OBS OBS Boat Operation & Docking Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the general rule for determining how much anchor line (scope) to deploy?
- 5:1 to 7:1 ratio of line length to water depth (Correct answer)
- 1:1 ratio matching the water depth exactly
- A fixed 50 feet regardless of depth
- 10:1 ratio in all conditions
Correct answer: 5:1 to 7:1 ratio of line length to water depth
A scope of 5:1 to 7:1 (line length to depth) is standard, with 7:1 recommended in rough conditions for maximum holding power.
Question 2: When two boats are approaching head-on, what should BOTH operators do?
- Each vessel turns to starboard so they pass port-to-port (Correct answer)
- Each vessel turns to port so they pass starboard-to-starboard
- The smaller vessel yields to the larger vessel
- The vessel with the wind on its starboard side gives way
Correct answer: Each vessel turns to starboard so they pass port-to-port
In a head-on situation, both vessels must turn to starboard so that they pass each other on the port side.
Question 3: What should you do if your boat runs aground?
- Stop the engine immediately to avoid propeller and hull damage (Correct answer)
- Apply full throttle to power off the obstruction
- Rock the boat side to side at full speed
- Immediately call the Coast Guard for any grounding
Correct answer: Stop the engine immediately to avoid propeller and hull damage
Stopping the engine prevents propeller damage from debris and hull damage from continued forward momentum.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a boat's trim adjustment?
- To adjust the bow angle for optimal performance and fuel efficiency (Correct answer)
- To control the direction the boat turns
- To engage or disengage the throttle
- To adjust the steering sensitivity
Correct answer: To adjust the bow angle for optimal performance and fuel efficiency
Trimming the engine adjusts the bow's angle relative to the water, improving performance, fuel efficiency, and visibility.
Question 5: How should a passenger move about a small boat safely?
- Stay low, move to the centerline, and inform the operator before moving (Correct answer)
- Stand upright and move quickly to minimize time off-balance
- Move along the gunwale (side rail) for the most space
- Always move from stern to bow only
Correct answer: Stay low, move to the centerline, and inform the operator before moving
Moving low and through the centerline keeps the boat's center of gravity stable and reduces swamping risk.
Question 6: What is cavitation in the context of boat propellers?
- Formation of vapor bubbles around the propeller that reduce thrust and cause damage (Correct answer)
- The normal forward thrust created by the propeller
- Vibration caused by an out-of-balance propeller
- Water spray thrown behind the vessel
Correct answer: Formation of vapor bubbles around the propeller that reduce thrust and cause damage
Cavitation occurs when low pressure causes water to vaporize around propeller blades, reducing efficiency and eroding the metal over time.
OBS OBS Boat Operation & Docking Skills 2
What is the general rule for determining how much anchor line (scope) to deploy?