FREE Boating Certification Test Aids to Navigation Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following describes the primary purpose of a 'lateral marker' in a waterway?

Accepted Answer

To indicate the sides of a navigable channel.

Answer

To mark isolated dangers or obstructions.

Answer

To provide information about safe speeds or no-wake zones.

Answer

To show the location of an anchorage area.

Question 2

You are navigating in a channel marked with the U.S. Aids to Navigation System. You see a red, cylindrical buoy with an even number on your starboard (right) side as you head upstream. What does this buoy indicate?

Accepted Answer

The right side of the channel, which you should keep to your starboard.

Answer

The left side of the channel, which you should keep to your port.

Answer

A safe water area, marking the center of the channel.

Answer

An obstruction or hazard that should be avoided.

Question 3

What does a 'safe water marker' (red and white vertically striped buoy or pillar with a red sphere topmark) signify?

Accepted Answer

It indicates that there is navigable water all around the marker.

Answer

It marks the port side of a channel when entering from sea.

Answer

It designates a prohibited area for boating.

Answer

It warns of a submerged pipeline or cable.

Question 4

While boating, you encounter a 'special purpose marker' (yellow buoy). What is its general function?

Accepted Answer

To designate an area or feature such as a swimming area, dredging area, or cable crossing.

Answer

To mark the safe port side of a channel when entering from the sea.

Answer

To indicate an isolated danger that can be passed on any side.

Answer

To show the preferred channel where two channels diverge.

Question 5

You are approaching an unlit isolated danger buoy. What color and topmark would you expect to see?

Accepted Answer

Black with red horizontal bands, two black spheres.

Answer

Green with an odd number, single red cone point up.

Answer

Red with even number, single green can.

Answer

Yellow with a cross, single yellow 'X' topmark.

Question 6

Which type of marker would you look for to identify a 'preferred channel marker'?

Accepted Answer

A green buoy with a red horizontal band (preferred channel to starboard) or a red buoy with a green horizontal band (preferred channel to port).

Answer

A solid black buoy with a white cross topmark.

Answer

A yellow buoy with a blue stripe.

Answer

A red and white vertically striped buoy with a red sphere topmark.