Florida Boater Safety Education Study Guide (Temporary Certificate)

Children under what age should wear a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) while aboard any vessel less than 26 feet long? (All vehicles, even Personal Watercraft's) 6 No one under what age is allowed to operate a personal watercraft? 14 The PWC operator, passengers, and anyone being towed behind (skiers, tubers, etc.) must wear what? Approved Floatation Devices (PFD). (Everyone! Any age!) What is the primary cause of boating fatalities? Falling overboard and drowning (due to not wearing a PFD) What does consuming alcohol before or during vessel operation do? Slows your judgement and physical reaction time. (Extremely Dangerous) Florida law considers a blood alcohol level of what? .08 Because PWCs are small and fast, they can be difficult to see on the water, it is critical to understand what? They take time to stop and do not have brakes. Spraying other vessels, weaving between other vessels, playing "chicken" with other vessels, jumping boat wakes, etc, are examples of what? Reckless operation of a PWC. (Dangerous and Illegal) Keeping a safe __________ between you and other vessels is critical to safely operating a vessel. Distance PWCs REQUIRE what to steer? Throttle Application (If the engine shuts off, you will lose the ability to steer. It will NOT come to an abrupt stop.) In order to turn quickly you must do what? Use Throttle What are the main function of Safety lanyards (shutoffs)? To shut the engine off should the operator fall overboard. (Required by law on all PWCs.) When re-boarding a capsized (flipped) PWC... It should be rolled as shown on the manufacturer's label on the rear of the PWC. If you are in an accident, everyone involved is responsible for reporting it unless what? Unless there is no injury and damage is less than $1,000. If you are crossing paths with another vessel (give way vessel) you should do what? Always slow down or change your course. To avoid a collision, the most critical part of boating is to what? Stay alert AT ALL TIMES. If you are operating a vessel at a speed that endangers life or property of others then it is what? It is considered illegal operations in Florida. When you are being overtaken by another vessel what do you do? Maintain your speed and direction. When meeting another vessel head on, neither has the right of way so then what? Both must change course to avoid a collision. RED and GREEN buoys (or markers) mark the edge of a channel. Which one should always be on your right when returning from sea? Red "Slow speed, minimum wake" means what? Your vessel should operate slowly, while completely settled in the water. What is an example of a sound producing device? Whistles, horns, bells, etc. (All vessels, including PWCs, are required to have a sound producing device) In shallow areas or sea-grass beds in order to avoid damaging the environment what do you do? Stop and walk or pole your vessel from the area. A common indicator of approaching bad weather is what? The buildup of tall, dark clouds. (Pay attention to the weather while on the water.) A red flag with a white diagonal stripe means what? Indicates there are divers or snorkelers in the water.