Washington, DC Boating Safety Knowledge Quiz 2026: Practice test 3

1. Question 1 of 25

   What must a boat 12 meters (39.4 feet) or longer carry for sound signals?

   • AA referee whistle for the operator
   • BA small hand bell kept at the helm
   • CA whistle audible for 1/2 nautical mile
   • DNothing beyond a working VHF radio
   Show answer

   Answer: C. A whistle audible for 1/2 nautical mile

   Vessels 12 meters or longer need a whistle (horn) audible for 1/2 nautical mile. Vessels 20 meters or longer also need a bell.

2. Question 2 of 25

   What sound-producing device must a boat under 12 meters (39.4 feet) carry?

   • AA bell and a gong mounted on deck
   • BA siren, like those used on police boats
   • CNothing; shouting loudly is enough
   • DAn efficient sound device, such as a horn or whistle
   Show answer

   Answer: D. An efficient sound device, such as a horn or whistle

   Boats under 12 meters must carry an efficient sound-producing device, such as a hand-held air horn or a whistle. A human voice is not acceptable.

3. Question 3 of 25

   Your state has a different child life jacket age than the federal rule. Which rule applies on that state's waters?

   • AThe federal rule always
   • BThe state rule
   • CWhichever age is higher
   • DNeither; you may choose
   Show answer

   Answer: B. The state rule

   Where a state sets its own child life jacket requirement, the state rule applies on waters under that state's jurisdiction.

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

   You see this marker with an orange circle and the number 10 inside. What does it tell you?

   • AA speed limit applies in the area
   • B10 boats may anchor here
   • CIt is buoy number 10 in the channel
   • DThe 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.

6. Question 6 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.

7. Question 7 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.

8. Question 8 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.

9. Question 9 of 25

   Which boats are covered by the federal engine cut-off switch law?

   • AOnly sailboats that have an outboard motor
   • BOnly commercial fishing boats of any size
   • CRecreational boats under 26 feet, about 3 hp or more
   • DAll recreational boats over 40 feet long
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Recreational boats under 26 feet, about 3 hp or more

   The law covers recreational vessels under 26 feet with engines that make 115 pounds of static thrust (about 3 hp) or more.

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

    After a boating accident, what must the operator do?

    • AStop, help if safe, and give name, address and boat ID
    • BWait for the other boat to call for help first
    • CLeave quickly so the area is clear for rescuers
    • DOnly call a tow company to move the boats
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Stop, help if safe, and give name, address and boat ID

    Federal law requires an operator involved in a casualty to give assistance as far as possible without serious danger, and to give their name, address and vessel identification.

12. Question 12 of 25

    Boat B is crossing from boat A's starboard (right) side. Which boat is the give-way vessel?

    • ABoat A
    • BWhichever boat is faster
    • CBoat B
    • DNeither; both must stop
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Boat A

    When two power-driven vessels cross, the one that has the other on its starboard side must keep out of the way. Boat A slows or turns right to pass behind B.

13. Question 13 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.

14. Question 14 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.

15. Question 15 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.

16. Question 16 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.

17. Question 17 of 25

    What amount of property damage makes a boating accident reportable?

    • A$2,000 or more
    • B$10,000 or more
    • C$500 or more
    • D$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.

18. Question 18 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.

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

    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".

21. Question 21 of 25

    Your boat is 40 feet long and you operate on U.S. inland waters. What document must you keep on board?

    • AA copy of the boat's insurance policy
    • BA copy of the Navigation Rules
    • CA map of every state you will visit
    • DA 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.

22. Question 22 of 25

    Another vessel sounds at least five short, rapid blasts. What does it mean?

    • AIt agrees with your plan and will hold its course
    • BIt is about to anchor in the middle of the channel
    • CIt is greeting you and inviting you to pass
    • DIt 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.

23. Question 23 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.

24. Question 24 of 25

    On a Coast Guard documented vessel, how tall must the name and hailing port be?

    • AAny size that can be read
    • BAt least 12 inches
    • CAt least 1 inch
    • DAt least 4 inches
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At least 4 inches

    Documented vessels show their name and hailing port together on the hull in letters at least 4 inches high.

25. Question 25 of 25

    One 20-B fire extinguisher can replace how many required 5-B extinguishers?

    • ATwo
    • BFour
    • CThree
    • DOne
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Two

    One 20-B extinguisher may be carried in place of two required 5-B extinguishers.

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