to launch, park equipment away from the boat ramp and approach lane to ensure smooth operations.
Both boats are responsible for maintaining a sharp lookout when operating in the same area to prevent collisions.

Navigational Rules

In a crossing scenario, the boat on the starboard (right) should maintain speed and course while being vigilant.
Neither a motorboat nor a PWC is designated as the stand-on vessel in a head-on encounter.
The overtaking boat must give way to the vessel being overtaken to ensure safe passage.

Communication and Signaling

To signal agreement for a passing maneuver, sound one short blast when a motorboat approaches on a head-on course.
A prolonged blast heard every two minutes indicates a power-driven vessel is underway, serving as a alert for nearby boats.

Buoy and Marker Identification

Can buoys are marked green and carry odd numbers, indicating navigational routes.
Lateral markers denote the edges of safe water areas, assisting with navigation.
A white marker with black vertical stripes indicates that passage between the marker and the shore is prohibited.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Standards

A white buoy with a blue band serves as a mooring buoy, indicating a designated area for securing boats.
The PWC's direction is determined by the jet nozzle's water stream, highlighting the importance of steering control.
Steering control on a PWC requires power to the jet drive, essential for maneuvering at higher speeds.

Safety Protocols and Responses

Securely fastening a life jacket is critical if your boat capsizes; remain in place to await rescue.
If a passenger falls overboard, the first action is to reduce speed and throw them a personal flotation device (PFD).
Standing in a boat is a common cause for overboard falls, emphasizing the need for stability while aboard.

Environmental and Fire Safety

Gasoline fires can be safely extinguished with water, unlike electrical or oil fires which require different approaches.
Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, is a dangerous by-product of gasoline engines, necessitating ventilation and awareness.

Operating Procedures and Recommendations

During storms, reduce speed and approach waves at a 45-degree angle for safer navigation.
A pre-departure checklist is essential for ensuring safety before heading out on the water.
PFDs should be readily accessible on a boat, kept where anyone can quickly grab them in case of emergency.

Legal Requirements and Responsibilities

Operators are legally responsible for assisting anyone injured in an accident if their own passengers are safe.
In Wisconsin, individuals must be at least 10 years old to operate a motorboat if accompanied by a guardian.

Diver-Down Flags and Safety Equipment

The two types of diver-down flags are a rectangular red flag with a white diagonal stripe and a blue and white flag.
Compliance with USCG-approved PFD requirements is mandatory for individuals aboard a moored boat in Wisconsin.

Vessel Identification and Storage

A vessel's registration number must be displayed on both sides of its forward half to facilitate identification.
PFD storage must allow for quick access; they should be positioned for immediate grabbing by passengers.

Impact of External Factors

Noise and vibration during boat operation can lead to quicker fatigue, impacting overall performance and safety.
It is crucial to handle firearms properly on boats: they must be unloaded, safety on, and stored in a gun case for safety.

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Description

Test your knowledge about boating safety with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential terms and definitions related to boating hazards, signals, and fueling practices. Perfect for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of safe boating procedures.