Boating License Test Boating License Test Emergency Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: If your boat capsizes, what should you do?
- Swim to shore immediately
- Stay with the capsized vessel unless it is sinking (Correct answer)
- Dive under the boat to retrieve gear
- Inflate your life jacket and swim away from the boat
Correct answer: Stay with the capsized vessel unless it is sinking
Staying with the capsized boat makes you easier to spot and the hull provides additional flotation support.
Question 2: What should you do if your boat engine catches fire?
- Pour water directly on the fire immediately
- Shut off the fuel supply and aim a fire extinguisher at the base of the flames (Correct answer)
- Increase throttle to blow out the flames
- Open all hatches to ventilate the fire
Correct answer: Shut off the fuel supply and aim a fire extinguisher at the base of the flames
Cutting the fuel supply starves the fire, and directing the extinguisher at the base attacks the source of combustion.
Question 3: Which type of fire extinguisher is approved for use on recreational boats?
- Water-type extinguisher
- Class B fire extinguisher (dry chemical or CO2) (Correct answer)
- Sand bucket only
- Any household fire extinguisher
Correct answer: Class B fire extinguisher (dry chemical or CO2)
The USCG requires Class B fire extinguishers on boats because most marine fires involve flammable liquids.
Question 4: What is the 'HELP' position used for in cold water survival?
- Signaling rescuers from the water
- Heat Escape Lessening Posture — curling up to retain body heat (Correct answer)
- Helping an injured passenger float
- A swimming technique to move faster
Correct answer: Heat Escape Lessening Posture — curling up to retain body heat
HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) involves curling knees to the chest to slow heat loss and reduce hypothermia risk.
Question 5: How should you approach a person in the water to rescue them?
- At full speed to reach them quickly
- From downwind and downcurrent, approaching slowly (Correct answer)
- From upwind so your wake pushes them toward you
- Circle them three times before approaching
Correct answer: From downwind and downcurrent, approaching slowly
Approaching from downwind and downcurrent gives you better control and reduces the risk of your boat being pushed onto the victim.
Question 6: What is the 'Reach, Throw, Don't Go' principle in water rescues?
- A navigation technique for shallow water
- A rescue hierarchy that prioritizes reaching or throwing an aid before entering the water yourself (Correct answer)
- A rule about swimming near boats
- A method for rescuing unconscious persons only
Correct answer: A rescue hierarchy that prioritizes reaching or throwing an aid before entering the water yourself
This principle prioritizes safer rescue methods (extending an oar, throwing a line) before risking a rescuer's life by swimming to the victim.
