Safety first
Everyone on board a vessel should understand basic safety practices. Who is responsible for ensuring this?
The vessel operator or captain of the boat
When must navigation lights be displayed?
from sunset to sunrise, and when visibility is restricted
When boating on federally controlled waters in an 18-foot boat, what equipment are you legally required to have on board?
US coastguard approved visual distress signals (or flares)
What sound-producing device(s) is required when boating on Texas waters in an 18-foot powerboat?
a whistle or horn
What is the best way to minimize the risk of drowning while boating?
have everyone wear a PFD (personal floatation device)
What important safety information is found on a boat's capacity plate?
Maximum weight or # of people the boat can carry safely
What is indicated by a white marker with an orange crossed diamond and black lettering?
an excluded area or "Keep out" area such as a dam
Where is the best place to store a fire extinguisher on a boat?
mounted in an accessible location
What is one part of a regular vessel and engine maintenance program
checking the oil regularly
What should the vessel operator tell everyone on board before departing?
tell everyone where the fire extinguisher is and where the PFD's are located
What is most important when selecting the right PFD for a passenger?
passengers body weight and chest size
What is the main purpose of the lateral system of red and green buoys and markers?
to mark the edges of safe water areas
Which type of PFD will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water?
wearable type 1
How should you approach the dock when docking your vessel?
into the wind or current, whichever is stronger
According to Texas law, who must be on board, in addition to the operator, if the vessel is towing a skier and does not have a rear view mirror?
Which of these, should you leave with a friend or relative before taking an extended outing on the water?
a float plan of your trip
Accordinga to the Texas Water Safety Act, how far must you keep your vessel from a diving area marked by a diver-down flag?
50 ft
According to Texas law, what age of operators are required to have passed an approved boating course in order to operate PWC without supervision?
operators of at least 13 years of age or older
What should you do before fueling your boat?
turn off the engine, close all windows and doors
What should a vessel operator do to make sure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency?
conduct an emergency drill with everyone on board
What should a motorboat operator do when someone is being pulled into the boat from the water?
Turn off the engine
Which of these provides a warning that dangerous weather is approaching?
dark clouds and shifting winds
How should a vessel's registration number and validation decal be displayed?
on each side of the forward half of the boat (by the bow of the boat)
How can you prevent transporting nuisance species (plants or animals) with your vessel from one waterway to another?
remove any zebra muscles you see before leaving the water
When is a sailboat under sail the give-way vessel when encountering a power-driven vessel?
when a sailboat is overtaking the power-driven vessel