Washington, DC Boating Safety Knowledge Quiz 2026
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) says anyone operating a vessel on District of Columbia waterways needs a Boating Safety Certificate, issued after its free 8-hour Harbor Patrol course. MPD does not describe a separate exam or pass mark. Practice set 1 covers DC rules; the other sets cover the national rules taught in boating courses.
Quick answer
It is run by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Harbor Patrol Unit. Practise here for free with 143 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 17, 2026.
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Question 1 of 23
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Answer: D. Anyone operating a vessel
MPD states that anyone operating a vessel on District of Columbia waterways is required to have a Boating Safety Certificate.
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Question 2 of 23
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Answer: B. By successfully completing the MPD Boating Safety course
MPD issues the Boating Safety Certificate to people who successfully complete its Boating Safety course.
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Question 3 of 23
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Answer: D. The Harbor Patrol Unit
The MPD Harbor Patrol Unit hosts the boating safety courses during the boating season.
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Question 4 of 23
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Answer: D. One day, 8 hours
MPD describes free one-day, 8-hour boating safety courses held during the boating season.
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Question 5 of 23
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Answer: B. It is free
MPD says the training is free and course materials are included.
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Question 6 of 23
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Answer: B. Pre-register and bring a photo ID
Pre-registration is required, and a photo ID is required to attend. Each class is limited to 15 students.
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Question 7 of 23
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Answer: D. After completing a boating safety course approved by the Harbor Master, or under the required adult supervision
Section 1026.5 says a person under 18 may not operate a vessel of 16 feet or more unless they completed an approved course or are supervised as the rule requires.
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Question 8 of 23
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Answer: C. Only if they completed an approved boating safety course or are under constant qualifying adult supervision
Section 1026.4 limits rentals to people under 18 to those with an approved course or constant supervision by a qualifying adult.
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Question 9 of 23
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Answer: C. Evidence of an approved boating safety course in your possession, or available to the Harbor Master at the launch or berthing point
Section 1026.6 requires satisfactory evidence of an approved course in the operator's possession or available to the Harbor Master.
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Question 10 of 23
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Answer: B. The operator and everyone on board under 18
Section 1026.7 says that when a vessel of 16 feet or more is operated by someone under 18, the operator and all others aboard under 18 must wear a life jacket.
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Question 11 of 23
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Answer: A. Everyone aboard, at all times
Section 1026.10 requires everyone aboard a vessel in that area to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times.
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Question 12 of 23
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Answer: C. 6 statute miles per hour
Section 1027.4 limits power-driven vessels to 6 statute miles per hour in the listed areas, including upstream of Arlington Memorial Bridge.
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Question 13 of 23
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Answer: C. 10 miles per hour
Section 1027.4 sets 6 mph in the listed areas, but 10 mph when passing the Alexandria wharf area.
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Question 14 of 23
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Answer: D. You may not jump its wake within 100 yards of it
MPD says an operator in the District may not jump the wake of another vessel within 100 yards of that vessel.
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Question 15 of 23
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Answer: C. At least 25 yards
MPD says that at 10 mph or faster, PWC drivers must keep at least 25 yards between their personal watercraft.
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Question 16 of 23
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Answer: A. At least 12
Section 1039.1 requires an observer, other than the operator, who is at least 12 years old.
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Question 17 of 23
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Answer: B. Alcohol, marijuana, narcotic drugs, barbiturates and hallucinogens
Section 1026.3 bans operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or any narcotic drug, barbiturate or hallucinogen.
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Question 18 of 23
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Answer: A. The Harbor Master
Section 1031.6 requires immediate notice to the Harbor Master for a death or disappearance.
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Question 19 of 23
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Answer: D. 10 days
Section 1031.5 sets 10 days in general, and 48 hours for a death within 24 hours, an injury needing more than first aid or a disappearance.
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Question 20 of 23
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Answer: C. Every year; registration expires on December 31
Vessels used mainly on DC waters must be registered annually, and all registrations expire on December 31 each year.
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Question 21 of 23
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Answer: C. On the boat, available for inspection
The registration certificate must be on the boat and available for law enforcement inspection whenever the boat is operated.
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Question 22 of 23
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Answer: C. Within six inches of the registration number
MPD says validation stickers issued each year must be placed within six inches of the number.
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Question 23 of 23
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Answer: C. Registered vessels principally used on District waters
Under the District of Columbia Boat Titling Act, a registered vessel principally used on District waters must get a certificate of title.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- MPD says anyone operating a vessel on District of Columbia waterways is required to have a Boating Safety Certificate.
- The certificate is issued to people who successfully complete MPD's free, one-day, 8-hour Boating Safety course. Pre-registration and a photo ID are required.
- Under the DC harbor regulations, a person under 18 may not operate a vessel 16 feet or longer without an approved course or the required adult supervision.
- Everyone aboard must wear a life jacket between Fletcher's Cove and Little Falls.
- In the District, you may not jump another vessel's wake within 100 yards, and PWCs at 10 mph or faster must stay 25 yards apart.
- Vessels used mainly on DC waters must be registered every year; registrations expire on December 31.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a boating license in Washington, DC?
DC does not call it a license. MPD says anyone operating a vessel on DC waterways needs a Boating Safety Certificate, earned by completing the MPD Boating Safety course.
Is the DC boating safety course free?
Yes. MPD's Harbor Patrol Unit runs free one-day, 8-hour classes during the boating season. You must pre-register by phone and bring a photo ID.
Is there a written test for the DC certificate?
MPD's page does not describe a separate exam or pass mark. It says the certificate goes to people who successfully complete the course.
Can a teenager drive a boat in DC?
Under the harbor regulations, a person under 18 may operate a vessel 16 feet or longer only after an approved course or with the required adult supervision, and everyone aboard under 18 must wear a life jacket.
Who registers boats in DC?
The DC Boat Registration Office at MPD. Vessels used mainly on DC waters are registered every year.