Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Boater Safety Practice Exam

What should you do to avoid a collision in the water?

1. Stop immediately

2. Execute an emergency turn

3. Sound an alarm

4. Speed up to get away

The correct answer is: Execute an emergency turn

Executing an emergency turn is a critical maneuver to avoid a collision in the water. This action allows you to change your boat's direction quickly and effectively, presenting a reduced risk of collision with another vessel or obstacle. By making an emergency turn, you can navigate away from danger while maintaining control of your boat. This technique is particularly important in situations where immediate action is required to prevent an accident, as it can significantly reduce the likelihood of impact. Other actions, such as stopping immediately or speeding up to get away, may not resolve the situation effectively. Stopping could leave you in the path of an oncoming vessel, while accelerating may increase the risk by bringing you closer to the other craft. Sounding an alarm, while useful in raising awareness, does not directly change your course and thus does not address the immediate need to avoid collision.