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Conference wahoo::fishing

Title:Fishing Notes- Archived
Notice:See note 555.1 for a keyword directory of this conference
Moderator:DONMAC::MACINTYRE
Created:Fri Feb 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Sep 20 1991
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1660
Total number of notes:20970

1123.0. "Massachusetts Boating Basics test" by HPSCAD::BPUISHYS (Bob Puishys) Wed May 03 1989 15:50

	Hi folks. Last night at my Bass club meeting we had an officer 
from the Mass Division of Law Enforcement (game warden) give a talk.
He talked about the new laws and changes to old laws.  then he gave this
test so we could see how much we really know about the boating laws
of Massachusetts.

	I think all of use who use a boat should take this test.
If you don't live in mass take it anyway most of it is common sense.

in .1 is the test
   .2 answers

	Bassin Bob Puishys
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
1123.1HPSCAD::BPUISHYSBob PuishysWed May 03 1989 16:06314

	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.


	
		

1123.2HPSCAD::BPUISHYSBob PuishysWed May 03 1989 16:1533
		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?
1123.3MPGS::NEALI'm the NRAThu May 04 1989 08:247
    Ok, nice test. I surprised myself and only got one wrong (#4 T/F). 
    I wasn't aware that the guy watching the water skier needed to wear
    flotation. I haven't done a lot of water skiing, and cant say I
    remember seeing any spotters wearing a PFD. That must be one of the
    most ignored rules.

    Rich
1123.4I had a problem with that question tooHPSCAD::BPUISHYSBob PuishysThu May 04 1989 09:2910
    I think that question is a little hard to understand.  The skier
    must have the vest on not the observer.  I guess it is poorly
    written.
    
    I missed one and answered black for 24 but becuase they are in the
    process of chaning colors it was not wrong.

    
    Bassin BOb
    
1123.5Right? Wrong?STOWMA::LANGEToxic Waste PinataThu May 04 1989 09:302
    re #4....I am under the impression that all persons in the boat must
    wear a PFD while the big motor is running.
1123.6HPSCAD::BPUISHYSBob PuishysThu May 04 1989 09:338
    Not occurding to the guy that was at the meeting.  It is a common
    rule in all B.A.S.S. tournaments and most other bass tournaments
    that you ,ust wear a P.F.D. while the big motor is running, but
    no law in MASS states you have to wear one unless you are in a canoe
    between sep15 and may 15th.
    
    Bob, 
    
1123.7STOWMA::LANGEToxic Waste PinataThu May 04 1989 09:536
    re B.A.S.S. Tournements.....
    
    Thats where I heard you must wear it...
    Thanks...
    
    
1123.8speed limitWMOIS::N_PAREThu May 04 1989 10:3512
    
    I went to a boating safety class and had to take the same test.I
    got one wrong and it was #16 multiple choice, about the speed limit
    on inland water ways,lakes. I never knew that you cannot legally
    go faster than 45mph max. I though it was follow the speed limit
    when posted,follow the no wake rule when necessary,and when the
    area is clear,open and safe then its full speed ahead.Most boats
    will do better than 45mph (except for mine).
    
    
    Frenchy
    
1123.9Not too bad for a non boat owner.GENRAL::HUNTERfrom SUNNY Colorado, WayneThu May 04 1989 11:234
    	I missed most of the Mass. specific rules.  I don't think I
    have to worry about the speed limit, since it is tough to exceed
    the speed limit in a belly-boat.  :-)  If you can, you're a better
    man than I, Gunga-Din.
1123.10exBTO::MORONGThu May 04 1989 11:4110
      Am I missing something, or is question #11 of the multiple guess
    not real clear??? This is how it is worded:
    
     "According to the rules of the road, over motorboaters except:"
    
    
     HUH???
    
    -Ron-
    
1123.11HPSCAD::BPUISHYSBob PuishysThu May 04 1989 13:5220
    
    oops!!! 
    
    11: According to the rules of the road, The privileged vessel in
    a marine traffice situation must:
    
    	a. maintain course and speed.
        b. come to complete stop.
        c. maintain course and reduce speed.
    	d. disregard all other boat operators in the area
    
    answer c
    
    
    as for the speed limit it was passed last year.  All inland water
    ways in MASS max speed is 45.  Some may be less if posted.
    ie.  Quisig is 40.
    
    bassin Bob
    
1123.12#11 answer disputedHPSCAD::WHITMANAcid rain burns my BASSFri May 05 1989 09:1947
<    11: According to the rules of the road, The privileged vessel in
<    a marine traffice situation must:
    
<    	a. maintain course and speed.
<       b. come to complete stop.
<       c. maintain course and reduce speed.
<    	d. disregard all other boat operators in the area
    
<    answer c
    
Bob,

    Could this perhaps be another of your infamous TYPOS;-);-);-) (I suppose
there are a couple other possibities 1: they've changed the 'rules of the road'
recently and 2: the man in the green uniform was wrong/misquoted).

   I believe the correct answer is 'a'.

   Quoted from the MASS BOATING BASICS (circa 1985)  page 29

		"...boat on the right is the stand-on [privileged] 
		vessel and must hold course and speed."

		"The vessel being overtaken [privileged] shall
		hold course and speed"

   Quoted from MASS Small Craft Handling  (circa 1985) page 15

		"...the boat to the right has the right-of-way
		(stand-on vessel) and should continue course and
		speed."

   Quoted from USCGA Boating Skills & Seamanship 9th ed  (circa 1986) page 5-3

		"...the stand-on [privileged] vessel, must maintain
		course and speed;..."

   I could not find a passage from Chapman's that specified the requirements
of the 'stand-on' vessel, however it did indicate the the stand-on vessel
was to proceed unimpeded.

  The requirement of the privileged vessel to maintain course and speed makes
a lot of sense because the give-way vessel has to make corrections to avoid
a collision and if the stand-on vessel changes speed, this may very well
negate whatever action the give-way vessel may have taken.

Al
1123.13good test, what was your score?CSSE::JUDSONWhat do you mean it isn&#039;t supportedFri May 05 1989 17:1913
Bob,

I think this questionire is SUPER for the new as well as the OLD boat
owners, can I ask you 1 question what was the average score for your
club?  Also noters lets fess up, WHAT was your score....

I had 3 wrong answers( good, bad , awe/hell)...

Looking forward to the 20th, with my BIG man Al Whitman at the controls,
and yours truly guiding the FISH in the boat, we can't miss...All donations
are excepted, and will be collected at the BAR....

Bigbird
1123.14HPSCAD::BPUISHYSBob PuishysMon May 08 1989 09:259
    Well I am not too sure,  we graded it ourselves.  I got 2 wrong.
    Most of the guys at mya table did well, less than 3, but some bigshot
    red neck seem to get a lot wrong and insiteded they we right.
    
    Bassin Bob.
    
    Watch would on these windy days, I herd a boat with a 200 flipped
    on manchaug sunday!!
    
1123.15Guess I better do some reading upHDSRUS::BOURGEOISMon May 08 1989 14:506
    Well I must admit I got 9 wrong but most of them were on the multiple
    choice questions. Aren't you glad I let my husband do all the boat
    handling??? I just fish and leave the driving to him!!!
    
    Jan