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NSW Boat Licence Practice Test 2026: Practice test 3

Practice test 3 of 3 for the NSW Boat Licence Practice Test: 25 more questions with answers and explanations.

  • Boating
  • New South Wales
  • 90 questions
  • Checked October 11, 2026

  1. Question 1 of 25

    Where is the safest water when you see this mark?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. To the east of the mark

    This is an east cardinal mark: the cones point away from each other (base to base), black with a yellow band. Pass to the east.

  2. Question 2 of 25

    In fog, what sound signal does a power-driven vessel make while moving through the water?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes

    A power-driven vessel making way in restricted visibility sounds one prolonged blast (4 to 6 seconds) at least every 2 minutes.

  3. Question 3 of 25

    Two power-driven vessels are crossing. Which one must give way?
    AB
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The one that has the other vessel on its own starboard (right) side

    In a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side keeps out of the way and should avoid crossing ahead of it.

  4. Question 4 of 25

    Which of these does NOT change what a safe speed is?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The colour of your boat

    Safe speed depends on visibility, traffic, how your boat handles, wind, waves, current and nearby hazards. The colour of the boat has no effect.

  5. Question 5 of 25

    When must the skipper keep a proper lookout?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. At all times, by sight and hearing

    Collision rule 5 says every vessel must keep a proper lookout at all times, using sight, hearing and any other available means.

  6. Question 6 of 25

    What colour is a vessel's sternlight?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. White

    The sternlight is white and shines backwards over the stern.

  7. Question 7 of 25

    At night you can see only a single white light ahead, and you are closing on it. What could it be?
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    Answer: B. The sternlight of a vessel you are overtaking

    A single white light ahead may be the sternlight of a slower vessel. If you are overtaking it, you must keep clear.

  8. Question 8 of 25

    How often must you renew the AMSA registration of your EPIRB?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Every 2 years, or sooner if your details change

    EPIRBs must be registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Registration is free and must be renewed every two years.

  9. Question 9 of 25

    Where is the safest water when you see this mark?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. To the south of the mark

    This is a south cardinal mark: both cones point down and it is yellow above black. Pass to the south of it.

  10. Question 10 of 25

    Why should you attach the engine kill switch lanyard to yourself when driving?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. So the engine stops if you fall overboard or are thrown from the helm

    If the driver falls out, the lanyard pulls the switch and stops the engine, so the boat does not run on without a driver.

  11. Question 11 of 25

    Which lifejacket level gives a high level of buoyancy and keeps the wearer in a safe floating position?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Level 100 or above

    Level 100 and above lifejackets give a high level of buoyancy and keep you floating safely. Level 50 types are for active watersports and will not support your head.

  12. Question 12 of 25

    A lit cardinal mark shows white flashes in groups of three. Which cardinal mark is it?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. East

    Cardinal lights follow a clock face: east flashes 3 times (3 o'clock), south 6 plus a long flash, west 9, and north flashes without a break.

  13. Question 13 of 25

    What colour is the sidelight on a vessel's port (left) side?
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    Show answer

    Answer: C. Red

    The port sidelight is red and the starboard sidelight is green.

  14. Question 14 of 25

    You are leaving a harbour and heading out to sea. Where should the red port-hand marks be?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. On your starboard (right) side

    Marks are laid for vessels entering. When you head out to sea, everything is reversed, so red marks are on your starboard side.

  15. Question 15 of 25

    What light must a small vessel at anchor show at night?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. An all-round white light where it can best be seen

    A vessel at anchor shows an all-round white light. Larger vessels show two.

  16. Question 16 of 25

    Which buoyage system is used in Australian waters?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. IALA System A

    Australia uses IALA System A, the same system as the UK and Europe. Red marks are on the port (left) side when you travel in the direction of buoyage.

  17. Question 17 of 25

    At night you see a white masthead light with both a red and a green sidelight straight ahead. What is happening?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A power-driven vessel is heading straight towards you

    Seeing both sidelights and a masthead light means a power vessel is coming head-on. Both vessels should turn to starboard.

  18. Question 18 of 25

    What does three short blasts on the horn mean?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. I am operating astern propulsion (going in reverse)

    Three short blasts mean the vessel's engines are going astern.

  19. Question 19 of 25

    When must vessels show navigation lights?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. From sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility

    Navigation lights must be shown between sunset and sunrise, and also by day in restricted visibility such as fog or heavy rain.

  20. Question 20 of 25

    When does an orange smoke flare work best?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. In daylight

    Orange smoke flares are day signals. Red handheld flares can be seen by day and night.

  21. Question 21 of 25

    What lights may a power boat under 12 metres show when underway at night, instead of separate masthead and stern lights?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. One all-round white light plus sidelights

    A power-driven vessel under 12 metres may combine the masthead and stern lights into one all-round white light, plus sidelights.

  22. Question 22 of 25

    What is a yellow special mark used for?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. To show a special area or feature, such as a zone boundary, cable or aquaculture area

    Special marks are yellow and may carry a yellow X topmark. In Victoria, for example, yellow marks show zone boundaries and aquaculture reserves.

  23. Question 23 of 25

    You are in a kayak or rowing boat at night. What light must you have?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A white torch or lantern ready to show in time to prevent a collision

    A vessel under oars may show the lights of a sailing vessel, but if not it must have a white torch or lantern ready to show in time.

  24. Question 24 of 25

    What colours are cardinal marks painted?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Black and yellow

    All cardinal marks use black and yellow bands. The topmark cones and the order of colours show which side is safe.

  25. Question 25 of 25

    You see a vessel whose crew are slowly raising and lowering their outstretched arms. What does this mean?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. They are in distress and need help

    Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering outstretched arms is a recognised distress signal. Go to help if you can do so safely.

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