Alabama Boaters Safety Equipment & Emergency Procedures 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Alabama, children under what age are required to wear a USCG-approved PFD while on a moving vessel under 26 feet?
- Under 8
- Under 10
- Under 12 (Correct answer)
- Under 16
Correct answer: Under 12
Alabama law requires children under 8 years of age to wear an approved PFD while aboard a moving recreational vessel under 26 feet in length.
Question 2: What does the 'HELP' position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) accomplish in cold water?
- It allows you to swim more efficiently to shore
- It reduces heat loss from the body's core while wearing a PFD (Correct answer)
- It signals rescuers of your location
- It prevents a PFD from slipping off
Correct answer: It reduces heat loss from the body's core while wearing a PFD
The HELP position involves drawing knees to chest and crossing arms over the chest to reduce heat loss and extend survival time in cold water.
Question 3: What is the safest way to fuel a boat with an enclosed engine compartment?
- Fuel at the dock with the engine running to save time
- Fuel, then run the blower for at least 4 minutes before starting (Correct answer)
- Fuel slowly and start engine immediately
- Close all hatches before fueling to contain any spills
Correct answer: Fuel, then run the blower for at least 4 minutes before starting
After fueling, run the bilge blower for at least four minutes to exhaust any gasoline vapors before starting the engine to prevent explosion.
Question 4: Which channel on a marine VHF radio is designated as the international distress and calling channel?
- Channel 9
- Channel 16 (Correct answer)
- Channel 22A
- Channel 68
Correct answer: Channel 16
VHF Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel that all vessels with VHF radios must monitor.
Question 5: What is the recommended action if you smell gasoline fumes aboard a boat before starting the engine?
- Open all hatches and start the engine briefly to burn off fumes
- Do not start the engine; ventilate the boat and find the source of the leak (Correct answer)
- Pour water into the bilge to dilute the fumes
- Use a lit match to check the fuel tank level
Correct answer: Do not start the engine; ventilate the boat and find the source of the leak
Never start the engine if you smell gasoline; ventilate thoroughly, locate the leak source, and do not use anything that could cause a spark.
Question 6: What does a Type V PFD require to provide its rated buoyancy in most conditions?
- It must be kept dry at all times
- It must be worn and used according to the label requirements (Correct answer)
- It must be inflated manually before entering the water
- It must be attached to the boat at all times
Correct answer: It must be worn and used according to the label requirements
Type V PFDs must be worn and used according to their label requirements to count as meeting Coast Guard PFD carriage requirements.
Question 7: During a boat fire, what is the first action a boater should take?
- Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the flames
- Position the boat so the fire is downwind and stop the engine (Correct answer)
- Call the Coast Guard before fighting the fire
- Jump overboard with all passengers immediately
Correct answer: Position the boat so the fire is downwind and stop the engine
Position the boat so wind blows the fire away from the boat (not toward passengers), shut off the engine and fuel, then attempt to fight the fire if safe.
Alabama Boaters Safety Equipment & Emergency Procedures 4
In Alabama, children under what age are required to wear a USCG-approved PFD while on a moving vessel under 26 feet?