Boating Safety Study Guide
Welcome to the Boating Safety Study Guide Pages
Find Your State CourseThe information found in these pages was developed by the BoatU.S. Foundation in partnership with the National Safe Boating Council, and many boating professionals. The information is considered to be current and accurate. As many boating situations can be handled differently, the information found in these pages may not be consistent with other boating guides.
The quiz questions are based on information found in these pages. Should you find something that you feel is inaccurate, please take a moment and drop us anote.
Study Guide
Table of Contents
The Boat
Learn the difference between a cathedral hull and a tunnel hull, how to know what the capacity limits of your boat are and what kind of registration and documentation papers you need to have on board. This section also provides extensive information on boat maintenance, storage, and damage prevention. Look for specific articles on winterizing your boat as well as checklists for your spring fitting out.
Boating Equipment
Here’s where you’ll find topics ranging from life jacket types and requirements to lists of the equipment boats are required to carry aboard. Fighting fires and using visual distress signals are also covered in this section. You can also read up on the different kinds of radios you might have aboard and how they work as well as other methods you might use to communicate while out at sea.
Trip Planning & Preparation
This section covers topics such as weather, towing and fueling your boat, launch ramp etiquette and float plans. We’ll also go over the basics of planning a successful day on the water and the dangerous effects of mixing alcohol and boating.
The Environment
From laws regulating garbage disposal and discharge to preventing the spread of invasive species, learn how to be environmentally responsible while out on the water. You’ll also find information on Marine Sanitation Devices and how to properly dispose of hazardous waste such as bottom paints, varnishes and oil.
Navigation & Maneuvering
From Rules of the Road to anchoring and docking, it’s all covered here. See and hear examples of the navigation lights and sounds you’ll encounter when out on the water and learn more about some of the issues unique to inland boating like locks and dams. You’ll also find a comprehensive overview of Aids to Navigation including the size, shape, colors and meaning of different buoys you’re likely to see while boating.
Emergency Preparation
In this section, you’ll learn about preventing and treating hypothermia, avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning and proper procedures for responding to accidents and crew overboard situations. We’ll also outline what to do if you run aground – how to asses the situation, when to back off, and when to stay put and call for help.
Boating Activities
Now the fun begins. This section will cover issues specific to different boating activities such as hunting, fishing, water skiing and diving. We’ll also go over some of the safety issues involved when swimming and snorkeling near boats as well as information paddling safety specifically for kayaks and canoes. Don’t forget our section on personal watercraft (PWC) operation which includes operational requirements, accident prevention and much more.