Boating License Test Boating License Test Life-Saving Equipment and PFDs 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which US Coast Guard PFD type provides the most buoyancy and is designed for rough or remote waters?
- Type II — Near-Shore Buoyant Vest
- Type III — Flotation Aid
- Type I — Offshore Life Jacket (Correct answer)
- Type IV — Throwable Device
Correct answer: Type I — Offshore Life Jacket
Type I offshore life jackets provide the highest buoyancy (22 lbs) and are designed to turn most unconscious wearers face-up in rough water.
Question 2: When are children under 13 required to wear a life jacket on a recreational boat in federal US waters?
- Only when the boat is moving faster than 10 mph
- At all times when the vessel is underway unless below deck (Correct answer)
- Only when there is no adult present
- Only when crossing open water channels
Correct answer: At all times when the vessel is underway unless below deck
Federal law requires children under 13 to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while the vessel is underway unless they are in an enclosed cabin.
Question 3: What is the minimum number of wearable PFDs required on a recreational vessel?
- One for every two people on board
- One Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD for each person on board (Correct answer)
- Only two PFDs regardless of passenger count
- PFDs are only required if the boat has no cabin
Correct answer: One Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD for each person on board
Federal law requires at least one Coast Guard-approved wearable PFD for every person aboard a recreational vessel.
Question 4: What is a Type IV throwable PFD and when must it be aboard?
- An inflatable vest worn at all times
- A cushion or ring buoy that can be thrown to a person in the water — required on vessels 16 feet and longer (Correct answer)
- A PFD worn only by the captain
- An emergency raft for use in sinking situations
Correct answer: A cushion or ring buoy that can be thrown to a person in the water — required on vessels 16 feet and longer
Type IV throwable devices (ring buoys or cushions) must be immediately accessible and are required in addition to wearable PFDs on vessels 16 feet or longer.
Question 5: What should you check when inspecting a life jacket before use?
- Only the color to ensure visibility
- The buoyancy material for waterlogging, straps for damage, and zippers/buckles for proper function (Correct answer)
- Only that it has the manufacturer's label
- Only the inflation mechanism
Correct answer: The buoyancy material for waterlogging, straps for damage, and zippers/buckles for proper function
Before use, inspect PFDs for tears, waterlogged foam, broken straps, and damaged closures to ensure they will function properly.
Question 6: Which PFD type is designed for calm inland water where rescue is quick and the wearer is conscious?
- Type I — Offshore Life Jacket
- Type III — Flotation Aid (Correct answer)
- Type V — Special Use Device
- Type II — Near-Shore Buoyant Vest
Correct answer: Type III — Flotation Aid
Type III flotation aids are comfortable for active water sports in calm water where fast rescue is likely and the person can stay face-up on their own.
