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Boating Licence Course

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?

When towing, where must you face if you are the observer?

It doesn’t matter as long as you can check on the towed person from time to time.

Backwards to watch the person being towed.

Forward to ensure you have a clear view of the conditions ahead.

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.

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

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

When must you carry a waterproof torch on a powered vessel (other than a personal watercraft)?

Only between sunset and sunrise.

At all times.

Only when going more than 2 nautical miles from shore on open waters.

What should you do when approaching a large vessel with restricted manoeuvrability in a channel?

Keep well clear and, if necessary, pass behind at a safe distance.

Hold your course and let the larger vessel take any necessary avoiding action.

Signal to the larger vessel that you are holding your course.

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

An air purifier.

A carbon monoxide detector alarm.

A dehumidifier.

What is the minimum distance you should anchor your vessel from an underwater (submarine) cable?

100 metres.

200 metres.

50 metres.

What is the minimum number of distress flares you must carry on a vessel on open waters?

3 orange smoke flares and 3 red hand flares.

2 orange smoke flares and 2 red hand flares.

None.

When using navigational lead marks, you should:

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

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

Pass to the right when going upstream.

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 does the 'Alpha' dive flag look like?

Yellow and white flag.

Blue flag with centred white square.

Blue and white flag with swallow tail.

An efficient sound signalling device must be carried:

Only on powered vessels over 8 metres in length.

On all powered vessels except PWC.

Only on vessels operating between sunset and sunrise.

If you see a whale and its calf in the water ahead of your vessel you should:

Hold your course and wait for the whales to avoid you.

Slow down or stop and maintain a distance of at least 300 metres.

Quickly turn off your motor.

What does an orange diamond shape signify when displayed on a ferry?

The ferry has 'priority over sail'. Sailing vessels must keep clear.

The ferry is on its final run for the day.

The ferry is making a detour from its standard route.

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

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

No, not at any time.

Yes, but only in calm water.

To reduce your impact on the marine environment, where should you avoid anchoring your vessel?

Mooring areas.

Shallow areas which contain seagrasses.

Open waters.

What is the biggest danger to be aware of when operating near rocks or reefs?

You could run over a fishing line.

Seaweed could clog your engine.

Waves can break unexpectedly and capsize your vessel.

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

Powered vessel underway.

Sailing vessel underway.

Powered vessel at anchor.

What should you do before wakeboarding?

Switch on your navigation lights.

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

Blow a whistle to warn others.

You are travelling towards a bridge, and read a sign giving the maximum vessel height (clearance height). When might the clearance height be less than it says on the sign?

At night.

At low tide.

During floods.

When can you throw rubbish overboard on NSW waterways?

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

Only between sunset and sunrise.

Any time, if it consists of biodegradable food scraps.

How should you pass a vehicular ferry in a channel?

Speed up to cross in front of the ferry.

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

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

To signal for assistance in an emergency, when is the best time to use your distress flares?

Between sunset and sunrise.

As soon as you realise you need assistance.

When you believe there's a chance they will be seen.

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

They could cause the vessel to capsize.

They could cause the engine to stop.

They could cause the vessel to speed up.

When can you discharge raw sewage overboard into NSW waterways?

Between sunset and sunrise.

Any time if your vessel does not have a toilet.

Never.

Where is the safest place to build your boating experience?

Calm, quiet, enclosed waters.

Near surf zones on open waters.

In the middle of shipping channels.

When must you carry an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) on your vessel?

When you go on enclosed waters.

When you go 2 or more nautical miles from shore on open waters.

Only between sunset and sunrise.

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

Yes, if aged under 16.

Yes, but only on open waters.

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

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

Pass on the south side of this area.

Divers are in this area.

This is a mooring area.

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

10 m.

60 m.

30 m.

If keeping a proper lookout is difficult, you should:

Slow down and assess the conditions.

Carry on anyway.

Speed up to get home quicker.

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

Travel as close to other vessels as possible

Travel as close to the shore as possible.

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

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

As many as can fit on the tow apparatus.

3.

5.

Flares, V sheet, map/chart and compass are some of the items you must carry on your vessel when:

On all waters between sunset and sunrise.

On enclosed waters at all times.

On open waters at all times.

When boating on alpine waters, the biggest danger is:

Lack of wind for sailing boats.

Exposure to cold weather and cold water.

Crowded parking areas at boat ramps.

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

How your vessel performs when towing.

Whether your vessel is suitable for large waves.

Whether your vessel is stable in enclosed 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.

When driving through a mooring area you need to:

Pass as closely as possible to the moored vessels.

Speed up to pass through the area quickly.

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

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

The people you are towing.

You.

Your observer.

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

Yes, if it is a small inboard engine.

Yes, if it is a small outboard engine.

No.

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

3 short blasts.

1 short blast.

5 short blasts.

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

Nothing, dredges are a low risk.

Pass as close to the dredge as possible.

Keep well clear and minimise your vessel's wash.

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.

If you require assistance at sea but there is no immediate danger to the vessel or the people onboard, which emergency words will you use on marine radio?

Pan pan.

Mayday.

Securite.

When must inflatable lifejackets be serviced?

Only after you notice rust on the CO2 cylinder.

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

Only after you have inflated the lifejacket.

Who must pay attention to the messages on aquamark minibuoys?

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

Everyone driving any type of vessel.

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

Is it important to know about tides?

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

Yes, they can impact your ability to navigate safely.

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

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.

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

The width of your vessel.

The height of your vessel.

The weight of your vessel.

How should you care for your lifejackets?

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

Regularly air them in sunlight.

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

If you want to attach your vessel to a mooring to go fishing or have a picnic, which buoy should you use?

Pink courtesy mooring.

Orange commercial mooring.

Blue emergency mooring.

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NSW Boat Licence Practice Test Section A

Good Luck!

When towing, where must you face if you are the observer?

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

When must you carry a waterproof torch on a powered vessel (other than a personal watercraft)?

What should you do when approaching a large vessel with restricted manoeuvrability in a channel?

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

What is the minimum distance you should anchor your vessel from an underwater (submarine) cable?

What is the minimum number of distress flares you must carry on a vessel on open waters?

When using navigational lead marks, you should:

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

What does the 'Alpha' dive flag look like?

An efficient sound signalling device must be carried:

If you see a whale and its calf in the water ahead of your vessel you should:

What does an orange diamond shape signify when displayed on a ferry?

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

To reduce your impact on the marine environment, where should you avoid anchoring your vessel?

What is the biggest danger to be aware of when operating near rocks or reefs?

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

What should you do before wakeboarding?

You are travelling towards a bridge, and read a sign giving the maximum vessel height (clearance height). When might the clearance height be less than it says on the sign?

When can you throw rubbish overboard on NSW waterways?

How should you pass a vehicular ferry in a channel?

To signal for assistance in an emergency, when is the best time to use your distress flares?

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

When can you discharge raw sewage overboard into NSW waterways?

Where is the safest place to build your boating experience?

When must you carry an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) on your vessel?

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

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

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

If keeping a proper lookout is difficult, you should:

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

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

Flares, V sheet, map/chart and compass are some of the items you must carry on your vessel when:

When boating on alpine waters, the biggest danger is:

What rules apply in the Sydney Harbour Bridge transit zone?

When driving through a mooring area you need to:

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

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

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

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

What does this sign mean?

If you require assistance at sea but there is no immediate danger to the vessel or the people onboard, which emergency words will you use on marine radio?

When must inflatable lifejackets be serviced?

Who must pay attention to the messages on aquamark minibuoys?

Is it important to know about tides?

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

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

How should you care for your lifejackets?

If you want to attach your vessel to a mooring to go fishing or have a picnic, which buoy should you use?

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