12. You have planned a long week-end cruise and have
written a “float plan.” With whom should you leave the
float plan?
a. the Coast Guard indicating departure and return
dates
b. the National Weather Service
c. your yacht club commodore
d. a responsible person indicating your intermediate
stops and expected return date
13. What is the next step after running the engine compartment
blower for at least 4 minutes, and before
starting the inboard gasoline engine?
a. Close all engine compartment vents before starting
the engine.
b. Open the compartment cover and sniff for traces
of gasoline fumes.
c. Light up a cigarette.
d. Turn the blower off for at least one minute before
starting the engine.
14. How does a boat steer compared with an automobile?
a. in a similar fashion because it pivots about a point
near the stern
b. in a similar fashion because it pivots about a point
near the bow
c. in a different fashion because it pivots about a
point near the stern
d. in a different fashion because it pivots about a
point approximately one-third of the way from the
bow to the stern
15. What USCG-approved equipment is required for boats
operating in United States coastal waters and the Great
Lakes?
a. Global Positioning System
b. visual distress signals
c. automatic navigation equipment
d. signaling lights
16. What is an advantage of pistol-fired red meteor aerial
flares over hand held red flares?
a. burn longer
b. burn in a pulsing SOS mode
c. are visible for a longer distance
d. are suitable only for daylight use
17. What is a good practice just before taking in all mooring
lines for a day at sea?
a. Rig short lines at the stern to tow swimmers (“ teak
surfing”).
b. Remove spare parts, extra anchors, etc. so you can
carry more people.
c. Check the weather forecast.
d. Test-fire distress signals.
18. When boating on a large lake, the wind picks up. What
should you do first?
a. Broadcast a “PAN-PAN” to boats in the area.
b. Drop anchor.
c. Have everyone put on a USCG-approved PFD.
d. Advise your friends in the area of your position.
19. What is the proper storage practice for your visual distress
signals?
a. in the bilge
b. in a locker in the forward cabin
c. under your PFDs
d. in a cool, dry location in a red or orange watertight
container clearly marked Distress Signals
20. How do you maintain good trim, not down by the bow
or stern, when loading your boat?
a. Let the passengers sit where they want.
b. Allow the passengers with their provisions to
board and sit as they desire.
c. Load passengers and equipment alternately, checking
trim frequently.
d. Load the bow area first.
21. What is a continuous and reliable source of weather
information?
a. Get an up-to-date NOAA weather advisory on
VHF weather channel.
b. Ask somebody on the dock.
c. Read yesterday’s newspaper.
d. Look at the sky.
46 Chapter One