Boating Certification Test Emergency Procedures & First Aid 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passenger on your boat is not breathing and has no pulse. What is the correct order of CPR steps?
- Check scene safety, call for help, begin chest compressions, give rescue breaths (Correct answer)
- Give rescue breaths first, then start chest compressions
- Start chest compressions immediately without checking for a pulse
- Wait for professional help before beginning any intervention
Correct answer: Check scene safety, call for help, begin chest compressions, give rescue breaths
CPR begins with scene safety and calling for help, then 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths in a 30:2 ratio.
Question 2: Your boat is taking on water faster than the bilge pump can remove it. What should you do first?
- Don life jackets and issue a mayday call (Correct answer)
- Increase engine speed to reach shore faster
- Open all hatches to equalize water pressure
- Throw out heavy gear to raise the waterline
Correct answer: Don life jackets and issue a mayday call
When flooding is uncontrollable, immediately don life jackets and issue a mayday distress call before the vessel becomes incapacitated.
Question 3: What does the acronym PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher aboard a vessel?
- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (Correct answer)
- Point, Activate, Spray, Stop
- Pull, Attach, Shoot, Spread
- Press, Aim, Spread, Secure
Correct answer: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.
Question 4: A boater is suffering from hypothermia after falling overboard in cold water. How should you rewarm them?
- Move them to a warm area, remove wet clothing, and apply dry insulation (Correct answer)
- Have them exercise vigorously to generate body heat
- Rub their arms and legs briskly to restore circulation
- Immerse them in the hottest water available immediately
Correct answer: Move them to a warm area, remove wet clothing, and apply dry insulation
Gentle rewarming in a sheltered environment with dry insulation is correct; vigorous rubbing and hot water can cause dangerous shock.
Question 5: Which visual distress signal is approved for DAYTIME use only on US coastal waters?
- Orange smoke signal (Correct answer)
- Red handheld flare
- Red parachute rocket flare
- Electric SOS light
Correct answer: Orange smoke signal
Orange smoke signals are approved for daytime use only because smoke is visible in daylight but ineffective at night.
Question 6: A crewmember receives a deep laceration on their arm while onboard. After controlling bleeding, what is the next priority?
- Prevent infection by covering the wound with a sterile dressing (Correct answer)
- Remove any debris from the wound with bare fingers
- Apply a tourniquet above the elbow as a precaution
- Submerge the arm in lake water to clean it
Correct answer: Prevent infection by covering the wound with a sterile dressing
After bleeding is controlled, covering the wound with a sterile dressing prevents infection until professional medical care is available.
Question 7: If a fire breaks out in the engine compartment, what should you do before opening the hatch?
- Shut off the fuel supply and discharge a fixed extinguisher if equipped (Correct answer)
- Open the hatch immediately to assess the fire size
- Pour water directly onto the engine to cool it
- Increase ventilation by opening all hatches and ports
Correct answer: Shut off the fuel supply and discharge a fixed extinguisher if equipped
Shutting off fuel starves the fire, and a fixed extinguisher can suppress flames without feeding oxygen by opening the hatch.
Boating Certification Test Emergency Procedures & First Aid 2
A passenger on your boat is not breathing and has no pulse.
What is the correct order of CPR steps?