Boater Education Card Exam (NASBLA-approved boating safety course)
State law (CA): practice questions
Our Boater Education Card (U.S.) bank has 25 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1 · California
A California ski flag must be at least:
- 12 inches on each side
- 3 feet by 3 feet
- 20 by 24 inches
- 6 inches on each side, any shape
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A. 12 inches on each side — ABCs (2024): the flag must be no less than 12 inches on each side, square or rectangular.
Question 2 · California
In California, the 5 mph limit also applies within how many feet of a bathing beach or swimming float?
- 500 feet
- 200 feet
- 100 feet
- 50 feet
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B. 200 feet — ABCs (2024): within 200 feet of a bathing beach, swimming float, diving platform or lifeline, or a landing in use, the limit is 5 mph.
Question 3 · California
When may a personal watercraft be operated in California?
- Only between sunrise and sunset
- Only on weekends
- Only after sunset
- Any time if it has navigation lights
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A. Only between sunrise and sunset — ABCs (2024): PWC operation is prohibited from sunset to sunrise, even if the PWC has navigation lights.
Question 4 · California
In California, a red or orange ski flag must be displayed when:
- The boat is at anchor overnight
- The boat is at full speed
- The boat is towing a dinghy
- A skier is down in the water or a ski line is extended
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D. A skier is down in the water or a ski line is extended — ABCs (2024): display a red or orange ski flag to indicate a downed skier, a skier preparing to ski, a ski line extended or a ski in the water nearby.
Question 5 · California
Under California law, children under what age must wear a life jacket on a moving vessel (with limited exceptions)?
- 10
- 16
- 13
- 6
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C. 13 — ABCs of California Boating (2024): every child under 13 on board must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the vessel is underway.