Arizona Boating Knowledge Quiz 2026: Practice test 4

1. Question 1 of 25

   In this diagram, what color is the port sidelight (light 1)?

   • AYellow
   • BWhite
   • CGreen
   • DRed
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Red

   The port sidelight is red and the starboard sidelight is green.

2. Question 2 of 25

   How should a give-way vessel act?

   • ABy speeding up to cross in front
   • BLate, with a small turn at the last moment
   • CEarly and with a large, obvious change of course or speed
   • DBy sounding five short blasts and holding course
   Show answer

   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.

3. Question 3 of 25

   Two powerboats meet head-on. What should each operator do?

   • AThe larger boat holds course and the smaller turns
   • BTurn to port and pass starboard to starboard
   • CBoth stop and wait for the other to move
   • DTurn 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.

4. Question 4 of 25

   Which light does a boat show when anchored at night?

   • AAn all-round red light
   • BIts red and green sidelights
   • CAn all-round white light
   • DA 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.

5. Question 5 of 25

   Where does the state validation decal go?

   • AOn the stern, right next to the motor
   • BWithin 6 inches of the registration number
   • CInside the glove box, with the papers
   • DOn the boat trailer's left fender
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Within 6 inches of the registration number

   The validation decal goes within 6 inches of the registration number, with no other numbers or letters nearby.

6. Question 6 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.

7. Question 7 of 25

   Under the federal rule, which children must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway?

   • AOnly children who cannot swim, of any age
   • BUnder 13, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin
   • CUnder 6, but only when the boat is out at night
   • DUnder 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.

8. Question 8 of 25

   What does an engine cut-off switch link do?

   • AStops the engine if the operator is thrown from the helm
   • BLocks the steering wheel when you are not aboard
   • CTurns on the navigation lights automatically
   • DStarts the bilge blower before the engine starts
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Stops the engine if the operator is thrown from the helm

   The lanyard links the operator to the switch. If the operator is thrown from the helm, the link pulls free and the engine shuts off.

9. Question 9 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.

10. Question 10 of 25

    What must every operator do at all times to avoid collisions?

    • ARely on other boats to see you
    • BWatch the radar only
    • CLook out only at night
    • DKeep 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.

11. Question 11 of 25

    Light 4 in the diagram is the white sternlight. How wide is its arc?

    • A225 degrees, toward the front
    • B360 degrees, all around
    • C112.5 degrees, on one side
    • D135 degrees, toward the back
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 135 degrees, toward the back

    The sternlight shines over 135 degrees behind the boat. The masthead light covers 225 degrees forward.

12. Question 12 of 25

    Is it legal to tie your boat to a navigation buoy?

    • ANo, it is dangerous and illegal
    • BYes, if you stay less than an hour
    • CYes, if the buoy is green
    • DYes, but only in daylight
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    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.

13. Question 13 of 25

    Your flares expired last year. Do they count toward the requirement?

    • AYes, for up to 5 years after expiry
    • BYes, if they are kept dry
    • CNo, expired pyrotechnics do not count
    • DYes, but only at night
    Show answer

    Answer: C. No, expired pyrotechnics do not count

    Pyrotechnic signals must be in date. Expired signals do not meet the requirement.

14. Question 14 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.

15. Question 15 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.

16. Question 16 of 25

    How tall must the letters and numbers of the registration number be?

    • AAt least 12 inches, in any color
    • BAt least 6 inches, in script letters
    • CAt least 3 inches, in block characters
    • DAt least 1 inch, in any style
    Show answer

    Answer: C. At least 3 inches, in block characters

    The registration number must be in plain block characters at least 3 inches high, in a color that contrasts with the hull.

17. Question 17 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.

18. Question 18 of 25

    A large ship can only operate safely inside a narrow channel. What must a small recreational boat do?

    • AHold course because small boats have right of way
    • BNot get in its way
    • CStop in the channel and wait
    • DCross in front of it to show its position
    Show answer

    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.

19. Question 19 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.

20. Question 20 of 25

    Several people are in cold water wearing life jackets. How can they stay warmer?

    • ASpread out to be seen
    • BFloat on their backs far apart
    • CHuddle close together
    • DTake turns swimming laps
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Huddle close together

    The huddle position reduces heat loss and keeps the group together for rescuers.

21. Question 21 of 25

    Which kind of life jacket is the right choice for riding a personal watercraft?

    • AA non-inflatable life jacket rated for PWC use
    • BA throwable cushion held on your lap
    • CNo life jacket is needed on a PWC
    • DAn 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.

22. Question 22 of 25

    You are the stand-on vessel, but the give-way vessel is not taking action and a collision is near. What must you do?

    • ATurn off your engine and drift
    • BSound one prolonged blast and keep going
    • CTake action to avoid the collision
    • DHold course and speed no matter what
    Show answer

    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.

23. Question 23 of 25

    Which vessels are exempt from carrying day visual distress signals?

    • AAny boat that has a working VHF radio
    • BBoats with inboard gasoline engines
    • CManually propelled boats, such as canoes
    • DAll boats over 26 feet with a cabin
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Manually propelled boats, such as canoes

    Manually propelled boats, boats under 16 feet, open sailboats under 26 feet without propulsion, and boats in organized events are exempt from day signals.

24. Question 24 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.

25. Question 25 of 25

    Where should swimmers stay away from while a boat's engine or generator is running?

    • AThe shoreline and shallow water nearby
    • BThe bow, where the anchor is stored
    • CThe swim platform and the back of the boat
    • DThe anchor line at the front of the boat
    Show answer

    Answer: C. The swim platform and the back of the boat

    Exhaust gases with carbon monoxide collect near the stern and swim platform. Do not swim or sit there while engines or generators run.

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