AhaBulbStuff Everyone Should Know
AhaBulb: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahabulb.com/boat-overboard-no-reverse

Someone falls overboard. How does the Coast Guard say you should go back to pick them up?

Start playing free

  1. Back up in reverse straight to them
  2. Speed past and toss them a line
  3. Circle around going forward, keeping them in sight

🔒 The answer is for AhaBulb members. Members see the answer, why it's right and the official sources for every card of Stuff Every Boater Should Know, plus timed practice exams.

The first 50 cards of every test are free to play.

Play the free cards See membership

Like this card?
Play the game

References

  1. USCG Boating Safety Division, Engine Cut-Off Switches uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-devices.php Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. USCG, A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats (2023) www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf Checked 2026-10-08.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Boating & WaterRight after someone falls overboard, what job should one passenger take on?Boating & WaterA three-blade propeller at 3,200 rpm can strike about how many times in one second?Boating & WaterWhy should passengers know about a spare engine cut-off link?

That's stuff everyone should know.