Alabama Boaters Equipment Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of fire extinguisher is required on most recreational motorboats under 26 feet in Alabama?
- Type A
- Type B-I (Correct answer)
- Type C
- Type D
Correct answer: Type B-I
A Type B-I portable fire extinguisher is required on motorboats under 26 feet that have enclosed compartments or fuel tanks.
Question 2: When is a fire extinguisher NOT required on a motorboat under 26 feet?
- When the boat has no enclosed spaces and outboard motor with no fixed fuel tank (Correct answer)
- When the boat travels less than one mile from shore
- When the boat operates only during daylight hours
- When the boat carries fewer than four passengers
Correct answer: When the boat has no enclosed spaces and outboard motor with no fixed fuel tank
A fire extinguisher is not required if the motorboat has no enclosed compartments, no permanently installed fuel tank, and an outboard motor.
Question 3: What is the minimum number of fire extinguishers required on a motorboat that is 26 to 40 feet long?
- One Type B-I
- Two Type B-I or one Type B-II (Correct answer)
- Three Type B-I
- One Type B-II and one Type B-I
Correct answer: Two Type B-I or one Type B-II
Boats 26–40 feet require at least two Type B-I extinguishers or one Type B-II extinguisher.
Question 4: Where should a fire extinguisher be stored on a boat?
- In the anchor locker for protection from heat
- In an accessible location away from the engine compartment (Correct answer)
- Under the helm seat for quick captain access only
- Mounted inside the engine compartment directly
Correct answer: In an accessible location away from the engine compartment
Fire extinguishers must be stored in an accessible, readily visible location away from the engine compartment so they can be reached in an emergency.
Question 5: How often should a portable fire extinguisher on a boat be inspected?
- Every five years
- Only before the boating season begins
- Regularly, and replaced or recharged if the charge is low (Correct answer)
- Once when first installed
Correct answer: Regularly, and replaced or recharged if the charge is low
Fire extinguishers should be inspected regularly and recharged or replaced if the pressure gauge shows a low charge or if they have been used.
Question 6: What does a Coast Guard-approved label on a life jacket indicate?
- The PFD was made in the USA
- The PFD meets federal safety standards for the designated type (Correct answer)
- The PFD is suitable for all water conditions
- The PFD is waterproof and self-inflating
Correct answer: The PFD meets federal safety standards for the designated type
A Coast Guard-approval label confirms the PFD meets required performance and safety standards for its designated type and use.
Question 7: Which of the following items is considered a distress signal that satisfies federal day-use visual distress signal requirements?
- A whistle
- An orange smoke signal (Correct answer)
- A white strobe light
- A compass
Correct answer: An orange smoke signal
An orange smoke signal is an approved daytime visual distress signal for use on coastal and Great Lakes waters.
Alabama Boaters Equipment Requirements 2
Which type of fire extinguisher is required on most recreational motorboats under 26 feet in Alabama?