Arizona Boating Knowledge Quiz 2026: Practice test 2

1. Question 1 of 25

   Which boating accident must be reported to the state?

   • AOne where someone needs more than first aid
   • BA scratch to the hull that costs $100 to fix
   • CAny time a fishing line breaks on a snag
   • DAny time a boat runs out of fuel on the water
   Show answer

   Answer: A. One where someone needs more than first aid

   A report is required for a death, a disappearance, an injury needing more than first aid, damage of $2,000 or more, or the complete loss of a boat.

2. Question 2 of 25

   What amount of property damage makes a boating accident reportable?

   • A$2,000 or more
   • B$10,000 or more
   • C$500 or more
   • D$200 or more
   Show answer

   Answer: A. $2,000 or more

   Accidents with damage to vessels and other property totaling $2,000 or more must be reported.

3. Question 3 of 25

   You see this red flag with a white diagonal stripe. What does it mean?

   • AThe beach ahead is private property
   • BShallow water ahead; boats should turn back
   • CDivers are nearby; slow down and keep well away
   • DA water-ski course is set up in this area
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Divers are nearby; slow down and keep well away

   The diver-down flag marks an area where people are diving. State laws set how far away boats must stay.

4. Question 4 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.

5. Question 5 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.

6. Question 6 of 25

   You are alone in cold water wearing a life jacket and cannot climb out. What should you do?

   • ASplash and kick constantly to stay visible
   • BTake off your life jacket so you can move freely
   • CSwim hard in circles to keep your body warm
   • DFold your arms, cross your legs and float still
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Fold your arms, cross your legs and float still

   The Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) reduces heat loss. Swim only if safety is very close.

7. Question 7 of 25

   What does NASBLA stand for?

   • ANorth American Society of Boat Licensing Authorities
   • BNational Association of State Boating Law Administrators
   • CNational Alliance of Sailing and Boating Leagues
   • DNational Agency for Safe Boating and Lifesaving Activities
   Show answer

   Answer: B. National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

   NASBLA is the national association of state boating law administrators. Most state boater education courses are NASBLA-approved.

8. Question 8 of 25

   On a powerboat under 12 meters, how high must the all-round white light be above the sidelights?

   • AAt least 6 inches (15 cm)
   • BAt least 10 feet (3 meters)
   • CAt the same height as them
   • DAt least 3.3 feet (1 meter)
   Show answer

   Answer: D. At least 3.3 feet (1 meter)

   The masthead or all-round white light must be at least 3.3 feet higher than the sidelights.

9. Question 9 of 25

   A vessel flies this blue and white flag (code flag A). What does it mean?

   • AIt is towing a skier and needs extra room
   • BIt is for sale and you may come alongside
   • CIt has divers down and cannot easily maneuver
   • DIt is anchored for the night with no one aboard
   Show answer

   Answer: C. It has divers down and cannot easily maneuver

   When a vessel engaged in diving cannot show the normal shapes, it displays a rigid replica of code flag "A" at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) high.

10. Question 10 of 25

    What do three short blasts mean?

    • A"I am operating astern propulsion"
    • B"I am turning to starboard now"
    • C"Please pass me on either side"
    • D"I need fuel or other help"
    Show answer

    Answer: A. "I am operating astern propulsion"

    Three short blasts mean the vessel is operating astern propulsion, such as backing its engines.

11. Question 11 of 25

    How can you tell that you are on a collision course with another boat?

    • AIts compass bearing stays about the same as it gets closer
    • BIt is moving slower than you
    • CIts bearing changes quickly as it approaches
    • DIt is showing only a white light
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Its compass bearing stays about the same as it gets closer

    If an approaching vessel's bearing does not change much while the distance closes, a risk of collision exists.

12. Question 12 of 25

    Another vessel sounds at least five short, rapid blasts. What does it mean?

    • AIt agrees with your plan and will hold its course
    • BIt is about to anchor in the middle of the channel
    • CIt is greeting you and inviting you to pass
    • DIt doubts your intentions or your action to avoid a collision
    Show answer

    Answer: D. It doubts your intentions or your action to avoid a collision

    Five or more short, rapid blasts is the doubt or danger signal. Slow down and make your intentions clear.

13. Question 13 of 25

    How many wearable life jackets must a recreational boat carry?

    • AOne for every two people on board
    • BOne approved life jacket for each person
    • CTwo for the whole boat, of any size
    • DOne for the operator only
    Show answer

    Answer: B. One approved life jacket for each person

    Federal rules require one wearable, Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person aboard.

14. Question 14 of 25

    A person goes missing from your boat. Who must you notify right away?

    • AThe nearest state boating authority
    • BThe company that built your boat
    • CNobody until the written report is due
    • DYour insurance company only
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The nearest state boating authority

    For a death or a missing person, notify the nearest state boating authority immediately, then file the written report.

15. Question 15 of 25

    On a Coast Guard documented vessel, how tall must the name and hailing port be?

    • AAny size that can be read
    • BAt least 12 inches
    • CAt least 1 inch
    • DAt least 4 inches
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At least 4 inches

    Documented vessels show their name and hailing port together on the hull in letters at least 4 inches high.

16. Question 16 of 25

    What kind of numbers do green can buoys like this carry?

    • ANumbers ending in zero
    • BOdd numbers
    • CLetters only
    • DEven numbers
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Odd numbers

    Green lateral markers carry odd numbers. Red markers carry even numbers.

17. Question 17 of 25

    Which boats must also carry a throwable flotation device?

    • AOnly canoes and kayaks, of any length
    • BOnly boats over 40 feet used on the ocean
    • CAll boats of any length, including paddleboards
    • DBoats 16 feet or longer, except canoes and kayaks
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Boats 16 feet or longer, except canoes and kayaks

    Boats 16 feet or longer, except canoes and kayaks, must also carry one throwable device (Type IV).

18. Question 18 of 25

    Your boat is 40 feet long and you operate on U.S. inland waters. What document must you keep on board?

    • AA copy of the boat's insurance policy
    • BA copy of the Navigation Rules
    • CA map of every state you will visit
    • DA list of marinas with fuel
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A copy of the Navigation Rules

    Operators of vessels 12 meters (39.4 feet) or longer must keep a copy of the Navigation Rules on board on inland waters.

19. Question 19 of 25

    On inland waters, a power-driven vessel meeting you sounds one short blast. What does it mean?

    • A"I am operating astern propulsion"
    • B"I am in distress"
    • C"I intend to leave you on my port side"
    • D"I intend to leave you on my starboard side"
    Show answer

    Answer: C. "I intend to leave you on my port side"

    Under Inland Rule 34, one short blast means "I intend to leave you on my port side". If you agree, answer with one short blast.

20. Question 20 of 25

    After a boating accident, what must the operator do?

    • AStop, help if safe, and give name, address and boat ID
    • BWait for the other boat to call for help first
    • CLeave quickly so the area is clear for rescuers
    • DOnly call a tow company to move the boats
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Stop, help if safe, and give name, address and boat ID

    Federal law requires an operator involved in a casualty to give assistance as far as possible without serious danger, and to give their name, address and vessel identification.

21. Question 21 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.

22. Question 22 of 25

    Boat B is crossing from boat A's starboard (right) side. Which boat is the give-way vessel?

    • ABoat A
    • BWhichever boat is faster
    • CBoat B
    • DNeither; both must stop
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Boat A

    When two power-driven vessels cross, the one that has the other on its starboard side must keep out of the way. Boat A slows or turns right to pass behind B.

23. Question 23 of 25

    What does this white marker with an orange diamond and a cross inside mean?

    • ASwimmers may not enter
    • BBoats keep out of the area
    • CSlow down to 5 mph
    • DInformation about a nearby marina
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Boats keep out of the area

    A diamond with a cross marks an exclusion area. Boats must keep out, for example near dams or swimming areas.

24. Question 24 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.

25. Question 25 of 25

    A collision causes $3,000 in damage but no injuries. How soon must it be reported?

    • AWithin 10 days
    • BIt does not need to be reported
    • CWithin 2 hours
    • DWithin 48 hours
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Within 10 days

    Accidents with damage only (of $2,000 or more) must be reported within 10 days.

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