Boating Certification Test Pre-Departure Checklist 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before departing, where should you file a float plan?
- With the Coast Guard directly
- With a responsible person onshore (Correct answer)
- With the marina harbormaster only
- It is not required to file a float plan
Correct answer: With a responsible person onshore
A float plan should be left with a responsible person onshore who can contact authorities if you do not return as expected.
Question 2: What information should be included in a float plan?
- Only the destination and boat color
- Boat description, trip itinerary, and emergency contacts (Correct answer)
- The captain's name and license number only
- Fuel capacity and engine type only
Correct answer: Boat description, trip itinerary, and emergency contacts
A complete float plan includes a detailed boat description, trip itinerary, expected return time, and emergency contact information.
Question 3: When checking the weather before departure, which source is most reliable for marine conditions?
- A general TV weather forecast
- NOAA Weather Radio or VHF Channel 16
- A smartphone weather app
- NOAA VHF weather broadcasts on channels WX1-WX7 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: NOAA VHF weather broadcasts on channels WX1-WX7
NOAA VHF weather broadcasts on dedicated WX channels provide the most current and detailed marine weather forecasts.
Question 4: Before launching, you notice the bilge has a strong fuel odor. What should you do?
- Run the blower for at least four minutes before starting the engine (Correct answer)
- Start the engine briefly to burn off the fumes
- Launch immediately and open all hatches
- Pour water into the bilge to dilute the fuel
Correct answer: Run the blower for at least four minutes before starting the engine
Running the bilge blower for at least four minutes before starting the engine helps clear explosive fuel vapors from the bilge.
Question 5: Which of the following is the correct way to check that navigation lights work before a night departure?
- Turn them on and visually verify each light illuminates properly (Correct answer)
- Check the fuse box only
- Have a passenger confirm the lights look bright from the dock
- Test them only when underway
Correct answer: Turn them on and visually verify each light illuminates properly
You should physically turn on each navigation light and visually confirm it illuminates correctly before departing after dark.
Question 6: What does checking the boat's 'drain plug' before departure prevent?
- Engine overheating
- The boat from taking on water and sinking (Correct answer)
- Fuel contamination
- Electrical short circuits
Correct answer: The boat from taking on water and sinking
Ensuring the drain plug is properly installed prevents water from flooding the hull, which can cause the boat to sink.
Question 7: How many passengers should your boat carry according to its capacity plate?
- As many as can fit comfortably on the seats
- No more than the number shown on the capacity plate (Correct answer)
- One more than the capacity plate if all wear life jackets
- The capacity plate is a suggestion, not a limit
Correct answer: No more than the number shown on the capacity plate
The capacity plate shows the maximum number of persons and weight the vessel can safely carry and must not be exceeded.
