Boating License Test Life-Saving Equipment and PFDs Flashcards
6 cards from real Boating License Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Boating License Test Life-Saving Equipment and PFDs flashcards as text
What makes a PFD Coast Guard-approved for use on a recreational boat?
Answer: It must bear a label stating it meets USCG approval and the appropriate buoyancy standard
A USCG-approved PFD carries a label showing compliance with federal regulations, including its type, buoyancy rating, and approval number.
What is the proper way to fit a life jacket?
Answer: It should fit snugly without riding up above the chin when lifted at the shoulders
A properly fitting PFD should be snug and, when you lift the shoulder straps, should not rise above the chin or ears — a loose PFD may slip off in the water.
What is an inflatable PFD and what is required for it to be USCG-approved?
Answer: It must be worn or immediately accessible and have an automatic or manual inflation mechanism meeting USCG standards
Inflatable PFDs are approved if they meet USCG standards for inflation mechanism reliability and buoyancy, and users must be 16 or older.
How should throwable PFDs (Type IV) be stored on a boat?
Answer: In an immediately accessible location that can be grabbed and deployed quickly
Type IV throwable devices must be immediately accessible — never stored under hatches or locked away because seconds matter in a rescue.
What additional safety equipment is required on recreational boats 16 feet or longer in addition to wearable PFDs?
Answer: At least one Type IV throwable PFD
Recreational vessels 16 feet or longer must carry at least one Type IV throwable PFD in addition to a wearable PFD for each person.
What does EPIRB stand for and what does it do?
Answer: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon — transmits a distress signal with location to satellites for search and rescue
An EPIRB is a safety device that, when activated, transmits a distress signal and GPS coordinates to search and rescue satellites.