MD Boater's Safety Course Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What dictates the equipment necessary to comply with state and federal laws?

A vessel's length

What is an outboard engine?

Self-contained engine and propeller attached to the transom

A boater should never operate a boat with?

Too many people or too much gear

What does the capacity plate tell?

Maximum number of people and max weight capacity, located on transom or console Signup and view all the answers

What should you fill out before going on the water?

Float plan Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after filling your tank up with gas, or any time?

Run the exhaust fan for at least four minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is tongue weight?

The amount of loaded trailer's weight that presses down on the towing hitch Signup and view all the answers

How much should tongue weight be?

10% of the combined weight of the trailer and vessel Signup and view all the answers

What is a stand on vessel?

The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel is not taking appropriate action Signup and view all the answers

Interaction: meet head on involves?

Both vessels turn to starboard and pass port to port Signup and view all the answers

Interaction: paths that cross - if you are on the left?

Give way Signup and view all the answers

Interaction: overtaking - overtaking vessel should?

Give way Signup and view all the answers

Interaction with sailboat: head on - who gives way?

Power boat gives way Signup and view all the answers

When you see a red, green, and white light what should you do?

Both vessels give way Signup and view all the answers

What do nun buoys look like?

Red buoys with even numbers, marking the edge of the channel Signup and view all the answers

What do mooring buoys look like?

White with a blue stripe, you can tie up to them Signup and view all the answers

What does a marker with a diamond with a cross through it mean?

Exclusion area, off limits to vessels Signup and view all the answers

How long should the anchor line be?

7-10 times the maximum depth of water Signup and view all the answers

Why are low head dams so dangerous?

They're hard to see underwater and they create a current at the base which traps people under it, even while wearing a PFD Signup and view all the answers

What do you need in order to steer?

Constant power Signup and view all the answers

What do you need displayed on your boat to legally operate in water?

Registration decals and Certification of Vessel Number (CVN) Signup and view all the answers

What type of vessels don't need a registration?

Vessels without mechanical propulsion Signup and view all the answers

What do people need to legally operate a vessel in Maryland and what is the important date?

All people born on or after July 1, 1972 Signup and view all the answers

What is the legal age to operate a PWC?

16 Signup and view all the answers

At what blood alcohol concentration is someone considered intoxicated?

0.08% or greater Signup and view all the answers

How should your PFD fit?

Properly sized for the intended wearer Signup and view all the answers

What needs to be readily accessible on your boat?

PFDs Signup and view all the answers

What do all vessels need at least one of on board for each passenger?

A type 1, 2, 3, or 5 PFD Signup and view all the answers

Until what age are children required to wear a PFD while moving on a vessel under 21 feet?

13 Signup and view all the answers

What type of PFD is for rough waters?

Type 1 Signup and view all the answers

What are type 4 PFDs?

Throwable flotation devices Signup and view all the answers

Children under what age must wear a special PFD?

4 Signup and view all the answers

All powerboats fueled by gasoline just have what on each carburetor?

A backfire flame arrestor Signup and view all the answers

All vessels must display what colored light, visible in all directions?

White Signup and view all the answers

What does a diver down flag look like?

Red flag with white diagonal stripe Signup and view all the answers

What factors make you tire more easily on the water?

Waves, heat of the sun, noise and vibration of engine, wind, and motion Signup and view all the answers

Alcohol causes?

Dehydration and has a greater effect on you on the water Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Equipment and Regulations

A vessel's length determines the necessary equipment to comply with state and federal laws.
The capacity plate indicates the maximum number of people and weight capacity, usually located on the transom or console.
All individuals born on or after July 1, 1972, must complete a boating safety course to legally operate a vessel in Maryland.

Boat Operation Guidelines

Never operate a boat if it is overloaded with too many people or gear.
After refueling, always run the exhaust fan for at least four minutes to avoid gas buildup.
A float plan should be filled out before heading out on the water for safety.

Trailer and Towing Facts

Tongue weight is the portion of the trailer's weight pressing down on the towing hitch and should be about 10% of the total combined weight of the trailer and vessel.

A stand-on vessel must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes clear that the give-way vessel will not take action.
In head-on interactions, both vessels should turn to starboard and pass port to port.
Different navigation interactions require giving way, depending on the vessel's position relative to others.

Buoy and Marker Identification

Nun buoys are red with even numbers and mark the edges of the channel.
Mooring buoys are white with a blue stripe, designated for tying up.
A marker with a diamond and a cross signifies an exclusion area off-limits to vessels.

Anchoring Guidelines

The anchor line should be 7-10 times the maximum depth of the water for effective holding.

Water Hazards

Low head dams are hazardous due to their submerged nature and strong currents that can trap individuals even when wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs).

Vessel Requirements

Vessels must display registration decals and Certification of Vessel Number (CVN) to operate legally.
Mechanical propulsion vessels must be registered; non-mechanical vessels do not require registration.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

PFDs must be properly sized for each individual and easily accessible on board.
All vessels must have at least one type 1, 2, 3, or 5 PFD for each passenger.
Children under 13 must wear a PFD while on vessels under 21 feet in motion.
Special PFDs are required for children under the age of 4.
Type 1 PFDs are suitable for rough waters, while Type 4 PFDs are throwable flotation devices.

Safety and Regulation Compliance

Powerboats fueled by gasoline must have a backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor.
Vessels must display a white light visible in all directions for safety.
A diver down flag is characterized by a red flag with a white diagonal stripe.

Effects of Environment and Substance Abuse

Factors like waves, sun, engine noise, wind, and motion can lead to faster fatigue while on the water.
Alcohol causes dehydration and magnifies its effects on the water, increasing risk.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Maryland's boater safety regulations with these flashcards. Learn important terms and definitions that every boater should know to comply with state and federal laws. Perfect for anyone preparing for a boating safety exam.