Arizona Boating Knowledge Quiz 2026: Practice test 3

1. Question 1 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.

2. Question 2 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.

3. Question 3 of 25

   On inland waters, what do two short blasts mean when two power-driven vessels meet or cross in sight of each other?

   • A"I intend to leave you on my starboard side"
   • B"I intend to leave you on my port side"
   • C"I am leaving the dock"
   • D"I am anchored"
   Show answer

   Answer: A. "I intend to leave you on my starboard side"

   Under Inland Rule 34, two short blasts mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side".

4. Question 4 of 25

   How often should you inspect your fire extinguishers?

   • AEvery 5 years
   • BMonthly
   • CNever, if the seal is intact
   • DOnly after a fire
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Monthly

   Inspect extinguishers monthly. If the label lists a minimum weight, weigh them once a year.

5. Question 5 of 25

   What is true about carbon monoxide (CO) from boat engines?

   • AIt is safe outdoors on a boat
   • BIt only comes from diesel engines
   • CIt smells like gasoline, so it is easy to notice
   • DIt has no color or smell and can kill quickly
   Show answer

   Answer: D. It has no color or smell and can kill quickly

   Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. It can build up around a boat, especially near the stern and swim platform, while engines or generators run.

6. Question 6 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.

7. Question 7 of 25

   A vessel overtaking you on inland waters signals its plan, and you agree. What do you do?

   • ATurn toward the overtaking boat
   • BSound five short blasts
   • CDo nothing; silence means yes
   • DSound the same signal back
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Sound the same signal back

   The vessel being overtaken answers with the same signal if it agrees. If it is unsure, it sounds the danger signal of at least five short blasts.

8. Question 8 of 25

   You row a small rowboat after dark. What light do you need?

   • AA flashing blue light on the stern
   • BA white flashlight or lantern, ready to show
   • CNo light, because it has no motor
   • DA red light mounted on the bow
   Show answer

   Answer: B. A white flashlight or lantern, ready to show

   Vessels under oars may show sailing vessel lights, or must have a white flashlight or lantern ready to show.

9. Question 9 of 25

   What does this white marker with an orange circle mean?

   • AA controlled area; here, no wake
   • BDanger from rocks right below
   • CBoats must keep out of the area
   • DDirections to a nearby marina
   Show answer

   Answer: A. A controlled area; here, no wake

   An orange circle marks a controlled area, such as a no-wake or speed-limit zone. The rule is written inside the circle.

10. Question 10 of 25

    At night you see a red and a green light straight ahead. What is happening?

    • AA vessel is heading straight toward you
    • BA vessel is moving away from you
    • CA vessel is anchored
    • DA buoy marks a channel
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A vessel is heading straight toward you

    Seeing both sidelights means the vessel is pointed at you. Treat it as a head-on meeting and turn to starboard.

11. Question 11 of 25

    A sailboat is motoring with its engine and its sails are down. How is it treated under the Navigation Rules?

    • AAs a power-driven vessel
    • BAs a vessel not under command
    • CAs a sailing vessel
    • DAs a vessel at anchor
    Show answer

    Answer: A. As a power-driven vessel

    A sailboat using its engine is a power-driven vessel and follows the power-driven rules.

12. Question 12 of 25

    You are leaving a harbor and heading out to sea. Where should red buoys like this be?

    • AOn your port (left) side
    • BIn the middle of your path
    • CIt does not matter
    • DOn your starboard (right) side
    Show answer

    Answer: A. On your port (left) side

    Red is kept on the right when returning, so when heading out to sea the red markers are on your left.

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

    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.

15. Question 15 of 25

    Boat A is overtaking boat B from behind. Which boat must keep clear?

    • AThe smaller of the two boats
    • BBoat B, the boat being passed
    • CBoat A, the overtaking boat
    • DWhichever boat is closer to shore
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Boat A, the overtaking boat

    In an overtaking situation, the overtaking vessel is the give-way vessel and must keep clear until it is past.

16. Question 16 of 25

    Which check is part of keeping a fire extinguisher "good and serviceable"?

    • AThe gauge is in the operable range and the pin is in place
    • BThe extinguisher has been tested by using it once
    • CThe label has been removed so it fits the bracket
    • DThe nozzle is taped shut to keep out dirt
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The gauge is in the operable range and the pin is in place

    A serviceable extinguisher has its gauge in the operable range, its lock pin in place, a clear nozzle and no serious corrosion or damage.

17. Question 17 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.

18. Question 18 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.

19. Question 19 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.

20. Question 20 of 25

    Which boats are covered by the federal engine cut-off switch law?

    • AOnly sailboats that have an outboard motor
    • BOnly commercial fishing boats of any size
    • CRecreational boats under 26 feet, about 3 hp or more
    • DAll recreational boats over 40 feet long
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Recreational boats under 26 feet, about 3 hp or more

    The law covers recreational vessels under 26 feet with engines that make 115 pounds of static thrust (about 3 hp) or more.

21. Question 21 of 25

    One 20-B fire extinguisher can replace how many required 5-B extinguishers?

    • ATwo
    • BFour
    • CThree
    • DOne
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Two

    One 20-B extinguisher may be carried in place of two required 5-B extinguishers.

22. Question 22 of 25

    What must a boat 12 meters (39.4 feet) or longer carry for sound signals?

    • AA referee whistle for the operator
    • BA small hand bell kept at the helm
    • CA whistle audible for 1/2 nautical mile
    • DNothing beyond a working VHF radio
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A whistle audible for 1/2 nautical mile

    Vessels 12 meters or longer need a whistle (horn) audible for 1/2 nautical mile. Vessels 20 meters or longer also need a bell.

23. Question 23 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.

24. Question 24 of 25

    Which boats must display a garbage placard?

    • AOnly boats over 100 feet
    • BOnly sailboats
    • CAll boats of any size
    • DBoats 26 feet and longer
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Boats 26 feet and longer

    Vessels 26 feet or longer must display a garbage placard at least 4 by 9 inches in a prominent place.

25. Question 25 of 25

    Instead of a lanyard, what other type of engine cut-off device is approved?

    • AA warning sticker placed on the dashboard
    • BA loud alarm that sounds but does not stop the engine
    • CA rope tied between the helm and the ladder
    • DA wireless fob that stops the engine in water
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A wireless fob that stops the engine in water

    Wireless engine cut-off devices, worn by the operator, stop the engine when the fob goes into the water.

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