Boater Safety Exam Practice (US) 2026
There is no single national boating license in the United States. Each state sets its own boater education rules, and most approved courses follow national standards. This practice test covers the federal rules and national topics those courses teach.
Quick answer
Pass mark: No single national exam. Each state sets its own education rules and approves its courses and exams. It is run by State boating law agencies (federal equipment rules: U.S. Coast Guard). Practise here for free with 120 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.
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Question 1 of 25
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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.
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Question 2 of 25
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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.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: C. Early and with a large, obvious change of course or speed
The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action so the other operator can clearly see what it is doing.
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Question 4 of 25
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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.
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Question 5 of 25
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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.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: C. The powerboat, B
A power-driven vessel must keep out of the way of a sailing vessel, unless the sailboat is overtaking it.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: A. As a power-driven vessel
A sailboat using its engine is a power-driven vessel and follows the power-driven rules.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: A. Keep out of its way
A power-driven vessel underway must keep out of the way of a vessel engaged in fishing, which has nets or gear that limit its movement.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: A. The starboard (right) side
In a narrow channel, keep as near to the outer edge on your starboard side as is safe.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: B. Not get in its way
Vessels under 20 meters (65.6 feet) and sailing vessels must not impede a vessel that can navigate safely only within a narrow channel.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: D. Keep a proper lookout by sight and hearing
Every vessel must keep a proper lookout by sight and hearing, and by all available means, at all times.
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Question 12 of 25
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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.
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Question 13 of 25
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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.
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Question 14 of 25
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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.
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Question 15 of 25
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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.
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Question 16 of 25
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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.
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Question 17 of 25
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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.
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Question 18 of 25
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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".
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: A. "I am operating astern propulsion"
Three short blasts mean the vessel is operating astern propulsion, such as backing its engines.
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Question 20 of 25
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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.
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Question 21 of 25
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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.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: C. One prolonged blast
A power-driven vessel leaving a dock or berth sounds one prolonged blast.
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Question 23 of 25
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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".
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Question 24 of 25
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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.
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Question 25 of 25
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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.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: No single national exam. Each state sets its own education rules and approves its courses and exams.
What to know before the test
- Every boat needs one Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket per person. Boats 16 feet and longer, except canoes and kayaks, also need a throwable device.
- Under the federal rule, children under 13 must wear a life jacket while underway unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin. A state rule, where one exists, applies on that state's waters.
- Since April 20, 2022, extinguishers rated 5-B or larger meet the requirement. Disposable extinguishers must be removed from service 12 years after manufacture.
- Since April 1, 2021, operators of covered boats under 26 feet must use the engine cut-off switch link when on plane or above displacement speed.
- Operating a boat with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher violates federal law.
- Accidents involving death, disappearance, injury beyond first aid, damage of $2,000 or more, or loss of a boat must be reported.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a national boating license in the US?
No. Each state sets its own boater education rules. Federal law sets the minimum equipment rules and the Navigation Rules that apply everywhere.
What equipment does the Coast Guard require on a small powerboat?
Typically a wearable life jacket for each person, a throwable device if 16 feet or longer, a sound-producing device, navigation lights for night use, and, depending on the boat, fire extinguishers, ventilation, a backfire flame arrester and visual distress signals.
What does "red, right, returning" mean?
When you return from sea or head upstream, keep red buoys on your right (starboard) side and green buoys on your left.
When must a boating accident be reported?
When someone dies, disappears or needs more than first aid, when damage is $2,000 or more, or when a boat is lost. Reports are due within 48 hours for injuries, deaths within 24 hours and disappearances, and within 10 days otherwise.
Does this test cover my state's rules?
This test covers national rules. State practice tests for Florida, California, Texas, New York, North Carolina, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, Oregon add questions on each state's own laws.
Sources
- U.S. Coast Guard: A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats
- U.S. Coast Guard: Fire Extinguishers for Recreational Boaters
- U.S. Coast Guard: Engine cut-off switch law announcement
- U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center: Navigation Rules
- 33 CFR 83.34 (Inland Rule 34: maneuvering and warning signals)
- 33 CFR 173.55 (boating accident report deadlines)
- 33 CFR Part 62 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
- 46 U.S.C. 2303 (duties related to marine casualty assistance)