A 15-year-old passes a New Hampshire safe boater education course. When is the certificate issued?RSA 270-D:13, IV
A New Hampshire boater carries only a photograph of the certificate on a phone. What must the photograph show?RSA 270-D:11, I(a)
A New Hampshire boater is charged with not carrying the certificate. Within how long can the boater show the officer it was valid and avoid conviction?RSA 270-D:11, II
A New Hampshire rental agent may not rent a motorized watercraft to a person who has not shown proof of what?RSA 270-E:25, I(c)
A New Hampshire safe boater education course is taught in a classroom. How many hours of instruction must it give at least?RSA 270-D:13, I(a)
Before renting a vessel in New Hampshire, what must the person who will operate it initial?RSA 270-D:2-c, I
Besides passing an approved course, how else can a person earn the New Hampshire certificate under RSA 270-D:13?RSA 270-D:13, I(b)
Besides the department and its agents, who may give New Hampshire's temporary safe boater examination if approved by the commissioner?RSA 270-D:14
For how long is a New Hampshire safe boater education certificate valid once issued?RSA 270-D:13, II
Show all 95 questions (86 more)
Safe boater education certificate, continued
For how long is a New Hampshire temporary certificate of safe boating education valid?RSA 270-D:14
How many temporary certificates of safe boating education may one person receive in New Hampshire in a calendar year?RSA 270-D:14
How old must a person be for New Hampshire to issue the safe boater education certificate?RSA 270-D:13, I
In New Hampshire, which motorized vessel may a person not operate on public waters without a safe boater education certificate?RSA 270-D:10, I
New Hampshire usually enforces the rule on carrying the certificate only as a secondary action. When may it be enforced as a primary action?RSA 270-D:11, III
New Hampshire's rental safety checklist names who is responsible for anyone who operates the rented vessel. Who is it?RSA 270-D:2-c, II(b)
Under RSA 270-D:13, who may pass the course with an online examination that is not proctored?RSA 270-D:13, I(a)
What is the minimum passing grade New Hampshire law sets for the safe boater education examination?RSA 270-D:13, I(a)
Which of these does RSA 270-D:15 accept in place of a New Hampshire safe boater education certificate?RSA 270-D:15
Who is exempt from New Hampshire's safe boater education requirement under RSA 270-D:12?RSA 270-D:12
Commercial vessel operator's license 14
A certified 17-year-old operates a commercial vessel in New Hampshire. How long may the vessel be?RSA 270:30, III(a)
A New Hampshire 14-year-old has no commercial operator certificate. For what single purpose may the teen operate a small commercial vessel?RSA 270:30, III-a
A New Hampshire teen holds a valid certificate to act as operator of a commercial vessel. From what age does RSA 270:30 let the teen operate one?RSA 270:30, II and III
According to RSA 270-E:22, what is New Hampshire's commercial vessel written examination based on?RSA 270-E:22, V
Besides a certified operator, what does RSA 270-E:22 require before a commercial vessel is used on New Hampshire public waters?RSA 270-E:22, I
New Hampshire adds a practical exam for the operator of a commercial passenger vessel of what length?RSA 270-E:22, I
One New Hampshire certificate lets its holder act as captain, master, pilot or engineer on a motorized vessel permitted to carry how many persons at most?RSA 270-E:23
To act as captain, master, pilot, engineer or operator of a commercial vessel on New Hampshire public waters, what must a person first pass?RSA 270-E:22, I
To which vessels does New Hampshire's commercial operator examination section not apply?RSA 270-E:22, VI
What score does New Hampshire require on the commercial vessel written examination?RSA 270-E:22, V
When does a New Hampshire license to operate a commercial vessel expire?RSA 270-E:22, III
Which of these is a commercial vessel under RSA 270-E:2?RSA 270-E:2, II(d)
Which of these may a certified 16-year-old commercial vessel operator not do in New Hampshire?RSA 270:30, III
Who is exempt from the written examination for a New Hampshire commercial vessel operator?RSA 270-E:22, IV
Operator ages 3
A New Hampshire adult accompanies an operator under 16 on a boat of more than 25 horsepower. Who is liable for injury or damage from the operation?RSA 270:30, I
How old must a person be to operate a ski craft on a New Hampshire lake, pond or river?RSA 270:74, I
In New Hampshire, a 14-year-old wants to drive a boat with a 60 horsepower motor. What does the law require?RSA 270:30, I
Life jackets 5
In New Hampshire, children up to what age must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket on a boat that is underway?RSA 270:30-a
What does New Hampshire law say about life jackets on a sailboard ridden by an adult?RSA 270:30-c
What must a person towed on water skis in New Hampshire wear, outside a permitted event?RSA 270-D:3, V
What must the operator of a ski craft in New Hampshire wear?RSA 270:74, III
Which New Hampshire vessel is exempt from the rule that a child of 12 or under wears a life jacket while underway?RSA 270:30-a
Headway speed and distance rules 16
A boater is convicted of breaking New Hampshire's general rules for vessels in RSA 270-D:2. Where is the conviction recorded?RSA 270-D:2, XI
A New Hampshire boater is convicted of reckless operation. During which part of the year is the 60-day loss of the privilege to operate a boat served?RSA 270:29-b
Besides losing the privilege to operate a boat, what else does a reckless operation conviction take away for 60 days in New Hampshire?RSA 270:29-b
How does New Hampshire law define headway speed?RSA 270-D:1, VI
How far must a boater in New Hampshire stay from a posted dive flag, where that is possible?RSA 270:31, II
In New Hampshire, a vessel must hold headway speed when within what distance of shore, docks, swimmers, rafts, mooring fields and other vessels?RSA 270-D:2, VI(a)
In New Hampshire, who must wear an engine cut-off switch when going faster than headway speed?RSA 270:30-d, II
New Hampshire's 150-foot headway speed rule has an exception. When does it not apply?RSA 270-D:2, VI(b)
On Lake Winnipesaukee in daylight, above what speed is a vessel presumed to be going faster than is reasonable and prudent?RSA 270-D:2, X(b)
On Lake Winnipesaukee, what is the speed limit in RSA 270-D:2 from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise?RSA 270-D:2, X(b)
What does New Hampshire law say about tying a boat to a navigation buoy?RSA 270:26, III
What speed does New Hampshire require while a vessel passes under a bridge?RSA 270-D:2, I
Where may a passenger not sit while a New Hampshire motorboat is underway?RSA 270-D:7
Which New Hampshire powerboat is excused from the engine cut-off switch rule?RSA 270:30-d, III
Which of these does New Hampshire law say shall be given the right-of-way?RSA 270-D:2, IX
Within what distance of the dive flag must a scuba diver or snorkeler stay in New Hampshire?RSA 270:31, II
Towing skiers, tubes and wake surfing 10
A New Hampshire motorboat tows three people on tubes. How many observers must be aboard besides the operator?RSA 270-D:3, III
During which hours does New Hampshire prohibit towing water skiers, outside authorized events?RSA 270-D:3, IV
How many inflatable tubes may one New Hampshire motorboat tow at a time?RSA 270-D:3, III
How many people at most may one New Hampshire motorboat tow on inflatable tubes at one time?RSA 270-D:3, III
How old must the observer be in a New Hampshire motorboat that is towing a water skier?RSA 270-D:3, I(a)
In New Hampshire, a ski tow boat may go without an observer on an approved slalom course if its operator is at least what age?RSA 270-D:3, I(b)
When may a person wake surf behind a New Hampshire motorboat driven by an outboard motor?RSA 270-D:3, VII
Which towing activity needs a permit from the commissioner in New Hampshire?RSA 270-D:4
Who is responsible under New Hampshire law for following the navigation requirements for both the towing boat and the person being towed?RSA 270-D:3, II
Without a special permit, how many people may one New Hampshire motorboat tow on water skis at the same time?RSA 270-D:3, III
Ski craft and personal water craft 7
A New Hampshire ski craft comes within 150 feet of a swimmer. What must the operator do?RSA 270:74, VII
For New Hampshire's ski craft rule, a cove is a bay or inlet no wider than what at its widest point?RSA 270:74, VII
How does RSA 270:74-c define a personal water craft?RSA 270:74-c, I
Inside what distance from shore may a New Hampshire ski craft travel only in a direct line at headway speed?RSA 270:74, VII and VIII
When is it illegal to operate a ski craft on a New Hampshire lake, pond or river?RSA 270:74, II
Which conduct does New Hampshire name as careless operation of a ski craft?RSA 270:74-b, I
Which of these fits New Hampshire's definition of a ski craft?RSA 270:73, V
Boating while intoxicated 6
A boat is tied to a dock. Under the definition in RSA 265-A:1, is a person aboard operating it?RSA 265-A:1, V
At what alcohol concentration alone does a New Hampshire boat operator commit aggravated driving while intoxicated?RSA 265-A:3, III
At what alcohol concentration is an adult aged 21 or older operating a boat illegally in New Hampshire?RSA 265-A:2, II
Does New Hampshire's boating while intoxicated law reach a person paddling a canoe?RSA 265-A:1, II and V
What alcohol concentration makes boat operation illegal in New Hampshire for a person under the age of 21?RSA 265-A:2, II
Which fact turns boating while intoxicated into aggravated driving while intoxicated in New Hampshire?RSA 265-A:3
Accidents and officers 6
A New Hampshire operator is too badly hurt to make the accident report. Who must make it?RSA 270:1-a, I
A uniformed New Hampshire marine patrol officer signals a boat to stop and the operator knowingly does not. How does RSA 270:12-b class the offense?RSA 270:12-b
After a reportable boating accident in New Hampshire, how long does the operator have to report in writing to the department of safety?RSA 270:1-a, I
Along with names, addresses and the registration number, what else must a New Hampshire operator give the other party after an accident?RSA 270:1-a, I
Nobody is hurt in a New Hampshire boating accident. Above what amount of property damage must the operator still file a written report?RSA 270:1-a, I
What must a New Hampshire vessel operator do first on knowing the vessel was just in an accident that caused injury or damage?RSA 270:1-a, I
Registration and numbers 9
A boat registered in another state visits New Hampshire. For how long may it use the state's waters without a New Hampshire registration?RSA 270-E:4, II
A New Hampshire tender is registered with its primary vessel. How is the tender's number written?RSA 270-E:3, IX
After applying and paying to register a vessel in New Hampshire, the owner gets a decal. For how long may the vessel be operated on it?RSA 270-E:14
How tall must the registration numbers on a New Hampshire vessel be, at least?RSA 270-E:8, II
The owner of a vessel registered in New Hampshire moves house. Within how long must the department be told in writing?RSA 270-E:11
When does a New Hampshire vessel registration expire?RSA 270-E:3, V
Where must the registration certificate be while a New Hampshire vessel is being operated?RSA 270-E:3, II
Where on a New Hampshire vessel are the assigned registration numbers displayed?RSA 270-E:8, II
Which of these vessels is exempt from registration in New Hampshire?RSA 270-E:4, I
How this list was compiled: Written only from the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, Title XXII chapters 270 (sections 270:1-a, 270:12-b, 270:26, 270:29-b, 270:30, 270:30-a, 270:30-c, 270:30-d, 270:31, 270:73, 270:74, 270:74-b and 270:74-c), 270-D (sections 270-D:1 to 270-D:4, 270-D:7 and 270-D:10 to 270-D:15) and 270-E (sections 270-E:2, 270-E:3, 270-E:4, 270-E:8, 270-E:11, 270-E:14, 270-E:22, 270-E:23 and 270-E:25), and Title XXI chapter 265-A (sections 265-A:1 to 265-A:3), each read on the General Court's statute site, https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XXII.htm, on 2026-09-30. Each question names its section and links to it. The examination facts are the statute's own: RSA 270-D:13 sets 80 percent as the minimum passing grade for the safe boater education examination and the equivalency examination, and RSA 270-E:22 sets 80 percent for the commercial vessel written examination. No statute read gives a number of questions, so none is used. The department's administrative rules (Saf-C 400) were not read and nothing is asked from them. Licence: Own work. Questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site from the statute text; nothing is copied from the New Hampshire Boaters Guide, a boating course, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators or another practice test.
How it works
This unofficial NH commercial boating license practice test asks only New Hampshire statute, each question with its RSA section. One topic covers the commercial operator's written examination, another the safe boater certificate. Navigation rules are not here. Read September 2026.
Read the full guide
The 25 horsepower line, 150 feet and children of 12
RSA 270-D:10 asks for the safe boater certificate on any motor over 25 horsepower. On those boats RSA 270:30 puts a certified adult of 18 or older beside an operator under 16. RSA 270-D:2 holds every vessel to headway speed within 150 feet of shore, docks, swimmers and other vessels. Children of 12 and under wear a life jacket underway (RSA 270:30-a).
What the statute says about the two examinations
RSA 270-E:22 requires a written examination for commercial operators, adds a practical exam on passenger vessels of 34 feet or more, and ends every license after 5 years. RSA 270-D:13 sets the safe boater examination. Both pass at 80 percent. No statute gives a number of questions.
For the NH boating license test on the recreational side, start with the certificate topic: 25 horsepower, age 16, 80 percent, valid for life.
Questions and answers
Who needs a commercial boat operator license in New Hampshire?
Anyone acting as captain, master, pilot, engineer or operator of a commercial vessel on the state's public waters. RSA 270-E:22 requires a written examination given by the department, and a practical exam too on a commercial passenger vessel of 34 feet or more.
Is there a New Hampshire boating license practice test for safe boater certification here?
Yes. Pick the certificate topic. Those questions come from RSA 270-D:10 to 270-D:15: the 25 horsepower line, the 8-hour classroom course, the 80 percent pass mark, the 14-day temporary certificate and which other certificates New Hampshire accepts.
How many questions are on the NH boating license practice exam, and what is the pass mark?
The pass mark is the statute's: 80 percent for both the safe boater examination and the commercial written examination. The law gives no number of questions, so the length of a practice exam on this page is this site's choice.
Is this NH boating license practice test from the state?
No. This is not a government website and is not affiliated with the New Hampshire Department of Safety or its Marine Patrol, which has never reviewed a question. Every answer rests on a section of the Revised Statutes Annotated that you can open and check.