Boating Certification Test Vessel Operation & Control 2

Question 1

When operating in a narrow channel, where should you keep your vessel?

Accepted Answer

As far to the starboard (right) side as is safe and practical

Answer

Rule 9 of the Navigation Rules requires vessels in narrow channels to stay as far to the starboard side as is safe and practical.

Question 2

What does a vessel's 'draft' refer to?

Accepted Answer

The distance from the waterline to the bottom of the keel

Answer

Draft is the vertical distance between the waterline and the lowest point of the hull, which determines minimum water depth needed.

Question 3

You are approaching a bridge with a fixed vertical clearance of 20 feet. Your boat's mast is 18 feet tall. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Proceed at slow speed and your vessel will fit

Answer

With a 20-foot clearance and an 18-foot mast, you have 2 feet of clearance, so you may proceed cautiously at slow speed.

Question 4

What is the safest way to fuel a gasoline-powered boat?

Accepted Answer

Fuel with all hatches open and run blower for at least 4 minutes after fueling before starting

Answer

Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and collect in bilges; running the blower for at least 4 minutes purges fumes before starting the engine.

Question 5

When docking in a current flowing parallel to the dock, which direction should you approach?

Accepted Answer

Against the current, so it slows you and gives steering control

Answer

Approaching into the current lets it act as a brake and allows you to maintain steerage at low speed for a controlled docking.

Boating Certification Test Practice Test