BoatUS Foundation: Boating Safety Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does a capacity plate indicate?

Registration number

Speed limit

Safe load limit (correct)

Maximum weight limit

When onboard and facing the front of a boat, where is the bow?

In front of you

The helm is what onboard a boat?

The mechanism controlling speed and direction

When onboard and facing the front of a boat, where is the starboard side?

On your right Signup and view all the answers

A planing hull has which of the following characteristics?

It is designed to ride on top of the water Signup and view all the answers

Where must registration numbers be displayed?

Bow Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for the boat's serial number?

Hull identification number Signup and view all the answers

If your marine toilet has a 'Y' valve, what must you do in a No Discharge Zone?

Be certain that the Y valve is secured in the closed position Signup and view all the answers

A garbage dumping placard must be prominently posted on boats longer than what size?

26 feet 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

What should you do with a torn life jacket?

Discard and replace it - do not attempt to fix it Signup and view all the answers

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

Size Signup and view all the answers

What is the USCG-approved meaning of 'serviceable condition' for life jackets?

Straps and zippers work Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true of a carburetor backfire flame arrestor?

Prevents explosions on inboard gasoline engines Signup and view all the answers

Boating safety advocates suggest that adults wear a life jacket during what activity?

At all times when on the water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following items are required on a 12 foot inflatable dinghy?

A PFD for each person aboard Signup and view all the answers

What does a red and green light indicate when seen together at night?

A sailboat is heading straight at you Signup and view all the answers

According to the Navigation Rules, which must be aboard a 22-foot powerboat?

A whistle or horn Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true concerning visual distress signals?

Flares are rated for day, night or combined day/night use Signup and view all the answers

When operating a VHF marine radio, when should the term MAYDAY be used?

When in imminent danger Signup and view all the answers

What should a boater do with a float plan?

Give it to a friend or relative ashore 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 temperature 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 life jackets Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if caught in severe storm conditions?

Put on your life jacket if it's not on already Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is recommended as part of the annual maintenance program for a gasoline-powered boat?

Examination of thru-hull fittings for signs of leakage or corrosion Signup and view all the answers

What is the first thing you should do after retrieving a boat onto a trailer?

Pull the trailer well away from the boat ramp Signup and view all the answers

When retrieving a boat at a ramp what should be avoided?

Power loading onto the trailer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is the best to take when fueling an outboard boat with a portable tank?

Place the tank on the dock or on shore to fill it Signup and view all the answers

What safety precaution should you take while filling the fuel tank of a gasoline-powered boat?

Keep engines, motors, and fans turned off Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following poses a great danger?

Leaking fuel lines Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following will increase the effects of alcohol and drugs when boating?

Vibration Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken when nearing a bend in a narrow channel?

Stay to the starboard edge of the channel and signal one prolonged blast Signup and view all the answers

When are you allowed to depart from the United States Coast Guard Navigation Rules?

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

Study Notes

Boat Safety Concepts

A capacity plate indicates the safe load limit for a boat, ensuring it is not overloaded.
The bow is located in front of the operator when facing forward on a boat.
The helm controls the speed and direction of the boat, critical for navigation.

Boat Orientation and Parts

The starboard side is to the right of the operator when facing the front of the boat.
A planing hull is designed to ride on the water's surface rather than through it, improving performance.
Registration numbers must be displayed on the bow for identification.

Equipment and Regulations

The hull identification number serves as the boat's serial number for tracking and registration.
In No Discharge Zones, ensure the marine toilet's "Y" valve is closed to prevent pollution.
A garbage dumping placard must be displayed on boats over 26 feet in length to inform about waste disposal regulations.

Maintenance and Safety Practices

Clean your boat before leaving the ramp to prevent spreading invasive aquatic species.
Torn life jackets should be discarded and replaced rather than repaired to ensure safety.
Size is the most important consideration when selecting a life jacket for effectiveness.

Life Jacket Conditions and Uses

USCG defines "serviceable condition" for life jackets as having functional straps and zippers.
A carburetor backfire flame arrestor is essential for preventing explosions in inboard gasoline engines.
Adults are advised to wear life jackets at all times while on the water for safety.

Required Equipment

A personal flotation device (PFD) for each person aboard is required on a 12-foot inflatable dinghy.
A red and green light, viewed together at night, indicates a sailboat is approaching head-on.
A whistle or horn is required equipment on boats measuring 22 feet or longer.

Distress Signals and Communication

Visual distress signals, such as flares, are categorized based on use for day, night, or both.
The term "MAYDAY" should be used over VHF marine radio only when the vessel is in imminent danger.

Boating Practices and Weather Awareness

A float plan should be shared with a friend or relative on shore before heading out.
Sudden temperature drops may indicate adverse weather conditions are approaching.
The first safety precaution during stormy weather is to ensure everyone wears USCG-approved life jackets.

Emergency Situations

In severe storm conditions, immediately put on your life jacket if not already secured.
Annual maintenance for gasoline-powered boats should include examining thru-hull fittings for possible leaks or corrosion.

Boating Procedures

After retrieving a boat onto a trailer, move the trailer away from the boat ramp promptly.
Power loading onto the trailer at the ramp should be avoided to prevent accidents.
While fueling an outboard boat, place the fuel tank on the dock or shore for safety.

Safety Precautions During Fueling

Always keep engines and fans turned off while filling the fuel tank of a gasoline-powered boat to prevent explosions.
Leaking fuel lines present a significant danger and should be addressed immediately.
Vibration can amplify the effects of alcohol and drugs while boating, leading to impaired judgment.

When approaching a bend in a narrow channel, stay to the starboard edge and signal with one prolonged blast.
Departing from USCG Navigation Rules is only permissible to avoid a collision, emphasizing safety over strict adherence.

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Description

Test your knowledge of boating safety with these informative flashcards from the BoatUS Foundation. Learn important terms like capacity plate, bow, helm, and more to enhance your boating knowledge and safety awareness.