Alabama Boaters Equipment Requirements 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a vessel's registration number displayed on the hull?
- To identify the manufacturer's production sequence
- To identify the vessel and its registered owner for law enforcement and emergency purposes (Correct answer)
- To indicate the boat's maximum horsepower rating
- To show the state in which the vessel was manufactured
Correct answer: To identify the vessel and its registered owner for law enforcement and emergency purposes
The registration number uniquely identifies the vessel and its owner, enabling law enforcement and rescue personnel to quickly locate ownership records.
Question 2: How must Alabama vessel registration numbers be displayed on the hull?
- On the stern only, in any contrasting color
- On both sides of the bow, reading left to right, in block letters at least 3 inches high (Correct answer)
- On the port side only in letters at least 2 inches high
- On the windshield or console of the boat
Correct answer: On both sides of the bow, reading left to right, in block letters at least 3 inches high
The registration number must be displayed on both sides of the forward half of the hull in plain, vertical block letters at least 3 inches high that contrast with the hull color.
Question 3: Where must the current Alabama vessel registration certificate be kept?
- Filed at the county courthouse
- Aboard the vessel whenever it is in operation (Correct answer)
- At the owner's primary residence
- Displayed in a waterproof sleeve on the stern
Correct answer: Aboard the vessel whenever it is in operation
The current registration certificate must be carried aboard the vessel at all times while it is underway so it can be presented to law enforcement upon request.
Question 4: What equipment is required to meet federal garbage-pollution regulations on boats 26 feet and over?
- A locked garbage locker below decks
- A MARPOL trash placard displayed in a prominent location (Correct answer)
- A dedicated trash compactor device
- Proof of a marina waste-disposal contract
Correct answer: A MARPOL trash placard displayed in a prominent location
Vessels 26 feet and over must display a MARPOL trash placard informing all on board about the regulations prohibiting overboard garbage discharge.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes proper PFD sizing for a child?
- Any adult small PFD may be used for children up to 90 pounds
- The PFD must be sized for the child's weight range and fit snugly without slipping over the child's head (Correct answer)
- Children only need to wear PFDs in water deeper than 6 feet
- A PFD is properly sized if it can be fastened with at least one buckle
Correct answer: The PFD must be sized for the child's weight range and fit snugly without slipping over the child's head
Children's PFDs must be selected for the child's weight range and must fit snugly — if the PFD can be lifted over the child's chin, it is too large.
Question 6: A boat's capacity plate typically shows which important information?
- The fuel tank size and octane rating
- Maximum persons, weight, and horsepower the vessel can safely carry (Correct answer)
- The manufacturer's warranty terms and service intervals
- The vessel's certified top speed and draft depth
Correct answer: Maximum persons, weight, and horsepower the vessel can safely carry
A capacity plate shows the maximum number of persons, total weight capacity, and maximum horsepower rating so operators do not overload or overpower the vessel.
Question 7: Which statement about PFD maintenance is correct?
- PFDs should be stored tightly packed in sealed bags to keep them dry
- PFDs should be dried in sunlight after use and inspected for rips, tears, or waterlogged foam (Correct answer)
- PFDs never expire and do not require periodic inspection
- Inflatable PFDs need no maintenance since they inflate automatically
Correct answer: PFDs should be dried in sunlight after use and inspected for rips, tears, or waterlogged foam
PFDs should be air-dried in sunlight after use, then inspected for damage such as rips, tears, broken hardware, or foam that has lost buoyancy before being stored loosely.
Alabama Boaters Equipment Requirements 5
What is the purpose of a vessel's registration number displayed on the hull?