North Carolina Boater Exam Practice Test 2026: Practice test 2

1. Question 1 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.

2. Question 2 of 25

   When is an operator NOT required to use the engine cut-off switch link?

   • AWhen there are passengers on board
   • BWhen the water is calm
   • CWhen the main helm is inside an enclosed cabin
   • DWhen the boat is going faster than 20 mph
   Show answer

   Answer: C. When the main helm is inside an enclosed cabin

   The requirement does not apply when the main helm is inside an enclosed cabin. It is also not needed at slow speeds such as docking or trolling.

3. Question 3 of 25

   A power-driven boat under 12 meters (39.4 feet) may show which lights instead of a masthead light and sternlight?

   • AOne flashing yellow light at the bow
   • BIts sidelights only, with no white light
   • CTwo red all-round lights, one above the other
   • DAn all-round white light plus sidelights
   Show answer

   Answer: D. An all-round white light plus sidelights

   A power-driven vessel under 12 meters may combine its masthead light and sternlight into one all-round white light, shown with sidelights.

4. Question 4 of 25

   Where must the registration number be displayed on a numbered boat?

   • AInside the cabin, near the helm
   • BOn each side of the forward half of the boat
   • COn the windshield, facing forward
   • DOn the transom only, below the motor
   Show answer

   Answer: B. On each side of the forward half of the boat

   Registration numbers go on both sides of the forward half of the hull, reading left to right.

5. Question 5 of 25

   Since April 20, 2022, which fire extinguisher ratings meet carriage requirements on all recreational boats?

   • AClass D only, for metal fires
   • B1-A only, for wood and paper
   • CAny household extinguisher
   • D5-B or larger, such as 5-B:C
   Show answer

   Answer: D. 5-B or larger, such as 5-B:C

   Extinguishers rated 5-B (for example 5-B:C or 10-B:C) or larger meet the carriage requirements for all recreational vessels.

6. Question 6 of 25

   At night you see a red and a green light straight ahead. What is happening?

   • AA vessel is heading straight toward you
   • BA vessel is moving away from you
   • CA vessel is anchored
   • DA 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.

7. Question 7 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.

8. Question 8 of 25

   A 30-foot boat with an engine room must post which placard?

   • AAn oil discharge placard, at least 5 by 8 inches
   • BA speed limit sign for the nearest marina
   • CA placard listing the names of the crew
   • DA no-smoking sign, at least 2 by 3 inches
   Show answer

   Answer: A. An oil discharge placard, at least 5 by 8 inches

   Boats 26 feet or longer with a machinery space must post an oil discharge placard at least 5 by 8 inches in the machinery space or at the bilge pump station.

9. Question 9 of 25

   This marker shows a diamond with a cross and the words "SWIM AREA". What must boaters do?

   • AKeep it on your right when returning
   • BKeep out of the marked swimming area
   • CAnchor there to swim
   • DSlow down and pass through it
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Keep out of the marked swimming area

   A diamond with a cross means boats keep out. Here it protects a swimming area.

10. Question 10 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.

11. Question 11 of 25

    Your boat is 14 feet long and you are on coastal waters. Which visual distress signals are required?

    • ADay and night signals at all times on the water
    • BNo signals at any time, because it is under 16 feet
    • CDay signals only, when out between sunrise and sunset
    • DNight signals, when out between sunset and sunrise
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Night signals, when out between sunset and sunrise

    Boats under 16 feet are exempt from day signal requirements but must carry night signals when operating from sunset to sunrise.

12. Question 12 of 25

    For which activities does the Coast Guard recommend wearing a life jacket, and many states require it?

    • AOnly fishing from a dock or a pier
    • BOnly when the boat is anchored offshore
    • COnly boating after dark on large lakes
    • DWater skiing, PWC riding, whitewater and sailboarding
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Water skiing, PWC riding, whitewater and sailboarding

    The Coast Guard recommends wearing a life jacket for high-risk activities like water skiing, PWC riding, whitewater and sailboarding, and many states require it.

13. Question 13 of 25

    Someone is injured and needs medical treatment beyond first aid. How soon must the written report be filed?

    • AWithin 10 days
    • BWithin 48 hours
    • CWithin 30 days
    • DWithin one year
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Within 48 hours

    Reports are due within 48 hours for a death within 24 hours, an injury beyond first aid, or a disappearance. Other reportable accidents must be reported within 10 days.

14. Question 14 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.

15. Question 15 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.

16. Question 16 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.

17. Question 17 of 25

    What does this white marker with an open orange diamond mean?

    • ADanger, such as rocks, shoals or a dam
    • BBoats may not enter the area
    • CA safe place to anchor overnight
    • DA speed limit applies here
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Danger, such as rocks, shoals or a dam

    An orange diamond warns of danger. The danger may be described in black letters on the marker.

18. Question 18 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).

19. Question 19 of 25

    When must recreational boats show navigation lights?

    • AOnly when other boats are close by
    • BFrom sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility
    • COnly on nights when there is no moon
    • DOnly on the ocean, not on lakes or rivers
    Show answer

    Answer: B. From sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility

    Navigation lights are required between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.

20. Question 20 of 25

    Which compartments need a powered exhaust blower?

    • AOnly compartments used to store life jackets and lines
    • BThose with a gasoline engine that has a remote-start motor
    • CEvery compartment on every boat, of any kind
    • DOnly cabins that have a toilet or a sink
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Those with a gasoline engine that has a remote-start motor

    A powered blower is required for compartments with a permanently installed gasoline engine that has a cranking motor for remote starting.

21. Question 21 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.

22. Question 22 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.

23. Question 23 of 25

    Older B-I and B-II extinguishers are still accepted on which boats?

    • AAll boats, of any model year
    • BOnly boats built in 2018 or later
    • CBoats built in model year 2017 or earlier
    • DOnly personal watercraft of any year
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Boats built in model year 2017 or earlier

    Coast Guard B-I and B-II extinguishers are acceptable only on vessels built in model year 2017 or earlier.

24. Question 24 of 25

    Why is sudden immersion in cold water so dangerous in the first minutes?

    • AYour body freezes solid within seconds
    • BCold water is much harder to float in
    • CLife jackets stop working in cold water
    • DCold 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.

25. Question 25 of 25

    Instead of a lanyard, what other type of engine cut-off device is approved?

    • AA warning sticker placed on the dashboard
    • BA loud alarm that sounds but does not stop the engine
    • CA rope tied between the helm and the ladder
    • DA wireless fob that stops the engine in water
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A wireless fob that stops the engine in water

    Wireless engine cut-off devices, worn by the operator, stop the engine when the fob goes into the water.

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