Rules of the Road
This color sidelight is displayed on the port side of a vessel at night.
What is red?
This document must be aboard to legally operate most vessels.
What is the boat’s registration/documentation?
This part of the anchor digs into the seabed.
What are the flukes?
This device should be used immediately to notify the Coast Guard of a mayday.
What is a VHF radio on channel 16?
This knot is used to form a fixed loop that won’t slip under load.
What is a bowline?
This term refers to the vessel that must maintain course and speed in a crossing situation.
What is the stand-on vessel?
This device provides reliable boat position fixes even in unfamiliar areas.
What is GPS?
This measurement is the ratio of rode length to water depth.
What is scope?
This emergency phrase precedes a call about immediate threat to life or vessel.
What is “Mayday”?
This knot is used to attach a line to a cleat.
What is a cleat hitch?
When two powerboats meet head-on, both are required to alter course in this direction.
What is to starboard?
This term describes knowing where you are and where you’re going on the water.
What is situational awareness?
This type of seabed offers the best holding for most recreational anchors.
What is sand or mud?
These items are thrown to help someone who has fallen overboard.
What are throwable flotation devices?
This line prevents a boat from moving forward or aft when docked.
What is a spring line?
This sound signal indicates you intend to overtake another vessel on their port side.
What is two short blasts?
This onboard safety item must be easily accessible for every passenger.
What is a life jacket/PFD?
This equipment is used to reduce strain on the windlass and dampen shock loads.
What is a snubber or bridle?
This handheld device can signal distress at night.
What are flares?
This term describes storing a line so it won’t tangle.
What is coiling the line?
This is the side on which you should pass a green lateral marker when returning from sea.
What is the starboard side?
This determines the maximum number of people and weight allowed aboard.
What is the capacity plate?
Before anchoring, you should check wind, current, and potential for this.
What is swinging room?
This inspection point helps prevent engine overheating emergencies.
What is checking the raw water intake/impeller?
This refers to the bitter end of a line.
What is the free end or working end?