OBS Online Boating Emergency Procedures & Rescue Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the proper approach angle when rescuing a person in the water from a motorboat?
- Approach from upwind and upcurrent so the boat drifts toward the victim
- Approach from downwind and downcurrent to avoid overshooting the victim (Correct answer)
- Approach directly into the current at full speed
- Always approach with the victim on the starboard side
Correct answer: Approach from downwind and downcurrent to avoid overshooting the victim
Approaching from downwind and downcurrent allows the vessel to drift naturally toward the victim without overshooting.
Question 2: A flare gun is found on board. When is it legal and appropriate to fire a flare in the US?
- To signal your position during a nighttime cruise
- To celebrate arriving at your destination
- During a genuine emergency when in distress (Correct answer)
- During any situation where you need to alert other boaters
Correct answer: During a genuine emergency when in distress
Flares are legal distress signals and should only be fired during a genuine emergency; misuse is a federal offense.
Question 3: What does cold water shock primarily cause in the first minutes of immersion?
- Hypothermia that incapacitates the swimmer
- Uncontrollable hyperventilation and gasping (Correct answer)
- Loss of consciousness from pressure change
- Muscle cramps that prevent swimming
Correct answer: Uncontrollable hyperventilation and gasping
Cold water shock triggers an involuntary gasp reflex and hyperventilation that can cause drowning before hypothermia sets in.
Question 4: What is the 'reach, throw, don't go' rule of water rescue?
- Always reach the victim with a pole, throw a line if that fails, and only enter the water as a last resort (Correct answer)
- Reach the victim first, throw them a PFD, then go to shore
- Reach for the radio, throw the anchor, don't go into deep water
- Always stay on the boat and never enter the water under any circumstances
Correct answer: Always reach the victim with a pole, throw a line if that fails, and only enter the water as a last resort
This rule prioritizes safer rescue methods—extending an object or throwing a line—before a rescuer enters the water, which risks two victims.
Question 5: Which type of fire extinguisher is safe to use on a boat fuel fire?
- Water-based Class A extinguisher
- CO2 or dry chemical Class B extinguisher (Correct answer)
- Foam Class A/B extinguisher only
- Halon Class A extinguisher
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 6: If your engine fails far from shore, what should you do FIRST?
- Immediately call for a tow using VHF Channel 16
- Anchor if in shallow water and attempt to diagnose the problem (Correct answer)
- Wave down the nearest passing vessel
- Deploy your EPIRB beacon right away
Correct answer: Anchor if in shallow water and attempt to diagnose the problem
Anchoring prevents drifting into hazards while you calmly troubleshoot the engine before escalating to a distress call.
Question 7: What is the recommended position for multiple survivors waiting for rescue in the water?
- Floating face-down to conserve energy
- The HELP position individually spread out
- Huddling together in a group (HUDDLE position) (Correct answer)
- Swimming slowly in a circle to stay warm
Correct answer: Huddling together in a group (HUDDLE position)
The HUDDLE position groups survivors together to share body heat and makes the group easier for rescuers to spot.
OBS Online Boating Emergency Procedures & Rescue Skills 3
What is the proper approach angle when rescuing a person in the water from a motorboat?