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Boater Education Card Exam (NASBLA-approved boating safety course)

Emergencies: practice questions

Our Boater Education Card (U.S.) bank has 43 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1

In a Mayday call, which information should come right after identifying your boat?

  1. Your home address
  2. Your position
  3. Your fishing license number
  4. The boat's purchase price
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B. Your position — The guide's order: Mayday x3, this is, vessel name x3 and call sign, Mayday and name, then position, persons aboard, nature of distress, assistance wanted, other info, 'Over'.

Question 2

Do most recreational boaters need an individual FCC license to use a VHF radio in U.S. waters?

  1. Yes, always
  2. No, unless on an international voyage or a large power vessel
  3. Only on lakes
  4. Only for handheld radios
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B. No, unless on an international voyage or a large power vessel — The guide: the FCC does not require most recreational operators to have an individual license; licenses may be needed on international voyages or power vessels over 20 m.

Question 3

If your boat is disabled but no one is in danger, the Coast Guard may:

  1. Ignore your call
  2. Always tow you in free of charge
  3. Fine you for calling
  4. Offer to contact a commercial assistance provider or friend for you
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D. Offer to contact a commercial assistance provider or friend for you — The guide: in a non-distress situation the Coast Guard will contact an assistance provider you request or issue a Marine Assistance Request Broadcast.

Question 4

If you fall into the water wearing heavy clothes, you should:

  1. Thrash to stay on top
  2. Swim hard for shore
  3. Stay calm, keep clothing on and float on your back
  4. Remove your boots and jacket right away so you don't sink
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C. Stay calm, keep clothing on and float on your back — The guide: remain calm, don't remove clothing or footwear (trapped air gives buoyancy), keep knees bent and float on your back.

Question 5

The first stage of sudden cold-water immersion, cold shock, lasts about:

  1. Ten minutes
  2. Ten seconds
  3. One minute
  4. One hour
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C. One minute — The guide: cold shock (gasp and hyperventilation) passes in about one minute.

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