NSW Boat Licence Knowledge Test key terms

The vessel required to keep out of the way of another vessel by altering course or speed early and obviously, so the other vessel can see what it is doing.

The vessel entitled to keep its course and speed while the other vessel keeps clear, but which must still act to avoid collision if the give-way vessel does not.

The left-hand side of a vessel when you are facing forward towards the bow. At night it shows a red sidelight.

The right-hand side of a vessel when you are facing forward towards the bow. At night it shows a green sidelight.

The front end of a vessel, the part that leads when it moves forward through the water.

The rear end of a vessel, where the motor and propeller are usually located on small powered boats.

When two power-driven vessels approach each other on directly opposite or nearly opposite courses, both must alter course to starboard so they pass port side to port side.

When two power-driven vessels approach so their courses cross, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side must give way and normally passes astern of it.

A vessel approaching another from behind, within the arc behind the overtaken vessel's beam, which must always keep clear of the vessel being overtaken.

A situation where two vessels are closing and a collision is likely unless one or both change course or speed; a steady bearing usually means risk exists.

Navigation lights showing red on the port side and green on the starboard side, used at night so other vessels can tell your direction of travel.

A white light at the back of a vessel, visible from behind, that indicates the vessel's stern and direction of travel at night.

A white light on a power-driven vessel showing forward over an arc of the horizon, used with sidelights to identify a powered vessel at night.

A speed that lets you stop or take avoiding action in the distance you can see ahead, taking into account visibility, traffic, weather, currents and your vessel's handling.

Keeping a continuous watch by sight and hearing, and by all available means, so you detect other vessels, hazards and changes in conditions in time to act.

The waves and disturbed water a vessel creates as it moves. Excessive wash can damage shorelines, other boats and people, and you must slow down where it causes harm.

An area marked or declared where vessels must travel slowly enough that their wash causes minimal disturbance, often near swimmers, moorings or sensitive shorelines.

A wearable or throwable device that keeps a person afloat in the water; in NSW it must be the correct size and type for each person on board.

A type of personal flotation device designed to turn an unconscious wearer face-up in the water; NSW rules require it to be worn in many situations.

A lanyard device that stops the engine if the driver falls or moves away from the helm, preventing the boat from running on unmanned.

An emergency where a person falls into the water; the response is to raise the alarm, stop or slow the vessel, keep the person in sight and recover them quickly.

A VHF radio used for distress, urgency and safety calls on the water, including the distress channel monitored for emergencies.

The spoken distress signal used on marine radio when a vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger and immediate help is needed.

The spoken urgency signal used on marine radio for a serious situation that is not an immediate threat to life, such as a breakdown or medical concern.

An emergency position-indicating radio beacon that, once activated, transmits a distress signal to satellites so rescuers can locate the vessel.

A portable device carried on board to put out small fires; it must be the right type, in date and readily accessible in an emergency.

A fan that ventilates the engine compartment to remove petrol fumes before starting the engine, reducing the risk of explosion or fire.

A fire involving petrol or diesel, which must be smothered rather than sprayed with water; turn off the fuel and use the correct extinguisher.

Injury or damage caused by contact with a spinning propeller; reduce risk by keeping people clear, using the kill switch and turning the engine off near swimmers.

The official recording of a vessel and its details with the state authority, which gives it a registration number that must be displayed on the hull.

A sticker issued with vessel registration that must be displayed where required on the vessel so authorities can confirm it is registered.

The NSW licence a person needs to operate a powered recreational vessel, obtained by passing a knowledge test and demonstrating practical competence.

The standard NSW recreational vessel licence that allows a person to drive a powered vessel, subject to any conditions shown on the licence.

A restriction or requirement attached to a boating licence, such as the type of vessel allowed or the need to wear a lifejacket.

The maximum speed allowed in a given area, often shown by signs or set by rules such as a 4-knot limit near shorelines and swimmers.

The maximum blood alcohol concentration permitted while operating a vessel; exceeding it is an offence and impairs judgement and reaction time.

A permit required for certain activities such as operating a personal watercraft, issued separately from a general boat licence.

A small powered craft ridden by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on it rather than inside it, such as a jet ski, with its own rules.