• 48 questions

Boat Vocabulary Practice Test

Pick the meaning or the word; a miss shows the rule that defines it.

Which lights are a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

Print covers the next 25 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

Exam mode: 25 questions, no time limit.

More options

Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard or any state boating agency. Bank checked October 5, 2026.

Boat vocabulary word list to print 81 lines, made to print

Boat vocabulary: words the federal boating rules define

Each row is a term the federal boating rules define, in our own shorter words, with the rule, section or guide page it comes from. Rule numbers are the Inland Navigation Rules, 33 CFR part 83. Unofficial study sheet; the rule text itself governs.

Navigation Rules: vessels and situations

  • Vessel Every description of water craft used or able to be used as transportation on water (Rule 3(a))
  • Power-driven vessel Any vessel propelled by machinery (Rule 3(b))
  • Sailing vessel A vessel under sail, provided propelling machinery, if fitted, is not being used (Rule 3(c))
  • Vessel engaged in fishing Fishing with nets, lines, trawls or other gear that restricts maneuverability; not trolling lines (Rule 3(d))
  • Seaplane Any aircraft designed to maneuver on the water (Rule 3(e))
  • Vessel not under command Unable to maneuver as the Rules require through some exceptional circumstance (Rule 3(f))
  • Restricted in ability to maneuver Unable to maneuver as the Rules require from the nature of her work, such as dredging (Rule 3(g))
  • Underway Not at anchor, not made fast to the shore and not aground (Rule 3(i))
  • Length and breadth Length overall and greatest breadth (Rule 3(j))
  • In sight of one another Only when one vessel can be observed visually from the other (Rule 3(k))
  • Restricted visibility Visibility cut by fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms or similar causes (Rule 3(l))
  • Western Rivers The Mississippi River, its tributaries and named connecting routes (Rule 3(n))
  • Inland Waters Navigable U.S. waters shoreward of the demarcation lines, and the U.S. side of the Great Lakes (Rule 3(q))
  • Look-out Kept at all times by sight and hearing and all available means (Rule 5)
  • Safe speed A speed that allows proper and effective action to avoid collision and a stop within a suitable distance (Rule 6)
  • Risk of collision Deemed to exist if the compass bearing of an approaching vessel does not appreciably change (Rule 7(d))
  • Overtaking Coming up with another vessel from more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam (Rule 13(b))
  • Head-on situation Two power-driven vessels meeting on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses (Rule 14(a))
  • Crossing situation Two power-driven vessels crossing with risk of collision (Rule 15(a))
  • Give-way vessel The vessel directed to keep out of the way; she acts early and substantially (Rule 16)
  • Stand-on vessel The other vessel; she keeps her course and speed (Rule 17(a))

Navigation Rules: lights and sound signals

  • Masthead light White, over the centerline, showing forward across 225 degrees (Rule 21(a))
  • Sidelights Green on the starboard side, red on the port side, 112.5 degrees each (Rule 21(b))
  • Sternlight White, at the stern, showing across 135 degrees (Rule 21(c))
  • Towing light Yellow, with the same arc as a sternlight (Rule 21(d))
  • All-round light A light showing across 360 degrees (Rule 21(e))
  • Flashing light Flashing at regular intervals, 120 flashes or more per minute (Rule 21(f))
  • Special flashing light Yellow, 50 to 70 flashes per minute, at the front of a tow (Rule 21(g))
  • Whistle Any sound signaling appliance able to produce the prescribed blasts (Rule 32(a))
  • Short blast A blast of about 1 second (Rule 32(b))
  • Prolonged blast A blast of 4 to 6 seconds (Rule 32(c))

Buoys and markers (33 CFR part 62)

  • Aid to navigation A device outside the vessel that helps fix position or a safe course, or warns of dangers (62.3(a))
  • Beacon A structure permanently fixed to the earth's surface (62.23(b))
  • Light A lighted beacon (62.23(b))
  • Daybeacon An unlighted beacon (62.23(b))
  • Daymark The colored shape that identifies an aid by day (62.23(b)(1))
  • Buoy A floating aid moored to the seabed (62.23(c))
  • Can buoy A buoy with a cylindrical shape (62.23(c)(1))
  • Nun buoy A buoy with a tapered, conical shape (62.23(c)(1))
  • Pillar buoy A wide cylindrical base under a narrower superstructure (62.23(c)(1))
  • Spherical buoy A buoy with a round shape (62.23(c)(1))
  • Topmark A colored shape on top of a pillar buoy (62.23(c)(1))
  • Lateral marks Marks that define the port and starboard sides of a route (62.25(a))
  • Sidemarks Lateral marks that advise staying to one side of the mark (62.25(b))
  • Port hand mark Left side of the channel in the Conventional Direction of Buoyage: green, square daymark or can buoy (62.25(b)(1))
  • Starboard hand mark Right side of the channel: red, triangular daymark or nun buoy (62.25(b)(2))
  • Preferred channel mark Red and green horizontal bands where a channel divides; the top band shows the preferred channel (62.25(c))
  • Safe water mark Red and white vertical stripes; navigable water all around (62.27)
  • Isolated danger mark Black with red bands and two black spheres on top; a danger passable on all sides (62.29)
  • Special mark Solid yellow; marks a special area such as an anchorage (62.31)
  • Inland waters obstruction mark Black and white vertical stripes: do not pass between the buoy and the shore (62.32)
  • Information and regulatory marks Orange shapes on white: open diamond danger, crossed diamond keep out, circle restriction, square directions (62.33)
  • Mooring buoy White with a blue horizontal band (62.35)
  • Lighthouse A prominent beacon marking a headland, harbor entrance, hazard or other feature (62.37)
  • Range Two beacons that show a safe course when they appear in line (62.41)

Gear, boats and papers (33 CFR parts 173 and 175)

  • Personal flotation device (PFD) A device approved by the Commandant under 46 CFR part 160 (175.13)
  • Wearable PFD A PFD meant to be worn or attached to the body (175.13)
  • Throwable PFD A PFD meant to be thrown to a person in the water (175.13)
  • Visual distress signal A device approved by the Commandant or certified by its manufacturer (175.105(a))
  • Coastal waters The U.S. Great Lakes, the territorial seas and connected waters to where they narrow to 2 miles (175.105(b))
  • Recreational vessel A vessel made or operated primarily for pleasure (175.3)
  • Certificate of number The certificate carried on board a numbered vessel, on paper or in digital form (173.3, 173.21)
  • Hull identification number (HIN) The number required by 33 CFR 181.23 (173.3)
  • Operator The person in control or in charge of a vessel while it is in operation (173.3)
  • Owner A person with property rights in or title to a vessel (173.3)
  • State of principal operation The state in whose waters a vessel is operated most during a calendar year (173.3)
  • Personal watercraft Driven by a water jet or other machinery; the rider sits, stands or kneels on it (173.3)
  • Paddlecraft Powered only by its occupants with paddles, no oarlocks (173.3)
  • Rowboat An open vessel manually propelled by oars (173.3)
  • Pontoon boat A broad, flat deck on closed cylinders used for buoyancy (173.3)
  • Inflatable boat A vessel that uses air-filled flexible fabric for buoyancy (173.3)
  • Airboat Typically flat-bottomed, propelled by an aircraft-type propeller (173.3)
  • Houseboat A motorized vessel designed primarily for accommodation spaces (173.3)
  • Open motorboat Has propulsion machinery and an open load area with no continuous deck (173.3)
  • Cabin motorboat Has propulsion machinery and enclosed spaces inside its structure (173.3)
  • Auxiliary sail Sail as the primary propulsion, mechanical as the secondary (173.3)
  • Sail only A vessel propelled only by sails (173.3)
  • Inboard An engine mounted inside the confines of a vessel (173.3)
  • Outboard An engine with propeller or water jet attached, usually mounted at the stern (173.3)
  • Sterndrive Also called an inboard-outdrive or inboard-outboard (173.3)
  • Float plan Word left with a responsible person on where you are going and when you will be back (Coast Guard guide, page 44)

Source: 33 CFR parts 62, 83, 173 and 175 at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33 , text current as of 2026-10-01, read 2026-10-04; A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats, U.S. Coast Guard, revised November 2023, page 44. Checked October 5, 2026.

Next step Next: questions on the federal boating rules

All 48 questions

Navigation Rules words 22

  • A sailboat has its sails up and its engine driving the propeller. Which term in Rule 3 fits it? 33 CFR 83.03(c) (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • A sandstorm or thick fog hides other vessels from view. Which Rule 3 term covers that condition? 33 CFR 83.03(l) (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • A vessel that, through some exceptional circumstance, cannot maneuver as the Rules require and so cannot keep out of the way is called what? 33 CFR 83.03(f) (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • Across how wide an arc of the horizon does a "sternlight" show? 33 CFR 83.21(c) (Inland Navigation Rule 21)
  • Another boat is coming closer and its compass bearing stays nearly the same. Which term do the Rules attach to that sign? 33 CFR 83.07(d) (Inland Navigation Rule 7)
  • How does Rule 21 define a "flashing light"? 33 CFR 83.21(f) (Inland Navigation Rule 21)
  • In Rule 21, what is a "masthead light"? 33 CFR 83.21(a) (Inland Navigation Rule 21)
  • In the Navigation Rules, what does the "length" of a vessel mean? 33 CFR 83.03(j) (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • In the Navigation Rules, what does the word "underway" mean? 33 CFR 83.03(i) (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
Show all 48 questions (39 more)

Navigation Rules words, continued

  • In the Navigation Rules, what does the word "whistle" mean? 33 CFR 83.32(a) (Inland Navigation Rule 32)
  • Two power-driven vessels meet on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses with risk of collision. What do the Rules call this? 33 CFR 83.14 (Inland Navigation Rule 14)
  • What do the Navigation Rules call a vessel that is directed to keep out of the way of another? 33 CFR 83.16 (Inland Navigation Rule 16)
  • What do the Navigation Rules call the vessel that holds her course and speed while the other one keeps clear? 33 CFR 83.17(a) (Inland Navigation Rule 17)
  • What makes a vessel "restricted in her ability to maneuver" under Rule 3? 33 CFR 83.03(g) (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • When are two vessels "in sight of one another" under Rule 3? 33 CFR 83.03(k) (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • Which boat is a "vessel engaged in fishing" as Rule 3 uses the term? 33 CFR 83.03(d) (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • Which lights are a green light on the starboard side and a red light on the port side? 33 CFR 83.21(b) (Inland Navigation Rule 21)
  • Which term do the Navigation Rules use for any vessel propelled by machinery? 33 CFR 83.03(b) (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • Which term does Rule 3 define as the Mississippi River, its tributaries, South Pass and Southwest Pass? 33 CFR 83.03(n) (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • Which term means a blast of about 1 second's duration? 33 CFR 83.32(b) (Inland Navigation Rule 32)
  • Which term means a speed at which a vessel can take proper and effective action to avoid collision and stop within a distance that suits the conditions? 33 CFR 83.06 (Inland Navigation Rule 6)
  • Which term names a sound signal lasting from 4 to 6 seconds? 33 CFR 83.32(c) (Inland Navigation Rule 32)

Gear, boats and markers 26

  • A broad, flat deck fixed on top of closed cylinders used for buoyancy describes which vessel? 33 CFR 173.3
  • How does 33 CFR 173.3 define a "rowboat"? 33 CFR 173.3
  • In the boat numbering rules, what does HIN stand for? 33 CFR 173.3
  • In the federal life jacket rules, what is a "personal flotation device" (PFD)? 33 CFR 175.13
  • On a small beacon, what is a "daymark"? 33 CFR 62.23(b)(1)
  • Orange geometric shapes on a white background identify which marks? 33 CFR 62.33(a)
  • The U.S. waters of the Great Lakes and the territorial seas of the United States belong to which term in the distress signal rules? 33 CFR 175.105(b)
  • What color is a "special mark"? 33 CFR 62.31
  • What do "lateral marks" define? 33 CFR 62.25(a)
  • What does a "safe water mark" indicate? 33 CFR 62.27
  • What is a "certificate of number"? 33 CFR 173.3 and 173.21(a)
  • What is a "daybeacon"? 33 CFR 62.23(b)
  • What is a "float plan", as the Coast Guard's guide describes it? A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (U.S. Coast Guard, revised November 2023), page 44
  • What is a "range", as an aid to navigation? 33 CFR 62.41
  • What is a "visual distress signal" in 33 CFR 175.105? 33 CFR 175.105(a)
  • What is a "wearable PFD"? 33 CFR 175.13
  • What is an "aid to navigation" in 33 CFR 62.3? 33 CFR 62.3(a)
  • What is an "outboard", in the context of an engine? 33 CFR 173.3
  • What sets a "personal watercraft" apart in 33 CFR 173.3? 33 CFR 173.3
  • What shape is a "can buoy"? 33 CFR 62.23(c)(1)
  • Which aids to navigation are structures permanently fixed to the earth's surface? 33 CFR 62.23(b)
  • Which engine arrangement may also be known as an inboard-outdrive or an inboard-outboard? 33 CFR 173.3
  • Which mark has red and green horizontal bands and stands where a channel divides? 33 CFR 62.25(c)
  • Which term means a PFD intended to be thrown to a person in the water? 33 CFR 175.13
  • Which term means a vessel powered only by its occupants using a paddle, with no oarlocks or similar pivot? 33 CFR 173.3
  • Who is the "operator" of a vessel in 33 CFR 173.3? 33 CFR 173.3

How this list was compiled: Every term was read in a federal text on 2026-10-04: the Inland Navigation Rules (33 CFR part 83, Rules 3, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 16, 17, 21 and 32), the U.S. Aids to Navigation System (33 CFR part 62), the vessel numbering definitions (33 CFR 173.3) and the equipment definitions (33 CFR 175.13 and 175.105), all on https://www.ecfr.gov in the text current as of 2026-10-01, and A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats, U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division, revised November 2023 (https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf). Licence: Own work. Questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site from the Code of Federal Regulations and a Coast Guard guide, which are U.S. government works. Nothing is copied from a boating course, a course company's glossary, a state handbook or another practice test.

How it works

This unofficial boat vocabulary practice test asks what the words in the federal boating rules mean, from underway and stand-on vessel to can buoy and throwable PFD. Every term was read in a federal rule or a Coast Guard guide.

Read the full guide

Answer, then read the definition

Pick one of four answers and the tool marks it. After a miss, the explanation gives the rule's own definition and links to its section. Some questions give the word and ask for the meaning; others give the meaning and ask for the word.

Two topics and a word list

The Start from menu under the question splits the bank in two: Navigation Rules words, then gear, boats and markers. Under the questions, open the word list and press Print this sheet for every term on one handout, each with its source.

  • Learn the pairs together: give-way and stand-on, short blast and prolonged blast, can buoy and nun buoy, wearable and throwable.
  • Not under command comes from an exceptional circumstance; restricted in ability to maneuver comes from the vessel's work.

Questions and answers

What does underway mean on a boat?

In the Navigation Rules, underway means the vessel is not at anchor, not made fast to the shore and not aground (Rule 3(i), 33 CFR 83.03). A boat that is drifting with its engine off is still underway.

What is the difference between a give-way and a stand-on vessel?

The give-way vessel is the one directed to keep out of the way, and it acts early and substantially to keep well clear (Rule 16). The stand-on vessel is the other one, and it keeps its course and speed (Rule 17).

What is the difference between a can buoy and a nun buoy?

Shape. A can buoy is cylindrical and a nun buoy is tapered and conical (33 CFR 62.23). Green port hand buoys are can or pillar buoys, and red starboard hand buoys are nun or pillar buoys (33 CFR 62.25).

Are port, starboard, bow and stern on this test?

No. Parts of a boat are not asked here, because the rule texts behind this page use those words without defining them. It covers the words the rules do define: Navigation Rules terms, lights and sound signals, buoys and markers, gear and boat types.

Is this vocabulary on a state boating exam?

This is an unofficial bank, not run by the U.S. Coast Guard or any state boating agency. Each state sets its own course and exam and may use its own terms, so ask your state's boating agency which course it accepts.

More tests

Show 6 more

Browse Safety and Trades