Maryland Boating Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Maryland Boating Certification Test. Practice with multiple choice quizzes, complete with explanations. Get ready to set sail and ensure your safety and compliance on the water!

Practice this question and more.

What should you do if your boat capsizes?

Wait for help on the boat
Swim to shore immediately
Stay with the boat for flotation
Signal for help

The correct answer is: Stay with the boat for flotation

Staying with the boat for flotation is the best option in the event of a capsizing incident. Boats, even when flipped, typically provide some level of buoyancy and can help keep you afloat, especially in the open water. Being with the capsized boat increases your visibility to rescuers who might be searching for you, as a person in the water is harder to spot than a larger object such as a boat. Additionally, if you drift away from the boat, you can become disoriented or exhausted more quickly, which can increase the odds of drowning. Other actions may seem appropriate, but may not be as safe or effective. Waiting for help on the boat might leave you at risk if the boat is taking on water or if conditions worsen. Swimming to shore immediately can also be hazardous, especially if the distance is significant, if currents are strong, or if the swimmer is not a strong swimmer. Signaling for help is advisable in certain situations, but without staying with the boat, rescue efforts may not be as effective or timely. Thus, maintaining proximity to the boat serves as both a rescue method and a means of staying safe.