Alaska Boating Knowledge Quiz 2026: Practice test 2

1. Question 1 of 25

   What kind of numbers do red nun buoys like this carry?

   • AOdd numbers
   • BEven numbers
   • CLetters only
   • DNo numbers
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Even numbers

   Red lateral markers carry even numbers, and the numbers increase as you head in from sea.

2. Question 2 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".

3. Question 3 of 25

   Two powerboats meet head-on. What should each operator do?

   • AThe larger boat holds course and the smaller turns
   • BTurn to port and pass starboard to starboard
   • CBoth stop and wait for the other to move
   • DTurn to starboard and pass port side to port side
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Turn to starboard and pass port side to port side

   In a head-on meeting, each vessel alters course to starboard so they pass port to port.

4. Question 4 of 25

   How old can a disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguisher be and still count?

   • AThere is no age limit if it is full
   • BNo more than 20 years from purchase
   • CNo more than 5 years from manufacture
   • DNo more than 12 years from manufacture
   Show answer

   Answer: D. No more than 12 years from manufacture

   Disposable extinguishers must be removed from service 12 years after the date stamped on the bottle, on December 31 of the 12th year.

5. Question 5 of 25

   What does "not under command" mean in the Navigation Rules?

   • AA vessel with no licensed captain on board at the time
   • BA vessel that cannot maneuver because of a problem, such as a steering failure
   • CA vessel that is going faster than the posted speed limit
   • DA vessel that is anchored or tied to a mooring buoy
   Show answer

   Answer: B. A vessel that cannot maneuver because of a problem, such as a steering failure

   A vessel not under command cannot keep out of the way because of an exceptional circumstance. Other vessels, including sailboats, must keep clear of it.

6. Question 6 of 25

   Under federal law, at what blood alcohol concentration is a recreational boat operator considered intoxicated?

   • A0.12 or higher
   • B0.02 or higher
   • C0.08 or higher
   • D0.15 or higher
   Show answer

   Answer: C. 0.08 or higher

   Operating a vessel with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher is a federal violation. States also have their own BUI laws.

7. Question 7 of 25

   You are towing a water-skier. What is the job of the observer on board?

   • ASteer the skier using only hand signals
   • BKeep other boats from coming close to watch
   • CWatch the skier and tell the operator what happens
   • DDrive the boat while the operator watches
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Watch the skier and tell the operator what happens

   The operator must watch where the boat is going, so a second person keeps a continuous eye on the skier and reports falls and signals.

8. Question 8 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.

9. Question 9 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.

10. Question 10 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.

11. Question 11 of 25

    You are the stand-on vessel, but the give-way vessel is not taking action and a collision is near. What must you do?

    • ATurn off your engine and drift
    • BSound one prolonged blast and keep going
    • CTake action to avoid the collision
    • DHold course and speed no matter what
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Take action to avoid the collision

    The stand-on vessel must take the best action to avoid collision when the give-way vessel alone can no longer prevent it.

12. Question 12 of 25

    A 32-foot boat built in 2020 needs fire extinguishers. Which choice meets the requirement (with no fixed system)?

    • AOne 5-B extinguisher
    • BOne household 1-A unit
    • CThree 20-B extinguishers
    • DTwo 5-B, or one 20-B
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Two 5-B, or one 20-B

    Boats 26 feet to under 40 feet need two 5-B extinguishers. Because one 20-B can replace two 5-B extinguishers, one 20-B also meets the rule.

13. Question 13 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.

14. Question 14 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.

15. Question 15 of 25

    In a narrow channel, which side should you keep to?

    • AThe starboard (right) side
    • BWhichever side has less traffic
    • CThe center of the channel
    • DThe port (left) side
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The starboard (right) side

    In a narrow channel, keep as near to the outer edge on your starboard side as is safe.

16. Question 16 of 25

    You approach a river bend where you cannot see around the corner. What signal should you sound on inland waters?

    • AFive short blasts
    • BTwo short blasts
    • COne prolonged blast
    • DThree short blasts
    Show answer

    Answer: C. One prolonged blast

    A vessel nearing a bend or obstructed area sounds one prolonged blast. Any vessel around the bend that hears it answers with a prolonged blast.

17. Question 17 of 25

    Two vessels agree by VHF radio how they will pass each other. Do they still have to sound whistle signals?

    • ANo, and sounding them would be illegal
    • BNo, but they may
    • CYes, always, before and after passing
    • DYes, but only at night
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, but they may

    Vessels that reach agreement by radio do not have to sound the whistle signals. If they cannot agree, whistle signals must be exchanged and they prevail.

18. Question 18 of 25

    What does a yellow buoy like this tell you?

    • ADanger: rocks are right below the buoy
    • BIt marks a special area, not a channel side
    • CThere is safe water all around it
    • DKeep it on your right when returning
    Show answer

    Answer: B. It marks a special area, not a channel side

    Special marks are yellow. They point out a special area or feature and are not lateral channel markers.

19. Question 19 of 25

    What is a "safe speed"?

    • AA speed that lets you stop or turn in time
    • BThe speed posted at the nearest launch ramp
    • CAny speed under 10 mph, in all conditions
    • DThe highest speed your boat can safely reach
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A speed that lets you stop or turn in time

    Safe speed depends on visibility, traffic, wind, waves and your boat. You must be able to avoid a collision and stop in time.

20. Question 20 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.

21. Question 21 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.

22. Question 22 of 25

    What should the stand-on vessel do in a crossing situation?

    • AKeep its course and speed
    • BSpeed up to get clear faster
    • CStop its engine right away
    • DTurn toward the other boat
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Keep its course and speed

    The stand-on vessel holds its course and speed so the give-way vessel can predict its path.

23. Question 23 of 25

    What sound signal does a sailing vessel give in fog or other restricted visibility?

    • AOne prolonged and two short blasts, every 2 minutes or less
    • BContinuous blasts on the horn until the fog lifts
    • COne short blast, repeated once every minute
    • DTwo prolonged blasts, at least every 2 minutes
    Show answer

    Answer: A. One prolonged and two short blasts, every 2 minutes or less

    A sailing vessel in restricted visibility sounds one prolonged and two short blasts at intervals of no more than 2 minutes.

24. Question 24 of 25

    Under the federal rule, which children must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway?

    • AOnly children who cannot swim, of any age
    • BUnder 13, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin
    • CUnder 6, but only when the boat is out at night
    • DUnder 18, at all times when they are on board
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Under 13, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin

    The federal rule requires children under 13 to wear an approved life jacket while underway, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

25. Question 25 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.

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