engines
This part mixes fuel and air before it enters the combustion chamber. A clogged one can make the engine stall at low RPMs.
What is the carburetor?
When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, each should do this to avoid a collision.
What is alter course to starboard/right?
The point on a chart that shows true north is marked with this.
What is the compass rose?
This part attaches the oar to the boat and allows it to pivot when rowing.
What is the oarlock?
Before leaving the dock, it is important to check these three things on your small boat.
Engine operation/fuel, safety equipment, weather/conditions
If the impeller fails in this system, the engine will overheat quickly. Identify the system and explain why this part is essential.
What is the Cooling System? The impeller moves water through the engine to remove heat.
A sailing vessel is underway under sail alone. Which type of vessel must give way?
What is a power-driven vessel?
Using charts, compass, and landmarks to plan and follow a course is called this.
navigation
The part of the boat that helps prevent it from tipping sideways is called this.
What is the keel?
Explain why maintaining proper weight distribution in a small boat is critical, and give one example of how poor distribution can affect handling.
Proper weight distribution keeps the boat stable and balanced.
Example: Too much weight in the bow can cause plowing or nose-diving, too much aft can lift the bow and reduce steering control.
This part spins to generate a spark in the ignition system and also helps start the engine. Explain what would happen if it doesn’t turn fast enough.
What is the flywheel? The engine may fail to start or spark timing will be off, causing misfires.
One short blast from a vessel’s horn signals this action.
What is “I am altering my course to starboard/right”?
A channel on a nautical chart is marked with red and green buoys. What do these colors indicate, and how should you navigate between them when returning from sea?
Red = port side when returning from sea
Green = starboard side when returning from sea
Navigate keeping red buoys to your left and green to your right when returning
This term describes the distance from the waterline to the top edge of the boat’s hull, and it helps determine how much of the boat sits above the water.
What is the freeboard?
A boat has a planing hull. Describe what happens when it reaches planing speed and one advantage of this hull type.
At planing speed, the hull rises and skims on top of the water, reducing drag.
Advantage: Faster speeds and improved fuel efficiency compared to displacement hulls.
What is the torque specification for a Yamaha 9.9 spark plug?
22 nM
If you see a vessel showing green over white lights on the mast, what is it doing?
What is engaged in trawling?
On a nautical chart, this symbol shows the location of a dock or pier.
What is a rectangle or solid black line extending into the water?
A support that runs across the width of a rowboat to add strength and provide a seat.
What is a thwart?
You spot a person in the water near your boat. Describe two steps you should take to safely pick them up.
Approach slowly from downwind or downstream so the boat doesn’t drift onto them.
Turn the bow toward the person and use a life ring, rope, or assist with hand/boarding to bring them aboard safely.
When checking your engine oil during a routine change, you notice it looks unusual. Describe two problems the oil’s appearance might indicate.
Milky color → water is in the oil (possible coolant or water intrusion)
Metal “sprinkles” → engine parts are wearing down
These international rules define how vessels navigate safely to prevent collisions at sea, including lights, signals, and right-of-way responsibilities.
What are the COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea)?
You are piloting a boat at a speed of 8 knots in still water. A current of 2 knots against you flows directly opposite your course. You need to travel 15 nautical miles to reach your destination.
What is your speed over ground?
How long will it take to reach your destination?
Speed over ground = Boat speed – Current speed = 8 – 2 = 6 knots
Time = Distance ÷ Speed over ground = 15 ÷ 6 ≈ 2.5 hours
Name five pieces of safety equipment that are legally required on a 20-foot recreational boat.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) – One for each person on board
Fire extinguisher – Appropriate type for the boat
Visual distress signals – Flares or approved signaling device
Sound-producing device – Horn, whistle, or bell
Navigation lights – Required for night or restricted visibility
Optional extras: throwable flotation device, anchor with line, ventilation (for boats with enclosed engine compartments)
Name three important marine radio channels and what they are primarily used for. Then, list three key phrases or calls you would use in an emergency over the radio.
Channel 13- Bridge to Bridge
Channel 16- Distress
Channel 22A- alternative USCG
Channel 9, 69, 71, 72- Pleasure channels
Mayday – Life-threatening emergency
Pan-Pan – Urgent situation, not immediately life-threatening
Securité – Safety message or navigational warning