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Free California Boater Card Test Answers
Below you can find the list of different questions and answers coming under the California Boater Card test:
Q. Port
Ans: Left side of boat
Q. Starboard
Ans: Right side of boat
Q. Bow
Ans: Front of the boat
Q. Stern
Ans: Back of the boat
Q. Gunwhale
Ans: Upper edge of a boat’s side
Q. Cleat
Ans: Metal fitting on which a rope can be fastened
Q. Hull
Ans: Body of a boat; basic structure or shell
Q. Beam
Ans: Maximum width of a vessel
Q. Freeboard
Ans: Distance from water to the lowest point of the boat where water could come on board.
Q. Draft
Ans: Depth of water needed to float a vessel
Q. Keel
Ans: Main centerline (backbone) of a vessel or the extension of the hull the increases stability in the water.
Q. What are Displacement hulls?
Ans: Boats move through the water by pushing the water aside and are designed to cut through the water with very little propulsion.
Q. What type of hull limits boats to slower speeds?
Ans: Displacement hull
Q. How do you measure a boat’s displacement?
Ans: By measuring the water displaced when a boat is lowered into the water.
Q. What types of boats usually have displacement hulls?
Ans: Most large cruisers and most sailboats. Allowing them to travel more smoothly through the water.
Q. What can a round-bottomed hull act as?
Ans: A displacement hull
Q. What does a planning hull do?
Ans: Allows boats to rise up and glide on top of the water when enough power is supplied.
Q. What type of hulls do flat-bottomed and Vee-bottomed hull shapes act as
Ans: Planning hulls
Q. What types of boats have planning hull?
Ans: Most small power-driver vessels, including personal watercraft (PWCs), and some small sailboats. Allowing them to move more rapidly across the water.
Q. Personal watercraft
Ans: A small vessel that uses an inboard Jet drive as its primary source of propulsion, and its designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than inside the vessel.
Q. What is displacement mode on a planning hull?
Ans: When operating at a very slow speed a planning hull will travel through the water like a displacement hull.
Q. Under which condition is a person at greatest risk of developing hypothermia?
Ans: Being immersed in cold water
Q. How will a boat perform if it is loaded beyond its capacity?
Ans: It will be difficult to control
Q. A life jacket on your vessel should be sized for which person on board?
Ans: It’s the intended wearer
Q. On a 15ft boat, which object is required to be on board?
Ans: One Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person
Q. When is it good advice for adults to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets?
Ans: When in bad weather
Q. What should be done with a badly discolored Coast Guard-approved life jacket with a torn strap?
Ans: Discard and replace it
Q. When operating a boat near other boats or when entering a congested area, why should you watch your wake?
Ans: It may cause personal injury or damage.
Q. Which of the following is recommended as part of the annual maintenance program for a gasoline-powered boat?
Ans: Examination of thru-hull fittings for signs of leakage or corrosion.
Q. Who has the primary responsibility for the safety of all persons aboard a recreational boat?
Ans: Boat operator
Q. In what part of the boat are gasoline fumes most likely to accumulate?
Ans: Bilge
Q. How does alcohol use affect boat operators or passengers?
Ans: Physical reactions become slower
Q. Under the influence of alcohol, what happens to a person’s reasoning ability?
Ans: It becomes weaker
Q. How does drinking alcohol while boating affects other conditions related to being out on the water?
Ans: Increases feeling of fatigue
Q. What should you do first if a passenger falls overboard while your boat is at anchor?
Ans: Throw a type IV Coast Guard-approved life jacket to the passenger
Q. Which is the most important factor in determining a safe vessel speed on any given day?
Ans: Traffic Density
Q. According to the navigation rules, what factor should be considered in determining a safe speed?
Ans: The state of visibility
Q. When a power-driven vessel is being overtaken by a sailboat, which is the stand-on vessel?
Ans: The power-driven vessel
Q. What immediate action should you take when operating a boat if you hear the fog signal of another boat you cannot see?
Ans: Slow to minimum speed
Q. What is the proper method for lowering an anchor?
Ans: From the bow
Q. What is the primary responsibility for a vessel operator assisting a boat in distress?
Ans: Keeping his/her vessel and him/herself out of danger
Q. Where should you aim a fire extinguishers stream when extinguishing a fire
Ans: At the base of the fire and use a sweeping motion
Q. According to the US Coast Guard, what are the leading causes of recreational boating fatalities?
Ans: Capsizing and falling overboard
Q. Which of the following poses the greatest risk of serious injury to a person in the water near a powerboat?
Ans: Being struck by the moving propeller
Q. Which term is used to describe a vessel that touches the bottom and gets stuck?
Ans: Grounded
Q. While water-skiing, what is the preferred form of communication between the skier and the observer?
Ans: Hand signals
Q. Who has the primary responsibility for preventing a PWC accident?
Ans: The PWC operator
Q. Which is the most stable position for a canoe paddler?
Ans: Sitting
Q. According to the CA law, at what blood alcohol concentration level is it illegal for a person younger than 21 to operate a vessel?
Ans: 0.01 percent or more
Q. People who hunt or fish from a boat should follow the boating safety rules and practices established by which organization?
Ans: The Coast Guard and applicable state boating agencies
Q. If jumping the wake of another boat, what must a personal watercraft operator do?
Ans: Stay at least 100 feet away from the other vessel
Q. On a recreational boat, the location of emergency equipment such as life jackets, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, and the radio should be reviewed before departure with which persons?
Ans: Everyone aboard.
Q. According to CA law, at what blood alcohol concentration level is a person considered to be under the influence when operating a recreational boat?
Ans: 0.08 percent or more
Q. Which agency must receive a boating accident report within 10 days if an accident involves more than $500 in damages?
Ans: California Division of Boating and Waterways
Q. What is the minimum unsupervised age for operating a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower?
Ans: 16
Q. When can a PWC be operated at night in California?
Ans: Never
Q. What should you do with your float plan when you return from boat outings?
Ans: Cancel it
Q. In US coastal waters, what colors are cone-shaped, even-numbered nun buoys?
Ans: Red
Q. Regulatory and informational markers are easily identified through which features?
Ans: White color with orange geometric shapes
Q. What is the main danger of teak surfing, body surfing or platform dragging?
Ans: Exposure to lethal concentrations of carbon monoxide
Q. If too much weight is placed on a hitch, what effect can it have on the tow vehicle?
Ans: Front end will lift and make the vehicle difficult to control
Q. Motorboats under 26 feet with installed fuel tank(s) are required to have which type of fire extinguishers on board?
Ans: Type B
Q. Which are Coast Guard-approved visual distressed signals
Ans: Red meteor flares
Q. To stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species, when is the best time ti clean your boat?
Ans: When you get back home
Q. What is a common first indicator of an approaching thunderstorm?
Ans: Threatening clouds such as thunderheads.
Q. What do red, green, and white lights indicate when seen together at night?
Ans: It is the stern side of another boat that you are overtaking
Q. What is the cause of most fatal boating accidents?
Ans: Operator error
Q. You man not exceed 5 miles per hour when operating within how many feet of a swimmer?
Ans: 200 feet
Q. What is the main factor to consider when planning your vessel’s approach to a dock where you intend to tie up?
Ans: Strength of the wind or current.
Q. What should you do if your boat capsizes?
Ans: Stay with the boat and climb on top of it
Q. Which is the best precaution against carbon monoxide poisoning?
Ans: Keep fresh air flowing through the vessel
Q. Which safety precaution should be taken first by a boater operator when boating in stormy weather?
Ans: Make sure all aboard are wearing life jackets.
Q. What is the main reason operators are involved with collisions with reefs/shoals or submerged hazards?
Ans: Did not check for local hazards prior to launch
Q. Under the Department of Homeland Security, what actions should boat operators take to ensure the safety of everyone on the nation’s waterways?
Ans: Report suspicious activities to the proper authorities
Q. What is a boat operator required to do at all times while the boat is underway?
Ans: Maintain a proper lookout.
Q. When can a Navigation Rule be overlooked?
Ans: If necessary to avoid immediate danger.
Q. Maintaining a proper lookout using human sight and hearing apple’s to boats under what circumstances?
Ans: All boats at all hours
Q. According to the Navigation Rules, a risk of imminent collision exists in which situation?
Ans: The course of an approaching vessel does not change
Q. Which is a characteristic of personal watercraft maneuverability?
Ans: They allow for little steering control at idle.
Q. Which vessels must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles?
Ans: Undocumented motorboats and sailboats more than 8 feet long
Q. When is it good advice for adults to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets?
Ans: When in bad weather
California Boater Card Test Answers [Exam Edition]
Below you can find the exam answer key for California Boater Card:
Q. The U.S. Coast Guard requires certain equipment to be carried onboard a vessel based on the vessel’s length. How must an operator measure the length of their vessel?
Ans: length of vessel, not including attachments
Q. What useful information can be found on a capacity plate?
Ans: Max Persons, Max Gross Load, Max pounds, and Max Horsepower
Q. Federal Law mandates that the steering or helm area of a power boat less than 20 feet in length must have which of the following?
Ans: Capacity Plate
Q. Where can you find the maximum horsepower for your boat?
Ans: Capacity Plate
Q. Which of the following is a characteristic common to both Type II: Near-Shore Buoyant Vest and Type III: Flotation Aid?
Ans: They are designed for calm, inland water
Q. Which of the following is the proper washing procedure for your Personal Flotation Device (PFD)?
Ans: Mild soap and water
Q. Which of the following is a characteristic of a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD)?
Ans: Should be a relatively snug fit
Q. When encountering a powerboat in darkness or reduced visibility, what do visible white and green lights indicate?
Ans: Approaching starboard side of powerboat
Q. Which type of personal flotation device (PFD) has the greatest amount of buoyancy?
Ans: Type 1 – offshore
Q. The carburetors on inboard-mounted gasoline engines must be equipped with an approved backfire flame arrestor. What purpose does having a back-fire flame arrestor play?
Ans: To prevent backfire which results when unburned exhaust collects in the engine area
Q. When is it most important that a power-driven vessel exhibit the proper navigation lights?
Ans: When away from dock after sunset
Q. As a MINIMUM requirement, a boat that is less than 26 feet in length with an installed fuel tank must have what type of fire extinguisher onboard?
Ans: B 1
Q. Which of the following would be considered the most hazardous condition on board a vessel?
Ans: Not having enough life jackets
Q. Which of the following is an accurate description of a Type I: Offshore Life Jacket (PFD)?
Ans: Designed for open, rough and remote waters
Q. Which of the following would indicate foul weather might be approaching?
Ans: Rapid change in weather
Q. Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding a pre-departure checklist?
Ans: Should be used before each trip, regardless of length
Q. Why should a boat’s gas tank never be completely filled?
Ans: Gas needs room to expand inside the tank
Q. Which of the following is a proper fueling tip?
Ans: Ensure that the engine is off and no one is onboard
Q. When a storm hits while a vessel is underway, the operator should do which of the following?
Ans: Ensure that all of those aboard are wearing a personal flotation device
Q. What is a CRITICAL step to take before launching your boat?
Ans: Insert the drain plug
Q. From which direction does foul weather typically approach?
Ans: West
Q. What should an operator keep in mind when preparing a boat for safe towing?
Ans: An appropriate hitch and safety chains should be used
Q. If your engine stops while you are trying to reach the shore during a storm, what should you do?
Ans: Drop an anchor from the bow
Q. When launching your boat, when should you start and test the engine?
Ans: In the water with the winch line still attached
Q. Which of the following is an action that can help survive a capsizing?
Ans: Try to right the boat or get onto the capsized boat.
Q. What should you do if you run aground and your boat has serious damage?
Ans: Stay aground and signal for assistance
Q. If a group of individuals should fall into cold water and immediate rescue is not available, what should they do to prevent hypothermia?
Ans: Huddle together with arms around each other and legs intertwined
Q. Which of the following best describes the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.)?
Ans: Arms crossed against chest and knees up to chest
Q. Loss of consciousness most often occurs during which stage of Cold Water Immersion?
Ans: Long-term immersion
Q. Which of the following is an operator’s FIRST priority if they are involved in an accident with another vessel?
Ans: Making sure that no one is hurt
Q. Which of the following best describes ‘capsizing’?
Ans: Turning of a vessel on its side or upside down
Q. Which term describes a vessel that has turned on its side or has turned completely over?
Ans: Capsizing
Q. Which of the following is the major cause of fatalities involving small vessels?
Ans: Drowning from falls overboard
Q. What does the acronym “H.E.L.P.” stand for?
Ans: Heat Escape Lessening Posture
Q. There are three things that a fire needs in order to start: (1) heat (like a match or spark); (2) oxygen; and (3) which of the following?
Ans: Fuel
Q. Which of the following is an accurate statement about using a fire extinguisher?
Ans: Use a sweeping motion and aim at the base of the flames
Q. The danger for hypothermia is greatest in which situation?
Ans: Immersion in cold water
Q. Which of the following will most likely occur if an operator encounters marker buoys indicating shallow water and spots a sandbar up ahead?
Ans: The vessel could run aground
Q. In cold water immersion, boaters who are not wearing a life jacket often drown as a result of which of the following?
Ans: Swimming failure
Q. If you see someone in another boat raising and lowering their arms repeatedly, what is the first thing you should do?
Ans: Assist those in distress as best you can, without putting yourself in danger
Q. If you do end up in cold water due to an accident or emergency situation, what is the important thing you should do?
Ans: Get your body out of the water
Q. Which of the following is an accurate statement with regards to rescuing a victim who has fallen overboard?
Ans: Assign one person to keep sight and monitor the overboard person
Q. Which of the following sound signals is required of a power boat that has run aground during periods of restricted visibility?
Ans: 3 bell strokes + 5 seconds of rapid bell ringing + 3 bell strokes
Q. Which of the following actions is required of Boat A as it approaches the port side of Boat B in darkness or reduced visibility?
Ans: Give-way to the starboard side
Q. “Safe speed” can best be defined as which of the following?
Ans: A speed that allows time and distance to avoid collision
Q. Which of the following is the most important factor when determining a safe speed?
Ans: Winds, weather, currents
Q. Which of the following actions is required of Boat A when approaching Boat B head-on in darkness or reduced visibility?
Ans: Give-way to the starboard side
Q. Which of the following is a rule of operator responsibility?
Ans: Always stay alert
Q. Which of the following is a legal requirement for boat operation?
Ans: Operators must use every available means to determine the risk of a collision
Q. When encountering another vessel in darkness or reduced visibility, what is indicated by the presence of only a visible white light?
Ans: You are approaching the stern of another vessel and may be overtaking it
Q. What does one prolonged blast emitted by Boat A using an efficient sound-producing device indicate?
Ans: Its presence on other boats
Q. Which of the following actions is required of Boat B while being overtaken by Boat A in darkness or reduced visibility?
Ans: Maintain course and speed
Q. Which of the following sound signals is required of a power boat that is underway but is not moving during periods of restricted visibility?
Ans: 2 prolonged blasts every 2 minutes
Q. As a recreational boat operator, what actions must you take when in a narrow channel?
Ans: Operate as near as possible to the outer limit of the channel on your starboard side
Q. When choosing an area to anchor your vessel what factors should you keep in mind?
Ans: Allow a 360-degree area of movement around your vessel
Q. If you encounter this red marker buoy when heading in the upstream direction (returning from sea), how should you proceed?
Ans: Keep the marker on your starboard (right) side
Q. What does this orange square non-lateral marker indicate?
Ans: Information – displays information such as locality, marina, campsite, etc.
Q. Why is it important to lower the anchor from the bow of a vessel instead of the stern?
Ans: Avoids taking on water, capsizing or swamping the vessel
Q. What does this orange diamond non-lateral marker indicate?
Ans: Hazard – Marks isolated hazards such as shoals and rocks
Q. Which of the following marine distress signals would be most effective when operating after dark or during restricted visibility?
Ans: Multi-star flare
Q. When docking your vessel and the wind is at your back, how should you approach the dock?
Ans: Approach at a shallow angle, (10-20°) and drift into the dock
Q. What does this non-lateral marker indicate?
Ans: Keep Out – Indicates areas in which boating is prohibited
Q. When preparing to dock your boat, what should be done?
Ans: Secure fenders on docking side
Q. What should the anchor line be secured to before the anchor is thrown over the side of a vessel?
Ans: bow cleat
Q. When docking your boat, you will have more control if the wind is coming from which direction?
Ans: In your face
Q. Which of the following is a recommended safety precaution while fishing or hunting?
Ans: Keep an eye out for other boaters and respect their space
Q. What should an operator do when attempting to re-board a personal watercraft (PWC)?
Ans: Approach from the direction marked on the hull
Q. When does a personal watercraft (PWC) lose the ability to steer?
Ans: When the throttle is off
Q. Which of the following items is required aboard a personal watercraft (PWC)?
Ans: A B I fire extinguisher
Q. According to a study of paddle sport accident statistics from 1995-2000, approximately half of all victims of canoeing and kayak-related fatalities were doing what at the time?
Ans: Fishing
Q. Which of the following best describes a Marine Sanitation Device (MSD)?
Ans: A system that prevents pollution and the discharge of raw sewage
Q. Which of the following is an important safe towing consideration?
Ans: Establish communication signals between the observer and towed person
Q. Since most personal watercraft (PWC) do not have brakes, what must be done in order to avoid an obstacle?
Ans: Apply throttle and quickly steer
Q. Why are Submersed Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) beds important to the marine environment?
Ans: They are a habitat for fish and a food source for waterfowl
Q. Which of the following may NEVER be dumped in inland waters?
Ans: Untreated human waste
Q. How is a personal watercraft (PWC) propelled through the water?
Ans: It has an inboard engine powering a water jet pump
Q. How can operators avoid damaging Submersed Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) beds that are usually found in shallow areas of water?
Ans: Reducing to ‘No Wake’ speed
Q. Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding general paddling safety?
Ans: Maintain three points of contact while moving around in the boat
Q. Before operating a personal watercraft, where should the lanyard be attached?
Ans: The operator’s wrist
Q. What does the Save Our Seas (SOS) placard, which is required on all vessels greater than 26 feet, outline in detail?
Ans: Waste disposal regulations
Q. What is the name of the device that regulates the amount of fuel going into the engine of a personal watercraft (PWC)?
Ans: The throttle
Q. What actions can you take to minimize the chances of an accident when operating a personal watercraft (PWC)?
Ans: Be mindful of your wake
Q. Operators must slow to no wake speed when within what distance of a U.S. Naval vessel?
Ans: 500 yards
Q. Since boats do not have brakes, what is the best way to bring your boat to a stop?
Ans: Shift into reverse and apply power to the engine
Q. Which of the following is an example of a dangerous boat operation?
Ans: Jumping the wake of another vessel close to that vessel
Q. Which of the following is the best way to help ensure your safety and the safety of others when operating a vessel?
Ans: Avoid alcohol and drugs when operating
Q. Who is responsible for ensuring that all passengers are informed about emergency procedures?
Ans: The boat operator
Q. In which of the following situations is it most important to be aware of the propeller?
Ans: When in the water near the rear of a vessel
Q. Vessel operators should reduce speed when approaching which of the following?
Ans: Swimmers
Q. Which of the following actions can quickly lead to carbon monoxide poisoning?
Ans: Teak surfing behind any motorized vessel
Q. Which of the following is one of the early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Ans: Headache
Q. Which of the following can be a source of carbon monoxide on your boat?
Ans: Cooking Range
Q. Which of the following would help in reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning onboard a vessel?
Ans: Regular vessel maintenance
Q. Boat operators are responsible for which of the following?
Ans: Any damage caused by their boat’s wake
Q. Operators must remain at least how far from military and naval vessels?
Ans: 100 yards
Q. A motorboat is easier to maneuver in which of the following conditions?
Ans: When traveling against the current
Q. What is the best way to protect people in the water against propeller strikes?
Ans: Turn off the engine when people in the water are within close proximity to the boat
Q. In Texas, personal watercraft (PWC) may only be operated during which time periods?
Ans: Sunrise to sunset (daytime)
Q. In Texas, a boating accident must be reported if which of the following is present?
Ans: Property damages are greater than $2000
Q. All persons operating a boat on any of Texas’ waters have given consent to submit to which of the following when asked to do so by a Law Enforcement Officer?
Ans: Breath and field sobriety tests
Q. In Texas, all children under 13 years of age in all vessels must wear which of the following while underway?
Ans: A U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD)
Q. In Texas, what is the minimum Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level in order to be considered “intoxicated”?
Ans: 0.08%
Q. In Texas, what sound-signaling devices are required onboard a vessel that is more than 39.4 feet in length?
Ans: A horn or whistle and a bell are needed
Q. Which of the following is required on all motor-powered vessels in Texas?
Ans: An exhaust water manifold or installed muffler
About California Boater Card
If you’re a California resident and want to operate a boat, you’ll need to obtain a California Boater Card. The card is obtained through the California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW).
To be eligible for the card, you must be at least 12 years old. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to have your parent or guardian’s permission. The card comes with lifetime validity unless it’s revoked by the DBW.
There are two ways to obtain the card. You can either take an approved boater safety course or pass an equivalency exam.
If you take a boater safety course, you’ll need to complete it within one year of taking course. The course must be approved by the DBW. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll need to submit a certificate of completion to the DBW.
If you opt to take the equivalency exam, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have the required knowledge and skills to operate a boat safely. The exam must be taken in person at a DBW-approved location.
You’ll need to bring proof of identification, such as a driver’s license, to the exam. You must also bring proof that you’re a California resident, such as a utility bill.
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