Boating Laws & Navigational Rules Flashcards

A green buoy with an odd number marks which side of the channel when you are heading upstream or returning from sea?

Answer: The port (left) side

Green buoys with odd numbers mark the port side of the channel when returning from open water.

What minimum safety equipment must vessels under 26 feet carry in addition to PFDs in Alabama?

Answer: A fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, and a sound-producing device

Federal and Alabama regulations require fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, and a whistle or horn at minimum.

When two power-driven vessels cross paths, which vessel must give way?

Answer: The vessel that has the other on its starboard side

In a crossing situation, the vessel that sees the other on its starboard side is the give-way vessel.

How far from a swimmer must Alabama boaters maintain a no-wake speed?

Answer: 100 feet

Alabama law requires vessels to slow to no-wake speed within 100 feet of a swimmer in open water.

What does five or more short blasts of a horn signal?

Answer: Danger or doubt about the other vessel's intentions

Five or more short blasts is the danger/doubt signal, warning that a collision risk exists.

Which type of PFD is designed for unconscious victims and can turn a person face-up in the water?

Answer: Type I (Offshore Life Jacket)

Type I PFDs provide the most buoyancy and are designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in open water.

Alabama's 'slow, no-wake' zone within a certain distance of a dock or marina requires boats to travel:

Answer: At a speed that creates minimal or no wake

A no-wake zone means operating at the slowest speed needed to maintain steerage while producing minimal wake.