ASA Quality Assurance & Compliance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under USCG regulations incorporated by ASA safety standards, how many Type I, II, or III PFDs must a vessel carry?
- One for the skipper only
- One for each person on board (Correct answer)
- One per two people on board
- Two plus one throwable device
Correct answer: One for each person on board
Federal law requires one USCG-approved wearable PFD for each person aboard, and ASA safety standards reflect this requirement.
Question 2: What is the required inspection interval for USCG-approved flares carried aboard ASA training vessels?
- 6 months
- 12 months
- The expiration date printed on the flare (Correct answer)
- Every 3 years
Correct answer: The expiration date printed on the flare
Pyrotechnic flares must be within their manufacturer-stamped expiration date to be counted as valid safety equipment under USCG rules.
Question 3: ASA safety standards require a functioning fire extinguisher aboard enclosed-cabin vessels. Which USCG classification is the minimum acceptable?
- Class A
- Class B-I (Correct answer)
- Class C
- Class D
Correct answer: Class B-I
USCG regulations and ASA standards require at least a B-I rated fire extinguisher aboard motorized or enclosed-cabin vessels.
Question 4: A student in an ASA 101 course discovers the vessel's VHF radio is not functioning. What is the correct compliance response?
- Proceed if a cell phone is available as a backup
- Cancel instruction until the radio is repaired or replaced (Correct answer)
- Use the school's shore radio as a substitute
- Document the issue and complete the lesson
Correct answer: Cancel instruction until the radio is repaired or replaced
A functioning VHF radio is mandatory safety equipment; ASA standards require instruction to be suspended until the vessel meets all safety requirements.
Question 5: Which navigation light configuration is required by COLREGS (and ASA standards) for a sailboat under sail at night under 20 meters?
- White masthead light only
- Red and green sidelights plus a white sternlight (Correct answer)
- All-round white light plus sidelights
- Anchor light at the bow
Correct answer: Red and green sidelights plus a white sternlight
A sailing vessel under sail must display red (port) and green (starboard) sidelights plus a white sternlight when underway at night.
Question 6: ASA requires training vessels to carry a sound-producing device. What is the primary regulatory reason for this equipment?
- To signal other vessels in restricted visibility per COLREGS (Correct answer)
- To alert the school dock of a returning vessel
- To scare wildlife away from the sailing area
- To meet marina noise ordinance requirements
Correct answer: To signal other vessels in restricted visibility per COLREGS
COLREGS Rule 35 requires vessels to sound signals in restricted visibility, and ASA mandates training vessels carry compliant sound-producing devices.
Question 7: How must an ASA affiliate school document a safety incident that occurs during a certified course?
- Verbal report to the head instructor within 24 hours
- Written incident report filed with ASA national office (Correct answer)
- Post on the school's public safety board
- No documentation required for minor incidents
Correct answer: Written incident report filed with ASA national office
ASA requires affiliated schools to file a written incident report with the national office for any safety-related event occurring during instruction.
ASA Quality Assurance & Compliance 3
Under USCG regulations incorporated by ASA safety standards, how many Type I, II, or III PFDs must a vessel carry?