• 144 questions

Boating License Practice Test

Tap an answer to see it marked, with the right choice and the CFR section behind it.

Which display of a vessel number matches the spacing rule in 33 CFR 173.27(a)(4)?

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard or any state boating agency. Bank checked September 18, 2026.

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All 144 questions

Steering and sailing rules 30

  • A 7 meter runabout and a freighter that can navigate only within the channel are in the same narrow channel. What does Rule 9 require of the runabout? 33 CFR 83.09 (Inland Navigation Rule 9)
  • A power-driven stand-on vessel in a crossing situation decides to act early under Rule 17(a)(ii). What does Rule 17(c) tell her not to do, if circumstances allow? 33 CFR 83.17 (Inland Navigation Rule 17)
  • A sailboat has her sails up and her engine running and in gear. How do the Inland Rules class her? 33 CFR 83.03 (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • A sailing vessel underway meets a vessel engaged in fishing, as the Rules define that term. Who keeps out of the way under Rule 18? 33 CFR 83.18 (Inland Navigation Rule 18)
  • A stand-on vessel finds herself so close that a collision cannot be avoided by the give-way vessel alone. What does Rule 17 require? 33 CFR 83.17 (Inland Navigation Rule 17)
  • A vessel is following a narrow channel. Where does Rule 9 tell her to keep? 33 CFR 83.09 (Inland Navigation Rule 9)
Show all 144 questions (138 more)

Steering and sailing rules, continued

  • An angler is trolling lines behind a motorboat. Is the boat a "vessel engaged in fishing" under Rule 3? 33 CFR 83.03 (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • An overtaking vessel draws level and the bearing between the two boats changes. Under Rule 13, when does her duty to keep clear end? 33 CFR 83.13 (Inland Navigation Rule 13)
  • At night, which view of another power-driven vessel tells you that you are in a head-on situation under Rule 14? 33 CFR 83.14 (Inland Navigation Rule 14)
  • In fog, you hear the fog signal of another vessel that seems to be forward of your beam, and you have not ruled out a risk of collision. What does Rule 19 require? 33 CFR 83.19 (Inland Navigation Rule 19)
  • On the Great Lakes and Western Rivers, a power-driven vessel heading downbound with a following current meets an upbound vessel. What does Rule 14(d) give the downbound vessel? 33 CFR 83.14 (Inland Navigation Rule 14)
  • One of two vessels must keep out of the way. What is the first duty of the other one, the stand-on vessel, under Rule 17? 33 CFR 83.17 (Inland Navigation Rule 17)
  • Rule 6 requires a "safe speed". Which of these is a factor the Rule lists for deciding what speed is safe? 33 CFR 83.06 (Inland Navigation Rule 6)
  • Rule 8 describes how a change of course or speed to avoid collision should look to the other vessel. Which description matches the Rule? 33 CFR 83.08 (Inland Navigation Rule 8)
  • Rule 13 treats a vessel as overtaking when she comes up on another from which direction? 33 CFR 83.13 (Inland Navigation Rule 13)
  • Two power-driven vessels are crossing with a risk of collision. Under Rule 15, which one must keep out of the way? 33 CFR 83.15 (Inland Navigation Rule 15)
  • Two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, or nearly so, with a risk of collision. What does Rule 14 tell each of them to do? 33 CFR 83.14 (Inland Navigation Rule 14)
  • Two sailing vessels approach with the wind on different sides. Under Rule 12, which one keeps out of the way? 33 CFR 83.12 (Inland Navigation Rule 12)
  • Two sailing vessels approach with the wind on the same side. Under Rule 12, which one keeps out of the way? 33 CFR 83.12 (Inland Navigation Rule 12)
  • Under Rule 7, which observation means a risk of collision shall be deemed to exist? 33 CFR 83.07 (Inland Navigation Rule 7)
  • Under Rule 13, which vessel keeps out of the way when one vessel overtakes another? 33 CFR 83.13 (Inland Navigation Rule 13)
  • Under Rule 18, a power-driven vessel underway keeps out of the way of four kinds of vessel. Which list is correct? 33 CFR 83.18 (Inland Navigation Rule 18)
  • What does Rule 2 say about departing from the Navigation Rules? 33 CFR 83.02 (Inland Navigation Rule 2)
  • What does Rule 5 require of every vessel at all times? 33 CFR 83.05 (Inland Navigation Rule 5)
  • What kind of action does Rule 16 require from a vessel that must keep out of the way of another? 33 CFR 83.16 (Inland Navigation Rule 16)
  • When does Rule 17 first allow a stand-on vessel to take action by her own maneuver? 33 CFR 83.17 (Inland Navigation Rule 17)
  • Which vessel is "underway" as Rule 3 defines the word? 33 CFR 83.03 (Inland Navigation Rule 3)
  • You are not sure whether you are overtaking the vessel ahead or crossing her. What does Rule 13 say? 33 CFR 83.13 (Inland Navigation Rule 13)
  • You are the give-way vessel in a crossing situation. If the circumstances allow, what does Rule 15 tell you to avoid? 33 CFR 83.15 (Inland Navigation Rule 15)
  • You see a vessel ahead and cannot tell whether the two of you are meeting head-on. What does Rule 14 tell you to assume? 33 CFR 83.14 (Inland Navigation Rule 14)

Navigation lights and shapes 18

  • A rowboat is out after sunset and does not carry the lights of a sailing vessel. What does Rule 25 require her to have? 33 CFR 83.25 (Inland Navigation Rule 25)
  • A small boat has divers down and cannot show the full set of lights and shapes. What does Rule 27(e) require instead? 33 CFR 83.27 (Inland Navigation Rule 27)
  • At night you see two all-round red lights in a vertical line on a vessel underway. What does Rule 27 say she is? 33 CFR 83.27 (Inland Navigation Rule 27)
  • By day, a sailboat is under sail with her engine also driving her. What shape does Rule 25 call for, and which boats need not show it? 33 CFR 83.25 (Inland Navigation Rule 25)
  • For a vessel of less than 12 meters, what minimum visibility range does Rule 22 set for a sidelight? 33 CFR 83.22 (Inland Navigation Rule 22)
  • On which vessels does Rule 21 allow the red and green sidelights to be combined in one lantern on the centerline? 33 CFR 83.21 (Inland Navigation Rule 21)
  • Over what arc of the horizon does a masthead light show under Rule 21? 33 CFR 83.21 (Inland Navigation Rule 21)
  • Rule 30(e) excuses a small vessel from the anchor light and ball when she is anchored away from narrow channels, fairways, anchorages and places where other vessels normally navigate. What is the length limit? 33 CFR 83.30 (Inland Navigation Rule 30)
  • Two all-round lights in a vertical line, green over white, mark which vessel under Rule 26? 33 CFR 83.26 (Inland Navigation Rule 26)
  • What does "all-round light" mean in the Inland Rules? 33 CFR 83.21 (Inland Navigation Rule 21)
  • What does Rule 30 allow a vessel of less than 50 meters to show when she is at anchor at night? 33 CFR 83.30 (Inland Navigation Rule 30)
  • What is a sternlight under Rule 21? 33 CFR 83.21 (Inland Navigation Rule 21)
  • What lights may a power-driven vessel of less than 12 meters show in place of the full Rule 23(a) set? 33 CFR 83.23 (Inland Navigation Rule 23)
  • What may a sailing vessel underway show at or near the top of the mast, in addition to her sidelights and sternlight? 33 CFR 83.25 (Inland Navigation Rule 25)
  • When must the navigation lights in the Inland Rules be shown? 33 CFR 83.20 (Inland Navigation Rule 20)
  • Which lights does Rule 23 require a power-driven vessel underway to show, in its basic form? 33 CFR 83.23 (Inland Navigation Rule 23)
  • Which lights does Rule 25 require a sailing vessel underway to show? 33 CFR 83.25 (Inland Navigation Rule 25)
  • Which sidelight colors do the Inland Rules set? 33 CFR 83.21 (Inland Navigation Rule 21)

Sound signals 17

  • A boat of less than 12 meters is caught in fog and does not give the whistle and bell signals of Rule 35. What must she do instead? 33 CFR 83.35 (Inland Navigation Rule 35)
  • A power-driven vessel in sight of another intends to overtake her on her starboard side. What does she sound under Inland Rule 34(c)? 33 CFR 83.34 (Inland Navigation Rule 34)
  • How long is a "prolonged blast" under Rule 32? 33 CFR 83.32 (Inland Navigation Rule 32)
  • How long is a "short blast" under Rule 32? 33 CFR 83.32 (Inland Navigation Rule 32)
  • In fog, a power-driven vessel is underway but stopped and making no way through the water. What does Rule 35 tell her to sound? 33 CFR 83.35 (Inland Navigation Rule 35)
  • In fog, how does a vessel at anchor signal under Rule 35(g), where the bell signal applies to her? 33 CFR 83.35 (Inland Navigation Rule 35)
  • In fog, which signal does Rule 35 give to a sailing vessel, a vessel engaged in fishing and a vessel towing? 33 CFR 83.35 (Inland Navigation Rule 35)
  • In or near restricted visibility, what does a power-driven vessel making way through the water sound under Rule 35? 33 CFR 83.35 (Inland Navigation Rule 35)
  • On inland waters, two power-driven vessels are in sight and meeting within half a mile. What does one short blast mean under Rule 34? 33 CFR 83.34 (Inland Navigation Rule 34)
  • On inland waters, what do two short blasts mean when power-driven vessels are meeting or crossing within half a mile? 33 CFR 83.34 (Inland Navigation Rule 34)
  • Two vessels agree on a passing by VHF radiotelephone. What does Rule 34(h) say about the whistle signals? 33 CFR 83.34 (Inland Navigation Rule 34)
  • What do three short blasts mean under Rule 34? 33 CFR 83.34 (Inland Navigation Rule 34)
  • What does Rule 34(g) require when a power-driven vessel is leaving a dock or berth? 33 CFR 83.34 (Inland Navigation Rule 34)
  • What signal does Rule 34 give a vessel nearing a bend where other vessels may be hidden from view? 33 CFR 83.34 (Inland Navigation Rule 34)
  • What sound equipment does Rule 33 require on a vessel of less than 12 meters? 33 CFR 83.33 (Inland Navigation Rule 33)
  • You doubt that a passing proposed by another vessel is safe, or you cannot tell what she intends. What signal does Rule 34(d) require? 33 CFR 83.34 (Inland Navigation Rule 34)
  • You hear one short blast from an approaching power-driven vessel and you agree with the passing she proposes. What do you sound under Rule 34? 33 CFR 83.34 (Inland Navigation Rule 34)

Buoys and markers 20

  • A buoy has red and green horizontal bands, with the red band on top. What does it tell you? 33 CFR 62.25 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • An information and regulatory mark shows an open-faced orange diamond. What does the shape signify? 33 CFR 62.33 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • An information and regulatory mark shows an orange circle. What does the circle indicate? 33 CFR 62.33 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • An information and regulatory mark shows an orange diamond with a cross centered inside it. What does it mean? 33 CFR 62.33 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • How are solid red and solid green aids to navigation numbered? 33 CFR 62.43 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • How does 33 CFR 62.33 describe a buoy used as an information or regulatory mark? 33 CFR 62.33 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • How is a mooring buoy colored? 33 CFR 62.35 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • How is an isolated danger mark colored and topped? 33 CFR 62.29 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • In the U.S. Aids to Navigation System, what is the "Conventional Direction of Buoyage" in a channel that leads in from the sea? 33 CFR 62.21 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • On state waters, a buoy shows alternate black and white vertical stripes. What does it mean? 33 CFR 62.32 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • On the Intracoastal Waterway, an aid carries a small yellow triangle. How should it be passed? 33 CFR 62.49 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • What color are special marks, which show areas such as anchorages and cable or pipeline areas? 33 CFR 62.31 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • What does a mark with red and white vertical stripes mean? 33 CFR 62.27 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • What is a range, as 33 CFR 62.41 uses the word? 33 CFR 62.41 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • What light does a safe water mark show when it is lighted? 33 CFR 62.45 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • What shape is a nun buoy? 33 CFR 62.23 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • Why does 33 CFR 62.23 warn mariners not to pass a buoy close aboard? 33 CFR 62.23 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • You are proceeding in the Conventional Direction of Buoyage at night. On which hand do you keep a lighted aid that shows a green light? 33 CFR 62.45 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • You are proceeding in the Conventional Direction of Buoyage. Which marks show the port (left) side of the channel? 33 CFR 62.25 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)
  • You are proceeding in the Conventional Direction of Buoyage. Which marks show the starboard (right) side of the channel? 33 CFR 62.25 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System)

Life jackets (PFDs) 12

  • A state statute sets its own age at which children must wear a PFD. Which requirement applies on that state's waters under 33 CFR 175.25? 33 CFR 175.25 (Equipment requirements)
  • Besides being in serviceable condition, what does 33 CFR 175.21 require of each PFD carried to meet the rule? 33 CFR 175.21 (Equipment requirements)
  • How must wearable PFDs be stowed under 33 CFR 175.19? 33 CFR 175.19 (Equipment requirements)
  • Under 33 CFR 175.15, how many wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs) must a recreational vessel have on board? 33 CFR 175.15 (Equipment requirements)
  • Under the federal rule, children below what age must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD on a recreational vessel that is under way? 33 CFR 175.15 (Equipment requirements)
  • What must an inflatable PFD have to be in serviceable condition under 33 CFR 175.23(c), unless it is worn inflated? 33 CFR 175.23 (Equipment requirements)
  • What stowage standard does 33 CFR 175.19 set for the throwable PFD? 33 CFR 175.19 (Equipment requirements)
  • When is a child under 13 not required to wear a PFD on a vessel that is under way, under 33 CFR 175.15(c)? 33 CFR 175.15 (Equipment requirements)
  • Which condition makes an inherently buoyant PFD unserviceable under 33 CFR 175.23? 33 CFR 175.23 (Equipment requirements)
  • Which craft does 33 CFR 175.17 exempt from carrying any of the PFDs required by 175.15? 33 CFR 175.17 (Equipment requirements)
  • Which PFD is a "throwable PFD" as 33 CFR 175.13 defines the term? 33 CFR 175.13 (Equipment requirements)
  • Which recreational vessels must carry one throwable PFD in addition to the wearable ones? 33 CFR 175.15 (Equipment requirements)

Fire, ventilation and capacity 13

  • A 22 foot recreational motorboat has an inboard engine and no fixed fire extinguishing system. What is the minimum number of 5-B portable fire extinguishers under 33 CFR 175.320? 33 CFR 175.320 (Equipment requirements)
  • A boat is required to have an exhaust blower. What does the warning label required by 33 CFR 183.610(f) tell the operator to do before starting the engine? 33 CFR 183.610 (Powered ventilation system)
  • A recreational vessel is 26 feet or more but less than 40 feet long, with no fixed fire extinguishing system. How many 5-B portable extinguishers does Table 1 to 33 CFR 175.320 require? 33 CFR 175.320 (Equipment requirements)
  • A recreational vessel is 40 feet or more but not more than 65 feet long, with no fixed fire extinguishing system. How many 5-B portable extinguishers does Table 1 to 33 CFR 175.320 require? 33 CFR 175.320 (Equipment requirements)
  • Under the footnote to Table 1 in 33 CFR 175.320, what may be substituted for two 5-B portable fire extinguishers? 33 CFR 175.320 (Equipment requirements)
  • When may an outboard boat less than 26 feet long go without a portable fire extinguisher under 33 CFR 175.320? 33 CFR 175.320 (Equipment requirements)
  • Where must the "U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities" marking be displayed under 33 CFR 183.25? 33 CFR 183.25 (Display of markings)
  • Which boats must carry a capacity marking under 33 CFR 183.21 and 183.23? 33 CFR 183.21 and 183.23 (Safe loading: capacity marking)
  • Which boats must have an operable ventilation system under 33 CFR 175.201? 33 CFR 175.201 (Equipment requirements)
  • Which feature on a small outboard boat is a "condition requiring fire extinguishers" in Table 2 to 33 CFR 175.320? 33 CFR 175.320 (Equipment requirements)
  • Which gasoline engines must be equipped with an acceptable means of backfire flame control under 46 CFR 25.35-1? 46 CFR 25.35-1 (Backfire flame control)
  • Which of these is part of "good and serviceable working condition" for a portable extinguisher under 33 CFR 175.310(a)(4)? 33 CFR 175.310 (Equipment requirements)
  • Which statement matches the condition rules for portable fire extinguishers in 33 CFR 175.310? 33 CFR 175.310 (Equipment requirements)

Visual distress signals 10

  • A boat carries aerial flares that need a launcher to fire. What does 33 CFR 175.113 require? 33 CFR 175.113 (Equipment requirements)
  • A flare carried to meet the visual distress signal rule has a date marked on it, and the date has passed. Does it still count under 33 CFR 175.125? 33 CFR 175.125 (Equipment requirements)
  • Hand-held red flares are carried to meet the visual distress signal rule. How many are required, and what do they count for, under Table 175.130? 33 CFR 175.130 (Equipment requirements)
  • On coastal waters, when must a boat less than 16 feet in length carry visual distress signals? 33 CFR 175.110 (Equipment requirements)
  • On coastal waters, which visual distress signals must a recreational boat 16 feet or more in length carry? 33 CFR 175.110 (Equipment requirements)
  • On which waters does the federal visual distress signal rule in 33 CFR part 175, subpart C apply? 33 CFR 175.101 and 175.105 (Equipment requirements)
  • What do orange smoke distress signals count for under Table 175.130? 33 CFR 175.130 (Equipment requirements)
  • When does 33 CFR 175.140 allow a person in a boat to display a visual distress signal? 33 CFR 175.140 (Equipment requirements)
  • Which boaters are excused from day signals under 33 CFR 175.115 but must still carry night signals between sunset and sunrise? 33 CFR 175.115 (Equipment requirements)
  • Which non-pyrotechnic device can meet the night visual distress signal requirement on its own under 33 CFR 175.130? 33 CFR 175.130 (Equipment requirements)

Boating under the influence 7

  • A law enforcement officer with reasonable cause directs a boat operator to take a chemical test, and the operator refuses. What follows under 33 CFR 95.040? 33 CFR 95.040 (Operating a vessel while under the influence)
  • A state statute sets a blood alcohol level for operating a vessel under the influence. Which level applies to recreational operators within that state under 33 CFR 95.025? 33 CFR 95.025 (Operating a vessel while under the influence)
  • An operator has not taken a chemical test. Can the operator still be under the influence as 33 CFR 95.020 defines it? 33 CFR 95.020 (Operating a vessel while under the influence)
  • Under the federal standard in 33 CFR 95.020, at what blood alcohol concentration is the operator of a recreational vessel under the influence? 33 CFR 95.020 (Operating a vessel while under the influence)
  • What federal alcohol concentration standard does 33 CFR 95.020 set for a person operating a vessel other than a recreational vessel? 33 CFR 95.020 (Operating a vessel while under the influence)
  • When does "reasonable cause" to direct a chemical test exist under 33 CFR 95.035? 33 CFR 95.035 (Operating a vessel while under the influence)
  • Who is "operating" a recreational vessel for the purposes of 33 CFR part 95? 33 CFR 95.015 (Operating a vessel while under the influence)

Numbering and accident reports 17

  • A numbered vessel is moved to a new State of principal operation. For how long must the new State recognize the old number under 33 CFR 173.17? 33 CFR 173.17 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • A person dies or disappears from a vessel as a result of an accident. What must the operator do first under 33 CFR 173.53? 33 CFR 173.53 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • A person is injured in a boating accident and needs medical treatment beyond first aid. How soon must the written report be made under 33 CFR 173.55? 33 CFR 173.55 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • A person rents a boat less than 26 feet long for a noncommercial trip of less than 7 days, and the owner keeps the certificate of number on shore. What must be on board under 33 CFR 173.21? 33 CFR 173.21 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • A State issues validation stickers. Where must a sticker be displayed under 33 CFR 174.15? 33 CFR 174.15 (Validation stickers)
  • An accident causes $3,000 in property damage and no one is hurt. How soon must the report be made under 33 CFR 173.55? 33 CFR 173.55 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • At what amount of damage to vessels and other property does 33 CFR 173.55 require a casualty or accident report? 33 CFR 173.55 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • For how long may a certificate of number be valid under the federal standard for state numbering systems in 33 CFR 174.27? 33 CFR 174.27 (Duration of certificate of number)
  • The operator cannot submit the casualty or accident report. Who must submit it under 33 CFR 173.55(c)? 33 CFR 173.55 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • The owner named on a certificate of number changes address, or the vessel is stolen, destroyed or sold. How soon must the owner notify the issuing authority under 33 CFR 173.29? 33 CFR 173.29 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • What is the minimum height of the characters in a displayed vessel number under 33 CFR 173.27? 33 CFR 173.27 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • What must the operator of a numbered vessel have on board under 33 CFR 173.21? 33 CFR 173.21 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • Where must the vessel number be displayed under 33 CFR 173.27? 33 CFR 173.27 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • Which display of a vessel number matches the spacing rule in 33 CFR 173.27(a)(4)? 33 CFR 173.27 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • Which letters may not appear in the suffix of a vessel number under 33 CFR 174.23, because they may be mistaken for numerals? 33 CFR 174.23 (Form of number)
  • Which of these occurrences requires the operator to file a casualty or accident report under 33 CFR 173.55? 33 CFR 173.55 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)
  • Which vessels does the federal numbering rule in 33 CFR 173.11 cover, with listed exceptions such as documented vessels? 33 CFR 173.11 (Vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting)

How this list was compiled: Written from the Code of Federal Regulations as published in the eCFR at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33 : 33 CFR part 83 (Inland Navigation Rules), part 62 (U.S. Aids to Navigation System), part 95 (operating a vessel while under the influence), part 173 (vessel numbering and casualty and accident reporting), part 174 (state numbering systems), part 175 (equipment requirements) and part 183 subparts B and K (capacity marking and ventilation), plus 46 CFR 25.35-1 (backfire flame control) at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-46/section-25.35-1 . Checked 2026-09-18. Each question names the section it was written from. Licence: Own work. Questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site from the Code of Federal Regulations, a U.S. government publication. Nothing is copied from a state boating handbook, a state or course provider exam or another practice test.

How it works

This unofficial boating license practice test holds 144 questions on federal boating rules: the Inland Navigation Rules, buoys and markers, life jackets, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, boating under the influence, and numbering and accident reports. Every question names its section of the Code of Federal Regulations, read in the eCFR and checked on September 18, 2026. State boating rules are not covered.

Read the full guide

What this boating license practice test covers and leaves out

All 144 questions come from federal regulations: 33 CFR part 83 for the Inland Navigation Rules, part 62 for buoys, part 175 for life jackets, fire extinguishers, distress signals and ventilation, part 95 for alcohol, and parts 173 and 174 for numbering and accident reports. State law is left out, so learn your state's rules from its boating handbook. The Coast Guard's State Boating Laws page at uscgboating.org links to state boating contacts.

Nine topic filters, from steering rules to accident reports

The topic filter splits the bank nine ways: 30 questions on steering and sailing rules, 18 on lights and shapes, 17 on sound signals, 20 on buoys and markers, 12 on life jackets, 13 on fire extinguishers, ventilation and capacity plates, 10 on visual distress signals, 7 on boating under the influence and 17 on numbering and accident reports. Choose one in the Start from menu under the question, and practice mode and exam mode both draw from it alone. Exam mode, also under the question, gives up to 25 questions with no clock and no pass mark, because each state sets its own format. Nothing is marked until you press Finish the exam. Then you see your score, a table by topic and each miss.

Why every answer names a CFR section

Boating rules carry numbers that are easy to misremember: a throwable device from 16 feet, children under 13 in life jackets while under way, a blood alcohol level of .08 percent, an accident report at $2,000 of damage. Pick an answer and it is marked at once. Keys 1 to 4 pick too. On a phone, tap. The right choice turns green, and the explanation under it names its section, so you can read the full rule in the eCFR. Print is on the score card, with a tick for the answer key on its sheet.

  • Learn the meeting situations as a set. Head-on, both turn to starboard. Crossing, the vessel with the other on her starboard side keeps out of the way. Overtaking, the overtaking vessel keeps clear (Rules 13 to 15).
  • Tie whistle signals to actions. On inland waters one short blast means "I intend to leave you on my port side", two mean the starboard side, three mean astern propulsion, and five or more rapid blasts signal doubt or danger.
  • Returning from seaward, red marks with even numbers stay on your starboard side and green marks with odd numbers on your port side.
  • Sort equipment rules by boat length: 16 feet brings the throwable device and day and night distress signals, and 26 and 40 feet raise the fire extinguisher count.
  • Press Missed, under More options, to retry your wrong answers. Clear my progress, under More options, empties the Missed pile and your scores in this browser.

Questions and answers

Is this the exam for my state's boat license or boater education card?

No. This is an unofficial question bank on federal rules, not run by the U.S. Coast Guard or any state boating agency. It issues no card, certificate or license, and finishing it does not count toward any state's education requirement. Ask your state's boating agency which courses and exams it accepts.

Are state boating laws covered?

No. Operator age limits, boating safety education cards, personal watercraft rules and state life jacket ages are state law and not in this bank. Federal rules step aside in places: 33 CFR 175.25 applies a state's child life jacket age on that state's waters, and 33 CFR 95.025 does the same for a state's blood alcohol level.

Which navigation rules do the questions use?

The Inland Navigation Rules in 33 CFR part 83, which Rule 1 applies to all vessels on the inland waters of the United States. The International Rules (COLREGS) are not covered, and the two sets differ in places. Each question gives the Rule number, so Rule 14 is 33 CFR 83.14 in the eCFR.

How current are the questions?

Every rule was read in the eCFR on September 18, 2026. If a rule has changed since, the eCFR is right and this page is behind.

Why are buoys and lights described in words?

The quiz on this site shows text only, so each buoy, daymark and light is described by its color, shape, number and rhythm, as 33 CFR part 62 and the Navigation Rules describe them. Open a chart or your state's boating handbook to see them drawn.

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