Conference vicki::boats

	Division of Law Enforcement

	Boating Basics Test
        --------------------

I. True/False.
	
	1.  All vessels must carry at least one U.S. Coast Guard approved 
       	    personal flotation device for each person on board.
	   
	2.  Only boats with inboard motors must be equipped with a 
	    fire extinguishers.

	3.  All  boats  with motors in Massachusetts must be registered with the
	    Division of Environmental Law Enforcement.
	   
	4.  Boats engaged in water skiing must be equipped with a boarding 
	    ladder and a person of at least 12 years of age to observe the 
	    skier,  (who must wear a P.F.D.).
	
	5.  Powerboats  usually  have  the  right-of-way over sailboats 
            and other non-motorized vessels in marine traffic situation.
       
	6.  A  privileged  vessel  has  the  right-of-way  in  a  marine  
	    traffic situation.
	
	7.  In  nautical  terms,  the  right  side of a vessel is called the 
	    port side.
	
	8.  In nautical terms, the forward section of a vessel is called the 
	    bow.
	
	9.  The running (navigation) light on the port side of a vessel is 
	    red in color.
	
	10. The signal for danger is five or more short, rapid blasts on a sound
	    device.

	11. A vessel which has the right-of-way may have to depart from the 
            rules in order to avoid a collision.

	12. The  physical  damage or personal injury that a boat's wake may 
            cause is not always the responsibility of that boat's operator.

	13. Being concerned with our personal safety, we should try to lend some
	kind  of  assistance  to  other boaters who are in distress and need our
	help if we are able.

	14. According  to  the Lateral Buoy System used on Massachusetts waters,
	when  returning  from  the sea back to port or going upstream, red buoys
	are passed to your starboard side.
	
	
								page 2

	15. According  to the State Motorboat Law, the boat's operator must have
	the boat's registration certificate in possession while underway.
	
	16. While  cruising,  there is very little danger in allowing passengers
	to ride on the boat's gunwales or up on the bow's deck.
	
	17. People  under 16 years of age who operate a powerboat (25 horsepower
	or  greater)  without  adult  supervision  must  successfully complete a
	boating  safety  course  and carry the safety certification with them on
	board.

	18. Vessels  often  capsize  because  of  the way people operate or load
	them.

	19. Fire  on  board powerboats is not a real serious problem since water
	is all around us which can easily be used to extinguish a fire.
	
	20. The intake of alcohol or other drugs, decreases a person's 
            ability to operated vessel alertly and safely.
	
	21. In  a  crossing  situation  as  two  small  recreational  powerboats
	approach each other, the boat to the starboard has the right-of-way.

	22. Green colored buoys mark the middle of a channel.
	
	23. State  law  requires  that  canoeists  from  Sept.  15  -  May 15th,
	waterskiiers  and jet skiers wear either a type 1,2, or 3 P.F.D. and it
	is highly recommended that all other boaters do the same.
	
	24. State law requires that passengers have easy access to P.F.D's while
	on board.
	
	25. Hypothermia  is  a  physical  condition in which the body loses heat
	faster  than  it  can  produce  it,  causing a dangerous lowering of the
	body's inner core temperature.



	II. Multiple Choice					PAGE 3.

	1. A  proper  Massachusetts  registration  number  would  look  like the
	following:
	
		a. MS 1234 HC
		b. HC 1234 MS
		c. MS1234hc
		d. No registration number is required.
		
	2. Boat  identification  numbers  that  are  placed  on each side of the
	forward half of the vessel should be of what height?
	
		a. at least 3 inches.
		b. Any height desired, as long as they can be seen.
		c. At least 2 inches.
		d. Any height the boat owner desires.
		
	3. The most important thing to do immediately after your boat capsizes is
	grab a P.F.D. and:
	
		a. Stay with the vessel.
		b. send up a distress signal.
		c. Remember to report the accident.
		d. Swim for the closest shore.
		
	4. If  you  fell  overboard  into  very  cold  water, about one (1) mile
	off-shore and could not reach your boat, the most sensible steps to take
	would include putting on a P.F.D. if possible and:
	
	a. Remove your heavy clothes and begin swimming for the nearest shore.
	b. under all circumstances begin swimming for shore.
	c. Keep your clothing on while going into a "survival float" position.
	d. Remove clothing to use as extra flotation.
	
	5. Never  jump  into  a small boat. Always board small craft by stepping
	cautiously:

		a. Onto the gunwale.
		b. Into the center of the boat.
		c. Onto the bow.
		d. While carrying an armful of gear or supplies.
		
	6. While underway, if a person falls overboard, you should:
	
		a. Send up a distress signal immediately.
		b. turn the bow away from the side the person went over,
		   slow down and toss him a P.F.D.
		c. Turn the bow toward the side their person went over, 
                   slow down and toss him a P.F.D.
		d. Report the accident immediately.
		
	7. A  small  craft warning, displayed by a single red pennant, indicates
	that:
	
		a. Only small craft may operate in the water.
		b. Severe gale storms are expected.
		c. Strong winds and rough water are forecasted.
		d. Boats are being towed in the area.
		
	

		   
							page 4
							
	8. what is the minimum distance a boat operator should leave between his
	boat and a public bathing beach?
	
		a. 25 feet.
		b. Just use common sense.
		c. 150 feet
		d No distance has been determined by law.
		
	9. Pleasure boats are restricted to running lights that are:
	
		a. Red and green only.
		b. Red, green and white only.
		c. Red, blue , and white only.
		d. Chosen by each individual boater.
		
	10. A sailboat usually has the right of way over motorboats except:
	
		a. When it yields to commercial vessels in narrow channels.
		b. When the sailboat is the overtaking boat.
		c. When it is under power.
		d. All three of the above.
		
	11. According to the rules of the road, over motorboaters except:
		a. Maintain course and speed.
		b. Come to complete stop.
		c. Maintain course and reduce steep.
		d. Disregard all other boats operators in the area.
		
	12. Your powerboat is approaching a mooring area at cruising speed where
	boats are anchored.  The sensible thing to do is:
	
		a. Maintain your course and speed in order to get through 
                   the area quickly.
		b. Reduce your speed so that no wake is caused by your boat.
		c. weave through the boats to improve your operating skills.
		d. Make a sharp turn to avoid the area completely.
		
	13. When  sighting  a  diver's  flag  (blue/white alpha flag or red with
	white  diagonal  striped  state  flag) the proper course of action for a
	boat operator to take would be:
	
		a. Ignore the flags since they are only signs for divers.
		b. Operate through the area as quickly as possible.
		c. Blast the "danger signal" on a power horn.
		d. Proceed through the area cautiously at low speed, watching 
                   for divers along the water's surface.
		   
	14. Approved portable gasoline tanks should be filled:
	
		a. Outside the vessel.
		b. While keeping the nozzle or spout in contact with the tank.
		c. Completely so condensation can't occur.
		d. A and B above.
		

								page 5
	15.  A  marine  police  officer  would  check  which  of  the  following
	concerning your P.F.D.'s:
	
		a. Their overall condition (tears, straps,buoyancy.)
		b. Coast Guard approval.
		c. Appropriate size.
		d. All of the above.
		
	16. The speed limit for boats using inland water in Massachusetts
	(lakes, great ponds, rivers) is:
	
		a. 25 miles per hour.
		b. No speed limit has been set by law.
		c. 45 Miles per hour.
		d. Only coastal waters have a speed limit.
		
	17. A motorboat must be operated at headway speed (no more than 6 m.ph.)
	when:
	
		a. You are within 150 feet of a marina, boat launch, raft, 
                   or float.
		b. Your vision is blocked by a bridge or bend in the channel.
		c. You are within a channel.
		d. All of the above.
		
	18. To avoid collisions, boat operators should:
	
		a. Maintain a sharp, forward lookout for boats and swimmers
		   on the water.
		   
		b. Know and follow the rules of the road.
		c. Reduce speed in congested boating areas.
		d. All of the above.
		
	19. Among other things a float plan should include:
	
		a. The location where you intend to boat.
		b. A basic description of your boat (color, type, length, 
                   numbers)
		c. The names of all persons on board.
		d. All of the above.
		
	20.  You are fishing at night on a rowboat without any motor:
		a. No lights are required for small boats.
		b. the same running lights needed for motorboats must be used.
		c. You must have either a lantern or a flashlight which can
		   be used to shine in order to avoid collision.
		d. Rowboats and other non-powered boats are not allowed to boat 
		   after sunset.
		   
	21. Under the rules of the road, which are the duties of the burdened
	    (give-way) vessel in a normal marine traffic situation.
	    
		a. Increase speed and cross well ahead of the privileged 
                   (stand-on)
		b. use the "rule of departure" so that neither vessel has the
		   right-of-way.
		c. Take positive and timely action to keep out of the way, 
                   usually by changing course and speed by slowing down and 
                   passing astern of the privileged vessel.
		D. all of the above.   
								page 6
	22. The best method of anchoring is to:
	
		a. Heave the anchors overboard by casting from the side of 
                   the boat.
		b. Slowly lower the anchor over the bow to the button by hand.
		c. stand on the bow and throw the anchor underhand away from
		   the boat
		d. Tie up to a navigation aid.
		
	23. Which of the following represents an "aid to navigation":
	
		a. A lighthouse on a bluff.
		b. A red "nun" buoy.
		c. A tall tower (or other prominent structure) at a harbor's
		   entrance.
		d. All of the above.
		
	24. The cylindrical "can" buoy is always odd-numbered and colored:
	
		a. White
		b. Green.
		c. Red.
		d. Black.
		
	25. The purpose of navigational buoys is to indicate to boaters:
	
		a. The location and direction of a channel.
		b. Hazardous obstructions or dangerous situations
		    (ie. rocks or shoals).
		c. The weather conditions on the water.
		d. A & B above.


	
		

		answers to the test.
                --------------------



		True or False
		-------------

	1.  T	 	2.  F		3.  T		4.  T	
	5.  F		6.  T  		7.  F		8. T
	9.  T		10. T		11. T		12. F
	13. T		14. T 		15. T		16. F
	17. T		18. T		19. F		20. T
	21. T		22. F		23. T		24. T
	25. T



		MULTI GUESS  :^)
		-----------


	1.  A		2.  A		3.  A		4.  C
	5.  B	 	6.  C		7.  C		8.  C
	9.  B		10. D		11. C		12. B
	13. D		14. D		15. D		16. C
	17. D		18. D		19. D		20. C
	21. C 		22. B 		23. D 		
	24. D or B (New color is green so some are balck and some are green)
	25. D


	How did you do?

I had 1 wrong, looks like I need to brush up on buoy shapes
and colors.

I didn't answer question 11 on multiple choice.  Both the 
question and answer "C" make no sense.  A typo maybe?

The quiz is a good idea Bob to shake out the winter cobwebs!

Rick W.

    I got 41 out of 50, but really 41 out of 49 'coz I think section
    2 # 11 was mistyped.......
    
    I'm not impressed with my score and a couple of the answers surprised
    me, especially since I just got through re-reading my Chapman's ;-}

    The ones that surprised me but shouldn't have were the questions concerning:
    
    	Distance from public beach
    	No more than 6 mph in a channel (yeah, right)
    	Speed limit on inland waters (which I never do...either the
    		limit or the water!)
	Boat ID size

    Tally-ho,
    
    Ray

    100%
    {;>)
    

    
    49 out of 49,  skipped #11 part 2,  since it was mis-typed.
    
    I guess I did learn something at the Coast Guard Aux course
    I took last year.
    
    Mike

    	I haven't taken the test yet but it sure seems interesting.
    How about continuing in this vein with a boating trivia topic.
    It could either use this note or a separate one...Your call Mr
    Moderator. 
    	The topic would have to be broadened to cover more than just
    Mass but it might be fun. Any interest? 
    	How about you Walt? This might help with your 6 pack studies. 
    
    Paul 
    

    
    
    	49 of 50 and disappointed.  I think that if anyone cannot get
    at least that score they should attend the Coast Guard course. 
    This might be just the ticket to convince people that the course
    is worth while.  Great idea to publish here.
    
    Steve D.
    

    
      4 wrong, (i skipped #11). 
    
    					Kenny

    
    Re: True/False Section.
    
       Since I don't live in Massachusetts I skipped questions #3 and
    #15. Given that, I got 23 out of 23.
    
       I would also argue that the wording of question #14 is on the
    ambiguous side. When it says "...red buoys are passed to your starboard
    side", does it mean you leave them on your right (the correct answer)
    or you pass them on the right, leaving them on the left? I guessed
    that they intended to say "... are left on your starboard side"
    and got the correct answer.
    
    Re: Multiple Choice Section.
    
       Even though #1 and #16 are Mass. specific, I knew the answers
    so I didn't skip them. (I read about #16 in - I think - Offshore,
    and I always thought #1 was a U.S.-wide rule.) Anyway, I got 21
    out of 24 (skipping #11) but I'm "guilty with explanation" as they
    say in traffic court.
    
       In #5, "...board small craft by stepping cautiously", the listed
    answer is B, "into the center of the boat." However, anyone who
    has their boat on a mooring knows it's nearly impossible to go from
    the launch into the center of the cockpit without first stepping
    on the gunwale. Likewise, stepping from a ladder on the side of
    a fixed pier into your boat (at low tide) demands that you land
    on the gunwale first. So, I would have listed the correct answer
    as "A or B, depending on the circumstances."
    
       In #8, "...the minimum distance...between his boat and a public
    bathing beach" I went with B, "just use common sense" since I tend
    to consider some popular anchorages as bathing beaches. In those
    cases, 150 feet just isn't practical.
    
       And finally question #17, "...operated at headway speed", the
    listed answer of D, "All of the above" is just plain wrong. I agree
    that A "...within 150 feet of a marina..." is correct but anyone
    who has piloted on the south shore of Long Island knows that slowing
    to headway speed at bridges is suicidal. Likewise, maintaining that
    slow a speed through some of the more open channels around the Island
    (north and south shores) would be foolish, given the amount of space
    available.
    
    
       Overall, I'm pleased with my score.
    
    
    Frank Sapienza, P
    Neptune Power Squadron
    

    
    
      WHAT IS A CHAPMAN ?  Is it a book ?

    If your a boater is a book on general yachting/boating/marine
    information. Its a big thick book with chapters on anchoring,
    navigation, rules of the road etc.  If your an auto enthusiast
    then its a type of anti-theft lock.

    
    How much does this book go for? I recently bought one titled "Safe
    Boat". It set me back $45. The foreward of this book was done by the
    Comondor of the Coast Guard so I figured it must be good. 

    
    Chapman's is considered by some to be the "Bible of Boating".
    BOAT/US has it for about $24.
    
    Rick