Colorado Boater Exam Practice Test 2026: Practice test 4

1. Question 1 of 25

   A vessel flies this blue and white flag (code flag A). What does it mean?

   • AIt is towing a skier and needs extra room
   • BIt is for sale and you may come alongside
   • CIt has divers down and cannot easily maneuver
   • DIt is anchored for the night with no one aboard
   Show answer

   Answer: C. It has divers down and cannot easily maneuver

   When a vessel engaged in diving cannot show the normal shapes, it displays a rigid replica of code flag "A" at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) high.

2. Question 2 of 25

   Your boat is 14 feet long and you are on coastal waters. Which visual distress signals are required?

   • ADay and night signals at all times on the water
   • BNo signals at any time, because it is under 16 feet
   • CDay signals only, when out between sunrise and sunset
   • DNight signals, when out between sunset and sunrise
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Night signals, when out between sunset and sunrise

   Boats under 16 feet are exempt from day signal requirements but must carry night signals when operating from sunset to sunrise.

3. Question 3 of 25

   What sound-producing device must a boat under 12 meters (39.4 feet) carry?

   • AA bell and a gong mounted on deck
   • BA siren, like those used on police boats
   • CNothing; shouting loudly is enough
   • DAn efficient sound device, such as a horn or whistle
   Show answer

   Answer: D. An efficient sound device, such as a horn or whistle

   Boats under 12 meters must carry an efficient sound-producing device, such as a hand-held air horn or a whistle. A human voice is not acceptable.

4. Question 4 of 25

   A friend lifts your life jacket at the shoulders and it stays below your chin. What does this show?

   • AIt fits properly
   • BIt is the wrong color
   • CIt is too loose
   • DIt needs to be inflated
   Show answer

   Answer: A. It fits properly

   A properly fitted life jacket stays in place when lifted at the shoulders. If it rides up over your chin or ears, it is too loose.

5. Question 5 of 25

   What is the maximum federal criminal penalty for boating under the influence?

   • AA written warning, with no fine
   • BUp to $5,000, one year in prison, or both
   • CLoss of your car driver license only
   • DA fine of up to $50 and a short class
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Up to $5,000, one year in prison, or both

   Federal BUI penalties include a civil penalty of up to $1,000, or a criminal penalty of up to $5,000, one year in prison, or both.

6. Question 6 of 25

   Two sailboats meet with the wind on different sides. Which must keep clear?

   • AThe boat with the wind on its port side
   • BThe boat with the wind on its starboard side
   • CThe larger sailboat
   • DThe boat that is to leeward
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The boat with the wind on its port side

   When sailing vessels have the wind on different sides, the one with the wind on its port side keeps out of the way.

7. Question 7 of 25

   You are alone in cold water wearing a life jacket and cannot climb out. What should you do?

   • ASplash and kick constantly to stay visible
   • BTake off your life jacket so you can move freely
   • CSwim hard in circles to keep your body warm
   • DFold your arms, cross your legs and float still
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Fold your arms, cross your legs and float still

   The Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) reduces heat loss. Swim only if safety is very close.

8. Question 8 of 25

   This marker shows a diamond with a cross and the words "SWIM AREA". What must boaters do?

   • AKeep it on your right when returning
   • BKeep out of the marked swimming area
   • CAnchor there to swim
   • DSlow down and pass through it
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Keep out of the marked swimming area

   A diamond with a cross means boats keep out. Here it protects a swimming area.

9. Question 9 of 25

   Where must the registration number be displayed on a numbered boat?

   • AInside the cabin, near the helm
   • BOn each side of the forward half of the boat
   • COn the windshield, facing forward
   • DOn the transom only, below the motor
   Show answer

   Answer: B. On each side of the forward half of the boat

   Registration numbers go on both sides of the forward half of the hull, reading left to right.

10. Question 10 of 25

    On inland waters, what signal does a power-driven vessel sound when it leaves a dock or berth?

    • AOne short blast
    • BTwo prolonged blasts
    • COne prolonged blast
    • DFive short blasts
    Show answer

    Answer: C. One prolonged blast

    A power-driven vessel leaving a dock or berth sounds one prolonged blast.

11. Question 11 of 25

    On inland waters, a power-driven vessel meeting you sounds one short blast. What does it mean?

    • A"I am operating astern propulsion"
    • B"I am in distress"
    • C"I intend to leave you on my port side"
    • D"I intend to leave you on my starboard side"
    Show answer

    Answer: C. "I intend to leave you on my port side"

    Under Inland Rule 34, one short blast means "I intend to leave you on my port side". If you agree, answer with one short blast.

12. Question 12 of 25

    Your state has a different child life jacket age than the federal rule. Which rule applies on that state's waters?

    • AThe federal rule always
    • BThe state rule
    • CWhichever age is higher
    • DNeither; you may choose
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The state rule

    Where a state sets its own child life jacket requirement, the state rule applies on waters under that state's jurisdiction.

13. Question 13 of 25

    Where must recreational boats carry visual distress signals?

    • ACoastal waters, the Great Lakes and territorial seas
    • BOnly on rivers that are wider than 1 mile
    • COnly on small inland lakes and ponds
    • DOnly within 1 mile of any shoreline
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Coastal waters, the Great Lakes and territorial seas

    Visual distress signals are required on U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and connected waters up to where they become less than 2 nautical miles wide.

14. Question 14 of 25

    You are in a No Discharge Zone. What must you do with your marine sanitation device?

    • ADischarge only sewage that has been treated
    • BRemove the toilet from the boat completely
    • CSecure it so it cannot discharge, such as with a padlock
    • DDischarge only at night when no one is swimming
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Secure it so it cannot discharge, such as with a padlock

    In a No Discharge Zone, no sewage may be discharged, and the device must be secured, such as with a padlocked valve or locked door.

15. Question 15 of 25

    On a regulatory marker, what does an orange square or rectangle mean?

    • AIt gives information, such as directions
    • BDanger ahead, such as rocks
    • CBoats must keep out of the area
    • DA speed limit applies in the area
    Show answer

    Answer: A. It gives information, such as directions

    Squares give information. Diamonds warn of danger, diamonds with a cross mean keep out, and circles mark controlled areas.

16. Question 16 of 25

    Your boat meets the rules of the state where it is registered. Does it automatically meet the rules of every other state?

    • ANo. Another state may have different requirements
    • BYes, as long as it has federal equipment
    • CYes, all states have identical rules
    • DOnly if the boat is under 16 feet
    Show answer

    Answer: A. No. Another state may have different requirements

    Federal rules are the minimum. A boat that meets its home state's rules may not meet the rules of another state where it is used.

17. Question 17 of 25

    You are returning from sea. On which side should you keep this red buoy?

    • AOn your port (left) side
    • BOn either side
    • COnly on your left at night
    • DOn your starboard (right) side
    Show answer

    Answer: D. On your starboard (right) side

    Remember "red, right, returning": keep red markers on your starboard side when returning from sea.

18. Question 18 of 25

    What do three short blasts mean?

    • A"I am operating astern propulsion"
    • B"I am turning to starboard now"
    • C"Please pass me on either side"
    • D"I need fuel or other help"
    Show answer

    Answer: A. "I am operating astern propulsion"

    Three short blasts mean the vessel is operating astern propulsion, such as backing its engines.

19. Question 19 of 25

    Another vessel sounds at least five short, rapid blasts. What does it mean?

    • AIt agrees with your plan and will hold its course
    • BIt is about to anchor in the middle of the channel
    • CIt is greeting you and inviting you to pass
    • DIt doubts your intentions or your action to avoid a collision
    Show answer

    Answer: D. It doubts your intentions or your action to avoid a collision

    Five or more short, rapid blasts is the doubt or danger signal. Slow down and make your intentions clear.

20. Question 20 of 25

    Where does the state validation decal go?

    • AOn the stern, right next to the motor
    • BWithin 6 inches of the registration number
    • CInside the glove box, with the papers
    • DOn the boat trailer's left fender
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Within 6 inches of the registration number

    The validation decal goes within 6 inches of the registration number, with no other numbers or letters nearby.

21. Question 21 of 25

    Which compartments need a powered exhaust blower?

    • AOnly compartments used to store life jackets and lines
    • BThose with a gasoline engine that has a remote-start motor
    • CEvery compartment on every boat, of any kind
    • DOnly cabins that have a toilet or a sink
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Those with a gasoline engine that has a remote-start motor

    A powered blower is required for compartments with a permanently installed gasoline engine that has a cranking motor for remote starting.

22. Question 22 of 25

    On a powerboat under 12 meters, how high must the all-round white light be above the sidelights?

    • AAt least 6 inches (15 cm)
    • BAt least 10 feet (3 meters)
    • CAt the same height as them
    • DAt least 3.3 feet (1 meter)
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At least 3.3 feet (1 meter)

    The masthead or all-round white light must be at least 3.3 feet higher than the sidelights.

23. Question 23 of 25

    Light 4 in the diagram is the white sternlight. How wide is its arc?

    • A225 degrees, toward the front
    • B360 degrees, all around
    • C112.5 degrees, on one side
    • D135 degrees, toward the back
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 135 degrees, toward the back

    The sternlight shines over 135 degrees behind the boat. The masthead light covers 225 degrees forward.

24. Question 24 of 25

    A 32-foot boat built in 2020 needs fire extinguishers. Which choice meets the requirement (with no fixed system)?

    • AOne 5-B extinguisher
    • BOne household 1-A unit
    • CThree 20-B extinguishers
    • DTwo 5-B, or one 20-B
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Two 5-B, or one 20-B

    Boats 26 feet to under 40 feet need two 5-B extinguishers. Because one 20-B can replace two 5-B extinguishers, one 20-B also meets the rule.

25. Question 25 of 25

    Which boating accident must be reported to the state?

    • AOne where someone needs more than first aid
    • BA scratch to the hull that costs $100 to fix
    • CAny time a fishing line breaks on a snag
    • DAny time a boat runs out of fuel on the water
    Show answer

    Answer: A. One where someone needs more than first aid

    A report is required for a death, a disappearance, an injury needing more than first aid, damage of $2,000 or more, or the complete loss of a boat.

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