Alabama Boating Test questions and answers

How should a vessel's registration number and validation decal be displayed? On both sides of the bow of the boat. What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger? Total number of passengers on board. What important safety information is found on a boat's capacity plate? Maximum weight and/or number of people the boat can carry safely. What is the best way to find out about hazards on a local waterway? Consult a nautical chart. According to Alabama law, what operators are required to have completed an approved boating course in order to operate a personal watercraft (PWC)? Operators who are 12 years of age or older. Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water? Type 1 Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is responsible for ensuring this? The vessel operator Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat? Mounted in an accessible location When should a life jacket be discarded and replaced? When its slightly torn What effect does alcohol have when you are operating a vessel? Increases the likelihood of accidents When boating on federally controlled waters in and 18-foot boat, what equipment are you legally required to have on board? U.S. Coast Guard- approved visual distress signals What sound-producing device(s) is required when boating on Alabama waters in an 18-foot powerboat? A whistle, A horn, or another sound device. Which of these provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching? Dark clouds and shifting winds What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program? Checking the oil level before every outing How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel? Into the wind or current, whichever is stronger What should you do before fueling your boat? Turn off the engine and open all windows, ports, doors, and other openings. Where should your trailer be located while you prepare your vessel? Well away from the boat ramp How can propeller strike accidents be avoided? Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding Which of the following is and example of careless operation? Not having enough fuel in the bilges What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating? Have everyone wear an appropriate life jacket at all times How can you prevent transporting nuisance species (plants or animals) with your vessel from one waterway to another? ... What should the vessel operator tell everyone on board before departing? Where to find the PFDs and visual distress signals What is the main function of an ignition safety switch? To shut off the engine if the operator is thrown overboard In Alabama, how far must a vessel stay from a diver-down flag? 100 feet How does the effect of alcohol consumed while boating compare to the effect on land? Much greater effect while boating Which is true about operating a boat in Alabama while intoxicated? By operating a vessel on Alabama waters, a boater must submit to testing for blood alcohol concentration When two vessels are operating in the same general area, who is responsible for avoiding a collision? The operators of both vessels How do you know when you are operating your vessel at a safe speed? You have enough time to avoid a collision What is the main purpose of the lateral system of red and green buoys and markers? To mark the edges of safe water areas According to Alabama boating law, which of these is considered legal operation? Operating at less than 5 mph in a "slow,no w