Dundalk Sail & Power Squadron

Boat Show Quiz & Answers

1. The doubt or danger signal used to express disagreement with an intended maneuver is:

a. 1 short blast from the horn;
b. 5 or more short blasts of the horn;
c. Shouting "danger" as loudly as possible;
d. Rapid and constant waiving of the arms

Answer: B - 5 or more short blasts of the horn is the doubt or danger signal used to express disagreement with an intended maneuver.

2. One should use the VHF radio to make a "Mayday" call if:

a. you are running out of fuel;
b. you are unable to control or operate your vessel;
c. you notice a navigational hazard such as a partially sunken object in a busy channel;
d. you have a life-threatening medical emergency onboard

Answer: D - Use a Mayday call for life-threatening medical emergencies or if your boat is sinking or on fire.

A and B are examples of situations where a "pan-pan" (pahn-pahn) call should be made - it is the urgency signal when there is a threat to the safety of a person or boat, but the threat is not as serious as in a Mayday call.

C is an example of a situation where a "security" (say-cure-it-tay) call is made - for navigational safety messages.

3. If you are involved in a collision, the first thing you should do is:

a. Make sure everyone is wearing a life preserver;
b. Call 911 on your cell phone;
c. Account for and check the condition of your crew and the occupants of the other boat;
d. Contact the Coast Guard with a Mayday call on the VHF radio

Answer: C - The first thing you should do if you are involved in a collision is account for and check the condition of your crew and the occupants of the other boat.

4. You are fishing by trolling a lure behind your slow-moving boat. According to the Navigation Rules, you have:

a. Special privileges, providing you show the lights of a vessel engaged in fishing;
b. Priority of movement over all other vessels;
c. No special rights or privileges;
d. Special privileges, because you are restricted in maneuverability

Answer: C - Trolling a lure behind your slow-moving boat affords you no special rights or privileges according to the Navigation Rules.

5. Before fueling a boat with a built-in fuel tank, you should:

a. Close all portholes, doors and hatches;
b. Turn on the bilge blower, if so equipped;
c. Open all portholes, doors and hatches;
d. Turn off all electronic equipment except your VHF radio

Answer: A - Before fueling a boat with a built-in fuel tank, you should close all portholes, doors and hatches.

EXTRA CREDIT: Why?

Answer: Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and can easily find their way into your bilge or cabin. Closing portholes, doors and hatches greatly reduces the chance that dangerous fumes will enter your boat. Did you know that the fumes from just a ½ cup of gasoline, if ignited, can create enough explosive force to totally destroy even a large boat? Please fuel your vessel carefully.

The Dundalk Sail and Power Squadron wishes you a fun and safe boating season.

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