Question 1

Vessel registration

Accepted Answer

Process of legally documenting a boat with the state authorities.

Question 2

Hull identification number (HIN)

Accepted Answer

Unique identification number assigned to a boat, similar to a vehicle's VIN.

Question 3

Certificate of Number

Accepted Answer

Official document showing a boat's registration information.

Question 4

Bow

Accepted Answer

The forward section of a boat.

Question 5

Stern

Accepted Answer

The rear section of a boat.

Question 6

Port

Accepted Answer

The left side of a boat when facing the bow.

Question 7

Starboard

Accepted Answer

The right side of a boat when facing the bow.

Question 8

PFD

Accepted Answer

Personal Flotation Device, also known as a life jacket or life vest.

Question 9

Buoys

Accepted Answer

Floating markers used to indicate navigational channels, hazards, or boundaries.

Question 10

Aids to navigation

Accepted Answer

Structures, such as buoys and lighthouses, used to assist in safe navigation.

Question 11

Navigable waters

Accepted Answer

Bodies of water suitable for safe boating.

Question 12

No-wake zone

Accepted Answer

Designated area where boats must operate at a reduced speed to minimize wake.

Question 13

Vessel capacity

Accepted Answer

Maximum number of people or weight a boat can safely carry.

Question 14

Underway

Accepted Answer

When a vessel is not at anchor, aground, or tied to the dock.

Question 15

Wake

Accepted Answer

Waves created by a moving boat.

Question 16

Right of way

Accepted Answer

The privilege of a vessel to proceed ahead of others in certain situations.

Question 17

PWC

Accepted Answer

Personal Watercraft, such as a Jet Ski or WaveRunner.

Question 18

Overboard

Accepted Answer

Going or falling into the water unintentionally.

Question 19

Navigation lights

Accepted Answer

Lights required on boats for safe operation at night or during low visibility.

Question 20

Alcohol limits

Accepted Answer

Legal restrictions on operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol.

Question 21

Navigation rules

Accepted Answer

Set of regulations governing the conduct of vessels on the water.

Question 22

Required safety equipment

Accepted Answer

Specific gear that must be carried on a boat to comply with regulations.

Question 23

Anchoring

Accepted Answer

The act of securing a vessel in place using an anchor.

Question 24

Fire extinguisher

Accepted Answer

Device used to extinguish fires on a boat.

Question 25

Navigation charts

Accepted Answer

Maps designed for use by mariners to navigate waterways.

Question 26

Fueling procedures

Accepted Answer

Safe practices for refueling a boat to prevent accidents and spills.

Question 27

Vessel lights

Accepted Answer

Required lights to be displayed on a boat for visibility and safety.

Question 28

Paddlecraft

Accepted Answer

Non-motorized vessels, such as canoes or kayaks.

Question 29

Marine radio

Accepted Answer

Communication device used for contacting other boats or emergency services.

Question 30

Vessel maintenance

Accepted Answer

Regular upkeep and inspection to ensure a boat's safe operation.

Question 31

Hypothermia

Accepted Answer

Condition characterized by dangerously low body temperature due to exposure to cold water.

Question 32

Inboard motor

Accepted Answer

Engine mounted inside the hull of a boat.

Question 33

Outboard motor

Accepted Answer

Engine mounted on the transom of a boat, typically removable.

Question 34

Personal watercraft (PWC) regulations

Accepted Answer

Specific rules and restrictions for operating PWCs.

Question 35

Distress signals

Accepted Answer

Signals used to indicate that a vessel is in need of immediate assistance.

Question 36

Nautical mile

Accepted Answer

Unit of measurement used for maritime distances, equivalent to one minute of latitude.

Question 37

Tides

Accepted Answer

Regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun.

Question 38

Boating under the influence (BUI)

Accepted Answer

Operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Question 39

Displacement hull

Accepted Answer

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

Question 40

Planning hull

Accepted Answer

A hull design that allows a boat to rise up and skim across the water's surface.

Question 41

Hypalon

Accepted Answer

A type of synthetic rubber commonly used for inflatable boat tubes.

Washington Boating License Flashcards