Delaware Boater Exam Practice Test 2026: Practice test 4

1. Question 1 of 25

   You are towing a water-skier. What is the job of the observer on board?

   • ASteer the skier using only hand signals
   • BKeep other boats from coming close to watch
   • CWatch the skier and tell the operator what happens
   • DDrive the boat while the operator watches
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Watch the skier and tell the operator what happens

   The operator must watch where the boat is going, so a second person keeps a continuous eye on the skier and reports falls and signals.

2. Question 2 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.

3. Question 3 of 25

   When must the operator of a covered boat use the engine cut-off switch link?

   • AOnly when towing a skier or a tube
   • BWhen on plane or above displacement speed
   • COnly when docking at a marina or ramp
   • DOnly 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.

4. Question 4 of 25

   You are returning from sea. On which side should you keep this green buoy?

   • AOn your port (left) side
   • BOn your starboard (right) side
   • COn either side
   • DDirectly 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.

5. Question 5 of 25

   How can you tell that you are on a collision course with another boat?

   • AIts compass bearing stays about the same as it gets closer
   • BIt is moving slower than you
   • CIts bearing changes quickly as it approaches
   • DIt is showing only a white light
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Its compass bearing stays about the same as it gets closer

   If an approaching vessel's bearing does not change much while the distance closes, a risk of collision exists.

6. Question 6 of 25

   What does "not under command" mean in the Navigation Rules?

   • AA vessel with no licensed captain on board at the time
   • BA vessel that cannot maneuver because of a problem, such as a steering failure
   • CA vessel that is going faster than the posted speed limit
   • DA vessel that is anchored or tied to a mooring buoy
   Show answer

   Answer: B. A vessel that cannot maneuver because of a problem, such as a steering failure

   A vessel not under command cannot keep out of the way because of an exceptional circumstance. Other vessels, including sailboats, must keep clear of it.

7. Question 7 of 25

   You see this red flag with a white diagonal stripe. What does it mean?

   • AThe beach ahead is private property
   • BShallow water ahead; boats should turn back
   • CDivers are nearby; slow down and keep well away
   • DA water-ski course is set up in this area
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Divers are nearby; slow down and keep well away

   The diver-down flag marks an area where people are diving. State laws set how far away boats must stay.

8. Question 8 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.

9. Question 9 of 25

   If you use pyrotechnic signals to meet the requirement, how many must you carry?

   • ASix signals for night use only
   • BThree for day use and three for night use
   • CTen signals of any type, day or night
   • DOne for day use and one for night use
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Three for day use and three for night use

   Carry at least three day and three night signals. Combination day/night flares can count toward both.

10. Question 10 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.

11. Question 11 of 25

    On inland waters, what signal does a power-driven vessel sound when it leaves a dock or berth?

    • AOne short blast
    • BTwo prolonged blasts
    • COne prolonged blast
    • DFive short blasts
    Show answer

    Answer: C. One prolonged blast

    A power-driven vessel leaving a dock or berth sounds one prolonged blast.

12. Question 12 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.

13. Question 13 of 25

    What does this white marker with an orange diamond and a cross inside mean?

    • ASwimmers may not enter
    • BBoats keep out of the area
    • CSlow down to 5 mph
    • DInformation about a nearby marina
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Boats keep out of the area

    A diamond with a cross marks an exclusion area. Boats must keep out, for example near dams or swimming areas.

14. Question 14 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.

15. Question 15 of 25

    During the day, a sailboat using its engine with its sails up should display what?

    • AA black cone with its point down
    • BAn orange flag on the mast
    • CA red pennant at the stern
    • DA black ball in the rigging
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A black cone with its point down

    A sailing vessel under power displays a cone, apex down, by day. It is not required for vessels under 12 meters on inland waters.

16. Question 16 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.

17. Question 17 of 25

    On inland waters, what do two short blasts mean when two power-driven vessels meet or cross in sight of each other?

    • A"I intend to leave you on my starboard side"
    • B"I intend to leave you on my port side"
    • C"I am leaving the dock"
    • D"I am anchored"
    Show answer

    Answer: A. "I intend to leave you on my starboard side"

    Under Inland Rule 34, two short blasts mean "I intend to leave you on my starboard side".

18. Question 18 of 25

    Which feature means a boat must carry a fire extinguisher?

    • APermanently installed fuel tanks
    • BA swim ladder at the stern
    • CA locker for the anchor and line
    • DA 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.

19. Question 19 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.

20. Question 20 of 25

    What should the stand-on vessel do in a crossing situation?

    • AKeep its course and speed
    • BSpeed up to get clear faster
    • CStop its engine right away
    • DTurn 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.

21. Question 21 of 25

    Your boat is 70 feet long and has a toilet. Which marine sanitation device types may it use?

    • ANo device is required
    • BType I only
    • CType I, II or III
    • DType 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.

22. Question 22 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.

23. Question 23 of 25

    On inland waters, you want to overtake a power-driven vessel and pass on its starboard side. What signal do you give?

    • ATwo short blasts
    • BOne short blast
    • COne prolonged blast
    • DThree short blasts
    Show answer

    Answer: B. One short blast

    Inland, one short blast means "I intend to overtake you on your starboard side". Two short blasts mean "on your port side".

24. Question 24 of 25

    Boat A is overtaking boat B from behind. Which boat must keep clear?

    • AThe smaller of the two boats
    • BBoat B, the boat being passed
    • CBoat A, the overtaking boat
    • DWhichever 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.

25. Question 25 of 25

    A sailboat under sail (A) and a powerboat (B) are on crossing courses. Which one is the give-way vessel?

    • AThe boat on the left
    • BThe sailboat, A
    • CThe powerboat, B
    • DThe 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.

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