North Carolina Boater Exam Practice Test 2026: Practice test 5

Practice test 5 of 6 for the North Carolina Boater Exam Practice Test: 25 more questions with answers and explanations.

Boating
North Carolina
132 questions
Checked October 10, 2026

Question 1 of 25
Which check is part of keeping a fire extinguisher "good and serviceable"?
- The gauge is in the operable range and the pin is in place
- The extinguisher has been tested by using it once
- The label has been removed so it fits the bracket
- The 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.
Question 2 of 25
Which light does a boat show when anchored at night?
- An all-round red light
- Its red and green sidelights
- An all-round white light
- A flashing yellow light
Show answer
Answer: C. An all-round white light
A vessel at anchor shows an all-round white light at night and a black ball by day.
Question 3 of 25
Which boats must display a garbage placard?
- Only boats over 100 feet
- Only sailboats
- All boats of any size
- Boats 26 feet and longer
Show answer
Answer: D. Boats 26 feet and longer
Vessels 26 feet or longer must display a garbage placard at least 4 by 9 inches in a prominent place.
Question 4 of 25
Boat A is overtaking boat B from behind. Which boat must keep clear?
- The smaller of the two boats
- Boat B, the boat being passed
- Boat A, the overtaking boat
- Whichever boat is closer to shore
Show answer
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.
Question 5 of 25
A collision causes $3,000 in damage but no injuries. How soon must it be reported?
- Within 10 days
- It does not need to be reported
- Within 2 hours
- Within 48 hours
Show answer
Answer: A. Within 10 days
Accidents with damage only (of $2,000 or more) must be reported within 10 days.
Question 6 of 25
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 7 of 25
A sailboat under sail (A) and a powerboat (B) are on crossing courses. Which one is the give-way vessel?
- The boat on the left
- The sailboat, A
- The powerboat, B
- The boat that is moving faster
Show answer
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.
Question 8 of 25
Another vessel sounds at least five short, rapid blasts. What does it mean?
- It agrees with your plan and will hold its course
- It is about to anchor in the middle of the channel
- It is greeting you and inviting you to pass
- It 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.
Question 9 of 25
During the day, what shape does a vessel at anchor display?
- Two red balls on the mast
- An orange flag at the stern
- A black ball near the bow
- A black cone, point down
Show answer
Answer: C. A black ball near the bow
An anchored vessel shows a black ball forward by day and an all-round white light at night. Vessels under 7 meters away from channels and anchorages are generally exempt.
Question 10 of 25
Which kind of life jacket is the right choice for riding a personal watercraft?
- A non-inflatable life jacket rated for PWC use
- A throwable cushion held on your lap
- No life jacket is needed on a PWC
- An inflatable belt pack
Show answer
Answer: A. A non-inflatable life jacket rated for PWC use
Most inflatable life jackets are not approved for PWC use. Wear a properly sized, inherently buoyant life jacket meant for PWC riding.
Question 11 of 25
Two powerboats meet head-on. What should each operator do?
- The larger boat holds course and the smaller turns
- Turn to port and pass starboard to starboard
- Both stop and wait for the other to move
- Turn 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.
Question 12 of 25
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 13 of 25
What is a "safe speed"?
- A speed that lets you stop or turn in time
- The speed posted at the nearest launch ramp
- Any speed under 10 mph, in all conditions
- The 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.
Question 14 of 25
Two sailboats meet with the wind on different sides. Which must keep clear?
- The boat with the wind on its port side
- The boat with the wind on its starboard side
- The larger sailboat
- The boat that is to leeward
Show answer
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.
Question 15 of 25
Your powerboat is approaching a vessel engaged in fishing with nets. What must you do?
- Keep out of its way
- Sound five short blasts and continue
- Hold your course; it must move for you
- Pass close to look at its gear
Show answer
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.
Question 16 of 25
How should the registration number be separated into groups?
- It must be written as one long group
- With a slash between letters and numbers
- With a hyphen or a space the width of one letter
- With periods between each character
Show answer
Answer: C. With a hyphen or a space the width of one letter
Spaces or hyphens equal to the width of a letter (other than I) or number (other than 1) separate the groups.
Question 17 of 25
A sailboat is motoring with its engine and its sails are down. How is it treated under the Navigation Rules?
- As a power-driven vessel
- As a vessel not under command
- As a sailing vessel
- As 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.
Question 18 of 25
Which non-pyrotechnic signal counts for daytime use only?
- An orange distress flag, 3 by 3 feet
- A white all-round anchor light
- An electric distress light
- A green flashlight, held up high
Show answer
Answer: A. An orange distress flag, 3 by 3 feet
An orange distress flag is a day signal. An electric distress light is a night signal.
Question 19 of 25
When must the operator of a covered boat use the engine cut-off switch link?
- Only when towing a skier or a tube
- When on plane or above displacement speed
- Only when docking at a marina or ramp
- Only when operating after dark
Show answer
Answer: B. When on plane or above displacement speed
Since April 1, 2021, operators of covered boats must use the engine cut-off switch link when running on plane or above displacement speed.
Question 20 of 25
Your boat is 40 feet long and you operate on U.S. inland waters. What document must you keep on board?
- A copy of the boat's insurance policy
- A copy of the Navigation Rules
- A map of every state you will visit
- A 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.
Question 21 of 25
Several people are in cold water wearing life jackets. How can they stay warmer?
- Spread out to be seen
- Float on their backs far apart
- Huddle close together
- Take turns swimming laps
Show answer
Answer: C. Huddle close together
The huddle position reduces heat loss and keeps the group together for rescuers.
Question 22 of 25
What must every operator do at all times to avoid collisions?
- Rely on other boats to see you
- Watch the radar only
- Look out only at night
- Keep a proper lookout by sight and hearing
Show answer
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.
Question 23 of 25
You see this marker with an orange circle and the number 10 inside. What does it tell you?
- A speed limit applies in the area
- 10 boats may anchor here
- It is buoy number 10 in the channel
- The water is 10 feet deep
Show answer
Answer: A. A speed limit applies in the area
A circle marks a controlled area. A number inside shows the speed limit that applies.
Question 24 of 25
Under the federal rule, which children must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway?
- Only children who cannot swim, of any age
- Under 13, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin
- Under 6, but only when the boat is out at night
- Under 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.
Question 25 of 25
What amount of property damage makes a boating accident reportable?
- $2,000 or more
- $10,000 or more
- $500 or more
- $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.

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