Alabama Boating License Practice Test 2026: Practice test 4

1. Question 1 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.

2. Question 2 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.

3. Question 3 of 25

   How old can a disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguisher be and still count?

   • AThere is no age limit if it is full
   • BNo more than 20 years from purchase
   • CNo more than 5 years from manufacture
   • DNo more than 12 years from manufacture
   Show answer

   Answer: D. No more than 12 years from manufacture

   Disposable extinguishers must be removed from service 12 years after the date stamped on the bottle, on December 31 of the 12th year.

4. Question 4 of 25

   A friend lifts your life jacket at the shoulders and it stays below your chin. What does this show?

   • AIt fits properly
   • BIt is the wrong color
   • CIt is too loose
   • DIt 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.

5. Question 5 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.

6. Question 6 of 25

   Your powerboat is approaching a vessel engaged in fishing with nets. What must you do?

   • AKeep out of its way
   • BSound five short blasts and continue
   • CHold your course; it must move for you
   • DPass 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.

7. Question 7 of 25

   Your boat is 14 feet long and you are on coastal waters. Which visual distress signals are required?

   • ADay and night signals at all times on the water
   • BNo signals at any time, because it is under 16 feet
   • CDay signals only, when out between sunrise and sunset
   • DNight 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.

8. Question 8 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.

9. Question 9 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.

10. Question 10 of 25

    A vessel overtaking you on inland waters signals its plan, and you agree. What do you do?

    • ATurn toward the overtaking boat
    • BSound five short blasts
    • CDo nothing; silence means yes
    • DSound the same signal back
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Sound the same signal back

    The vessel being overtaken answers with the same signal if it agrees. If it is unsure, it sounds the danger signal of at least five short blasts.

11. Question 11 of 25

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

    • AOn your port (left) side
    • BOn either side
    • COnly on your left at night
    • DOn your starboard (right) side
    Show answer

    Answer: D. On your starboard (right) side

    Remember "red, right, returning": keep red markers on your starboard side when returning from sea.

12. Question 12 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.

13. Question 13 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.

14. Question 14 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.

15. Question 15 of 25

    A 22-foot outboard boat has a closed compartment where a portable fuel tank is stored. How many 5-B extinguishers does it need?

    • ATwo
    • BThree
    • CNone
    • DOne
    Show answer

    Answer: D. One

    Boats under 26 feet that need an extinguisher must carry one 5-B extinguisher (or none if a fixed system is installed in the machinery space).

16. Question 16 of 25

    You approach a river bend where you cannot see around the corner. What signal should you sound on inland waters?

    • AFive short blasts
    • BTwo short blasts
    • COne prolonged blast
    • DThree short blasts
    Show answer

    Answer: C. One prolonged blast

    A vessel nearing a bend or obstructed area sounds one prolonged blast. Any vessel around the bend that hears it answers with a prolonged blast.

17. Question 17 of 25

    Where can you legally throw plastic overboard?

    • AMore than 12 miles from shore
    • BNowhere
    • CMore than 3 miles from shore
    • DOnly in rivers
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Nowhere

    Discharging plastic into the water is prohibited everywhere.

18. Question 18 of 25

    Which boats must display a garbage placard?

    • AOnly boats over 100 feet
    • BOnly sailboats
    • CAll boats of any size
    • DBoats 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.

19. Question 19 of 25

    In fog, what signal does a power-driven vessel give while it is moving through the water?

    • AA bell rung once every 5 minutes
    • BTwo short blasts every minute
    • CThree short blasts every 2 minutes
    • DOne prolonged blast at least every 2 minutes
    Show answer

    Answer: D. One prolonged blast at least every 2 minutes

    In restricted visibility, a power-driven vessel making way sounds one prolonged blast at intervals of no more than 2 minutes.

20. Question 20 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.

21. Question 21 of 25

    This white buoy with a blue band is a mooring buoy. What is it for?

    • AWarning of a hidden rock
    • BMarking the right side of a channel
    • CMarking a no-wake zone
    • DTying 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.

22. Question 22 of 25

    A collision causes $3,000 in damage but no injuries. How soon must it be reported?

    • AWithin 10 days
    • BIt does not need to be reported
    • CWithin 2 hours
    • DWithin 48 hours
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Within 10 days

    Accidents with damage only (of $2,000 or more) must be reported within 10 days.

23. Question 23 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.

24. Question 24 of 25

    Which check is part of keeping a fire extinguisher "good and serviceable"?

    • AThe gauge is in the operable range and the pin is in place
    • BThe extinguisher has been tested by using it once
    • CThe label has been removed so it fits the bracket
    • DThe 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.

25. Question 25 of 25

    On inland waters, a power-driven vessel meeting you sounds one short blast. What does it mean?

    • A"I am operating astern propulsion"
    • B"I am in distress"
    • C"I intend to leave you on my port side"
    • D"I intend to leave you on my starboard side"
    Show answer

    Answer: C. "I intend to leave you on my port side"

    Under Inland Rule 34, one short blast means "I intend to leave you on my port side". If you agree, answer with one short blast.

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