Boating Certification Test Emergency Procedures and Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first thing you should do when your boat runs aground?
- Immediately apply full reverse throttle
- Check for hull damage and ensure everyone is safe (Correct answer)
- Call the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16
- Shift heavy gear to the bow
Correct answer: Check for hull damage and ensure everyone is safe
Ensuring passenger safety and checking for hull damage takes priority before attempting to free the vessel.
Question 2: Which VHF radio channel is designated as the primary distress and calling channel?
- Channel 22A
- Channel 9
- Channel 16 (Correct answer)
- Channel 68
Correct answer: Channel 16
VHF Channel 16 is the international distress, safety, and calling channel monitored by the Coast Guard and other vessels.
Question 3: A boat is taking on water faster than the bilge pump can handle. After donning PFDs, what is the next priority?
- Call for help on VHF Channel 16
- Attempt to locate and plug the source of flooding (Correct answer)
- Head the boat into the wind
- Throw the anchor to slow the boat down
Correct answer: Attempt to locate and plug the source of flooding
Finding and plugging the flooding source can stop the sinking; calling for help is important but simultaneous action on the leak is critical.
Question 4: What does the signal 'Mayday Mayday Mayday' indicate?
- A vessel requires a tow
- A vessel is in grave and imminent danger (Correct answer)
- A vessel has a medical emergency that is not immediately life-threatening
- A vessel is requesting a weather update
Correct answer: A vessel is in grave and imminent danger
Mayday is the international distress call reserved for situations of grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance.
Question 5: When should you NOT use a carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher aboard a boat?
- On electrical fires
- In an enclosed engine compartment where people are present (Correct answer)
- On flammable liquid fires
- On galley stove fires
Correct answer: In an enclosed engine compartment where people are present
CO2 displaces oxygen and can be dangerous to people in enclosed spaces, causing suffocation.
Question 6: What is the safest way to re-board a capsized boat if you cannot right it?
- Swim to the nearest shore immediately
- Stay with the capsized hull and signal for help (Correct answer)
- Remove your PFD and dive under the hull to retrieve gear
- Swim to find another vessel
Correct answer: Stay with the capsized hull and signal for help
A capsized hull is more visible to rescuers and provides flotation; staying with it conserves energy and improves rescue chances.
Question 7: Which type of distress signal is approved for daytime use only?
- Red parachute flare
- Orange smoke signal (Correct answer)
- Red handheld flare
- Electronic locating device
Correct answer: Orange smoke signal
Orange smoke signals are visible only during daylight because the color contrast is lost in the dark.
Boating Certification Test Emergency Procedures and Safety 3
What is the first thing you should do when your boat runs aground?