Boating License Test American Boating License 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the give-way vessel's responsibility in a crossing situation?
- Maintain course and speed
- Take early and substantial action to avoid collision (Correct answer)
- Speed up to cross first
- Sound five blasts
Correct answer: Take early and substantial action to avoid collision
The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep clear of the stand-on vessel.
Question 2: When two power-driven vessels approach head-on, what is the correct action?
- Both turn to port
- Both turn to starboard (Correct answer)
- Both stop
- The larger vessel turns
Correct answer: Both turn to starboard
In a head-on meeting, both vessels turn to starboard and pass port-to-port.
Question 3: What color light is shown on the starboard (right) side of a vessel at night?
- Red
- Green (Correct answer)
- White
- Yellow
Correct answer: Green
Green sidelights mark the starboard side; red marks the port side.
Question 4: What should you do first if your boat capsizes but remains afloat?
- Swim to shore immediately
- Stay with the boat (Correct answer)
- Remove your life jacket
- Dive under to retrieve gear
Correct answer: Stay with the boat
Stay with the boat since it is easier for rescuers to spot and provides flotation.
Question 5: What is hypothermia?
- Overheating in the sun
- A dangerous drop in body temperature (Correct answer)
- Dehydration
- Sea sickness
Correct answer: A dangerous drop in body temperature
Hypothermia is a life-threatening loss of body heat, common after falling into cold water.
Question 6: Before fueling a gasoline-powered boat, you should do all of the following EXCEPT:
- Turn off the engine
- Extinguish open flames
- Run the blower during fueling (Correct answer)
- Close hatches and doors
Correct answer: Run the blower during fueling
The blower should be run after fueling, not during, to clear vapors before starting the engine.
Question 7: What does a vessel's capacity plate indicate?
- The engine horsepower only
- Maximum number of people and weight the boat can safely carry (Correct answer)
- The year of manufacture
- The fuel type
Correct answer: Maximum number of people and weight the boat can safely carry
The capacity plate lists the maximum safe load of people and weight, and often maximum engine power.
Boating License Test American Boating License 3
What is the give-way vessel's responsibility in a crossing situation?