Alabama Boaters Safety Equipment & Emergency Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum number of Type IV throwable flotation devices required on a vessel 16 feet or longer?
- None required
- One (Correct answer)
- Two
- One per passenger
Correct answer: One
Vessels 16 feet or longer must carry at least one Type IV throwable flotation device (such as a ring buoy or cushion) in addition to wearable PFDs.
Question 2: When should a distress flare be used on an Alabama waterway?
- Any time visibility is low
- Only at night
- When in distress and needing assistance (Correct answer)
- When entering a no-wake zone
Correct answer: When in distress and needing assistance
Distress signals, including flares, should only be used when you are in genuine distress and need immediate assistance.
Question 3: A fire extinguisher on a boat is classified as 'B-I'. What does the 'B' designate?
- Boat-rated extinguisher
- Flammable liquid fires (Correct answer)
- Electrical fires
- Burning wood or paper fires
Correct answer: Flammable liquid fires
The 'B' classification indicates the extinguisher is rated for flammable liquid fires, such as gasoline or oil fires common on boats.
Question 4: What action should you take immediately if your boat starts taking on water?
- Anchor the boat and call for help
- Ensure all passengers put on PFDs and locate the source (Correct answer)
- Increase speed to stay ahead of sinking
- Radio the Coast Guard before doing anything else
Correct answer: Ensure all passengers put on PFDs and locate the source
Immediately ensure all passengers wear PFDs and try to locate and plug the source of the leak while also calling for help if needed.
Question 5: Which type of PFD is designed for calm, inland waters where rescue is likely to be quick?
- Type I
- Type II
- Type III (Correct answer)
- Type V
Correct answer: Type III
Type III PFDs are designed for calm, inland waters with quick rescue expected, offering comfort and freedom of movement for various water sports.
Question 6: How often should portable fire extinguishers on recreational boats be inspected?
- Every 5 years
- Before each boating trip (Correct answer)
- Once per boating season
- Only when the gauge appears low
Correct answer: Before each boating trip
Fire extinguishers should be inspected before each trip to ensure the seal is intact, gauge reads in the green, and the extinguisher is accessible.
Question 7: What does a continuous horn blast signal when a vessel is in fog?
- A vessel under sail
- A vessel at anchor
- A power-driven vessel underway (Correct answer)
- A vessel in distress
Correct answer: A power-driven vessel underway
A power-driven vessel making way in restricted visibility sounds one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes.
Alabama Boaters Safety Equipment & Emergency Procedures 2
What is the minimum number of Type IV throwable flotation devices required on a vessel 16 feet or longer?