Online Boating Safety (OBS) Certification Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What does the capacity plate on a recreational vessel indicate?

The recommended horsepower for the engine
The fuel tank capacity in gallons
The maximum number of people and weight the boat can safely carry (Correct answer)
The maximum speed the vessel can safely reach

Correct answer: The maximum number of people and weight the boat can safely carry

The capacity plate, required on most mono-hull boats under 20 feet, shows the maximum number of persons and total weight the boat can carry safely.

Question 2: What is the proper procedure before starting a boat's inboard engine?

Open all hatches immediately
Start the engine and let it idle for 2 minutes
Run the bilge blower for at least 4 minutes (Correct answer)
Check fuel level only

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: A passenger is wearing a Type III life jacket but is unconscious in the water. What is the PRIMARY concern with this PFD type for an unconscious victim?

Type III jackets are too heavy for unconscious wearers
Type III jackets lose buoyancy when wet
Type III jackets may not turn an unconscious person face-up in the water (Correct answer)
Type III jackets are not USCG-approved for any use

Correct answer: Type III jackets may not turn an unconscious person face-up in the water

Type III life jackets are designed for conscious wearers in calm water and are not guaranteed to turn an unconscious person face-up, unlike Type I or II.

Question 4: What is the purpose of a 'float plan' as it relates to passenger safety?

It is a document left with a responsible person ashore detailing the trip itinerary and expected return (Correct answer)
It is required by the Coast Guard to be filed before every trip
It lists each passenger's swimming ability and weight
It describes how passengers should float in the water if capsized

Correct answer: It is a document left with a responsible person ashore detailing the trip itinerary and expected return

A float plan left with someone onshore ensures that rescuers know where to search if the vessel is overdue.

Question 5: Which factor should an operator consider when estimating a safe passenger load on a small boat in rough conditions?

The departure time of day
The distance from the nearest marina
Reduced capacity due to waves, weather, and additional gear weight (Correct answer)
The color markings on the hull

Correct answer: Reduced capacity due to waves, weather, and additional gear weight

Even if a vessel is within its rated capacity, rough conditions reduce the practical safe load because waves add stress and water can enter the vessel more easily.

Question 6: In Online Boating Safety Certification, which action should be taken first when a safety incident occurs?

File paperwork
Call a meeting
Continue working
Ensure the safety of all personnel (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ensure the safety of all personnel

The immediate priority in any safety incident is to ensure all personnel are safe and out of danger before addressing other concerns.

Question 7: What does a corroded battery terminal most directly risk on a boat?

Triggering the automatic bilge pump to run continuously
Causing the battery to leak acid into the bilge rapidly
Increased electrical resistance causing poor starting or total electrical failure (Correct answer)
Overcharging the alternator and burning out the voltage regulator

Correct answer: Increased electrical resistance causing poor starting or total electrical failure

Corrosion adds resistance to the circuit, reducing current flow and making it difficult or impossible to start the engine or power navigation lights.

Question 8: What is the recommended action if a tow rope becomes wrapped around the propeller?

Shut off the engine completely before attempting to remove the rope (Correct answer)
Put the engine in reverse to unwind the rope
Keep the engine running at idle while a passenger clears the rope
Apply full throttle briefly to break the rope free

Correct answer: Shut off the engine completely before attempting to remove the rope

The engine must be completely shut off to eliminate all risk of the propeller suddenly engaging while someone clears the rope.

Question 9: Under federal law, what is the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for operating a vessel?

0.04%
0.12%
0.08% (Correct answer)
0.10%

Correct answer: 0.08%

Federal law and most state laws set the legal BAC limit for boat operators at 0.08%, the same as for driving a motor vehicle.

Question 10: What does 'leeway' mean in navigation?

Extra space given to anchored vessels when passing
A navigational shortcut through shallow water
The legal distance required between two boats underway
The sideways drift of a vessel caused by wind or current (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The sideways drift of a vessel caused by wind or current

Leeway is the lateral drift of a vessel off its intended course due to the force of wind or current.

Question 11: Under the Inland Rules, a vessel approaching a blind bend in a river should sound:

Five short blasts
One prolonged blast (Correct answer)
Two short blasts
Three short blasts

Correct answer: One prolonged blast

One prolonged blast should be sounded when approaching a bend or obstruction where other vessels may be hidden from view.

Question 12: A boater operating in a regulated swimming area without authorization may face:

Only a verbal warning on the first offense
No penalty if no injury occurred
Fines and possible vessel impoundment (Correct answer)
Loss of fishing license only

Correct answer: Fines and possible vessel impoundment

Unauthorized operation in a designated swimming area can result in fines and potentially impoundment of the vessel under state and federal law.

Question 13: What is the appropriate action when overtaking another boat?

Pass quickly without signaling
Ignore the other vessel's right of way
Force the slower vessel to change course
Signal intention and keep a safe distance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Signal intention and keep a safe distance

When overtaking another boat, the overtaking vessel is the 'give-way' vessel and must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken. It is crucial to signal your intention, typically with sound signals, and maintain a safe distance. This prevents creating a wake that could endanger the other boat or cause a collision, ensuring a safe passing maneuver.

Question 14: Which type of life jacket is specifically required for water skiers being towed?

No life jacket is required if the skier is a strong swimmer
An inflatable Type V life jacket only
A Coast Guard-approved Type III or better life jacket (Correct answer)
Any flotation device, including swim noodles

Correct answer: A Coast Guard-approved Type III or better life jacket

Water skiers must wear a Coast Guard-approved Type III or better wearable life jacket, as inflatable PFDs are not approved for towing activities.

Question 15: A vessel engaged in fishing with nets that restrict maneuverability displays which day shape?

A black cylinder
Two black balls vertically arranged
Two cones apex-to-apex (Correct answer)
A diamond shape

Correct answer: Two cones apex-to-apex

A vessel engaged in fishing (trawling) that restricts maneuverability displays two cones with apexes together (like an hourglass).

Question 16: When does a Type IV throwable personal flotation device (PFD) require replacement?

After being thrown in the water and retrieved, even if not used in a rescue
After 10 years of storage regardless of condition
When it is waterlogged, has tears in the cover, or has lost buoyancy material integrity (Correct answer)
Immediately after any contact with saltwater

Correct answer: When it is waterlogged, has tears in the cover, or has lost buoyancy material integrity

A throwable PFD must be replaced when it is waterlogged, shows tears or damage that could allow water into the buoyant material, or when the foam core has deteriorated and no longer provides adequate buoyancy.

Question 17: What should a PWC operator do before making a sharp turn at high speed?

Reduce speed significantly, as PWCs lose steering if the throttle is released mid-turn (Correct answer)
Engage the reverse thrust lever before turning
Lean hard to the outside of the turn like a motorcycle
Apply full throttle through the turn for stability

Correct answer: Reduce speed significantly, as PWCs lose steering if the throttle is released mid-turn

Most PWCs use jet thrust for steering, so releasing the throttle during a turn removes all steering authority and the craft will not turn.

Question 18: Under U.S. law, who is responsible for the safety of all passengers aboard a recreational vessel?

The marina from which the vessel departed
Each individual passenger is solely responsible for their own safety
The vessel operator (Correct answer)
The U.S. Coast Guard patrol in the area

Correct answer: The vessel operator

The vessel operator bears legal and moral responsibility for the safety of everyone aboard and must take all reasonable precautions to protect passengers.

Question 19: What is the correct method for helping a passenger who is exhibiting signs of heat stroke on a summer boating trip?

Have them walk around the deck to increase circulation
Submerge them fully in the lake or ocean immediately
Give them cold alcoholic beverages to cool down quickly
Move them to shade, cool their body with water, and seek medical help (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Move them to shade, cool their body with water, and seek medical help

Heat stroke is a medical emergency; moving the victim to shade and cooling them with water while calling for help are the correct immediate steps.

Question 20: What is 'swimmer's danger zone' or the 'no-zone' on a motorboat?

The area within 50 feet of another vessel's wake
The area around and under the stern near the propeller (Correct answer)
The area within 100 feet of a marked swim buoy
The area directly off the bow where anchor lines are deployed

Correct answer: The area around and under the stern near the propeller

The area around and under the stern is extremely hazardous because of propeller rotation, and swimmers or passengers must never enter this zone.

Question 21: When inflating a tube or towable for towing, what is the most important safety check before towing guests?

Check that the tube is fully inflated to maximum pressure
Ensure all riders are wearing properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jackets (Correct answer)
Verify the tow rope is at least 100 feet long
Confirm the riders are seated facing the direction of travel

Correct answer: Ensure all riders are wearing properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jackets

Wearing a properly fitted life jacket is the single most critical safety requirement before any towed water sports activity begins.

Question 22: When towing a water skier or wakeboarder, what is the minimum recommended crew size?

One person is sufficient if the boat has a rearview camera
Three people: operator, observer, and a passenger
Two people: the operator and an observer (spotter) (Correct answer)
Just the operator, who can watch the skier using mirrors

Correct answer: Two people: the operator and an observer (spotter)

An observer (spotter) is required in most states so the operator can focus entirely on driving while someone watches the skier.

Question 23: Which situation requires an operator to immediately reduce speed to minimize risk to passengers?

Crossing a state boundary line on an inland lake
Operating in deep water more than one mile from shore
Approaching a congested area, dock, or swimmers in the water (Correct answer)
Passing another vessel at anchor in open water

Correct answer: Approaching a congested area, dock, or swimmers in the water

Slowing down near docks, congested areas, and swimmers protects both passengers aboard and people in the water from wake and collision hazards.

Question 24: What is the danger of turning a boat engine on with people near the stern in the water?

Carbon monoxide exhaust at the stern can incapacitate or kill swimmers (Correct answer)
Engine noise may disorient the victim
The propeller wash is too cold for survivors
Wake turbulence may push them underwater

Correct answer: Carbon monoxide exhaust at the stern can incapacitate or kill swimmers

CO exhaust at the stern can quickly incapacitate swimmers near a running engine, a phenomenon sometimes called 'swim platform poisoning.'

Question 25: What does PPE stand for in the context of Online Boating Safety Certification safety protocols?

Personal Protective Equipment (Correct answer)
Project Planning Essentials
Professional Performance Evaluation
Public Policy Enforcement

Correct answer: Personal Protective Equipment

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment, which includes items worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause injuries.

Question 26: How should a boat operator pick up a fallen water skier?

Have the observer jump in and assist the skier while the operator holds position
Circle back with the skier on the operator's side so the skier remains in view (Correct answer)
Back the boat straight toward the skier using reverse thrust
Approach the skier from downwind at full speed and cut the engine at the last moment

Correct answer: Circle back with the skier on the operator's side so the skier remains in view

Approaching with the skier on the operator's side ensures continuous visual contact and reduces the risk of the skier being struck by the hull or propeller.

Question 27: The term 'boater's fatigue' or 'boater's high' refers to:

Elevated BAC from alcohol consumed at high altitude
Increased alertness caused by sea air
Fatigue from sun, wind, and motion that mimics alcohol impairment even when sober (Correct answer)
Excitement from reaching high speeds on the water

Correct answer: Fatigue from sun, wind, and motion that mimics alcohol impairment even when sober

Sun, wind, noise, vibration, and wave motion create fatigue and stress that mimic alcohol-like impairment, reducing alertness even in a sober boater.

Question 28: How is a 'nautical mile' different from a 'statute mile'?

They are the same distance, just used in different regions
A nautical mile is longer, equal to approximately 6,076 feet (Correct answer)
A nautical mile varies by latitude and cannot be converted
A nautical mile is shorter, equal to 4,800 feet

Correct answer: A nautical mile is longer, equal to approximately 6,076 feet

One nautical mile equals approximately 6,076 feet (1,852 meters), making it about 15% longer than a statute mile of 5,280 feet.

Question 29: How close may a boat towing a water skier operate to a dock, swimmer, or another vessel?

At least 50 feet away from all obstacles
At least 200 feet away from docks but only 50 feet from other boats
There is no federal distance requirement — only state rules apply
At least 100 feet away from docks, swimmers, and other vessels (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At least 100 feet away from docks, swimmers, and other vessels

The general guideline is to maintain at least 100 feet of clearance from docks, swimmers, and other boats when towing.

Question 30: Which VHF channel is designated for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore commercial working traffic?

Channel 16
Channel 22A
Channel 9
Channel 68 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Channel 68

Channel 68 is one of the recreational working channels used for ship-to-ship communication after establishing contact on Channel 16.

Question 31: How should passengers be seated to maintain proper boat stability?

At the bow to improve visibility
All on one side for easy boarding
Standing along the gunwales to see better
Low and centered, with weight distributed evenly (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Low and centered, with weight distributed evenly

Keeping passengers seated low and with weight distributed evenly prevents the boat from listing or capsizing.

Question 32: Which sound signal indicates that a vessel operating in restricted visibility is not under command or is restricted in its ability to maneuver?

Two prolonged blasts every 2 minutes
One prolonged blast every 2 minutes
Three short blasts followed by a prolonged blast
One prolonged and two short blasts every 2 minutes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: One prolonged and two short blasts every 2 minutes

One prolonged blast followed by two short blasts every 2 minutes is the fog signal for a vessel not under command, restricted in maneuverability, or constrained by draft.

Question 33: What does a 'storm warning' flag display (two red pennants with black squares) signal at a marina?

Small craft advisory with winds 21–33 knots expected
Hurricane warning with winds over 64 knots expected
Storm warning with winds 48–63 knots expected (Correct answer)
Gale warning with winds 34–47 knots expected

Correct answer: Storm warning with winds 48–63 knots expected

Two red pennants with black centers (storm warning flags) are displayed when winds of 48–63 knots are forecast, warning boaters to stay in port.

Question 34: What does 'variation' mean on a nautical chart compass rose?

The difference between charted depth and actual depth
The seasonal change in tidal range at a given location
The variation in chart scale from center to edge
The angular difference between true north and magnetic north at that location (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The angular difference between true north and magnetic north at that location

Magnetic variation is the angle between true geographic north and magnetic north, which differs by location and changes slowly over time.

Question 35: Under the Inland Navigation Rules, vessels in a head-on situation must:

Both vessels alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port (Correct answer)
The larger vessel yields to the smaller
The vessel with the wind on port side yields
Both vessels alter course to port to pass starboard-to-starboard

Correct answer: Both vessels alter course to starboard to pass port-to-port

In a head-on situation both vessels must turn to starboard so they pass each other on the port (left) side.

Question 36: On a nautical chart, a number enclosed in parentheses next to a depth sounding indicates:

A dredged channel depth (Correct answer)
A depth that has been reduced from a previous survey
A charted wreck depth
The depth at mean high water

Correct answer: A dredged channel depth

Parenthesized depth figures on nautical charts denote dredged channel depths maintained to that level.

Question 37: What does a green square daymark on a fixed structure indicate?

Starboard side of a channel when proceeding toward open sea (Correct answer)
Port side of a channel when proceeding toward open sea
The center of a navigable channel
An obstruction that must be passed on both sides

Correct answer: Starboard side of a channel when proceeding toward open sea

Green square daymarks (like green cans and lights) mark the starboard side of the channel when heading away from open water — leave them to starboard outbound.

Question 38: Which type of fire extinguisher is safe to use on a boat fuel fire?

Halon Class A extinguisher
Water-based Class A extinguisher
CO2 or dry chemical Class B extinguisher (Correct answer)
Foam Class A/B extinguisher only

Correct answer: CO2 or dry chemical Class B extinguisher

Boat fuel fires are Class B (flammable liquids) fires and require CO2 or dry chemical extinguishers rated for Class B.

Question 39: What is the primary reason boaters should avoid anchoring on coral reefs?

Coral produces chemicals that corrode anchor metal
Coral reefs create drag that damages anchor chains
Anchors can physically crush and break coral structures (Correct answer)
Reefs make it difficult to retrieve anchors

Correct answer: Anchors can physically crush and break coral structures

Anchors and anchor chains can crush, break, and permanently destroy fragile coral structures that may have taken decades to grow.

Question 40: Two sailing vessels are on a collision course. Vessel A is on a starboard tack and Vessel B is on a port tack. Which vessel must give way?

Vessel A, because the other vessel is to its starboard
Vessel B, because it is on a port tack (Correct answer)
They must both alter course equally
Vessel A, because it is downwind

Correct answer: Vessel B, because it is on a port tack

When two sailing vessels are on opposite tacks, the vessel on the port tack (Vessel B) must give way to the vessel on the starboard tack.

Question 41: A vessel is planning a coastal trip and must cross a shipping lane. What is the safest crossing procedure?

Follow the shipping lane to the nearest exit point
Cross at a right angle (90°) to the traffic flow as quickly as possible (Correct answer)
Cross parallel to vessel traffic to blend in
Cross at an angle to minimize time in the lane

Correct answer: Cross at a right angle (90°) to the traffic flow as quickly as possible

Crossing shipping lanes at a 90° angle minimizes your exposure time and makes your course predictable to large vessels.

Question 42: What does a boat displaying an orange or red flag (alpha flag) near towed water sports activities indicate?

The vessel is engaged in commercial fishing
The vessel is restricted in its ability to maneuver
A skier is down in the water and nearby boats should reduce speed and stay clear (Correct answer)
A diver is below and boats should maintain 200 feet distance

Correct answer: A skier is down in the water and nearby boats should reduce speed and stay clear

An orange skier-down flag signals that a person is in the water and approaching vessels must slow down and steer well clear.

Question 43: Which of these vessels must give way to a sailing vessel under sail alone?

A vessel not under command
A powerboat under engine power (Correct answer)
A vessel engaged in fishing
A vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver

Correct answer: A powerboat under engine power

A power-driven vessel must give way to a sailing vessel under sail alone, as sailboats are considered less maneuverable.

Question 44: What does a downed skier in the water display to alert other boaters?

A red or orange flag from the boat
A raised ski or arm above the water (Correct answer)
A white flag mounted on a pole
Three short whistle blasts

Correct answer: A raised ski or arm above the water

A skier in the water should raise a ski or an arm to signal their location to approaching boats.

Question 45: Which factor most increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning on a boat?

Running the generator while anchored in a confined area with poor ventilation (Correct answer)
Operating the engine at low rpm in open water
Using a gas stove in a cabin with open hatches
Running at high speed in rough conditions

Correct answer: Running the generator while anchored in a confined area with poor ventilation

Running engines or generators while anchored in a confined, poorly ventilated area traps CO exhaust and is a leading cause of on-board CO poisoning.

Question 46: What is the legal minimum age for operating a personal watercraft (PWC) in most US states?

18 years old without exception
12 years old in all states
10 years old with adult supervision
14 to 16 years old, depending on the state (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 14 to 16 years old, depending on the state

Most US states require PWC operators to be 14–16 years old and to have completed a boating safety course.

Question 47: A boater is convicted of BUI. Which of the following is a potential federal consequence?

A civil penalty only, with no criminal record
Suspension of boating privileges, fines up to $1,000, and possible jail time (Correct answer)
Mandatory purchase of marine insurance
Permanent lifetime ban from all US waterways

Correct answer: Suspension of boating privileges, fines up to $1,000, and possible jail time

Federal BUI penalties can include fines up to $1,000, up to one year in prison, and suspension of boating privileges under federal law.

Question 48: What does a red buoy with an even number indicate in the US Aids to Navigation system?

Leave it to your port (left) side when returning from sea
It indicates a no-wake zone
Leave it to your starboard (right) side when returning from sea (Correct answer)
It marks an obstruction below the surface

Correct answer: Leave it to your starboard (right) side when returning from sea

Red even-numbered buoys mark the right side of a channel when returning from sea — remember 'Red Right Returning.'

Question 49: Why is surfing or sitting on the bow, gunwale, or transom of a moving boat dangerous?

The person can fall overboard and be struck by the propeller or the hull (Correct answer)
It shifts weight causing the engine to overheat
It is only dangerous for children under 12 years old
It increases fuel consumption significantly

Correct answer: The person can fall overboard and be struck by the propeller or the hull

Riding exposed on the exterior of a moving vessel is called 'bowriding' or 'gunwale riding' — a fall into the propeller arc is often fatal.

Question 50: Under the Navigation Rules, what does it mean for a vessel to be 'underway'?

The vessel is not at anchor, aground, or made fast to the shore (Correct answer)
The vessel is traveling faster than 5 knots
The vessel is moving through the water
The vessel's engine is running

Correct answer: The vessel is not at anchor, aground, or made fast to the shore

A vessel is 'underway' whenever it is not anchored, aground, or tied to shore — even if it is drifting or stopped in the water.

Question 51: Which dayshape must a vessel constrained by its draft display?

A cylinder (Correct answer)
A black diamond
Three black balls in a vertical line
Two black cones apex together

Correct answer: A cylinder

A vessel constrained by its draft displays a cylinder as a dayshape to warn other vessels that it cannot maneuver freely.

Question 52: When should you activate an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)?

When your vessel is in grave and imminent danger (Correct answer)
Whenever you are more than 3 miles offshore
Only when the Coast Guard instructs you to
When you lose radio communications with shore

Correct answer: When your vessel is in grave and imminent danger

EPIRBs should be activated only during a genuine life-threatening emergency, as false activations waste rescue resources.

Question 53: What should a boater do if they accidentally transmit a false MAYDAY call on Channel 16?

File a written cancellation report within 48 hours
Switch to another channel and hope no one noticed
Turn off the radio to prevent further transmissions
Immediately announce on Channel 16 that the MAYDAY was sent in error and cancel it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Immediately announce on Channel 16 that the MAYDAY was sent in error and cancel it

A boater who accidentally transmits a false MAYDAY must immediately announce on Channel 16 that the distress call was made in error to prevent unnecessary rescue operations.

Question 54: Under the Navigation Rules, what sound signal should a power-driven vessel underway in restricted visibility give?

Two short blasts every 2 minutes
One prolonged and two short blasts every 2 minutes
One prolonged blast every 2 minutes (Correct answer)
Continuous sounding of the horn

Correct answer: One prolonged blast every 2 minutes

A power-driven vessel underway in restricted visibility must sound one prolonged blast at intervals of not more than 2 minutes.

Question 55: Research shows that a boat operator with a BAC of 0.10% is approximately how many times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than a sober operator?

10 times more likely (Correct answer)
2 times more likely
15 times more likely
5 times more likely

Correct answer: 10 times more likely

Studies show that a BAC of 0.10% makes a boat operator approximately 10 times more likely to be involved in a fatal boating accident.

Question 56: Which passenger behavior should an operator actively prevent to avoid capsizing?

Eating or drinking non-alcoholic beverages on deck
Moving together to one side of the boat to look at something (Correct answer)
Using marine radios without authorization
Wearing life jackets with loose straps

Correct answer: Moving together to one side of the boat to look at something

Passengers clustering on one side shifts the center of gravity, causing the vessel to list severely and potentially capsize.

Question 57: What is an environmentally responsible way to dispose of boat waste?

Dump waste into open water
Ignore waste disposal regulations
Store waste on board indefinitely
Use designated pump-out stations (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Use designated pump-out stations

Disposing of boat waste responsibly is vital for preventing water pollution and protecting public health. Designated pump-out stations are facilities specifically designed to safely remove sewage and other waste from boat holding tanks. Using these stations ensures that waste is treated properly on land, rather than being discharged into open water, which can introduce harmful bacteria and nutrients into marine environments.

Question 58: When backing a single-engine outboard boat, the stern tends to swing in which direction first?

Always to starboard regardless of propeller rotation
In the direction the propeller rotates (typically to port for standard rotation) (Correct answer)
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.

Question 59: Which of the following is a common cause of propeller strike injuries during water sports?

Operating at too low a speed during pickup
Failing to use a kill switch lanyard
Using too long a tow rope during skiing
Starting the engine before the swimmer or skier is fully clear of the water and propeller (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Starting the engine before the swimmer or skier is fully clear of the water and propeller

Most propeller strike injuries happen when the engine is started or the boat is put in gear before confirming all people are clear of the propeller.

Question 60: When must a vessel give way to a vessel being overtaken?

Always — the vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel (Correct answer)
Only in narrow channels
Only at night
Never — the overtaking vessel always has right-of-way

Correct answer: Always — the vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel

The vessel being overtaken always has the right of way; the overtaking vessel must keep clear until completely past and clear.

Online Boating Safety (OBS) Certification Exam

The Online Boating Safety Certification exam tests knowledge of safe boating practices including navigation rules, boat operation, safety equipment, and water sports regulations. It is required in most U.S. states for operators to legally operate a motorized vessel.

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60 min

Time Limit

80%

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