Question 1

Navigation rules

Accepted Answer

Regulations governing the safe operation of boats on Iowa waters.

Question 2

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

Accepted Answer

A life jacket or life preserver worn by boaters for personal safety.

Question 3

Buoy

Accepted Answer

A floating device used to mark channels, hazards, or boundaries on the water.

Question 4

Navigable waters

Accepted Answer

Waters that are suitable for navigation, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.

Question 5

Right of way

Accepted Answer

The privilege of one boat to proceed ahead of another boat in a navigation situation.

Question 6

Bow

Accepted Answer

The front of a boat.

Question 7

Stern

Accepted Answer

The back of a boat.

Question 8

Port

Accepted Answer

The left side of a boat when facing forward.

Question 9

Starboard

Accepted Answer

The right side of a boat when facing forward.

Question 10

PWC

Accepted Answer

Personal Watercraft, such as a Jet Ski or WaveRunner.

Question 11

Wake

Accepted Answer

The waves created by a moving boat.

Question 12

No-wake zone

Accepted Answer

An area where boats must travel at a slow speed to avoid creating a wake.

Question 13

Anchorage

Accepted Answer

A designated area where boats can anchor or moor.

Question 14

Mooring

Accepted Answer

Securing a boat in place with ropes or anchors.

Question 15

Restricted area

Accepted Answer

An area where boating is prohibited or restricted.

Question 16

Marina

Accepted Answer

A facility that provides services for boaters, such as fuel, docking, and repairs.

Question 17

Fueling station

Accepted Answer

A place where boaters can refuel their boats.

Question 18

Hypothermia

Accepted Answer

A dangerous condition caused by exposure to cold water or air.

Question 19

Alcohol

Accepted Answer

The consumption of alcohol while operating a boat is illegal and can impair judgment and coordination.

Question 20

Towing

Accepted Answer

Pulling another boat or water skier behind a boat.

Question 21

Registration

Accepted Answer

The process of obtaining a legal permit for a boat to operate on Iowa waters.

Question 22

Hull

Accepted Answer

The main body of a boat, excluding the deck and superstructure.

Question 23

Bowline

Accepted Answer

A common knot used for tying a rope to a fixed object.

Question 24

Cleat

Accepted Answer

A metal or wooden fitting used to secure ropes or lines on a boat.

Question 25

Propeller

Accepted Answer

A rotating device that provides propulsion for a boat.

Question 26

Transom

Accepted Answer

The vertical surface at the back of a boat where the motor is mounted.

Question 27

Throttle

Accepted Answer

The control used to increase or decrease the speed of a boat's engine.

Question 28

Rudder

Accepted Answer

A device used to steer a boat by changing the direction of the water flow.

Question 29

Draft

Accepted Answer

The depth of a boat's hull below the waterline.

Question 30

GPS

Accepted Answer

Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system used for determining precise location.

Question 31

Sound signal

Accepted Answer

A horn or whistle used to indicate a boat's presence or intentions.

Question 32

CPR

Accepted Answer

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, a life-saving technique used in emergency situations.

Question 33

VHF radio

Accepted Answer

Very High-Frequency radio used for communication on the water.

Question 34

Channel marker

Accepted Answer

A buoy or other navigational aid used to mark a specific channel.

Question 35

EPIRB

Accepted Answer

Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon, a device used to alert rescuers of a boat's distress.

Question 36

Tidal currents

Accepted Answer

The horizontal flow of water caused by the rise and fall of tides.

Question 37

GPS plotter

Accepted Answer

A device that displays a boat's position on a digital chart.

Question 38

Propeller strike

Accepted Answer

A collision with a boat's propeller, which can cause serious injury or death.

Question 39

Sailing vessel

Accepted Answer

A boat propelled by wind power.

Question 40

Displacement hull

Accepted Answer

A hull design that moves through the water by displacing it.

Question 41

Planing hull

Accepted Answer

A hull design that rises onto the surface of the water at high speeds.

Question 42

Bimini top

Accepted Answer

A canvas cover extending over the cockpit of a boat to provide shade.

Question 43

Navigation lights

Accepted Answer

Lights required on a boat to indicate its position and direction at night.

Question 44

Man overboard (MOB)

Accepted Answer

A distress situation where a person falls into the water.

Question 45

Float plan

Accepted Answer

A written document detailing a boat trip's itinerary and providing emergency contact information.

Question 46

Bilge

Accepted Answer

The lowest part of a boat's hull where water collects.

Question 47

Inboard engine

Accepted Answer

An engine mounted inside the hull of a boat.

Question 48

Outboard engine

Accepted Answer

An engine mounted on the transom of a boat.

Question 49

Weather helm

Accepted Answer

The tendency of a boat to turn into the wind.

Question 50

Leeward

Accepted Answer

The side of a boat that is sheltered from the wind.

Question 51

Windward

Accepted Answer

The side of a boat that is exposed to the wind.

Question 52

Transducer

Accepted Answer

A device that sends and receives signals for depth-finding or fish-finding.

Question 53

Stand-on vessel

Accepted Answer

A boat with the right of way in a crossing or overtaking situation.

Question 54

Give-way vessel

Accepted Answer

A boat that must yield the right of way to another boat.

Question 55

Safe speed

Accepted Answer

The speed at which a boat can navigate safely given the conditions and circumstances.

Question 56

Wakeboarding

Accepted Answer

A water sport where a rider is pulled behind a boat on a wakeboard.

Question 57

Kayak

Accepted Answer

A small, narrow boat propelled by a double-bladed paddle.

Question 58

Canoe

Accepted Answer

A narrow, open boat propelled by a single-bladed paddle.

Question 59

Marine radio

Accepted Answer

A radio used for communication between boats or with shore stations.

Question 60

Drogue

Accepted Answer

A device used to create drag in the water to slow down a boat's speed.

Question 61

Marine charts

Accepted Answer

Maps used for navigation on the water, showing water depths, hazards, and navigational aids.

Question 62

Hypalon

Accepted Answer

A type of synthetic rubber commonly used in the construction of inflatable boats.

Question 63

Dry suit

Accepted Answer

A waterproof suit worn by boaters for protection from cold water and weather.

Question 64

Vessel documentation

Accepted Answer

The process of registering a boat with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Comprehensive Iowa Boating License Flashcard Set