Connecticut Boater Exam Practice Test 2026: Practice test 4

1. Question 1 of 25

   What must every operator do at all times to avoid collisions?

   • ARely on other boats to see you
   • BWatch the radar only
   • CLook out only at night
   • DKeep a proper lookout by sight and hearing
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Keep a proper lookout by sight and hearing

   Every vessel must keep a proper lookout by sight and hearing, and by all available means, at all times.

2. Question 2 of 25

   What does an engine cut-off switch link do?

   • AStops the engine if the operator is thrown from the helm
   • BLocks the steering wheel when you are not aboard
   • CTurns on the navigation lights automatically
   • DStarts the bilge blower before the engine starts
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Stops the engine if the operator is thrown from the helm

   The lanyard links the operator to the switch. If the operator is thrown from the helm, the link pulls free and the engine shuts off.

3. Question 3 of 25

   When must recreational boats show navigation lights?

   • AOnly when other boats are close by
   • BFrom sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility
   • COnly on nights when there is no moon
   • DOnly on the ocean, not on lakes or rivers
   Show answer

   Answer: B. From sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility

   Navigation lights are required between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.

4. Question 4 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.

5. Question 5 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.

6. Question 6 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.

7. Question 7 of 25

   A person goes missing from your boat. Who must you notify right away?

   • AThe nearest state boating authority
   • BThe company that built your boat
   • CNobody until the written report is due
   • DYour insurance company only
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The nearest state boating authority

   For a death or a missing person, notify the nearest state boating authority immediately, then file the written report.

8. Question 8 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.

9. Question 9 of 25

   What colors are used on regulatory and information markers?

   • ARed and white vertical stripes
   • BGreen with a wide red band in the middle
   • CBlack with one or more yellow bands
   • DWhite with orange bands at top and bottom
   Show answer

   Answer: D. White with orange bands at top and bottom

   Regulatory and information markers are white with an orange band near the top and bottom. The orange shape shows the meaning.

10. Question 10 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.

11. Question 11 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.

12. Question 12 of 25

    How should a give-way vessel act?

    • ABy speeding up to cross in front
    • BLate, with a small turn at the last moment
    • CEarly and with a large, obvious change of course or speed
    • DBy sounding five short blasts and holding course
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Early and with a large, obvious change of course or speed

    The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action so the other operator can clearly see what it is doing.

13. Question 13 of 25

    Where should swimmers stay away from while a boat's engine or generator is running?

    • AThe shoreline and shallow water nearby
    • BThe bow, where the anchor is stored
    • CThe swim platform and the back of the boat
    • DThe anchor line at the front of the boat
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The swim platform and the back of the boat

    Exhaust gases with carbon monoxide collect near the stern and swim platform. Do not swim or sit there while engines or generators run.

14. Question 14 of 25

    For which activities does the Coast Guard recommend wearing a life jacket, and many states require it?

    • AOnly fishing from a dock or a pier
    • BOnly when the boat is anchored offshore
    • COnly boating after dark on large lakes
    • DWater skiing, PWC riding, whitewater and sailboarding
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Water skiing, PWC riding, whitewater and sailboarding

    The Coast Guard recommends wearing a life jacket for high-risk activities like water skiing, PWC riding, whitewater and sailboarding, and many states require it.

15. Question 15 of 25

    A 70-foot (21-meter) boat must carry which sound-producing devices?

    • AA whistle, a bell and a gong
    • BA hand-held air horn only
    • CA whistle and a bell
    • DA whistle only
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A whistle and a bell

    Vessels 20 meters or longer need a whistle and a bell. A gong is added at 100 meters or longer.

16. Question 16 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.

17. Question 17 of 25

    Someone is injured and needs medical treatment beyond first aid. How soon must the written report be filed?

    • AWithin 10 days
    • BWithin 48 hours
    • CWithin 30 days
    • DWithin one year
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Within 48 hours

    Reports are due within 48 hours for a death within 24 hours, an injury beyond first aid, or a disappearance. Other reportable accidents must be reported within 10 days.

18. Question 18 of 25

    Why is a personal watercraft operator's lanyard attached to their body or life jacket?

    • ASo the PWC can be anchored
    • BSo the engine stops if the rider falls off
    • CSo the lights turn on automatically
    • DSo the rider can tow a tube
    Show answer

    Answer: B. So the engine stops if the rider falls off

    If the rider falls off, the lanyard pulls the cut-off switch and the engine stops, so the PWC does not keep going without them.

19. Question 19 of 25

    Which non-pyrotechnic signal counts for nighttime use only?

    • AA red pennant
    • BAn orange smoke signal
    • CAn electric distress light
    • DAn orange distress flag
    Show answer

    Answer: C. An electric distress light

    An electric distress light meets the night requirement. An orange flag only counts during the day.

20. Question 20 of 25

    On inland waters, you want to overtake a power-driven vessel and pass on its starboard side. What signal do you give?

    • ATwo short blasts
    • BOne short blast
    • COne prolonged blast
    • DThree short blasts
    Show answer

    Answer: B. One short blast

    Inland, one short blast means "I intend to overtake you on your starboard side". Two short blasts mean "on your port side".

21. Question 21 of 25

    Which feature means a boat must carry a fire extinguisher?

    • APermanently installed fuel tanks
    • BA swim ladder at the stern
    • CA locker for the anchor and line
    • DA canvas bimini top for shade
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Permanently installed fuel tanks

    Extinguishers are required on boats with features such as closed compartments where fuel tanks may be stored, permanently installed fuel tanks or closed living spaces.

22. Question 22 of 25

    Which engines must have a Coast Guard-approved backfire flame arrester?

    • ADiesel engines only
    • BGasoline inboard engines
    • CElectric trolling motors
    • DAll outboard motors
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Gasoline inboard engines

    Gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors, must have an approved backfire flame control device.

23. Question 23 of 25

    Your flares expired last year. Do they count toward the requirement?

    • AYes, for up to 5 years after expiry
    • BYes, if they are kept dry
    • CNo, expired pyrotechnics do not count
    • DYes, but only at night
    Show answer

    Answer: C. No, expired pyrotechnics do not count

    Pyrotechnic signals must be in date. Expired signals do not meet the requirement.

24. Question 24 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.

25. Question 25 of 25

    What amount of property damage makes a boating accident reportable?

    • A$2,000 or more
    • B$10,000 or more
    • C$500 or more
    • D$200 or more
    Show answer

    Answer: A. $2,000 or more

    Accidents with damage to vessels and other property totaling $2,000 or more must be reported.

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The real test: 80%