Question 1

Bow

Accepted Answer

Front part of a boat.

Question 2

Stern

Accepted Answer

The rear part of a boat.

Question 3

Starboard

Accepted Answer

The right side of a boat when you're facing the front (bow).

Question 4

Port

Accepted Answer

The left side of a boat when you're facing the front (bow).

Question 5

Hull

Accepted Answer

The main body of the boat.

Question 6

Gunwale

Accepted Answer

The upper edge of the side of a boat.

Question 7

Draft

Accepted Answer

The depth of water that your boat requires in order to float freely.

Question 8

Freeboard

Accepted Answer

The distance from the waterline to the lowest point of the boat’s deck.

Question 9

Propeller

Accepted Answer

A mechanical device that moves the boat through the water.

Question 10

Rudder

Accepted Answer

A flat piece of material attached with hinges to the craft's stern, used for steering.

Question 11

Beam

Accepted Answer

The greatest width of the boat.

Question 12

Keel

Accepted Answer

The main structural part of the hull, which extends along the centerline of the bottom.

Question 13

Bilge

Accepted Answer

The lowest point of a boat, designed to collect water that enters the boat.

Question 14

Displacement

Accepted Answer

The weight of the water that is displaced by the hull of a boat.

Question 15

Buoy

Accepted Answer

An anchored float used for marking a position on the water or a hazard or a shoal.

Question 16

Channel

Accepted Answer

A deeper part of a waterway.

Question 17

No Wake Zone

Accepted Answer

Areas where vessels are required to travel at slow speeds to prevent wake damage or danger to other vessels.

Question 18

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

Accepted Answer

Life jackets and other buoyant devices designed to keep a person afloat in the water.

Question 19

Navigation Lights

Accepted Answer

Lights that are used on a boat to signal the boat's position, heading, and status.

Question 20

Aids to Navigation (ATON)

Accepted Answer

Man-made devices or systems that help a boater navigate the waters safely.

Question 21

Bailer

Accepted Answer

A device used to remove water from the bilge or from the boat.

Question 22

Fire Extinguisher

Accepted Answer

A device used to put out fires.

Question 23

Flare

Accepted Answer

A signaling device that produces a bright light for attracting attention in emergencies.

Question 24

EPIRB

Accepted Answer

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, used to alert search and rescue services in the event of an emergency.

Question 25

VHF Radio

Accepted Answer

Very High Frequency radio, used for communication and emergency distress calls.

Question 26

Operator Responsibility

Accepted Answer

The legal obligations of a boat operator, such as maintaining proper lookout and operating at a safe speed.

Question 27

Right of Way

Accepted Answer

The rules that determine who should yield when boats approach each other.

Question 28

Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

Accepted Answer

Operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Question 29

Float Plan

Accepted Answer

A document you leave with someone on shore detailing your boating plans.

Question 30

Hypothermia

Accepted Answer

A dangerous drop in body temperature that can occur when a person is in cold water.

Question 31

Capsizing

Accepted Answer

When a boat flips over in the water.

Question 32

Swamping

Accepted Answer

When a boat fills with water but remains upright.

Question 33

Man Overboard

Accepted Answer

The situation where a person has fallen off the boat into the water.

Question 34

Distress Signal

Accepted Answer

A signal indicating that a boat is in distress and needs help.

Question 35

Mayday

Accepted Answer

A distress call signal used on the radio in case of life-threatening emergencies.

Question 36

Anchoring

Accepted Answer

The process of using an anchor to stop a boat and hold it in place.

Question 37

Knot

Accepted Answer

A unit of speed used in aviation and maritime contexts, equivalent to one nautical mile per hour.

Question 38

Wake

Accepted Answer

The waves that a boat creates as it moves through the water.

Question 39

Towing

Accepted Answer

The process of pulling another boat through the water.

Question 40

Mooring

Accepted Answer

The act of securing a boat to a mooring buoy or a fixed object like a pier.

Question 41

Docking

Accepted Answer

The process of bringing a boat into a dock and securing it.

North Carolina Boating License: Essential Terms and Concepts