Boating license practice test

1. How many wearable life jackets (PFDs) must be on board a recreational boat?At least one for each person on board.Required equipment, source: 33 CFR 175.15
2. Two power-driven vessels meet head-on with risk of collision. What should each one do?Alter course to starboard, so that each passes on the port side of the other.Navigation rules, source: 33 CFR 83.14
3. In U.S. waters, proceeding in the conventional direction of buoyage (entering a channel from seaward), which side of the channel do red buoys mark?The starboard (right) side.Buoys, markers and lights, source: 33 CFR 62.25
4. Under federal law, at what blood alcohol concentration is the operator of a recreational vessel under the influence?.08 percent or more.Law and accidents, source: 33 CFR 95.020

No. These are free practice questions written by Pescaday from federal boating rules (33 CFR), each with its source. Your state or your state-approved course sets the real exam.

From the Code of Federal Regulations, title 33: required equipment, the Inland Navigation Rules, the U.S. aids to navigation system, boating under the influence, accident reports and vessel numbering. Federal regulations are public domain in the United States.

No, only federal rules. Boater education, age limits and local rules differ by state, so check your state boating agency before your exam.

Not here. Each state or course sets its own number of questions and pass mark, so the practice test only shows your score.

• 33 CFR 175.15
• 33 CFR 175.17
• 33 CFR 175.25
• 33 CFR 175.110
• 33 CFR 175.130
• 33 CFR 175.320
• 33 CFR 83.05
• 33 CFR 83.06
• 33 CFR 83.07
• 33 CFR 83.09
• 33 CFR 83.13
• 33 CFR 83.14
• 33 CFR 83.15
• 33 CFR 83.16
• 33 CFR 83.17
• 33 CFR 83.18
• 33 CFR 83.22
• 33 CFR 83.23
• 33 CFR 83.25
• 33 CFR 83.30
• 33 CFR 83.32
• 33 CFR 83.34
• 33 CFR 83.35
• 33 CFR 62.25
• 33 CFR 62.27
• 33 CFR 62.29
• 33 CFR 62.31
• 33 CFR 62.33
• 33 CFR 62.45
• 33 CFR 95.020
• 33 CFR 173.27
• 33 CFR 173.55
• 33 CFR 174.15

Code of Federal Regulations, title 33, read on 24.10.2026. U.S. federal regulations are public domain (17 U.S.C. 105). Found a mistake? Write to [email protected].