Boating Certification Test Emergency Procedures & First Aid 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended position for an uninjured person in the water awaiting rescue to conserve body heat?
- HELP position — knees to chest, arms across life jacket (Correct answer)
- Float face-down to reduce surface exposure to cold air
- Tread water actively to maintain circulation
- Swim slowly toward the nearest shore
Correct answer: HELP position — knees to chest, arms across life jacket
The Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) minimizes heat loss from the groin, armpits, and neck by drawing the knees to the chest.
Question 2: A vessel operator notices that a passenger has stopped breathing after a near-drowning. Rescue breaths are given but the chest does not rise. What is the most likely cause?
- The airway is not properly opened or is obstructed (Correct answer)
- The lungs have permanently collapsed from water inhalation
- The passenger has swallowed too much air
- The rate of rescue breaths is too fast
Correct answer: The airway is not properly opened or is obstructed
If the chest does not rise, the most common cause is an inadequate head-tilt chin-lift or an airway obstruction.
Question 3: You witness another vessel capsize nearby. After calling mayday, what is your next action?
- Maneuver to the scene, throw flotation devices, and assist survivors without endangering your own vessel (Correct answer)
- Wait at a safe distance until the Coast Guard arrives
- Circle the area at high speed to signal aircraft overhead
- Immediately dive in to pull survivors from the water
Correct answer: Maneuver to the scene, throw flotation devices, and assist survivors without endangering your own vessel
Approaching carefully and deploying throwable flotation devices allows rescue without endangering your own crew.
Question 4: Which type of fire extinguisher is NOT acceptable for use on a motorboat?
- Inverting-type soda acid extinguisher (Correct answer)
- US Coast Guard approved B-I dry chemical extinguisher
- B-II carbon dioxide extinguisher
- Automatic fixed suppression system in an engine compartment
Correct answer: Inverting-type soda acid extinguisher
Inverting-type soda acid extinguishers are not Coast Guard approved for marine use because they can be unreliable and dangerous.
Question 5: A boater is stung by a jellyfish and experiences severe allergic symptoms including throat swelling. What is the priority treatment?
- Use an epinephrine auto-injector if available and call for emergency help immediately (Correct answer)
- Apply vinegar to the sting site and have the patient rest
- Remove tentacles with bare hands and apply ice
- Give the patient a large quantity of fresh water to drink
Correct answer: Use an epinephrine auto-injector if available and call for emergency help immediately
Throat swelling indicates anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency requiring epinephrine and immediate advanced medical assistance.
Question 6: What information should be included in a mayday distress call on VHF Channel 16?
- Vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of people aboard, and description of vessel (Correct answer)
- Owner's name, home port, insurance information, and engine type
- Vessel speed, fuel level, destination, and departure time
- Coast Guard station name, vessel registration number, and captain's license number
Correct answer: Vessel name, position, nature of distress, number of people aboard, and description of vessel
A mayday call must include vessel identification, location, distress nature, souls aboard, and vessel description so rescuers can respond effectively.
Question 7: A passenger on your boat complains of crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm. What should you do?
- Have the passenger rest, administer aspirin if not allergic, and head immediately to shore or call for emergency help (Correct answer)
- Have the passenger perform light exercise to improve blood flow
- Give the passenger a large meal to restore energy
- Wait 30 minutes to see if the pain subsides on its own
Correct answer: Have the passenger rest, administer aspirin if not allergic, and head immediately to shore or call for emergency help
Crushing chest pain with arm radiation is a classic heart attack sign; rest, aspirin, and immediate emergency medical care are critical.
Boating Certification Test Emergency Procedures & First Aid 3
What is the recommended position for an uninjured person in the water awaiting rescue to conserve body heat?