OBS OBS Boat Operation & Docking Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When approaching a dock, in which direction should you attempt to dock whenever possible?
- Into the wind or current (Correct answer)
- With the wind at your back
- Perpendicular to the current
- Parallel to the wind direction
Correct answer: Into the wind or current
Docking into the wind or current gives you better speed control because natural forces slow the boat.
Question 2: What is the proper procedure before starting a boat's inboard engine?
- Run the bilge blower for at least 4 minutes (Correct answer)
- Check fuel level only
- Start the engine and let it idle for 2 minutes
- Open all hatches immediately
Correct answer: Run the bilge blower for at least 4 minutes
Running the bilge blower for at least 4 minutes removes gasoline vapors that could ignite and cause an explosion.
Question 3: When operating at slow speed in a no-wake zone, what does 'no-wake' specifically mean?
- Moving at the slowest speed needed to maintain steerage (Correct answer)
- A complete stop at all times
- A maximum speed of 5 mph
- Idling in neutral only
Correct answer: Moving at the slowest speed needed to maintain steerage
No-wake means operating at the minimum speed necessary to maintain steering control and headway.
Question 4: What is the correct way to pass a slower boat traveling in the same direction?
- Pass on the port (left) side at a safe distance (Correct answer)
- Pass on the starboard (right) side only
- Pass as closely as possible to save time
- Sound one short blast and pass on either side
Correct answer: Pass on the port (left) side at a safe distance
When overtaking a vessel, you should pass on the port (left) side after signaling with one short horn blast for starboard or two for port.
Question 5: Which technique is recommended for anchoring a boat in a current?
- Anchor from the bow and let the boat swing into the current (Correct answer)
- Anchor from the stern so the bow faces downstream
- Anchor from the middle cleat for stability
- Anchor only in still water to prevent swinging
Correct answer: Anchor from the bow and let the boat swing into the current
Anchoring from the bow allows the boat to naturally weathervane and face into the current, which is the most stable position.
Question 6: When backing a single-engine outboard boat, the stern tends to swing in which direction first?
- In the direction the propeller rotates (typically to port for standard rotation) (Correct answer)
- Always to starboard regardless of propeller rotation
- Straight back with no sideways movement
- In the direction the tiller or wheel is turned
Correct answer: In the direction the propeller rotates (typically to port for standard rotation)
Propeller torque and paddle-wheel effect cause the stern to kick in the direction of propeller rotation when backing, usually to port on standard right-hand props.
OBS OBS Boat Operation & Docking Skills 1
When approaching a dock, in which direction should you attempt to dock whenever possible?