Oregon Boater Education Card Practice Test 2026: Practice test 6

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

Boating
Oregon
132 questions
Checked October 10, 2026

Question 1 of 20
You are returning from sea. On which side should you keep this green buoy?
- On your port (left) side
- On your starboard (right) side
- On either side
- Directly ahead of you
Show answer
Answer: A. On your port (left) side
Green lateral markers mark the port side of the channel when you return from sea. Keep them on your left.
Question 2 of 20
A person goes missing from your boat. Who must you notify right away?
- The nearest state boating authority
- The company that built your boat
- Nobody until the written report is due
- Your 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.
Question 3 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 4 of 20
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 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
Your boat is 14 feet long and you are on coastal waters. Which visual distress signals are required?
- Day and night signals at all times on the water
- No signals at any time, because it is under 16 feet
- Day signals only, when out between sunrise and sunset
- Night 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.
Question 7 of 20
How often should you inspect your fire extinguishers?
- Every 5 years
- Monthly
- Never, if the seal is intact
- Only after a fire
Show answer
Answer: B. Monthly
Inspect extinguishers monthly. If the label lists a minimum weight, weigh them once a year.
Question 8 of 20
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 9 of 20
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 10 of 20
What does this buoy with red and white vertical stripes mark?
- Safe water, such as the middle of a channel
- A place where boats may not go
- A swimming area
- A wreck or rock to stay away from
Show answer
Answer: A. Safe water, such as the middle of a channel
Safe water markers have red and white vertical stripes. They mark safe water all around, often a fairway or mid-channel.
Question 11 of 20
When is an operator NOT required to use the engine cut-off switch link?
- When there are passengers on board
- When the water is calm
- When the main helm is inside an enclosed cabin
- When 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.
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
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 14 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.
Question 15 of 20
Is it legal to tie your boat to a navigation buoy?
- No, it is dangerous and illegal
- Yes, if you stay less than an hour
- Yes, if the buoy is green
- Yes, but only in daylight
Show answer
Answer: A. No, it is dangerous and illegal
Do not tie up to aids to navigation. It is dangerous and illegal, and it can hide the aid from other boaters.
Question 16 of 20
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 17 of 20
What kind of numbers do red nun buoys like this carry?
- Odd numbers
- Even numbers
- Letters only
- No numbers
Show answer
Answer: B. Even numbers
Red lateral markers carry even numbers, and the numbers increase as you head in from sea.
Question 18 of 20
A friend lifts your life jacket at the shoulders and it stays below your chin. What does this show?
- It fits properly
- It is the wrong color
- It is too loose
- It needs to be inflated
Show answer
Answer: A. It fits properly
A properly fitted life jacket stays in place when lifted at the shoulders. If it rides up over your chin or ears, it is too loose.
Question 19 of 20
You row a small rowboat after dark. What light do you need?
- A flashing blue light on the stern
- A white flashlight or lantern, ready to show
- No light, because it has no motor
- A red light mounted on the bow
Show answer
Answer: B. A white flashlight or lantern, ready to show
Vessels under oars may show sailing vessel lights, or must have a white flashlight or lantern ready to show.
Question 20 of 20
In this diagram, what color is the port sidelight (light 1)?
- Yellow
- White
- Green
- Red
Show answer
Answer: D. Red
The port sidelight is red and the starboard sidelight is green.

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