Practice Exam

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This practice exam contains similar questions and answers to the actual licence exam done at the course. For further education on some of these questions, see the Study Videos or Boating Handbook – both available back on the Study Hub.

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790

Created by SA Boating Licence Course

SA Boat Operators Licence

1 / 50

Q: What is the safest way to move about in small craft?

Crouch down and keep to the centre of the vessel.

Crouch down and keep to the right of the vessel.

Hold onto something whilst moving within the vessel.

Both ‘A’ and ‘C’.

2 / 50

When driving along rivers, such as the Murray River, vessels drive within a channel to avoid the rocks and the shore. Boats will often pass each other when driving along a channel. This question asks about a vessel coming along so you don’t have a head-on collision.
Q: To avoid a collision with another vessel, on what side should you keep your vessel when in a channel?

On the port (left hand) side.

In the middle of the channel.

On the starboard (right hand) side.

On any side – it does not matter.

3 / 50

Q: How can PWC operators reduce complaints regarding the noise of the vessels?

Do not congregate near residential areas.

Do not drive around repeatedly in the same area.

Avoid operating a PWC when the winds are blowing noise onshore.

All of the above.

4 / 50

Q: What information is contained on the Ride Smart Sticker that must be affixed to all PWC?

Licence and registration information.

Time restrictions information.

Keep your distance information.

All of the above.

5 / 50

Q: What action should NOT be taken when a person falls overboard?

Give them alcohol to warm them up.

Keep the person in sight at all times. If other passengers are onboard use them as a lookout.

Throw over a lifejacket.

Once alongside, stop the engine and make sure the weight in the vessel is evenly distributed before bringing the person onboard.

6 / 50

Q: What should you do if you find yourself in cold water?

Wave your hands in the air.

Remove all clothing and float on your back.

Limit body heat loss by assuming the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) and do not remove clothing.

Remove clothing and maintain movement of your arms and legs.

7 / 50

Q: All vessels are required to travel at a safe speed at all times. Which of the following is considered safe?

A vessel travelling at high speed in poor visibility.

A vessel travelling at high speed in unfamiliar waters.

A vessel travelling at high speed towards the background shore lights at night.

A vessel travelling at a speed at which a sudden danger can be avoided

8 / 50

A following sea is a wave pattern that is flowing in the same direction in which you’re travelling. The waves can crash behind you, and potentially swamp the rear of your vessel if you stay too close in front of one.
Q: When offshore and travelling with a “following sea” you should:

Proceed at speed through the wave.

Maintain a position in front of the wave.

Maintain a position just behind the wave to avoid being broached or being swamped.

Stop your vessel and leave it in neutral.

9 / 50

Q: What should you do if you hear a ‘mayday’ call on the radio?

If a shore station fails to respond, attempt to relay the message and render assistance.

Do nothing. Emergency services will respond.

Try not to block their transmissions and continue to monitor the radio for more information.

Both A and C.

10 / 50

A marine radio call that contains the words “PAN PAN” (repeated three times) represents a serious situation, such as a broken leg. It is not life threatening but you do require assistance.
Q: When would you make a “PAN PAN” call on your marine radio?

Never

When your vessel is threatened by grave and imminent danger and you require immediate assistance.

When you cannot justify use of the Distress Call but you have an urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of a person on board.

When you wish to broadcast an important navigational warning to other stations.

11 / 50

Vessels communicate with each other in a variety of ways, but the main one is through the use of sound signals. You need to make your intentions clear to other vessels to avoid a collision.
Q: Five short Sound signals are usually used to:

Indicate a vessel is altering course to the right (starboard).

Indicate a vessel is altering course to the left (port).

Alert another vessel that you are unsure of its intentions, or doubt whether you are taking enough action to avoid collision.

Indicate a vessel is about to go astern (reverse).

12 / 50

Q: What is the responsibility of the observer onboard a vessel towing water skiers or aquaplaners?

To signal to skiers when they get too close to the shore.

To keep a lookout for dangers ahead.

To inform the driver about other vessels approaching from ahead.

To watch the skiers at all times and report all matters affecting the tow to the driver.

13 / 50

Q: Flares and a compass are compulsory onboard all vessels when:

There is room for storage on board the vessel.

More than 400 metres from any shore.

Weather conditions are poor.

Entering ‘Unprotected Waters”.

14 / 50

When boating, we drive on our right and give way to our right. This means that vessels operating to your right will have the right of way in the event of a crossing situation.
Q: When two power driven vessels are in a crossing situation, you must give way…

To your port (left)

To your starboard (right)

By speeding up

Never give way

15 / 50

Q: What factors influence the way a boat handles at sea?

Wave direction and the way a boat is steered.

The operation of the vessel at night.

The vessel’s hull design and strength and the amount of power used to propel it.

Both ‘A’ and ‘C’.

16 / 50

We drive on the right side of a channel. To avoid a collision, vessels will need to keep right, or turn to the right.
Q: In a head on situation both vessels must…

Speed up

Turn to the starboard (right)

Turn to the port (left)

Ignite a flare

17 / 50

Overloading a vessel means adding more weight than what your vessel can safely carry. This can mean having a more persons onboard, or carrying extra heavy cargo. Additionally, it’s important to remember that the weight of your cargo, passengers etc is evenly distributed to prevent a roll over situation.
Q: Overloading is an offence, whom is responsible?

The passengers.

The Master of the vessel.

The owner.

Nobody, it is OK to overload vessels

18 / 50

Q: 4 Litres of fresh drinking water is compulsory:

In vessels less than 5 metres in length.

When operating in ‘unprotected’ waters.

In all fishing vessels.

In all vessels.

19 / 50

Vessels at anchor are stationary and as such don’t need to display the type and amount of navigation lights as when they were underway (moving).
Q: Which lights must be displayed when a vessel is at anchor?

Sidelights.

Masthead light forward.

All-round white light.

No lights are required.

20 / 50

Q: What does the word ‘securite’ indicate when said three times at the start of a message?

A vessel is in trouble but not in immediate danger.

A navigation safety message such as a weather warning is about to be transmitted.

There has been a security breach onboard a vessel.

There is an emergency situation onboard a vessel.

21 / 50

You’re boating on along the Murray River. It’s mostly sheltered conditions, free from the dangers associated with the open seas. These types of waters are generally calm, safe and great for beginner boaters.
Q: Protected waters are…

All inland waters, excluding any waters subject to tidal influence, Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.

All waters that are three Nautical Miles from the coast.

All waters that are ten Nautical Miles from the coast.

Are unsafe for small vessels because of the potential for large waves.

22 / 50

When driving in a channel, you’ll often see port (red) and starboard (green) markers. These markers are used to keep you within the safest part of the channel – the deep, navigable water. The side that these markers are to be kept will depend on your direction of travel: upstream (away from the sea) or downstream (toward the sea).
Q: When travelling upstream and you see a red port navigational marker you should?

Keep it on your right.

Keep it on your left.

Pass it on any side.

Slow down and look for a wharf.

23 / 50

Dredges are vessels carry out excavation under the water. To signal that an underwater hazard is present, they will display shapes above the vessel signalling the safe side to pass on.
Q: During daylight hours what side do we safely pass a dredge?

Any side considered safe by the master.

The side exhibiting two black balls.

The side exhibiting two black diamonds.

The side closest to the shore.

24 / 50

Q: The number of persons permitted to be towed on any apparatus is:

Determined by the number of handles.

Whatever the manufacture states.

Never more than three people in SA Waters.

Whatever you think is safe.

25 / 50

Some waterway activities take place beneath the water surface. When this occurs, the vessel anchored/moored above will display a flag like the one above. This announces to surrounding boaters that people are in the water and extra care should be taken, and extra distance should be allowed.
Q: A vessel is showing this flag. What does it mean?

A vessel engaged in commercial fishing.

An organised race control vessel.

Divers operating underwater. Slow down to 4 knots within 50 metres & keep an adequate lookout.

Vessel is in distress. Please assist.

26 / 50

As the overtaking vessel, the responsibility to keep clear and avoid a collision is on you.
Q: When overtaking you must?

Overtake on the left side.

Overtake on any safe side and keep well clear of the vessel you are overtaking.

Speed up to your maximum speed.

Vessels cannot overtake other vessels.

27 / 50

Q: Even small quantities of alcohol will affect your operating ability, these effects may include?

Slower reaction time.

Poor judgement and poor coordination.

A false sense of confidence.

All of the above.

28 / 50

Q: How often should you check your vessel’s equipment and fittings, such as fuel and oil levels and safety equipment?

Before every journey longer than two hours duration.

Before every journey regardless of duration.

Before every journey out of sight of land.

At the conclusion of each journey.

29 / 50

Large vessels are restricted in their manoeuvrability and you should keep you distance.
Q: You’re boating in a channel when an extra-large vessel is approaching you head-on. You should keep well clear and:

Allow plenty of room and alter your course to the Port side (Left) side of the channel.

Allow plenty of room and keep to the starboard (right) side of the channel.

Keep in the middle of the channel.

Aim straight at it.

30 / 50

Q: On some areas of SA, areas are set aside for the mooring of vessels which do not need to be lit at night. When navigating near or through a mooring area you must:

Keep a lookout for people and objects in the water.

Travel at a speed not exceeding 4 knots.

Drive slowly and keep the vessels wash (waves) to a minimum.

All of the above.

31 / 50

To signal your distress during the hours of darkness what type of equipment is best for you to use?

Bucket.

Red flare.

V sheet.

White painted oar.

32 / 50

To avoid a collision, the vessel with the right of way should not cause confusion. By keeping a consistent path and speed as well as a proper lookout, your intentions will be clear to those around you.
Q: When you have right of way in a crossing situation you must?

Maintain your course and your speed

Continue to maintain a proper lookout

Be prepared if necessary, to take proper action to avoid a collision

All of the above.

33 / 50

Q: When should you notify family or friends that you intend to go boating?

Only when you intend to be away overnight.

Only when the weather forecast is for deteriorating weather.

You should always let someone know where you are going, your point of departure, and when you will return.

Never.

34 / 50

Excessive consumption alcohol inhibits your ability to think and react. You are allowed to have a drink, but you’ll need to stay below a certain BAC level
Q: What is the permissible blood alcohol for a person aged over 18 years when driving a recreational vessel?

Under 0.08.

Under 0.05.

Under 0.02.

Nil.

35 / 50

Q: Who should be encouraged to wear a lifejacket at all times?

Very young children and poor swimmers.

Elderly persons who may not be strong swimmers.

Persons with medical conditions (eg heart or breathing problems).

All of the above.

36 / 50

Q: Where should safety equipment be stowed?

In a safe and accessible location onboard your vessel.

In your car.

As near amidships as practicable.

In a securely locked compartment at the rear of the vessel.

37 / 50

When you go out into the open seas, you won’t have the protection that inland lakes, channels and rivers typically provide. Conditions can be much more dangerous, but still manageable for the experienced skipper.
Q: Unprotected waters are…

Good in all weather conditions and suitable for every vessel.

The waters beyond two nautical miles from the low water mark of the coast and from the banks of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert.

All waters that are three Nautical Miles from the coast.

All waters that are ten Nautical Miles from the coast.

38 / 50

Q: You are manoeuvring at high speed and your vision is suddenly affected by sun or spray. Your immediate reaction should be:

Slow down or stop.

Continue manoeuvring at speed in anticipation that you will regain your vision.

Continue manoeuvring at speed to quickly find the right direction to minimise spray and the effect of the sun.

Alter course to port and continue at speed.

39 / 50

Q: What is the speed limit when operating a PWC, within 200 metres of the metropolitan shoreline (between Outer Harbour southern breakwater and the southern end of Sellicks Beach) and the backwaters of the Murray River?

4 knots.

5 knots.

Go as fast as you choose there is no limit.

10 knots.

40 / 50

Q: Vessel lights must be displayed:

From sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility.

Only in a busy navigation area.

When the driver thinks it is best.

Only when they are working.

41 / 50

A sailing vessel underway at night will need display multiple navigation lights to show their presence to other boaters. Due to the size of the sail on these vessels, an all-round white light is not practical as the sail will block the light from some angles.
Q: A sailing vessel sailing at night exhibits:

A red port light only.

A red port and green starboard lights only.

A red port, green starboard and white stern light. No all round white light.

A red port, green starboard and an all-round white light.

42 / 50

Q: Registration numbers must be displayed?

On a vertical surface.

As contrasting colours to the surface on which they are displayed.

And be securely affixed to the vessel.

All of the above.

43 / 50

Q: When approaching a ferry crossing on the river Murray, speed must be reduced to 4 knots when within:

No, doesn’t matter go as fast as you like.

50 metres of within either side of the ferry.

100 metres of within either side of the ferry.

200 metres of within either side of the ferry.

44 / 50

Q: Safe boating depends upon suitable weather, a suitable forecast may be:

Storm warning with high winds and large seas predicted

Severe weather alert with gusty strong winds and large seas predicted.

No weather warning issued and light winds with smooth seas.

Rain in all areas, possible squalls.

45 / 50

Q: A level 100 Personal Flotation Device (PFD – a lifejacket) is recommended for offshore waters because :

It comes in a variety of trendy colours.

It is designed with a buoyant collar to keep you floating safely in a face up position

It has less flotation than type 2 or 3.

It can be purchased at most marine shops.

46 / 50

Q: When traversing a lock on the Murray river indicate to the lock master your intention to proceed by?

Three prolonged blasts on a sound signal device.

Waving a flag.

Flashing a light.

Any of the above are acceptable.

47 / 50

Q: When unlicensed you may drive a vessel at less than 10 knots when?

When ever you choose.

Only in daylight hours

Only when at least 12 years old and under the direct supervision of a person who holds a boat Operators licence

Never.

48 / 50

Q: A navigational marker showing a white light flashing quickly in groups of nine flashes. What does it mean? Deeper water to the:

North

East

South

West

49 / 50

Markers come in many shapes, sizes and colours. They are often used to represent a navigation hazard, such as a sunken boat. The marker above is used to warn of a singular isolated hazard directly below. You can pass on any side, just don’t go too close.
Q: What kind of navigation mark is this?

A port lateral mark.

A channel blocked mark

A safe water mark.

An isolated danger mark.

50 / 50

Q: For environmental reasons, where should you avoid driving your boat?

Deep river channels.

Bar crossings.

Boundaries between murky and clear water.

Shallow weedy areas which may contain important seagrasses.

Your score is
The average score is 79%
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