Section A - NSW Boat Licence Practice Test

Put your study knowledge to the test by attempting Section A of the NSW Boat Licence Practice Test.

Some important notes:

This practice exam is only for Section A.
- You must correctly answer at least 24/30.
There are 30 questions total in this section which are taken from a larger pool of questions.
For the practice exam for Section B, click here.
These are the same questions you'll face at the course however the order has been randomised.
If you fail, return to the study page and do some more study then have another crack.

Good Luck!

Who's attempting this exam?

Name

What is the general rule when anchoring in calm waters?

Let out around 3 boat lengths of anchor line.

Let out around 2 boat lengths of anchor line.

Let out 1 boat length of anchor line only.

Why are inflatable lifejackets not recommended for children aged under 12 years?

Inflatable lifejackets are very expensive.

Inflatable lifejackets are not available in colours which children like.

Children may forget how to activate a manual inflatable lifejacket in an emergency, or accidentally set off an auto-inflating jacket when playing around the water.

Children aged under 12 years must wear a lifejacket:

On all vessels up to 4.8 metres long.

On all canoes, kayaks and rowing boats, but no requirement on other vessels.

On all sailing boats, but no requirement on other vessels.

When driving through a mooring area you need to:

Speed up to pass through the area quickly.

Drive slowly and keep a lookout for dinghies and trailing ropes.

Pass as closely as possible to the moored vessels.

How should you pass a vehicular ferry in a channel?

Slow down to 4 knots or less and pass at a safe distance behind the ferry.

Speed up to cross in front of the ferry.

Continue at the same speed and go close to the chains.

Can you modify the engine noise control equipment on your boat?

No.

Yes, if it is a small inboard engine.

Yes, if it is a small outboard engine.

When driving at 6 knots or more in a powered vessel, what is the minimum distance you must keep from moored vessels, where possible?

20 metres.

10 metres.

30 metres.

What should you consider about your vessel before travelling to open waters?

Whether your vessel is stable in enclosed waters.

How your vessel performs when towing.

Whether your vessel is suitable for large waves.

What is the minimum safe distance to keep your vessel from a dive flag on the water?

10 m.

30 m.

60 m.

When must inflatable lifejackets be serviced?

Only after you have inflated the lifejacket.

Once a year, or in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

Only after you notice rust on the CO2 cylinder.

What added safety device is recommended to reduce the risk of toxic gases on boats with engines?

A carbon monoxide detector alarm.

A dehumidifier.

An air purifier.

What is the best definition of 'open waters'?

Any navigable waterway.

Navigable waters that are not enclosed by a land or port.

Shipping channels.

What is the responsibility of the observer on board a vessel towing people?

To tell the driver about other vessels approaching from ahead.

To watch the towed people and report all matters affecting them to the driver.

To watch people being towed by other vessels to see who has the most skill.

What should you do before wakeboarding?

Blow a whistle to warn others.

Switch on your navigation lights.

Check local signage to ensure towing is legal in that area.

What does this sign mean?

Maximum speed is 4 knots at low tide only.

Recommended speed is 4 knots in the directions indicated.

Maximum speed is 4 knots in the directions indicated.

When anchoring, where should you attach the anchor line to your boat?

Any part of your boat.

The stern.

The bow.

Why must inflatable lifejackets be serviced regularly?

The plastic wrapping will wear off if you don’t get them serviced.

They are difficult to fit into storage if you don’t get them serviced.

If they are not in working order, they may not inflate you when you need them.

A vessel showing these lights is seen ahead. It is a:

Powered vessel at anchor.

Sailing vessel underway.

Powered vessel underway.

When can you throw rubbish overboard on NSW waterways?

Any time, if it consists of biodegradable food scraps.

Only between sunset and sunrise.

Never, all rubbish must be taken ashore for appropriate disposal.

When must a fire extinguisher be carried on board your vessel?

Only when you are heading into open water.

Only when the vessel has an engine, gas installation, fuel stove or battery.

Only when it is a commercial vessel.

Why must you drive your vessel at a speed that minimises the wash it creates?

To avoid damage or unreasonable impact on other vessels, structures and the shore.

To avoid making your vessel unstable.

To avoid slowing down your vessel.

Where might you see a red and white striped safe water mark?

In a large shipping channel to indicate the centreline or turning point.

In environmentally sensitive areas that contain seagrasses.

Marking the boundary of an exclusion zone during special events.

What should you do to ensure your vessel’s wash does not unreasonably impact on other vessels or the shore?

Travel as close to the shore as possible.

Frequently look behind to observe the effects of your wash and adjust your speed if necessary.

Travel as close to other vessels as possible

If keeping a proper lookout is difficult, you should:

Carry on anyway.

Slow down and assess the conditions.

Speed up to get home quicker.

How should you care for your lifejackets?

Regularly air them in sunlight.

Clean off salt, check for damage and store them dry, out of sunlight.

Leave them in a bucket of cold fresh water in between uses.

When you are towing people behind your vessel, who is responsible for ensuring they wear a lifejacket?

Your observer.

The people you are towing.

You.

When do you need a General Boat driving licence?

Only when driving a commercial vessel.

Only when driving a powered vessel on NSW waters at speeds over 20 knots.

Only when driving a powered vessel on NSW waters at speeds over 10 knots.

What should you do if you see a blue and white 'Alpha' flag in the water ahead of you?

Look out for whales, get ready to take photos.

Look out for divers, keep a safe distance and speed.

Increase speed to get out of the area as quickly as possible.

When towing, does the observer need a General Boat or PWC driving licence?

No, no-one needs a licence to be the observer.

Yes, but only on open waters.

Yes, if aged under 16.

If you see a dredge operating, what should you do?

Nothing, dredges are a low risk.

Keep well clear and minimise your vessel's wash.

Pass as close to the dredge as possible.

Is it important to know about tides?

Yes, but only if you are boating on a river.

Yes, they can impact your ability to navigate safely.

No, skilled drivers can drive in any depth of water.

Can waves be higher than the 'significant wave height' in a weather forecast?

No, all waves will be within the significant wave height.

No, all waves will be exactly the significant wave height.

Yes, some waves may be up to twice the significant wave height.

What do you need to remember when anchoring in bad weather?

Let out more anchor line than usual.

Attach the anchor line to your vessel's stern, not the bow.

Let out less anchor line than usual.

What sound signal indicates that a vessel is operating engines astern to stop, slow or reverse?

3 short blasts.

5 short blasts.

1 short blast.

Are you allowed to attach your vessel to a navigation aid or bridge?

Yes, if it is a cardinal mark.

No.

Yes, if it is high tide.

When boating on alpine waters, the biggest danger is:

Exposure to cold weather and cold water.

Lack of wind for sailing boats.

Crowded parking areas at boat ramps.

Why should you tell passengers on your vessel not to move about suddenly and without warning?

They could cause the engine to stop.

They could cause the vessel to capsize.

They could cause the vessel to speed up.

What is an example of a tidal impact to consider when you are planning to go on the water?

Tide may impact your ability to launch or return to safe harbour.

Tide may indicate thunderstorms approaching.

No example, tides have no impact on boating.

Where is the safest place to build your boating experience?

In the middle of shipping channels.

Calm, quiet, enclosed waters.

Near surf zones on open waters.

What rules apply in the Sydney Harbour Bridge transit zone?

Vessels must travel faster than 15 knots through the transit zone.

Vessels must not travel under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Vessels must not stop or drift under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

What is the meaning of a blue and white 'Alpha' flag on a vessel, buoy or float?

Divers are in this area.

Pass on the south side of this area.

This is a mooring area.

Before travelling under bridges or overhead powerlines, what is the most important thing to consider?

The width of your vessel.

The weight of your vessel.

The height of your vessel.

Why is ventilation so important in enclosed areas of a vessel that contain engines and appliances?

Adequate natural light is important.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels may build up.

Areas may become warmer.

Who must pay attention to the messages on aquamark minibuoys?

You don't need to pay attention to them unless you are in a sailing vessel.

You don't need to pay attention to them unless you are in a canoe or kayak.

Everyone driving any type of vessel.

When can you discharge raw sewage overboard into NSW waterways?

Between sunset and sunrise.

Never.

Any time if your vessel does not have a toilet.

What do you need to do before anchoring?

Ensure you are very close to other vessels.

Ensure you will be in the middle of a shipping channel.

Ensure you have enough space from other vessels and obstacles.

When can you use a distress signal such as a flare, V sheet or EPIRB?

When you need to contact someone urgently.

Only when in distress.

At any time.

What is the maximum number of people that you can tow at once?

5.

As many as can fit on the tow apparatus.

3.

When using navigational lead marks, you should:

Line the leads up one behind the other, and travel in line with them.

Pass to the right when going upstream.

Ignore them as they are only used by large commercial vessels.

Can you tow someone through the water while they hold on to your vessel's swim platform?

Yes, but only in calm water.

No, not at any time.

Yes, but only when the vessel is over 4.8 metres.

Your score is

The average score is 92%

0%

Exit

Cart

NSW Boat Licence Practice Test Section A