Alaska Boating Knowledge Quiz 2026: Practice test 5

1. Question 1 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.

2. Question 2 of 25

   On a regulatory marker, what does an orange square or rectangle mean?

   • AIt gives information, such as directions
   • BDanger ahead, such as rocks
   • CBoats must keep out of the area
   • DA speed limit applies in the area
   Show answer

   Answer: A. It gives information, such as directions

   Squares give information. Diamonds warn of danger, diamonds with a cross mean keep out, and circles mark controlled areas.

3. Question 3 of 25

   Which non-pyrotechnic signal counts for daytime use only?

   • AAn orange distress flag, 3 by 3 feet
   • BA white all-round anchor light
   • CAn electric distress light
   • DA green flashlight, held up high
   Show answer

   Answer: A. An orange distress flag, 3 by 3 feet

   An orange distress flag is a day signal. An electric distress light is a night signal.

4. Question 4 of 25

   You are in a No Discharge Zone. What must you do with your marine sanitation device?

   • ADischarge only sewage that has been treated
   • BRemove the toilet from the boat completely
   • CSecure it so it cannot discharge, such as with a padlock
   • DDischarge only at night when no one is swimming
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Secure it so it cannot discharge, such as with a padlock

   In a No Discharge Zone, no sewage may be discharged, and the device must be secured, such as with a padlocked valve or locked door.

5. Question 5 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.

6. Question 6 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".

7. Question 7 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.

8. Question 8 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.

9. Question 9 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.

10. Question 10 of 25

    A vessel flies this blue and white flag (code flag A). What does it mean?

    • AIt is towing a skier and needs extra room
    • BIt is for sale and you may come alongside
    • CIt has divers down and cannot easily maneuver
    • DIt is anchored for the night with no one aboard
    Show answer

    Answer: C. It has divers down and cannot easily maneuver

    When a vessel engaged in diving cannot show the normal shapes, it displays a rigid replica of code flag "A" at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) high.

11. Question 11 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.

12. Question 12 of 25

    How should the registration number be separated into groups?

    • AIt must be written as one long group
    • BWith a slash between letters and numbers
    • CWith a hyphen or a space the width of one letter
    • DWith periods between each character
    Show answer

    Answer: C. With a hyphen or a space the width of one letter

    Spaces or hyphens equal to the width of a letter (other than I) or number (other than 1) separate the groups.

13. Question 13 of 25

    On a powerboat under 12 meters, how high must the all-round white light be above the sidelights?

    • AAt least 6 inches (15 cm)
    • BAt least 10 feet (3 meters)
    • CAt the same height as them
    • DAt least 3.3 feet (1 meter)
    Show answer

    Answer: D. At least 3.3 feet (1 meter)

    The masthead or all-round white light must be at least 3.3 feet higher than the sidelights.

14. Question 14 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.

15. Question 15 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.

16. Question 16 of 25

    At night you see a red and a green light straight ahead. What is happening?

    • AA vessel is heading straight toward you
    • BA vessel is moving away from you
    • CA vessel is anchored
    • DA buoy marks a channel
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A vessel is heading straight toward you

    Seeing both sidelights means the vessel is pointed at you. Treat it as a head-on meeting and turn to starboard.

17. Question 17 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.

18. Question 18 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.

19. Question 19 of 25

    Who may use an inflatable life jacket to meet the carriage requirement?

    • AAnyone of any age
    • BOnly people who cannot swim
    • CPeople 16 years of age and older
    • DChildren under 13
    Show answer

    Answer: C. People 16 years of age and older

    Inflatable life jackets are approved only for people 16 and older.

20. Question 20 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.

21. Question 21 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.

22. Question 22 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.

23. Question 23 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.

24. Question 24 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.

25. Question 25 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.

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