CORE Boating Safety and Paddle Sports Education

Question 1

Under U.S. Coast Guard regulations, which of the following persons on a recreational vessel is NOT required to wear a life jacket while underway?

Accepted Answer

An adult swimmer who has gone overboard and is being recovered

Answer

USCG regulations require children under 13 to wear approved PFDs while underway on federally navigable waters. Adults (and teens 13+) must have PFDs accessible but are not required to wear them in most states, though state laws vary. A person already in the water is not 'underway on a vessel.'

Question 2

When teaching the 'HELP' position to students, an outdoor educator is instructing them to adopt this posture primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce heat loss from the body's high-loss areas while awaiting rescue in cold water

Answer

HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Position) — knees drawn up to the chest, arms crossed — protects the groin, sides, and neck, which lose heat rapidly in cold water. It can extend survival time significantly compared to treading water, which accelerates heat loss through movement.

Question 3

A student in a kayaking class capsizes in flatwater. The FIRST self-rescue skill they should attempt before signaling for assisted rescue is:

Accepted Answer

Wet exit, right the kayak, perform a paddle float re-entry

Answer

Paddler education curricula (ACA, TRAK) teach the paddle float re-entry as the primary solo self-rescue after a wet exit in flatwater. Remaining calm, wet-exiting safely, righting the boat, and using a paddle float gives the paddler the best chance of independent recovery before needing assistance.

Question 4

Under the Navigation Rules (ColRegs and Inland Rules), which vessel is considered the 'stand-on' vessel when a motorboat and a non-powered canoe meet in open water?

Accepted Answer

The canoe, because human-powered vessels always have right of way over motorized vessels

Answer

Under both Inland and International Navigation Rules, non-powered vessels (sail, paddle, oar) have right of way over motorized vessels in most circumstances, making the canoe the stand-on vessel. The motorboat is the give-way vessel and must maneuver to avoid collision.

Question 5

A motorboat operator notices another vessel crossing from starboard to port ahead of them. Under the Navigation Rules, the correct action for the boat being crossed is:

Accepted Answer

Maintain course and speed as the stand-on vessel

Answer

When a vessel approaches from your starboard side in a crossing situation, you are the stand-on vessel and must maintain course and speed so the give-way vessel can predict your position. Turning to port (behind you) is prohibited as it can put you on a collision course.

CORE - Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education Practice Test

CORE - Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education Practice Test

CORE Boating Safety and Paddle Sports Education