Colorado Boater Exam Practice Test 2026: Practice test 5

1. Question 1 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.

2. Question 2 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.

3. Question 3 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.

4. Question 4 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.

5. Question 5 of 25

   What kind of numbers do green can buoys like this carry?

   • ANumbers ending in zero
   • BOdd numbers
   • CLetters only
   • DEven numbers
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Odd numbers

   Green lateral markers carry odd numbers. Red markers carry even numbers.

6. Question 6 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.

7. Question 7 of 25

   What is true about carbon monoxide (CO) from boat engines?

   • AIt is safe outdoors on a boat
   • BIt only comes from diesel engines
   • CIt smells like gasoline, so it is easy to notice
   • DIt has no color or smell and can kill quickly
   Show answer

   Answer: D. It has no color or smell and can kill quickly

   Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. It can build up around a boat, especially near the stern and swim platform, while engines or generators run.

8. Question 8 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.

9. Question 9 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.

10. Question 10 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.

11. Question 11 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.

12. Question 12 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).

13. Question 13 of 25

    Which boats must also carry a throwable flotation device?

    • AOnly canoes and kayaks, of any length
    • BOnly boats over 40 feet used on the ocean
    • CAll boats of any length, including paddleboards
    • DBoats 16 feet or longer, except canoes and kayaks
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Boats 16 feet or longer, except canoes and kayaks

    Boats 16 feet or longer, except canoes and kayaks, must also carry one throwable device (Type IV).

14. Question 14 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.

15. Question 15 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.

16. Question 16 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.

17. Question 17 of 25

    Two vessels agree by VHF radio how they will pass each other. Do they still have to sound whistle signals?

    • ANo, and sounding them would be illegal
    • BNo, but they may
    • CYes, always, before and after passing
    • DYes, but only at night
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, but they may

    Vessels that reach agreement by radio do not have to sound the whistle signals. If they cannot agree, whistle signals must be exchanged and they prevail.

18. Question 18 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.

19. Question 19 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.

20. Question 20 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.

21. Question 21 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.

22. Question 22 of 25

    Why is sudden immersion in cold water so dangerous in the first minutes?

    • AYour body freezes solid within seconds
    • BCold water is much harder to float in
    • CLife jackets stop working in cold water
    • DCold shock makes you gasp and breathe in water
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Cold shock makes you gasp and breathe in water

    Sudden immersion triggers a gasp reflex and fast breathing. Without a life jacket, you can inhale water and drown before hypothermia even starts.

23. Question 23 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.

24. Question 24 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.

25. Question 25 of 25

    What does NASBLA stand for?

    • ANorth American Society of Boat Licensing Authorities
    • BNational Association of State Boating Law Administrators
    • CNational Alliance of Sailing and Boating Leagues
    • DNational Agency for Safe Boating and Lifesaving Activities
    Show answer

    Answer: B. National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

    NASBLA is the national association of state boating law administrators. Most state boater education courses are NASBLA-approved.

Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.