California Boater Card Practice Test 2026: Practice test 6

Practice test 6 of 6 for the California Boater Card Practice Test: 20 more questions with answers and explanations.

Boating
California
132 questions
Checked October 10, 2026

Question 1 of 20
You are returning from sea. On which side should you keep this red buoy?
- On your port (left) side
- On either side
- Only on your left at night
- On your starboard (right) side
Show answer
Answer: D. On your starboard (right) side
Remember "red, right, returning": keep red markers on your starboard side when returning from sea.
Question 2 of 20
In fog, what signal does a power-driven vessel give while it is moving through the water?
- A bell rung once every 5 minutes
- Two short blasts every minute
- Three short blasts every 2 minutes
- One prolonged blast at least every 2 minutes
Show answer
Answer: D. One prolonged blast at least every 2 minutes
In restricted visibility, a power-driven vessel making way sounds one prolonged blast at intervals of no more than 2 minutes.
Question 3 of 20
Why is sudden immersion in cold water so dangerous in the first minutes?
- Your body freezes solid within seconds
- Cold water is much harder to float in
- Life jackets stop working in cold water
- Cold shock makes you gasp and breathe in water
Show answer
Answer: D. Cold shock makes you gasp and breathe in water
Sudden immersion triggers a gasp reflex and fast breathing. Without a life jacket, you can inhale water and drown before hypothermia even starts.
Question 4 of 20
At night you see a red and a green light straight ahead. What is happening?
- A vessel is heading straight toward you
- A vessel is moving away from you
- A vessel is anchored
- A 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.
Question 5 of 20
What is the maximum federal criminal penalty for boating under the influence?
- A written warning, with no fine
- Up to $5,000, one year in prison, or both
- Loss of your car driver license only
- A 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.
Question 6 of 20
Under federal law, at what blood alcohol concentration is a recreational boat operator considered intoxicated?
- 0.12 or higher
- 0.02 or higher
- 0.08 or higher
- 0.15 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.
Question 7 of 20
Your boat is 70 feet long and has a toilet. Which marine sanitation device types may it use?
- No device is required
- Type I only
- Type I, II or III
- Type II or Type III
Show answer
Answer: D. Type II or Type III
Vessels 65 feet and under may use a Type I, II or III device. Vessels over 65 feet must use Type II or III.
Question 8 of 20
Which feature means a boat must carry a fire extinguisher?
- Permanently installed fuel tanks
- A swim ladder at the stern
- A locker for the anchor and line
- A canvas bimini top for shade
Show answer
Answer: A. Permanently installed fuel tanks
Extinguishers are required on boats with features such as closed compartments where fuel tanks may be stored, permanently installed fuel tanks or closed living spaces.
Question 9 of 20
What do three short blasts mean?
- "I am operating astern propulsion"
- "I am turning to starboard now"
- "Please pass me on either side"
- "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.
Question 10 of 20
A 22-foot outboard boat has a closed compartment where a portable fuel tank is stored. How many 5-B extinguishers does it need?
- Two
- Three
- None
- One
Show answer
Answer: D. One
Boats under 26 feet that need an extinguisher must carry one 5-B extinguisher (or none if a fixed system is installed in the machinery space).
Question 11 of 20
You approach a river bend where you cannot see around the corner. What signal should you sound on inland waters?
- Five short blasts
- Two short blasts
- One prolonged blast
- Three 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.
Question 12 of 20
You are alone in cold water wearing a life jacket and cannot climb out. What should you do?
- Splash and kick constantly to stay visible
- Take off your life jacket so you can move freely
- Swim hard in circles to keep your body warm
- Fold 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.
Question 13 of 20
A vessel flies this blue and white flag (code flag A). What does it mean?
- It is towing a skier and needs extra room
- It is for sale and you may come alongside
- It has divers down and cannot easily maneuver
- It 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.
Question 14 of 20
What sound signal does a sailing vessel give in fog or other restricted visibility?
- One prolonged and two short blasts, every 2 minutes or less
- Continuous blasts on the horn until the fog lifts
- One short blast, repeated once every minute
- Two 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.
Question 15 of 20
Which boats are covered by the federal engine cut-off switch law?
- Only sailboats that have an outboard motor
- Only commercial fishing boats of any size
- Recreational boats under 26 feet, about 3 hp or more
- All 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.
Question 16 of 20
What kind of numbers do green can buoys like this carry?
- Numbers ending in zero
- Odd numbers
- Letters only
- Even numbers
Show answer
Answer: B. Odd numbers
Green lateral markers carry odd numbers. Red markers carry even numbers.
Question 17 of 20
Your boat meets the rules of the state where it is registered. Does it automatically meet the rules of every other state?
- No. Another state may have different requirements
- Yes, as long as it has federal equipment
- Yes, all states have identical rules
- Only if the boat is under 16 feet
Show answer
Answer: A. No. Another state may have different requirements
Federal rules are the minimum. A boat that meets its home state's rules may not meet the rules of another state where it is used.
Question 18 of 20
What should the stand-on vessel do in a crossing situation?
- Keep its course and speed
- Speed up to get clear faster
- Stop its engine right away
- Turn 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.
Question 19 of 20
In a narrow channel, which side should you keep to?
- The starboard (right) side
- Whichever side has less traffic
- The center of the channel
- The 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.
Question 20 of 20
This white buoy with a blue band is a mooring buoy. What is it for?
- Warning of a hidden rock
- Marking the right side of a channel
- Marking a no-wake zone
- Tying up or securing a boat
Show answer
Answer: D. Tying up or securing a boat
Mooring buoys are white with a horizontal blue band. They are made for boats to tie up to.

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