Transport for NSW
General Boat
Driving Licence
Knowledge Test Questions 
The General Boat Driving Knowledge Test consists of 50 multiple
choice questions. In the General Questions section, at least 24 of 30
questions must be answered correctly. In the Compulsory Questions
section, all 20 questions must be answered correctly.
This question bank contains a selection of the questions that may
be asked in the test. You can use this as a study guide for obtaining
a General Boat Licence. Answers appear on the last page of
thedocument.
Use this question banktoreview your own answers and your
understanding of the Maritime rules and regulations before taking a
test at an Authorised Training Provider (ATP) or Service NSW centre.
Please note the question numbers in this document are linked to
their codes in the question bank used for General Boat and PWC
knowledge tests. Over time, new questions are added to the bank while
older questions may be removed, so the number sequencing in this
document is not 1,2,3,4,5 etc.
The question bank codes are included with each question in this
document (eg mkt_008-en). After you complete a test, your supervisor
can provide the code for any questions you would like to review using
this question bank.
Page 2 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
In Section A of the real test you will be asked 30 multiple choice
questions. You must answer 24 questions correctly.
To help you practice for the test, we have included a selection
ofquestions that you may be asked in this section.
7
mkt-
007_en
What should you consider about your vessel before
travelling to open waters?
A. How your vessel performs when towing
B. Whether your vessel is stable in enclosed waters
C. Whether your vessel is suitable for large waves
10
mkt-
010_en
What do you need to do before anchoring?
A. Ensure you are very close to other vessels
B. Ensure you will be in the middle of a shipping channel
C. Ensure you have enough space from other vessels
andobstacles
11
mkt-
011_en
Is it important to know about tides?
A. Yes, they can impact your ability to navigate safely
B. Yes, but only if you are boating on a river
C. No, skilled drivers can drive in any depth of water
12
mkt-
012_en
What is an example of a tidal impact to consider when
you are planning to go on the water?
A. Tide may indicate thunderstorms approaching
B. No example, tides have no impact on boating
C. Tide may impact your ability to launch or return to
safeharbour
15
mkt-
015_en
Where is the safest place to build your boating experience?
A. Near surf zones on open waters
B. In the middle of shipping channels
C. Calm, quiet, enclosed waters
Page 3 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
16
mkt-
016_en
When building your boating experience, it is a good
idea to:
A. Take a more experienced boater with you
B. Go as fast as possible to test the limits of your vessel
C. Go out in rough conditions
18
mkt-
018_en
If keeping a proper lookout is difficult, you should:
A. Carry on anyway
B. Speed up to get home quicker
C. Slow down and assess the conditions
28
mkt-
028_en
To signal for assistance in an emergency, when is the
best time to use your distress flares?
A. As soon as you realise you need assistance
B. Between sunset and sunrise
C. When you believe there’s a chance they will be seen
34
mkt-
034_en
When can you throw rubbish overboard on
NSWwaterways?
A. Never – all rubbish must be taken ashore for
appropriate disposal
B. Any time – if it consists of biodegradable food scraps
C. Only between sunset and sunrise
35
mkt-
035_en
To reduce your impact on the marine environment,
where should you avoid driving your vessel?
A. Open waters
B. Mooring areas
C. Shallow areas which contain seagrasses
36
mkt-
036_en
To reduce your impact on the marine environment,
where should you avoid anchoring your vessel?
A. Mooring areas
B. Open waters
C. Shallow areas which contain seagrasses
Page 4 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
37
mkt-
037_en
When can you discharge raw sewage overboard into
NSW waterways?
A. Between sunset and sunrise
B. Any time if your vessel does not have a toilet
C. Never
38
mkt-
038_en
If you see a whale and its calf in the water ahead of
your vessel you should:
A. Slow down or stop and maintain a distance of at least
300 metres
B. Quickly turn off your motor
C. Hold your course and wait for the whales to avoid you
39
mkt-
039_en
Can waves be higher than the ‘significant wave height’
in a weather forecast?
A. No, all waves will be exactly the significant wave height
B. Yes, some waves may be up to twice the significant
wave height
C. No, all waves will be within the significant wave height
40
mkt-
040_en
What does this sign mean?
A. Travel at a speed which minimises the wash created by
your vessel
B. Do not wash your vessel in this area
C. Towing is prohibited in this area
41
mkt-
041_en
What should you do to ensure your vessel’s wash does
not unreasonably impact on other vessels or the shore?
A. Travel as close to the shore as possible
B. Frequently look behind to observe the effects of your
wash and adjust your speed if necessary
C. Travel as close to other vessels as possible
Page 5 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
42
mkt-
042_en
Why must you drive your vessel at a speed that
minimises the wash it creates?
A. To avoid slowing down your vessel
B. To avoid making your vessel unstable
C. To avoid damage or unreasonable impact on other
vessels, structures and the shore
43
mkt-
043_en
What does this sign mean?
A. Maximum speed is 4 knots at low tide only
B. Maximum speed is 4 knots in the directions indicated
C. Recommended speed is 4 knots only when towing
44
mkt-
044_en
Do sailing vessels have right of way over powered
vessels at all times?
A. Yes, if the sailing vessel is in a race
B. Yes, always
C. No, not when the sailing vessel is overtaking, or
the powered vessel is large and restricted in its
manoeuvrability
50
mkt-
050_en
What does the ‘Alpha’ dive flag look like?
A. Blue flag with centred white square
B. Yellow and white flag
C. Blue and white flag with swallow tail
51
mkt-
051_en
What is the minimum distance you should anchor your
vessel from an underwater (submarine) cable?
A. 50 metres
B. 100 metres
C. 200 metres
Page 6 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
52
mkt-
052_en
What is the minimum safe distance to keep your vessel
from a dive flag on the water?
A. 60 metres
B. 30 metres
C. 10 metres
53
mkt-
053_en
When driving a powered vessel, what is the
minimum distance you must keep from a designated
swimmingarea?
A. 60 metres
B. There are no restrictions
C. 30 metres
54
mkt-
054_en
When driving at 6 knots or more in a powered vessel,
what is the minimum distance you must keep from
moored vessels where possible?
A. 30 metres
B. 10 metres
C. 20 metres
59
mkt-
059_en
What is the best definition of ‘enclosed waters’?
A. Only navigable rivers
B. Only dams and reservoirs
C. Navigable waters enclosed by land or a port
60
mkt-
060_en
If you require assistance at sea but there is no
immediate danger to your vessel or people on board,
which emergency words will you use on marine radio?
A. Mayday
B. Securite
C. Pan pan
Page 7 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
61
mkt-
061_en
Looking at the cardinal mark pictured, what would be
the safest side to drive your vessel?
A. East
B. North
C. West
66
mkt-
066_en
Are you allowed to attach your vessel to a navigation
aid or bridge?
A. Yes if it is a cardinal mark
B. No
C. Yes if it is high tide
69
mkt-
069_en
What should you do before wakeboarding?
A. Switch on your navigation lights
B. Blow a whistle to warn others
C. Check local signage to ensure towing is legal in
thatarea
71
mkt-
071_en
What is the biggest danger to be aware of when
operating near rocks or reefs?
A. Waves can break unexpectedly and capsize
yourvessel
B. You could run over a fishing line
C. Seaweed could clog your engine
72
mkt-
072_en
If you want to attach your vessel to a mooring to go
fishing or have a picnic, which buoy should you use?
A. Blue emergency mooring
B. Pink courtesy mooring
C. Orange commercial mooring
Page 8 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
74
mkt-
074_en
You are towing someone behind your vessel using
watersport equipment and rope or line. Who is
responsible to ensure the towed person and items do
not cause an obstruction or danger?
A. The person being towed
B. Other drivers
C. You
93
mkt-
093_en
What is the meaning of a blue and white ‘Alpha’ flag on
a vessel, buoy or float?
A. Divers are in this area
B. Pass on the south side of this area
C. This is a mooring area
94
mkt-
094_en
What should you do if you see a blue and white ‘Alpha’
flag in the water ahead of you??
A. Increase speed to get out of the area quickly
B. Look out for whales, get ready to take photos
C. Look out for divers, keep a safe distance and speed
95
mkt-
095_en
How should you pass a vehicular ferry in a channel?
A. Slow down to 4 knots or less and pass at a safe
distance behind the ferry
B. Continue at the same speed and go close to
thechains
C. Speed up to cross in front of the ferry
96
mkt-
096_en
If you see a dredge operating, what should you do?
A. Keep well clear and minimise your vessel’s wash
B. Pass as close to the dredge as possible
C. Nothing, dredges are a low risk
Page 9 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
97
mkt-
097_en
When driving through a mooring area you need to:
A. Pass as closely as possible to the moored vessels
B. Speed up to pass through the area quickly
C. Drive slowly and keep a lookout for dinghies and
trailing ropes
98
mkt-
098_en
What do you need to remember when anchoring in
badweather?
A. Attach the anchor line to your vessel’s stern, not
thebow
B. Let out less anchor line than usual
C. Let out more anchor line than usual
99
mkt-
099_en
What is the general rule when anchoring in
calmwaters?
A. Let out around 3 boat lengths of anchor line
B. Let out 1 boat length of anchor line only
C. Let out around 2 boat lengths of anchor line
100
mkt-
100_en
When anchoring, where should you attach the anchor
line to your boat?
A. The bow
B. The stern
C. Any part of your boat
108
mkt-
108_en
What should you do if you see a speed sign while
driving your vessel?
A. Don’t drive your vessel faster than the speed shown on
the sign
B. Drive as fast as you like, as long as there are no other
vessels nearby
C. Drive as fast as you like, because the sign only applies
to commercial vessels
Page 10 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
109
mkt-
109_en
What is the best definition of ‘open waters’?
A. Any navigable waterway
B. Shipping channels
C. Navigable waters that are not enclosed by a land
orport
113
mkt-
113_en
When must a person being towed (water skiing,
wakeboarding or similar activities) wear a lifejacket?
A. At all times
B. Only in open waters
C. Only when the person is aged under 12 years old
126
mkt-
126_en
What colour is a Special Mark that indicates
features such as tide poles, underwater pipes and
spoilgrounds?
A. Blue
B. Yellow
C. Red
131
mkt-
131_en
A Special Mark can indicate special features such as:
A. Strong currents
B. Spoil grounds for waste such as dredged material
C. Safe mooring areas
132
mkt-
132_en
Where might you see a red and white striped safe
watermark?
A. In environmentally sensitive areas that
containseagrasses
B. Marking the boundary of an exclusion zone during
special events
C. In a large shipping channel to indicate the centreline or
turning point
Page 11 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
133
mkt-
133_en
Who must pay attention to the messages on
aquamarkminibuoys?
A. You don’t need to pay attention to them unless you
arein a canoe or kayak
B. You don’t need to pay attention to them unless you
arein a sailing vessel
C. Everyone driving any type of vessel
134
mkt-
134_en
The centre line of a large shipping channel may be
marked by:
A. A yellow special mark
B. A blue and white flag
C. A red and white safe water mark
136
mkt-
136_en
Before travelling under bridges or overhead powerlines,
what is the most important thing to consider?
A. The height of your vessel
B. The weight of your vessel
C. The width of your vessel
137
mkt-
137_en
You are travelling towards a bridge, and read a sign
giving the maximum vessel height (clearance height).
When might this height be less than signposted?
A. During floods
B. At low tide
C. At night
140
mkt-
140_en
A vessel showing these lights is seen ahead. It is a:
A. Powered vessel underway
B. Powered vessel at anchor
C. Sailing vessel underway
Page 12 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
144
mkt-
144_en
When using navigational lead marks, you should:
A. Ignore them as they are only used by large
commercialvessels
B. Pass to the right when going upstream
C. Line the leads up one behind the other, and travel in
line with them
150
mkt-
150_en
What is the minimum number of distress flares you
must carry on a vessel on open waters?
A. None
B. 1 orange smoke flare and 1 red hand flare
C. 2 orange smoke flares and 2 red hand flares
151
mkt-
151_en
When must a fire extinguisher be carried on board
yourvessel?
A. Only when the vessel has an engine, gas installation,
fuel stove or battery
B. Only when you are heading into open water
C. Only when it is a commercial vessel
152
mkt-
152_en
When can you use a distress signal such as a flare,
Vsheet or EPIRB?
A. Only when in distress
B. When you need to contact someone urgently
C. At any time
153
mkt-
153_en
What sound signal indicates that a vessel is operating
engines astern to stop, slow or reverse?
A. 5 short blasts
B. 1 short blast
C. 3 short blasts
Page 13 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
158
mkt-
158_en
How should you care for your lifejackets?
A. Regularly air them in sunlight
B. Leave them in a bucket of cold fresh water in
betweenuses
C. Clean off salt, check for damage and store them dry,
out of sunlight
159
mkt-
159_en
When do you need a General Boat driving licence?
A. Only when driving a powered vessel on NSW waters at
speeds over 10 knots
B. Only when driving a powered vessel on NSW waters at
speeds over 20 knots
C. Only when driving a commercial vessel
160
mkt-
160_en
What added safety device is recommended to reduce
the risk of toxic gases on boats with engines?
A. An air purifier
B. A dehumidifier
C. A carbon monoxide detector alarm
161
mkt-
161_en
Why is ventilation so important in enclosed areas of a
vessel that contain engines and appliances?
A. Adequate natural light is important
B. Areas may become warmer
C. Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels may build up
166
mkt-
166_en
When you are towing people behind your vessel, who is
responsible for ensuring they wear a lifejacket?
A. Your observer
B. You
C. The people you are towing
Page 14 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
169
mkt-
169_en
What is the responsibility of the observer on board a
vessel towing people?
A. To tell the driver about other vessels approaching
fromahead
B. To watch people being towed by other vessels to see
who has the most skill
C. To watch the towed people and report all matters
affecting them to the driver
171
mkt-
171_en
How many people must be on your vessel when
towingpeople?
A. At least 2, the driver and observer
B. At least 3, the driver and two observers
C. There are no requirements
172
mkt-
172_en
What is the maximum number of people that you can
tow at once?
A. 3
B. 5
C. As many as can fit on the tow apparatus
173
mkt-
173_en
When towing, does the observer need a General Boat
or PWC driving licence?
A. No, no-one needs a licence to be the observer
B. Yes, if aged under 16
C. Yes, but only on open waters
174
mkt-
174_en
When towing, where must you face if you are
theobserver?
A. Backwards to watch the person being towed
B. It doesn’t matter as long as you can check on the
towed person from time to time
C. Forward to ensure you have a clear view of the
conditions ahead
Page 15 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
175
mkt-
175_en
Can you tow someone through the water while they
hold on to your vessel’s swim platform?
A. Yes, only when your vessel is over 4.8 metres
B. Yes, but only in calm water
C. No, not at any time
176
mkt-
176_en
Children aged under 12 years must wear a lifejacket at
all times:
A. On all vessels up to 4.8m long
B. On canoes, kayaks and rowing boats, but no
requirement on other vessels
C. On sailing boats, but no requirement on other vessels
177
mkt-
177_en
Why are inflatable lifejackets not recommended for
children aged under 12 years?
A. Because children may forget how to activate a manual
inflatable lifejacket in an emergency, or accidentally
set off an auto-inflating jacket when playing around
the water
B. Because inflatable lifejackets are very expensive
C. Because inflatable lifejackets are not available in
colours which children like
178
mkt-
178_en
Why must inflatable lifejackets be serviced regularly?
A. They are difficult to fit into storage if you don’t get
them serviced
B. The plastic wrapping will wear off if you don’t get
them serviced
C. If they are not in working order, they may not inflate
when you need them
179
mkt-
179_en
When must inflatable lifejackets be serviced?
A. Only after you have inflated the lifejacket
B. Only after you notice rust on the CO2 cylinder
C. Once a year, or in accordance with
manufacturer’sinstructions
Page 16 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
General Questions
180
mkt-
180_en
When boating on alpine waters, the biggest danger is:
A. Exposure to cold weather and cold water
B. Lack of wind for sailing boats
C. Crowded parking areas at boat ramps
181
mkt-
181_en
What does an orange diamond shape signify when
displayed on a ferry?
A. The ferry is making a detour from its standard route
B. The ferry has ‘priority over sail’ Sailing vessels must
keep clear
C. The ferry is on its final run for the day
182
mkt-
182_en
What rules apply in the Sydney Harbour Bridge
transitzone?
A. Vessels must not stop or drift under the Sydney
Harbour Bridge
B. Vessels must not travel under the Sydney
HarbourBridge
C. Vessels must travel faster than 15 knots through
thetransit zone
183
mkt-
183_en
Can you modify the engine noise control equipment
onyour boat?
A. No
B. Yes, if it is a small outboard engine
C. Yes, if it is a small inboard engine
Page 17 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
In Section B of the real test you will be asked 20 multiple choice
questions. You must answer all 20 questions correctly.
To help you practice for the test, we have included a selection
ofquestions that you may be asked in this section.
3
mkt-
003_en
How does drinking alcohol affect your ability to
driveyour vessel?
A. It only affects you in warm weather
B. It does not affect your driving ability
C. It can make you slower to respond to a sudden hazard
4
mkt-
004_en
What is the maximum permissible blood alcohol
concentration (BAC) for a person 18 years of age or
more when driving a recreational vessel in NSW?
A. Under 0.05
B. Under 0.02
C. 0:00
5
mkt-
005_en
When you are towing people behind a vessel, the blood
alcohol concentration (BAC) limits apply to:
A. Only the driver
B. The driver, observer and people being towed
C. Only the people being towed
6
mkt-
006_en
When can NSW Police drug test you on
NSWwaterways?
A. Only when you are speeding and driving erratically
B. Only when you are involved in a collision
C. When you are driving a vessel
13
mkt-
013_en
You are driving a vessel when your vision is suddenly
affected by fog. You should:
A. Put sunglasses on to improve your vision
B. Drive faster to get through the fog more quickly
C. Slow down and drive with caution
Page 18 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
17
mkt-
017_en
Why do you need to take extra precautions when
boating on cold water?
A. If you fall overboard, you are at risk of cold shock
andhypothermia
B. The radio may be hard to switch on
C. The engine may be hard to start
19
mkt-
019_en
Should you check weather updates while boating?
A. No, because the morning forecast will have all the
information for the day
B. Yes, because weather conditions can change quickly
C. No, because you can see what is coming
20
mkt-
020_en
What is the safest speed to drive your vessel?
A. The speed which is most fuel efficient
B. A speed where sudden danger can be avoided
C. The speed the hull is designed to reach
21
mkt-
021_en
You are driving vessel A and there is a risk of collision
with vessel B. What must you do to avoid a collision?
A. Give way by taking early and substantial action to
keepwell clear
B. Maintain your course and speed and wait for
vesselBto give way
C. Make a sound signal to tell Vessel B to alter course
22
mkt-
022_en
If powered vessels A and B are approaching each
other head on, what must both drivers do to prevent
acollision?
A. Only vessel A must alter course. Vessel B keeps its
course and speed
B. Turn their vessels to port (their left)
C. Turn their vessels to starboard (their right)
Page 19 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
23
mkt-
023_en
You are driving a powered vessel at night when you
see another vessel in front and to your left, displaying
green and white navigation lights. Who should
giveway?
A. You
B. The other vessel
C. The driver of the slowest vessel
24
mkt-
024_en
You are driving a powered vessel at night when you see
a powered vessel in front and to your right, displaying
red and white navigation lights. Who should give way?
A. You
B. The other vessel
C. The driver of the slowest vessel
25
mkt-
025_en
You are driving a powered vessel and see a vessel
ahead of you displaying these lights. What should
youdo?
A. Alter your course to port (left)
B. Alter your course to starboard (right)
C. Maintain your speed and course
26
mkt-
026_en
What should you do when approaching a large vessel
with restricted manoeuvrability in a channel?
A. Signal to the larger vessel that you are holding
yourcourse
B. Hold your course and let the larger vessel take any
necessary avoiding action
C. Keep well clear and, if necessary, pass behind at a
safedistance
27
mkt-
027_en
You hear a ‘mayday’ call on the marine radio.
Yourfirstresponse should be to:
A. Monitor the radio. If a shore station fails to respond,
attempt to relay the message
B. Render assistance immediately
C. Activate your EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacon)
Page 20 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
29
mkt-
029_en
When should the radio message ‘mayday’ be used?
A. To introduce a strong wind warning
B. When a vessel has broken down and requires a tow
C. When a vessel and its occupants are in grave and
immediate danger
30
mkt-
030_en
You are driving a vessel when your vision is suddenly
affected by glare from the sun. You should:
A. Speed up and hold your course
B. Slow down or stop until you regain vision
C. Alter course quickly and sharply away from the sun
31
mkt-
031_en
If you fall overboard into cold water, what can you do
to extend survival time?
A. Remove clothing and float on your back
B. Move constantly and do not remove clothing
C. Assume the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP)
and do not remove clothing
45
mkt-
045_en
What navigation mark is this and what does it show?
A. West cardinal mark – indicates the correct (west) side
to pass.
B. Special mark – special areas such as tide poles or
underwater pipes.
C. Safe water mark – navigable water all around.
46
mkt-
046_en
What navigation mark is this and what should you do?
A. Port lateral mark – keep it on your port side when
travelling upstream
B. North cardinal mark – only pass on the north side
C. Isolated danger mark – do not pass close on any side
Page 21 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
47
mkt-
047_en
When returning over a coastal bar, the safest
optionisto:
A. Proceed at speed through the waves
B. Maintain a position just in front of a wave
C. Maintain a position behind a wave, but not too close
48
mkt-
048_en
When should you consider reducing the number
of people on board your vessel from the maximum
recommended on its Safety Label?
A. You don’t need to think about the number of people
on board
B. When boating in poor weather conditions or on
openwaters
C. Only when operating a commercial vessel
49
mkt-
049_en
When driving a powered vessel at 6 knots or more,
what is the minimum distance you must keep from
theshore and structures, where possible?
A. 20 metres
B. 10 metres
C. 30 metres
55
mkt-
055_en
When your powered vessel is underway, can your
passengers sit with their legs hanging over the side?
A. No
B. Yes, if they hold on tightly
C. Yes, if they sit on the bow
56
mkt-
056_en
‘Bow riding’ is illegal and dangerous. Which of the
following is an example of bow riding?
A. Sitting on the enclosed seats of a bow rider vessel with
arms and legs inboard
B. Sitting on the bow in a position that increases the risk
of falling overboard while the vessel is underway
C. Sitting with arms or legs over the bow while the vessel
is at anchor
Page 22 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
57
mkt-
057_en
‘Bow riding’ is illegal and dangerous. If one of your
passengers does this while you are driving your vessel,
who can be fined?
A. Both you and your passenger
B. Only you
C. Only your passenger
58
mkt-
058_en
What is the minimum distance a towed person must
be behind a powered vessel when wakeboarding or
wakesurfing, unless the engine has emission controls
and the propeller is forward of the back of the hull?
A. 5 metres
B. 3 metres
C. 7 metres
62
mkt-
062_en
Looking at the cardinal mark pictured, what would
bethe safest side to drive your vessel?
A. East
B. North
C. West
63
mkt-
063_en
Looking at the cardinal mark pictured, what would
bethe safest side to drive your vessel?
A. East
B. North
C. South
64
mkt-
064_en
Looking at the cardinal mark pictured, what would
bethe safest side to drive your vessel?
A. South
B. East
C. North
Page 23 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
67
mkt-
067_en
What is the maximum engine power you can use to
drive a powered vessel?
A. The maximum power specified by the
vesselmanufacturer
B. Whatever you feel is safe
C. Whatever the weather conditions allow for
68
mkt-
068_en
Why should you tell passengers on your vessel not to
move about suddenly and without warning?
A. They could cause the engine to stop
B. They could cause the vessel to speed up
C. They could cause the vessel to capsize
70
mkt-
070_en
When is it legal to block a channel or fairway?
A. Never
B. When fishing at anchor
C. Between sunset and sunrise
73
mkt-
073_en
When is the most dangerous time to cross a
coastalbar?
A. Slack water (top or bottom of the tide)
B. On an incoming tide (flood tide)
C. On an outgoing tide (ebb tide)
101
mkt-
101_en
When driving in a channel, you should:
A. Stay in the middle
B. Stay on the starboard (right-hand) side
C. Stay on the port (left-hand) side
Page 24 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
102
mkt-
102_en
Vessel A is using its sails and vessel B is using its
engine. Who must give way?
A. Whichever vessel is travelling the slowest
B. Vessel B – the powered vessel
C. Vessel A – the sailing vessel
103
mkt-
103_en
Vessel A is overtaking vessel B. To do this safely,
vesselA must:
A. Keep well clear and travel at a safe speed
B. Speed up and minimise the distance between the
twovessels
C. Cut in front of Vessel B as closely as possible
104
mkt-
104_en
To safely travel downstream (towards the sea),
youshould keep the green channel mark:
A. Either side (it does not matter)
B. On your starboard (right) side
C. On your port (left) side
105
mkt-
105_en
To safely travel downstream (towards the sea),
youshould keep the red channel mark:
A. On your starboard (right) side
B. On your port (left) side
C. Either side (it does not matter)
106
mkt-
106_en
To safely travel upstream (away from the sea), you
should keep a flashing green light:
A. Either side (it does not matter)
B. On your port (left) side
C. On your starboard (right) side
Page 25 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
107
mkt-
107_en
To safely travel upstream (away from the sea)
youshould keep a flashing red light:
A. On your starboard (right) side
B. On your port (left) side
C. Either side (it does not matter)
110
mkt-
110_en
You are boating alone on enclosed waters in a powered
vessel less than 4.8 metres long. What is the minimum
level lifejacket you must wear?
A. You don’t need to wear a lifejacket but must have one
on board
B. Level 100 or above inflatable
C. Level 50S or above
111
mkt-
111_en
On a vessel less than 4.8 metres long, when must
children under 12 wear a lifejacket?
A. Only when crossing a coastal bar
B. They don’t need to wear one, if there are enough
lifejackets on board
C. At all times
112
mkt-
112_en
You are boating alone on open waters in a powered
vessel (not a personal watercraft) less than 4.8 metres
long. What type of lifejacket must you wear?
A. You don’t need to wear a lifejacket but must have one
on board
B. Level 100 or above
C. Level 50S or above
114
mkt-
114_en
If you are driving a vessel under 4.8 metres in length
and the only other person on board is an 8 year old
child, who must wear a lifejacket?
A. Both you and the child
B. Only the child
C. Only you
Page 26 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
117
mkt-
117_en
How many lifejackets do you need on your vessel?
A. Enough for you and all your passengers
B. Only one
C. Enough for the children on board only
118
mkt-
118_en
Where must you drive a vessel when in a channel?
A. In the middle of the channel
B. On the starboard (right-hand) side
C. On the port (left-hand) side
119
mkt-
119_en
Vessel A is using its sails and vessel B is using its
engine. Who must give way?
A. The vessel to windward
B. The sailing vessel A
C. The powered vessel B
120
mkt-
120_en
When overtaking another vessel:
A. Both vessels should alter course to starboard
B. Vessel A can only overtake when it is safe, keeping
wellclear
C. Vessel B must slow down until vessel A has passed
121
mkt-
121_en
When travelling downstream (toward the sea) on
which side of your vessel should you keep the green
channelmark?
A. On the port (left-hand) side
B. Either side (it does not matter)
C. On the starboard (right-hand) side
Page 27 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
122
mkt-
122_en
When travelling downstream (toward the sea),
onwhich side of your vessel should you keep the
redchannelmark?
A. On the starboard (right-hand) side
B. On either side (it doesn’t matter)
C. On the port (left-hand) side
123
mkt-
123_en
When travelling upstream (away from the sea),
onwhich side of your vessel should you keep a
flashinggreen light?
A. Either side (it does not matter)
B. On the starboard (right-hand) side
C. On the port (left-hand) side
124
mkt-
124_en
When travelling upstream (away from the sea) on which
side of your vessel should you keep a flashing red light?
A. On the starboard (right hand side)
B. Either side (it does not matter)
C. On the port (left hand) side
125
mkt-
125_en
When driving at 6 knots or more behind another vessel,
what is the minimum distance you must keep between
the vessels where possible?
A. 10 metres
B. 30 metres
C. 20 metres
127
mkt-
127_en
You are entering open waters in a powered vessel
(not a personal watercraft) less than 4.8 metres long.
Whattype of lifejacket must you wear?
A. Level 50
B. Level 50S
C. Level 100 or above
Page 28 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
128
mkt-
128_en
You are preparing to cross a coastal bar in a powered
vessel (not a personal watercraft). What type of
lifejacket must you wear?
A. Level 100 or above
B. Level 50
C. Level 50S
129
mkt-
129_en
When assessing if you are driving your vessel at a safe
speed, you must consider:
A. Visibility, hazards, other vessels, manoeuvrability of
your vessel
B. How fast is the top speed your vessel can go
C. How soon you can get to your destination
135
mkt-
135_en
What is the best way to avoid collisions?
A. By using sound signals to other vessels in your way
B. By flashing a light at other vessels in your way
C. By keeping a proper lookout
138
mkt-
138_en
You are heading upstream (away from the sea) and see
a single red lateral mark. What should you do?
A. Ignore because it only applies to big ships
B. Leave it on your port (left) side
C. Leave it on your starboard (right) side
139
mkt-
139_en
You are driving a powered vessel over 7 metres long
at 7 knots or more, between sunset and sunrise. What
navigation lights must your vessel display?
A. Red and green sidelights plus either a white masthead
light and white stern light, or all round white light
B. Red and green sidelights only
C. A white masthead light only
Page 29 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
141
mkt-
141_en
What lights must a 7.5 metre powered vessel display
when it is drifting at night?
A. No lights needed when drifting
B. All round white light only
C. Red and green sidelights plus either a white masthead
light and white stern light, or an all round white light
142
mkt-
142_en
When and where must you display navigation lights on
a vessel underway?
A. From sunset to sunrise and in restricted visibility in
allareas
B. From sunset to sunrise in open waters only
C. From sunset to sunrise in port areas only
143
mkt-
143_en
Where should safety equipment be stored on board?
A. As far away as possible from passengers
B. Locked under a bunk
C. Where it is easy to find and access
145
mkt-
145_en
What is the main purpose of navigation lights on
yourvessel?
A. To help rescue or emergency response craft find you
at night
B. To indicate your vessel’s type and position to
othervessels
C. To light up the waterway ahead like the headlights
ofacar
146
mkt-
146_en
A vessel at anchor between sunset and sunrise
mustdisplay:
A. No lights are required
B. A masthead light
C. An all round white light
Page 30 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
147
mkt-
147_en
When must you carry an EPIRB (Emergency Position
Indicating Radio Beacon) on your vessel?
A. When you go 2 or more nautical miles from shore on
open waters
B. Only between sunset and sunrise
C. When you go on enclosed waters
149
mkt-
149_en
When must you carry a waterproof torch on a powered
vessel (other than a personal watercraft)?
A. At all times
B. Only when going more than 2 nautical miles from
shore on open waters
C. Only between sunset and sunrise
154
mkt-
154_en
Flares, V sheet, map/chart and a compass are some of
the items you must carry on your vessel when:
A. On enclosed waters at all times
B. On all waters between sunset and sunrise
C. On open waters at all times
155
mkt-
155_en
An efficient sound signalling device must be carried:
A. Only on powered vessels over 8 metres long
B. On all powered vessels except PWC
C. Only on vessels operating between sunset and sunrise
156
mkt-
156_en
When and where must you carry a marine two-way
radio on your vessel?
A. At all times when you go 2 nautical miles or more from
shore on open waters
B. At all times on all waters
C. Between sunset and sunrise on all waters.
Page 31 of 32Transport for NSW
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Compulsory Questions
162
mkt-
162_en
When driving a powered vessel towing a water skier,
what is the minimum safe distance you must keep both
the vessel and the skier from a person in the water,
where possible?
A. 60 metres
B. 20 metres
C. 30 metres
163
mkt-
163_en
When driving a powered vessel at 6 knots or more,
what is the minimum safe distance you must keep from
another vessel, where possible?
A. 20 metres
B. 30 metres
C. 10 metres
164
mkt-
164_en
The maximum number of people you can tow behind
your vessel is:
A. 5 people
B. 3 people
C. Whatever the tow apparatus manufacturer says is okay
167
mkt-
167_en
Water skiing activities can only be undertaken:
A. From one hour before sunrise until one hour
aftersunset
B. Between sunrise and sunset
C. Any time, as long as the vessel displays
navigationlights
168
mkt-
168_en
When towing anyone on an inflatable device such as a
tube, which of these statements is correct?
A. The person on the inflatable device will be able to
control its course
B. The inflatable device will exactly follow the course
taken by the vessel
C. The inflatable device will make wider turns than the
towing vessel
General Boat Driving Knowledge Test
Answers
General Questions
7. C
10. C
11. A
12. C
15. C
16. A
18. C
28. C
34. A
35. C
36. C
37. C
38. A
39. B
40. A
41. B
42. C
43. B
44. C
50. C
51. C
52. A
53. A
54. A
59. C
60. C
61. C
66. B
69. C
71. A
72. B
74. C
93. A
94. C
95. A
96. A
97. C
98. C
99. A
100. A
108. A
109. C
113. A
126. B
131. B
132. C
133. C
134. C
136. A
137. A
140. C
144. C
150. C
151. A
152. A
153. C
158. C
159. A
160. C
161. C
166. B
169. C
171. A
172. A
173. B
174. A
175. C
176. A
177. A
178. C
179. C
180. A
181. B
182. A
183. A
Compulsory Questions
3. C
4. A
5. B
6. C
13. C
17. A
19. B
20. B
21. A
22. C
23. B
24. A
25. B
26. C
27. A
29. C
30. B
31. C
45. B
46. C
47. C
48. B
49. C
55. A
56. B
57. A
58. C
62. A
63. C
64. C
67. A
68. C
70. A
73. C
101. B
102. B
103. A
104. C
105. A
106. C
107. B
110. C
111. C
112. B
114. A
117. A
118. B
119. C
120. B
121. A
122. A
123. B
124. C
125. B
127. C
128. A
129. A
135. C
138. B
139. A
141. C
142. A
143. C
135. B
146. C
147. A
149. A
154. C
155. B
156. A
162. A
163. B
164. B
167. B
168. C
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Users are welcome to copy, reproduce and distribute information contained in this publication for non-commercial purposes only, provided acknowledgement
is given to Transport for NSW as the copyright owner and the title of this publication is referenced as a source.
(c) Transport for NSW
August 2021