Boater Quiz - Towing and Safety Regulations

Key To Answers: 1b, 2a, 3c, 4b, 5b, 6c, 7b, 8b, 9a, 10b

You know how to tow and operate your boat safely. However, sometimes regulations are changed. See if the answers are the same as when you started boating.

1. When towing a boat on a trailer, most family sedans are unsuitable so a typical pickup truck or SUV is used. What length boat may be towed?

a. Up to 20 feet
b. Up to 25 feet
c. Up to 30 feet

2. When towing, how much farther is required to make an emergency stop even if the trailer has breaks?

a. Twice as far
b. No difference
c. Three times as far

3. What is the speed limit when towing a boat on a trailer?

a. 5 mph below posted limit
b. Posted rates for trucks and pleasure autos
c. Different rates in different states

4. Is it legal to sport fish in federal wildlife refuge areas?

a. No, non-government boats are not allowed
b. Yes, if compatible with purposes for which refuge was established
c. No, boating is permitted but not fishing

5. When operating a boat on federal National Park Service waters, are you subject to the boating laws of that state also?

a. No, federal law preempts state law
b. Yes, except where U.S. Coast Guard has preempted inconsistent state law
c. Yes, states rights supersede federal agency rules

6. Will the Boater Safety Certification issued by your state be honored when boating in another state?

a. Yes, if Certification is from a course approved by National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)
b. No, each state requires its own safety course
c. Yes, if approved by NASBLA, except the age requirement for the state where you are operating must be met.

7. Are there any restrictions on safety equipment purchased to meet U.S Coast Guard minimum standards?

a. No, equipment from any company is acceptable
b. Yes, required equipment must be USCG “approved” or “certified.”
c. No, if the equipment is approved by state

8. By federal law, who is required to file a boating accident report?

a. Any witness
b. Operator, or owner if operator is unable to make report
c. Any person involved in accident

9. The U.S. Coast Guard may impose a penalty for negligent operation, such as operating a boat in a designated swimming area or excessive speed in the vicinity of other boats. What may these penalties be?

a. Fine up to $5,000, one year in prison, or both
b. Whatever court might determine
c. Unlimited fine but no prison term

10. If involved in an accident, what are the required reporting times?

a. Within one week regardless of seriousness of accident
b. Within 48 hours for accident involving fatality; within 10 days for other reportable accidents
c. At operator or owner’s earliest convenience

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