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Alaska Boating Knowledge Quiz 2026

Alaska does not require boater education, but the Alaska Office of Boating Safety offers a free, NASBLA-approved course called Alaska Water Wise, with a written exam, and urges every boater to take a course. This knowledge quiz covers Alaska's own boating laws and cold-water safety, and the other sets cover the national rules taught in approved courses.

  • Boating
  • Alaska
  • 145 questions
  • Checked
  • Edited by A. Singh
  • Fact-checked October 17, 2026

Quick answer

It is run by the Alaska Office of Boating Safety (Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation). Practise here for free with 145 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 17, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Alaska Boating Safety Study Guide: plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.
Plan for my exam date Mistake notebook

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Does Alaska law require boat operators to take a boating education course?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, Alaska does not require boating education

    The Office of Boating Safety says Alaska is one of the few states that do not require boating education. Courses are optional but recommended.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    Which national group approved the Alaska Water Wise course?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators)

    Alaska Water Wise is approved by NASBLA as meeting the national standard for basic boating knowledge.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    What does the Alaska Water Wise course cost Alaskans?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. It is free

    The Office of Boating Safety describes Alaska Water Wise as a free boating course for Alaskans.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    How is Alaska Water Wise usually taught?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Live over Zoom on two weekday evenings

    The course is usually taught live over Zoom across two weekday evenings, and groups can arrange in-person classes.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    What must you do to receive an Alaska Water Wise course completion certificate?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Pass a written exam

    Students must pass a written exam to receive a course completion certificate.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    Why might an Alaska boater get an Alaska Boater Education card even though it is not required?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. It is accepted in some states that require one and may lower insurance costs

    The card can be used in some states that require boater education, and it can lower boat insurance costs.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    Which state office runs Alaska's statewide boating safety program?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The Office of Boating Safety in the Department of Natural Resources

    AS 05.25.053 directs the Department of Natural Resources to run a statewide boating safety program, carried out by its Office of Boating Safety.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    Under Alaska law, who must wear a life jacket in an open boat or on the deck of a boat?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Persons under 13

    Alaska law requires persons under 13 to wear a life jacket in an open boat, on deck, or when being towed.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    A 10-year-old is riding a tube towed behind a boat in Alaska. Must the child wear a life jacket?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Yes, persons under 13 must wear one when towed

    Alaska's life jacket rule for persons under 13 includes being towed.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    Which agency registers boats in Alaska?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

    Boats that must be registered are registered and numbered with the Alaska DMV.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    How long is an Alaska certificate of number (boat registration) valid?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Three years

    AS 05.25.055 says an Alaska certificate of number is valid for three years.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    Which boats are exempt from registration in Alaska?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Boats not equipped with mechanical propulsion

    Alaska exempts boats that do not have mechanical propulsion, such as most canoes and kayaks.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    A boat registered in another state is used in Alaska. When must the owner get an Alaska certificate of number?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. When it is used on Alaska waters for more than 90 days in a row

    Owners must apply for an Alaska certificate if the boat is operated on state waters for more than 90 consecutive days.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    Where must the Alaska certificate of number be kept?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. On board the boat whenever it is in use

    Alaska's handbook says the certificate of number must always be kept on the boat when it is in use.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    Which boating incident requires a written report under Alaska law?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. One causing a death, a disappearance or an injury needing more than first aid

    Alaska's handbook says the operator or owner must file a written report after a death, a disappearance, an injury needing treatment beyond first aid, or property damage over the state threshold.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    What does Alaska law say about a boat owner when someone else operates the boat carelessly?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The owner can be held liable for injury or damage caused by negligent operation

    AS 05.25.040 makes the owner liable for injury or damage caused by the negligent operation of the owner's boat.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    Which Alaska laws on impaired operation apply to boat operators?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Alaska's driving under the influence laws

    Alaska's handbook says the state's driving under the influence laws and penalties also apply to boat operators.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    According to the Office of Boating Safety, what causes most boating deaths in Alaska?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Drowning in cold water

    Most boating fatalities in Alaska result from drowning in cold water, often before hypothermia sets in.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    Alaska's Office of Boating Safety says cold shock (gasping, fast breathing and panic) starts how soon after you fall into cold water?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Within about 3 minutes

    The Office of Boating Safety says cold shock comes within about 3 minutes of falling in. Without a life jacket, the risk of drowning is much higher.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    Under the 1-10-1 principle, what should you do in the first minute after falling into cold water?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Get your breathing under control

    The first minute is for controlling your breathing. The next 10 minutes are for making a plan, and you may have an hour or more before losing consciousness.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    About how soon can cold water make your arms and legs stop working well?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Within about 30 minutes

    Cold incapacitation happens within about 30 minutes, regardless of swimming ability.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    What can you do at a Kids Don't Float loaner board in Alaska?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Borrow a life jacket at no cost and return it after use

    Kids Don't Float loaner boards display life jackets that can be borrowed at no cost and returned after use.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    Where did Alaska's Kids Don't Float program begin?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. In Homer, in 1996

    The program began in Homer in early 1996, with the first loaner stations around Kachemak Bay.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    What should an Alaska float plan include?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Who is aboard, the route, the expected return time and when to call for help

    A float plan lists the people aboard, destination and route, expected return, and when and whom to call. Tell the same people when you return.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    According to Alaska's requirements summary, which boats must carry a fire extinguisher?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Boats with inboard engines

    Alaska's summary card says at least one Coast Guard approved extinguisher is required for boats with inboard engines.

What to know before the test

  • Alaska is one of the few states that do not require boating education. Courses are optional.
  • Alaska Water Wise is free, NASBLA approved and usually taught live over Zoom. Students must pass a written exam.
  • An Alaska Boater Education card can be used in some states that require one and can lower insurance costs.
  • Persons under 13 must wear a life jacket in an open boat, on deck, or when being towed.
  • Boats with mechanical propulsion are registered with the DMV, and a certificate of number is valid for three years.
  • Alaska's driving under the influence laws also apply to boat operators.
  • Most boating deaths in Alaska result from drowning in cold water.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a boating license in Alaska?

No. Alaska does not require boater education or a boating license, but the state recommends a NASBLA-approved course.

Is there a free boating course in Alaska?

Yes. Alaska Water Wise is a free, NASBLA-approved course from the Office of Boating Safety, usually taught over Zoom.

Do kids have to wear life jackets in Alaska?

Yes. Persons under 13 must wear one in an open boat, on deck, or when being towed.

Do kayaks need to be registered in Alaska?

No. Boats without mechanical propulsion are exempt from registration.

What is Kids Don't Float?

A statewide program with loaner boards where you can borrow a life jacket for free and return it after use.

Sources

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