Boater Exam: Boat License Test

Get ready for your boater safety exam, boating license test or boater safety course with 160 practice questions, a realistic 40-question practice test and a clear explanation for every answer.

Most U.S. states require boater education for at least some operators of boats and personal watercraft. This app helps you study the topics covered by boater safety courses, based on federal requirements and the Inland Navigation Rules (the rules of the road).

STUDY SMARTER
• Today's review: spaced repetition brings back the questions you missed and the ones due again
• Voyage plan: set your exam date and get a daily goal, priority topics and a readiness score (a study guide, not a chance of passing)
• Quick round of 10, Question of the day and saved questions
• Resume a test or a practice round where you left off

BUOYS AND RULES OF THE ROAD TOOL
• 13 flashcards of buoys and markers drawn in the app
• Right-of-way selector with two-boat diagrams: head-on, crossing, overtaking and sailboats

PRACTICE TEST
• 40 questions from every topic, with a running timer
• Change your answers, flag questions and review before you submit
• Score by topic and a button to practice your weakest one
• Pass mark in the app: 80% (passing scores vary by state)

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS
• Ship's log: questions seen and mastered, accuracy, streak and a 14 or 30-day chart
• Progress by topic, with the topics that need work

STUDY YOUR WAY
• Dark mode, three text sizes and read-aloud for questions and explanations

STUDY BY TOPIC
• Boat basics and registration
• Required safety equipment: life jackets, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals
• Navigation rules: right of way when crossing, meeting head-on and overtaking
• Buoys and aids to navigation: red, right, returning
• Navigation lights and sound signals
• Safe operation: fueling, loading, anchoring and docking
• Emergencies: cold water, capsizing, carbon monoxide
• Laws: boating under the influence, accident reports, towing, PWC and the environment

NO ACCOUNT · WORKS OFFLINE · NO SUBSCRIPTION
• Your progress stays on your phone: no sign-up and no personal data
• Many explanations cite the rule or regulation behind the answer
• Spot a mistake? Report it from any question by email

OFFICIAL SOURCES
• U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center — Navigation Rules Handbook: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/nav-rules-handbook
• Inland Navigation Rules (33 CFR Part 83): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/chapter-I/subchapter-E/part-83
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System (33 CFR Part 62): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-62
• Life Jackets & Visual Distress Signals (33 CFR Part 175): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/chapter-I/subchapter-S/part-175
• USCG Light List: https://navcen.uscg.gov/light-list-annual-publication
• U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety: https://uscgboating.org

IMPORTANT NOTICE
This is an independent study app and does not represent any government entity. It is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard, NASBLA, any state agency or any boater education course provider, and it does not issue boater education cards. Boating laws and passing scores vary by state: to get your card, complete a course approved by your state.