OBS Defensive Driving Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When operating in heavy boat traffic, what is the safest speed to maintain?
- As fast as possible to clear the area quickly
- The minimum speed needed to maintain steerage and control (Correct answer)
- Whatever speed other boats are traveling
- Maximum hull speed at all times
Correct answer: The minimum speed needed to maintain steerage and control
The minimum speed needed to maintain steerage reduces the risk of collision and gives you more time to react to hazards.
Question 2: A boat is overtaking you from behind on your starboard side. Who has the right of way?
- The overtaking boat always has right of way
- You, the vessel being overtaken, have the right of way (Correct answer)
- The larger vessel has right of way
- The boat with more passengers has right of way
Correct answer: You, the vessel being overtaken, have the right of way
The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel and has right of way; the overtaking vessel must keep clear.
Question 3: What does a defensive boater do when visibility drops due to fog?
- Increase speed to get out of the fog quickly
- Anchor immediately and wait for conditions to improve
- Reduce speed, sound fog signals, and post a lookout (Correct answer)
- Turn on cabin lights and continue at normal speed
Correct answer: Reduce speed, sound fog signals, and post a lookout
In restricted visibility, operators must reduce speed, use appropriate sound signals, and keep a proper lookout.
Question 4: When approaching a blind bend in a narrow channel, a defensive boater should:
- Accelerate to get through the bend quickly
- Sound one prolonged blast and proceed cautiously on the starboard side (Correct answer)
- Cross to the port side to see around the bend
- Stop and wait for traffic to pass
Correct answer: Sound one prolonged blast and proceed cautiously on the starboard side
One prolonged blast signals your presence around a blind bend, and hugging the starboard side follows the rules for narrow channels.
Question 5: Which action best demonstrates defensive boating when another vessel is acting unpredictably?
- Match the erratic vessel's speed and direction
- Signal aggressively with your horn until they correct course
- Slow down, give wide berth, and be prepared to stop (Correct answer)
- Accelerate past them as quickly as possible
Correct answer: Slow down, give wide berth, and be prepared to stop
Creating distance and reducing speed when another vessel is unpredictable maximizes your reaction time and safety margin.
Question 6: What is the primary reason to avoid operating a boat while fatigued?
- It is only illegal at night
- Fatigue impairs judgment, reaction time, and situational awareness (Correct answer)
- Fatigue only affects the ability to read charts
- Fatigue has no effect on experienced boaters
Correct answer: Fatigue impairs judgment, reaction time, and situational awareness
Fatigue degrades the mental and physical abilities needed for safe boat operation, similar to alcohol impairment.
Question 7: When crossing a busy shipping lane, the safest approach is to:
- Cross at an angle to extend time in the lane
- Cross as rapidly as possible at a right angle to the lane (Correct answer)
- Follow the shipping lane until a clear spot appears
- Wait for a large vessel to escort you across
Correct answer: Cross as rapidly as possible at a right angle to the lane
Crossing shipping lanes at a right angle minimizes the time your vessel is exposed to large, fast-moving commercial traffic.
OBS Defensive Driving Techniques 2
When operating in heavy boat traffic, what is the safest speed to maintain?