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

What weather condition requires a vessel recall with boating secured when there is lightning nearby?

1. Tornado warning

2. Lightning within 10 nautical miles

3. Heavy rain advisory

4. Fog advisory

The correct answer is: Lightning within 10 nautical miles

When lightning is identified to be within 10 nautical miles, it is crucial for vessels to be recalled and secured due to the inherent dangers posed by lightning strikes. At this distance, the likelihood of a strike increases significantly, making the water environment particularly hazardous for boaters. Lightning can strike water and nearby objects, causing serious injury or death, as well as damage to vessels. Securing the boat and taking shelter minimizes exposure to these dangers and ensures the safety of everyone on board. It's important for boaters to be aware of their surroundings and to recognize that even if the storm seems distant, the risk is still high within this range. The other options, while they represent potentially hazardous weather conditions, do not specifically relate to the immediate threat that lightning poses, which necessitates urgent action for safety.