New Jersey Boating Certification Practice Test

What should you do if your boat starts to take on water?

1. Call for help immediately

2. Start pumping out the water

3. Assess the situation and take action

4. Both a and b

The correct answer is: Both a and b

When your boat starts to take on water, the appropriate response is multifaceted, which is why the best answer encompasses both calling for help and starting to pump out the water. Assessing the situation is a crucial first step, as it allows you to understand how severe the situation is—whether the boat is taking on a small amount of water due to rain or splashes or if there’s a significant breach that could lead to sinking. This evaluation helps determine the urgency of your next actions. However, calling for help is essential if you sense that the situation is beyond your control or beyond your ability to manage effectively. Reaching out to others, whether through an emergency signal or a radio call, ensures that assistance is on the way, especially in case the boat starts to sink more rapidly. At the same time, starting to pump out the water is critical in an effort to keep the boat afloat. Removing water as quickly as possible helps to prevent further damage and gives you additional time to respond to the emergency. By combining these actions, you maximize your chances for safety on the water, addressing the immediate threat of flooding while also ensuring that you have support available if needed. This comprehensive approach is why the inclusion of both calling for help and pumping out