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

What should you NOT do if your engine fails while on the water?

1. Maintain a lookout for other vessels

2. Leave the engine running while retrieving passengers

3. Enforce safe behavior among passengers

4. Stop to assist others in need

The correct answer is: Leave the engine running while retrieving passengers

When an engine fails while you are on the water, it is crucial to prioritize safety for both yourself and your passengers. Leaving the engine running while retrieving passengers is ill-advised for several reasons. First, having the engine running creates a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially in enclosed spaces or if the vessel is dead in the water without adequate ventilation. This can endanger the health and safety of everyone on board. Second, a running engine may not provide any advantage during a situation where you are immobilized and can complicate matters, especially if the vessel is drifting toward hazards or other boats. Maintaining a lookout for other vessels and enforcing safe behavior among passengers are important practices to ensure that everyone remains safe and aware of their surroundings during such emergencies. Stopping to assist others in need is also generally considered a responsible action, assuming it can be done safely without compromising your own vessel's situation.