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Original USPS Safe Boating Test
Created: 19 May 2001 - for Safe Boating Week
NSBT #1



Click the answers that you think are correct — see how your knowledge stacks up!
1. When going upstream or entering a channel from seaward:
  The red buoys are on the port(left) side.
Stay in the middle of the stream to avoid other craft.
The red buoys are on the starboard(right) side.
Keep the black or green buoys on the starboard (right) side.
2. According to The Navigation Rules, the following vessel has the greatest priority of movement:
  A sailboat under sail.
A larger motorboat over 26 feet in length.
A sailboat under power.
A large ship in a narrow channel.
3. Before leaving on a voyage, you should complete a Float Plan and:
  Mail a copy to the Coast Guard.
Give a copy to the state police.
Leave a copy with a close friend, relative or marina.
Take it with you.
4. Before you buy a life preserver, (PFD), you should make sure:
  its color matches your boat.
it's Coast Guard approved.
its color contrasts with the color of your boat.
You don't have to make sure of anything, all Life Jackets are the same.
5. When two powerboats are on crossing courses, the give-way boat is:
  the vessel with the other on its starboard side.
the one with the wind on starboard.
the vessel with the other on its port side.
the faster boat.
6. Navigation lights on pleasure boats are restricted to the following colors:
  red, green, and white.
white only.
red and green only.
red, blue, green and/or white only.
7. Vessel equipment required by law:
  is only part of that needed for safe and comfortable operation.
does not include visual distress signals and fire extinguishers.
includes charts and other navigational equipment.
covers all of your needs for the safe operation of your vessel.
8. You should purchase a life preserver that fits you and your type of boating and one that:
  can be easily stored out of the way.
will be stylish in keeping with current fashions.
is easy to put on, take off, and adjust.
can be used for scuba diving.
9. A red flag with a white diagonal stripe indicates:
       
  the first leg of a sailing course.
scuba divers down, stay well clear.
uncharted shallow water below.
a fish hatchery in the area, proceed slowly.
10. Damage caused by a boat's wake is the responsibility of the:
  boat owner.
boat operator.
owner of the damaged property.
both the boat owner and boat operator.
11. The Coast Guard imposes penalties for negligent operation that endangers life and property. One example of negligent operation is the operation of a boat:
  not equipped with a compass or VHF radio.
in restricted visibility.
while sitting on a gunwale or seatback.
without paddles or oars or some form of manual propulsion.
12. Carbon monoxide poisoning is most frequently caused by exposure to:
  fumes from the residual content of a boat's holding tank.
oil vapors from a crankcase ventilation valve.
fumes from stale bait in a bait well.
exhaust from engines, generators, cabin heaters, and galley stoves.
13. If the engine on a PWC stops:
  the boat loses buoyancy and may sink.
the boat becomes unstable and may capsize.
the engine cannot be restarted easily at sea.
the boat cannot be steered.
14. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
  If visibility is clear, it is legal to operate your PWC at night.
The PWC operator is responsible for damage created by the wake of the craft.
If your PWC stalls on the water,abandon it and swim to shore.
Since a PWC's propeller is enclosed,it is OK to operate it around divers in the water.
15. When re-fueling portable fuel cans or tanks, it is important to:
  always use yellow plastic portable gasoline tanks.
use only certified portable gasoline tanks and fill them on the dock.
use only certified portable gasoline tanks and fill them inside the boat.
step carefully onto the gunwale when carrying full tanks aboard.
16. Three factors affect a vessel's seaworthiness and safety: its design, material of construction, and:
  propulsion system.
size.
type of steering.
cockpit arrangement.
17. A dry chemical fire extinguisher:
  must be directed at the base of the fire to cut off oxygen that fuels the flames.
is not effective for cabin, galley, or cockpit fires.
keeps its pressure indefinitely; never needs servicing.
may be replaced by water on fires involving flammable liquids.
18. One approved Type I,II,III or V wearable life preserver,(PFD),for each person onboard,plus one Type IV throwable device is required only on:
  boats less than 16 feet in length.
boats 16 feet or over in length.
canoes and kayaks.
sailboats.
19. The wearable life preserver,(PFD),that provides the most support and protection is a:
  Type V, Special Use Device.
Type IV, Throwable Device.
Type I, Offshore Life Jacket.
Type III, Floatation Aid.
20. According to federal law, you are intoxicated if your blood alcohol content is _____ or higher.
  .08
.10
.50
1.0
21. A capacity plate gives the:
  boat's maximum speed.
boat's actual weight when empty.
boat's maximum load and power rating.
number of lifejackets that must be carried.
22. If a person falls overboard,your first action should be to:
  shout MAN OVERBOARD so that your helmsman and all aboard hear you.
turn on your running lights to warn others.
approach from the direction of the wind and current, come close by, and toss the victim a line.
stop forward motion immediately and back up to pick up the victim.
23. If your boat capsizes you should:
  swim to the nearest shore.
stay in the water and yell until help arives.
swim to the boat and stay with the boat.
swim away from the boat as quickly as possible.

 

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