OBS Boat Operation & Docking Skills Flashcards
6 cards from real OBS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 OBS Boat Operation & Docking Skills flashcards as text
When approaching a dock, in which direction should you attempt to dock whenever possible?
Answer: Into the wind or current
Docking into the wind or current gives you better speed control because natural forces slow the boat.
What is the proper procedure before starting a boat's inboard engine?
Answer: Run the bilge blower for at least 4 minutes
Running the bilge blower for at least 4 minutes removes gasoline vapors that could ignite and cause an explosion.
When operating at slow speed in a no-wake zone, what does 'no-wake' specifically mean?
Answer: Moving at the slowest speed needed to maintain steerage
No-wake means operating at the minimum speed necessary to maintain steering control and headway.
What is the correct way to pass a slower boat traveling in the same direction?
Answer: Pass on the port (left) side at a safe distance
When overtaking a vessel, you should pass on the port (left) side after signaling with one short horn blast for starboard or two for port.
Which technique is recommended for anchoring a boat in a current?
Answer: Anchor from the bow and let the boat swing into the current
Anchoring from the bow allows the boat to naturally weathervane and face into the current, which is the most stable position.
When backing a single-engine outboard boat, the stern tends to swing in which direction first?
Answer: In the direction the propeller rotates (typically to port for standard rotation)
Propeller torque and paddle-wheel effect cause the stern to kick in the direction of propeller rotation when backing, usually to port on standard right-hand props.