Question 1

PFD

Accepted Answer

Acronym for Personal Flotation Device, a life jacket required for boating safety.

Question 2

Bow

Accepted Answer

Front part of a boat, also known as the forward section.

Question 3

Stern

Accepted Answer

Rear part of a boat, also known as the aft section.

Question 4

Port

Accepted Answer

Left side of a boat when facing forward.

Question 5

Starboard

Accepted Answer

Right side of a boat when facing forward.

Question 6

Hull

Accepted Answer

The main body of a boat that floats on the water.

Question 7

Buoy

Accepted Answer

Floating marker used for navigation or to indicate hazards.

Question 8

Navigable waters

Accepted Answer

Waterways that are suitable for boating.

Question 9

No-wake zone

Accepted Answer

An area where boats must operate at a slow speed to prevent wakes.

Question 10

Anchorage

Accepted Answer

A designated area for anchoring a boat.

Question 11

Channel

Accepted Answer

A marked route for boat navigation, often deeper than surrounding waters.

Question 12

Wake

Accepted Answer

The waves created by a moving boat.

Question 13

Headway speed

Accepted Answer

The minimum speed required for a boat to maintain steerage control.

Question 14

Throw line

Accepted Answer

A floating line used for rescuing someone in the water.

Question 15

Registration number

Accepted Answer

Unique identification numbers displayed on a boat.

Question 16

Powerhead

Accepted Answer

The upper part of an outboard motor containing the engine.

Question 17

Fuel vent

Accepted Answer

An opening that allows air to enter the fuel tank as fuel is consumed.

Question 18

Bilge pump

Accepted Answer

Device used to remove water from the bilge area of a boat.

Question 19

Flare

Accepted Answer

A visual distress signal used to attract attention in emergencies.

Question 20

Restricted area

Accepted Answer

A designated zone where boating activities are limited or prohibited.

Question 21

Paddle

Accepted Answer

A manual propulsion device used to move a small boat.

Question 22

Propeller

Accepted Answer

The rotating blades that propel a boat through the water.

Question 23

Throttle

Accepted Answer

Control lever used to adjust the speed of an engine.

Question 24

Water skiing

Accepted Answer

A recreational activity of being pulled behind a boat while wearing skis.

Question 25

Trim

Accepted Answer

Adjusting the angle of the boat's outboard motor or stern drive to optimize performance.

Question 26

Navigation lights

Accepted Answer

Lights required on boats to indicate their presence and direction at night.

Question 27

Draft

Accepted Answer

The depth of water needed to float a boat.

Question 28

MOB

Accepted Answer

Acronym for Man Overboard, referring to a person who has fallen into the water.

Question 29

Vessel

Accepted Answer

Another term for a boat or watercraft.

Question 30

EPIRB

Accepted Answer

Acronym for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, used to transmit distress signals.

Question 31

Bowline

Accepted Answer

A commonly used knot for securing a line to a fixed object.

Question 32

Inboard motor

Accepted Answer

A motor installed inside the boat, often connected to a propeller through a drive shaft.

Question 33

Thru-hull fitting

Accepted Answer

An opening through the hull of a boat to accommodate various systems.

Question 34

Sound signal

Accepted Answer

An audible signal used to communicate with other boats, such as a horn or whistle.

Question 35

Hypothermia

Accepted Answer

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

Question 36

Inland waters

Accepted Answer

Non-coastal bodies of water, such as lakes and rivers.

Question 37

Spinnaker

Accepted Answer

A large, lightweight sail used for downwind sailing.

Question 38

Nautical mile

Accepted Answer

A unit of measurement used in marine navigation, equivalent to approximately 1.15 land miles.

Question 39

Galley

Accepted Answer

The kitchen area of a boat.

Question 40

Bow thruster

Accepted Answer

A sideways propulsion device used to aid in maneuvering larger boats.

Question 41

Swell

Accepted Answer

Long-period waves created by distant weather systems.

Question 42

Dead reckoning

Accepted Answer

A method of navigation using estimated position based on course and speed.

Question 43

Tiller

Accepted Answer

A handle or lever used to steer a boat.

Question 44

VHF radio

Accepted Answer

Very High Frequency radio commonly used for communication between boats and marine authorities.

Question 45

Set

Accepted Answer

A collection of charts, publications, and instruments necessary for safe navigation.

Question 46

Hypalon

Accepted Answer

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

Question 47

Gunwale

Accepted Answer

The upper edge of a boat's sides, also known as the gunnel.

Question 48

Wakeboarding

Accepted Answer

A water sport where a rider is towed behind a boat while riding a wakeboard.

Question 49

Deadhead

Accepted Answer

A submerged or floating object that poses a hazard to boaters.

Question 50

Chartplotter

Accepted Answer

An electronic device that displays nautical charts and aids in navigation.

Question 51

Flotation zone

Accepted Answer

The area of water surrounding a capsized or sinking boat where life jackets may be found.

Question 52

Rudder

Accepted Answer

A vertical underwater fin used to steer a boat.

Question 53

Hyperventilation

Accepted Answer

Over-breathing caused by rapid and deep breathing, often a result of anxiety in water-related activities.

Question 54

Dewatering device

Accepted Answer

Equipment used to remove water from a flooded boat, such as a bilge pump.

Question 55

Cleat

Accepted Answer

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

Question 56

Hypoxia

Accepted Answer

A condition of low oxygen levels, which can occur when submerged in water for an extended period.

Question 57

MOB pole

Accepted Answer

A pole with a flag or buoy attached used to mark the location of a person who has fallen overboard.

Question 58

Ventilation

Accepted Answer

The intake of air into a boat's engine or bilge area, which can lead to reduced performance or dangerous conditions.

Question 59

Boat lift

Accepted Answer

A mechanical or hydraulic system used to hoist boats in and out of the water.

Question 60

Slip

Accepted Answer

A designated parking space for a boat in a marina.

Question 61

Sculling

Accepted Answer

A method of propelling a small boat using a single oar mounted at the stern.

Question 62

Navigational aids

Accepted Answer

Markers, buoys, and beacons used to guide and assist boaters in safe navigation.

Question 63

Groin

Accepted Answer

A protective barrier built perpendicular to the shoreline to prevent erosion.

Question 64

Freeboard

Accepted Answer

The distance from the waterline to the highest point on the boat's sides.

Pennsylvania Boating License Flashcards