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PCOC boating: 50 practice questions

Real test: 50 questions, 75 minutes, pass 38/50 (76%). Answer key on the last page. From canadianlicensetest.com · independent study aid, not an official test.

1. Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, when may a person or vessel discharge a prescribed pollutant?
1. A. Whenever the amount is under 1 litre
2. B. Whenever the boat is in fresh water
3. C. Whenever no one is watching nearby
4. D. Only as the regulations or a permit allow
2. In a Canadian narrow channel with a current, two power-driven vessels meet head-on. Which one is the stand-on vessel?
1. A. The one proceeding against the current
2. B. The larger of the two
3. C. The one that signals first
4. D. The one proceeding with the current
3. On a calm August afternoon on a warm lake, a strong swimmer can safely skip wearing a PFD because cold shock only happens in winter.
1. A. True
2. B. False
4. Under the Collision Regulations, which vessels may NOT impede a vessel that can only navigate safely inside a narrow channel?
1. A. Only vessels that are engaged in fishing
2. B. Only vessels that are longer than 50 m
3. C. Only vessels that are lying at anchor
4. D. Vessels under 20 m and sailing vessels
5. According to Transport Canada, a buoyant heaving line should:
1. A. Be one full length of rope that floats and is kept only for safety
2. B. Be made of several short ropes tied firmly together
3. C. Double as the anchor line whenever one is needed
4. D. Be made of steel cable so that it is extra strong
6. A boating safety course taken before April 1, 1999 counts as proof of competency only if it was:
1. A. Completed in Canada
2. B. Recognized by a U.S. state
3. C. Taken with a licensed charter company
4. D. Renewed after the year 2009
7. Which boat may exceed a posted local speed limit under the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations?
1. A. A water taxi that is running behind schedule
2. B. A lifeguard safety boat of a recreational institution on duty
3. C. A private boat hurrying home before a storm
4. D. A boat taking part in an unsanctioned race
8. When in doubt whether a head-on situation exists, a vessel should assume that it does and act accordingly.
1. A. True
2. B. False
9. About how many people die in boating incidents in Canada each year, according to Transport Canada?
1. A. About 10
2. B. About 1,000
3. C. About 5,000
4. D. About 100
10. What should a Mayday message include after the boat's name?
1. A. The owner's home address and phone number
2. B. The expiry date of the boat's licence
3. C. Tomorrow's marine weather forecast
4. D. Position, emergency, help needed, people aboard
11. Six teens want to ride a big inflatable towed behind a bowrider that seats six in total, with the operator and a spotter aboard. May all six ride at once?
1. A. Yes, because the boat seats six in total
2. B. Yes, if they all wear PFDs
3. C. No, the boat needs a seat for each person towed
4. D. No, only two people may ever be towed
12. What should you do with garbage such as drink cans and cigarette butts while boating?
1. A. Sink it in deep water where it will not be seen
2. B. Bring it home or to an approved container ashore
3. C. Burn it in a bucket on deck
4. D. Toss it overboard if it is biodegradable
13. Your wake knocks a buoy out of position in the Saguenay River. What does the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 require?
1. A. Move it back yourself and say nothing
2. B. Report it without delay to MCTS or the Coast Guard
3. C. Report it only if the buoy is lit
4. D. Nothing, since it was an accident
14. The forecast for Lake Superior looks fine, but Nora is launching in a steep-sided bay she doesn't know. What else does Transport Canada suggest?
1. A. Trust the forecast; local effects are rare
2. B. Only check the forecast after launching
3. C. Ask locals how the terrain affects the wind
4. D. Rely on her car's weather app instead
15. Approaching a lock on the Rideau Canal, Tom sees other boats waiting. Where should he tie up to wait for the next lockage?
1. A. Along the blue line on the waiting wharf
2. B. Right in front of the lock gates
3. C. To a navigation buoy near the channel
4. D. Anywhere in the middle of the channel
16. The Duponts' gasoline cruiser is secured inside a lock on the Rideau Canal. What does Transport Canada advise during the lockage?
1. A. Keep the engine idling so the boat holds its position
2. B. Engines and generator off, no flames, bilge blower on
3. C. Light the galley stove to cook while waiting
4. D. Run the generator to keep the air conditioning on
17. Which document is listed in the Regulations as acceptable proof of age?
1. A. A pleasure craft licence
2. B. A passport
3. C. A fishing licence
4. D. A boat insurance card
18. Transport Canada's Table 7 says a sailboat that is also using its motor must meet the light rules for which vessels?
1. A. Sailboats only, as it has sails
2. B. Vessels at anchor, whatever type
3. C. Human-powered craft such as canoes
4. D. Both sailboats and power boats
19. Biodegradable bilge cleaners make oil in the bilge safe to pump overboard.
1. A. True
2. B. False
20. Which cleaner does Transport Canada suggest as a green option for washing a boat's deck?
1. A. Vinegar mixed with water
2. B. Chlorine bleach solution
3. C. Engine degreaser spray
4. D. Oven cleaner foam spray
21. Ravi, 16, holds a PCOC and supervises his 11-year-old sister driving a 15 hp (about 11 kW) boat. Is this allowed?
1. A. No, because the person supervising must be at least 18 years old
2. B. No, because a child under 12 can never drive a boat over 7.5 kW
3. C. Yes, but only if he watches her closely from the dock
4. D. Yes, because he is 16 or older, on board, supervising and has proof of competency
22. On an Ontario lake, Jake follows a marked, buoyed channel that runs within 20 m of shore. Does the 10 km/h shoreline limit apply there?
1. A. Yes, it applies within 30 m of all shores
2. B. Yes, unless he is towing a skier
3. C. No, it only applies to personal watercraft
4. D. No, it does not apply in buoyed channels
23. A skier falls on Lac Memphrémagog. The spotter points to her. How should the operator return?
1. A. Race straight at her so she is not cold for long
2. B. Back up quickly toward her in reverse gear
3. C. Return slowly, watch her and keep the prop away
4. D. Wait for her to swim all the way to the boat
24. In thick fog, boats that cannot see each other should use the one-, two- and three-short-blast course-change signals.
1. A. True
2. B. False
25. What is the main task during the first minute after falling into cold water?
1. A. Swim hard toward the shore right away
2. B. Keep your airway clear and slow your breathing
3. C. Take off your heavy clothing and boots
4. D. Shout for help as loudly as you can
26. It is against the law to use a boat that you know is not seaworthy.
1. A. True
2. B. False
27. A power-driven vessel underway must keep out of the way of which of these?
1. A. A PWC coming from its port side
2. B. A boat it is meeting head-on
3. C. A larger motor yacht behind it
4. D. A vessel engaged in fishing with nets
28. At night, Luc sees only the white sternlight of a boat ahead going the same way, and he is catching up. What is his duty?
1. A. Hold course, since he sees no sidelights
2. B. Expect the other boat to move over
3. C. Flash his lights and pass on either side
4. D. Keep out of its way until well past and clear
29. Jenna hears a Mayday call on channel 16 from a boat close to her on the Bay of Fundy. Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, what is expected of her as master?
1. A. Ignore it, since the Coast Guard will respond
2. B. Transmit over the call to ask them questions
3. C. Go to help if she safely can, and tell them
4. D. Help only if she knows the other boater
30. Ellen lives in Vermont and keeps her own U.S.-licensed boat at a Quebec cottage from June 1 to August 31. What does she need to operate it?
1. A. Nothing, because she is not a Canadian resident
2. B. Only proof of residency, however long she stays
3. C. A PCOC or an operator card that meets her home state's rules
4. D. A Canadian pleasure craft licence for the boat
31. A pleasure craft that needs one 10B:C extinguisher may carry two 5B:C extinguishers instead.
1. A. True
2. B. False
32. What backup do all Canadian-approved inflatable PFDs have if the CO2 system fails?
1. A. A second foam liner
2. B. An oral inflation tube
3. C. An automatic spare cartridge
4. D. A built-in air pump
33. What seating rule applies when towing people on tubes?
1. A. Towed people may stand on the swim platform
2. B. There must be a seat on board for each person towed
3. C. One seat is enough for any number towed
4. D. Seats are needed only for children
34. Yusuf's 11 m sailboat has a diesel inboard engine and an alcohol stove in the galley. Which extinguishers must he carry?
1. A. One 5B:C extinguisher
2. B. One 10B:C extinguisher
3. C. Two 5B:C extinguishers
4. D. Two 10B:C extinguishers
35. Two friends on a pedal boat (paddleboat) at a Lake Simcoe beach are both wearing properly sized PFDs in daylight. What else must they carry?
1. A. A heaving line and a bailer
2. B. A watertight flashlight and flares
3. C. Nothing, since they wear PFDs
4. D. A sound-signalling device only
36. What does Transport Canada advise PWC riders to do with the engine shut-off lanyard?
1. A. Tie it to the handlebars, out of the way
2. B. Attach it to the wrist, lifejacket or PFD
3. C. Remove it for a smoother, faster ride
4. D. Leave it in the storage hatch under the seat
37. What markings does a bifurcation buoy carry?
1. A. Odd numbers only
2. B. Letters only, no numbers
3. C. Even numbers only
4. D. The owner's name
38. What kind of action to avoid a collision does Rule 8 require?
1. A. Early, positive and large enough to be seen
2. B. Small changes made one after another
3. C. Only a sound signal, with no change
4. D. A turn only at the last moment
39. How far from a diver-down flag does Transport Canada advise keeping your boat?
1. A. At least 100 m
2. B. At least 10 m
3. C. At least 30 m
4. D. At least 1 km
40. A sailing vessel underway must keep out of the way of which vessel?
1. A. A vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre
2. B. A power-driven motorboat crossing its path
3. C. A personal watercraft
4. D. A motorboat approaching head-on
41. Two hunters, their dog and decoys pack into a small boat on a windy fall morning. What does Transport Canada stress?
1. A. Don't overload; it cuts stability and handling
2. B. Heavy loads make a boat more stable in wind
3. C. Overloading is only a problem in summer
4. D. Dogs don't count toward the boat's load
42. In a historic canal, how close to a lock gate or dam is swimming banned, as summarized by Transport Canada?
1. A. Within 10 m
2. B. Within 100 m
3. C. Within 400 m
4. D. Within 40 m
43. On a Nova Scotia lake, a boat heading to its dock may keep cruising at 40 km/h until it is 10 m from shore.
1. A. True
2. B. False
44. PFDs with the newer Canada/U.S. shared label may be used in both countries, while devices with older labels are accepted in only one of them.
1. A. True
2. B. False
45. Talking with local residents is a good way to learn about hazards such as low-head dams or rapids that may not be on charts.
1. A. True
2. B. False
46. What is the stern of a boat?
1. A. The front end of the boat
2. B. The back end of the boat
3. C. The right side of the boat
4. D. The bottom of the hull
47. For the competency rules, which document can serve as proof of residency for a visitor?
1. A. A birth certificate from the home country
2. B. A bill of sale for the boat being used
3. C. A fishing licence from the home country
4. D. A driver's licence showing a home address
48. When is a smoke signal most useful?
1. A. In daylight
2. B. At night
3. C. In thick fog at night
4. D. Only when aircraft are overhead at night
49. Crossing a bay in Lake of the Woods, Ty sees a west cardinal buoy ahead. Which way should he pass it?
1. A. Keep to the west side of it
2. B. Keep to the east side of it
3. C. Pass on either side
4. D. Stop and anchor next to it
50. What kind of numbers do starboard hand buoys carry?
1. A. Odd numbers
2. B. Even numbers
3. C. Letters only
4. D. No markings at all

Answer key

1. D — No person or vessel shall discharge a prescribed pollutant, except in accordance with the regulations made under that Part or a permit under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CSA 2001 s.187).
2. D — Under the Canadian modification, in a narrow channel with a current or tidal stream, the vessel proceeding with the current is the stand-on vessel and proposes the passing side; the one going against it keeps out of the way (Rule 9(k)).
3. B — Transport Canada notes Canadian waters are cold most of the year and that even strong swimmers can suffer cold shock; it urges everyone to always wear a lifejacket or PFD on or near the water (TP 511E pp.18, 53).
4. D — Rule 9 says a vessel under 20 m or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel that can safely navigate only within a narrow channel, and vessels engaged in fishing shall not impede any vessel navigating in it (Collision Regulations, Rule 9(b)-(c)).
5. A — Transport Canada says an approved heaving line floats, is in good condition, is one full length of rope rather than pieces tied together, is long enough, and is used only as safety equipment (TP 511E p.23).
6. A — A person is competent if they successfully completed a recreational boating safety course in Canada before April 1, 1999 and have written proof (COPCR s.4(1)(b)). Transport Canada's FAQ confirms an older U.S. course does not qualify because the course must be taken in Canada.
7. B — Speed and other restrictions do not apply to enforcement officers, government employees on duty, a person rescuing someone or preventing property damage, or a safety boat used for surveillance, assistance and lifeguarding by a recreational, teaching or racing organization (VORR s.3(2)).
8. A — When a vessel is in any doubt as to whether a head-on situation exists, she shall assume that it does exist and act accordingly (Rule 14(c)).
9. D — Transport Canada states that boating incidents kill about 100 people and seriously injure many more every year, and that most deaths and injuries can be avoided with safe practices (TP 511E p.4).
10. D — Transport Canada's Mayday format: say Mayday three times and the boat's name, then give your location, the nature of the emergency, the help you need, the number of people and condition of any injured, and the boat's description (TP 511E p.51).
11. C — The towing vessel must have seating space for every person being towed (SVR s.1005(1)(b)). With the operator and spotter seated, only four seats remain, so no more than four people may be towed at once.
12. B — Transport Canada's green boating tips say not to litter and to bring your garbage home, including cigarette butts and drink containers (TP 511E p.58). Pollution of waterways with garbage is prohibited.
13. B — If a vessel runs down, moves, damages or destroys an aid to navigation, the person in charge shall report it without delay to a Marine Communications and Traffic Services officer or, if not feasible, a Coast Guard officer (Canada Shipping Act, 2001 s.129(1)).
14. C — Local factors such as topography can make conditions differ from the forecast, and the best source is people who know the area well. Check the latest marine forecast before leaving too (TP 511E, 'Monitor the weather').
15. A — At locks, a blue line on the mooring wharf shows where to wait for the next lockage. Keep the channel near the gates clear so vessels can come and go (TP 511E, 'Passing through a lock').
16. B — During lockage, switch off the engines and generator, do not use open flames or smoke, and make sure the bilge blower is operating. Wait for staff to tell you when to restart your engine.
17. B — The Regulations define proof of age as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, birth or baptismal certificate, passport, driver's licence or other official document showing the date of birth (COPCR s.1). Young operators need it to show they meet age limits.
18. D — Transport Canada notes that a sailboat equipped with a motor must meet the lighting standards for both sailboats and power boats (TP 511E p.28), because under power it is a power-driven vessel (Collision Regulations Rule 3(b)-(c)).
19. B — Bilge cleaners, even biodegradable ones, just break oil into tiny, less visible droplets; the oil is still there. Use absorbent bilge cloths, which soak up petroleum products and repel water (TP 511E, 'Reduce pollution for bilges').
20. A — Transport Canada suggests green cleaning products to keep toxins out of waterways, including a deck cleaner of about a cup of vinegar in 2 L of water (TP 511E, Table 14).
21. D — A person under 12 may operate a craft over 7.5 kW if accompanied and directly supervised in the craft by a person 16 or older (VORR s.19). Transport Canada adds that the supervisor must also have proof of competency.
22. D — The 10 km/h within 30 m of shore rule does not apply in rivers under 100 m wide, in canals or in buoyed channels, or where another speed limit is set. Jake must still choose a safe speed and watch his wake (VORR s.2(8)(b)).
23. C — Transport Canada advises going slowly, knowing where the person is and keeping the propeller far away when approaching a person in the water (TP 511E p.52). The spotter keeps watch and communicates with the operator (SVR s.1005(1)(a)).
24. B — Rule 34(a) applies when vessels are in sight of one another; in restricted visibility, vessels not in sight use the signals of Rule 35 instead (Rules 34(a), 35).
25. B — During cold shock, Transport Canada advises keeping your airway clear and above water, staying calm and focusing on slowing your breathing; a lifejacket keeps your mouth and nose out of the water (TP 511E p.53).
26. A — Using a boat you know isn't seaworthy is illegal. You must keep the boat, its engine and all equipment in good working order, whether you own, rent or borrow it (TP 511E, 'Inspect your boat').
27. D — A power-driven vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre, a vessel engaged in fishing and a sailing vessel (Rule 18(a)).
28. D — Seeing only the sternlight means Luc is overtaking (Rule 13(b)); the overtaking vessel shall keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken (Rule 13(a)) until finally past and clear (Rule 13(d)).
29. C — On receiving a distress signal, the master of a vessel in Canadian waters shall proceed with all speed to render assistance and, if possible, inform those in distress, unless unable or it is unreasonable in the circumstances (Canada Shipping Act, 2001 s.131). Transport Canada adds that you should not interfere if the vessel is already talking with rescuers.
30. C — A non-resident is exempt only if the boat is in Canada for less than 45 consecutive days. For a longer stay she must be competent, either with a PCOC or a card that meets her home state's requirements, and carry proof of residency (COPCR ss.3(2)(b), 3(3), 4(2)).
31. A — A required extinguisher of a given classification is not needed if two or more certified portable extinguishers are carried with a total capacity rating at least equal to the required one (SVR s.217).
32. B — Transport Canada notes that all Canadian-approved inflatable PFDs have a tube you can blow into if the CO2 system fails, although this can be hard for a weak swimmer. Inflatables are recommended for people who can swim (TP 511E p.19).
33. B — No person shall operate a vessel to tow a person unless there is seating space on the vessel to accommodate every person being towed (SVR s.1005(1)(b)).
34. D — A craft more than 9 m but not more than 12 m needs a 10B:C extinguisher if power-driven and another 10B:C if it has a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance (SVR s.208, item 3). A sailboat with an engine is power-driven (s.1).
35. D — If everyone on a paddleboat, watercycle, stand-up paddleboard or sealed-hull sit-on-top kayak wears an appropriate PFD, only a sound-signalling device is needed, plus a watertight flashlight after sunset, before sunrise or in restricted visibility (SVR s.220).
36. B — Transport Canada advises attaching the engine shut-off switch lanyard securely to your wrist, lifejacket or PFD so the engine stops if you fall off (TP 511E p.42).
37. B — Bifurcation buoys are lettered with no numbers and, if lighted, show a composite group flashing light, for example Fl(2+1) (CCG Quick Reference Guide).
38. A — Action to avoid collision shall be positive, made in ample time and large enough to be readily apparent to the other vessel; a succession of small alterations should be avoided (Rule 8(a)-(b)).
39. A — Transport Canada advises giving divers plenty of room and keeping your boat at least 100 m from the flag; if the waterway is too narrow, slow down as much as possible and keep clear (TP 511E p.40).
40. A — A sailing vessel underway shall keep out of the way of a vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre and a vessel engaged in fishing (Rule 18(b)).
41. A — Hunters and anglers are told to avoid overloading, which affects stability and makes the boat harder to handle, and to wear a bright lifejacket or PFD and know their craft's limits (TP 511E, 'Fishing and hunting').
42. D — Historic canal rules ban diving, jumping, scuba diving or swimming in a navigation channel or within 40 m of a lock gate or dam. Fishing is banned within 10 m of a lock (TP 511E, 'Visiting historic canals and locks').
43. B — In the rivers and lakes of Nova Scotia, vessels may not exceed 10 km/h within 30 m of shore (VORR s.2(7)(d)). The boat must slow down before it is within 30 m.
44. A — Transport Canada explains that Canada and the United States now share lifejacket standards; devices with the new labels are approved for use in both countries, while older-label devices can be used in one country or the other, but not both (TP 511E p.20).
45. A — Transport Canada advises talking to local residents who know waters not covered by charts; they can point out local hazards such as low-head dams, rapids and white water, local winds and currents (TP 511E p.34).
46. B — The stern is the rear of the vessel and the bow is the front. The sternlight is placed as nearly as practicable at the stern (Collision Regulations Rule 21(c)).
47. D — Proof of residency means a passport, driver's licence or other official government document that sets out where the person lives. A birth certificate shows date of birth, not residence (COPCR s.1, 'proof of residency').
48. A — Transport Canada notes smoke signals create dense orange smoke (about 3 minutes buoyant, 50 seconds hand-held) and should only be used in daylight (TP 511E p.24).
49. A — A cardinal buoy is named for the side on which the safest water lies. For a west cardinal buoy, the safe water is to the west, so pass on its west side (TP 511E, 'Cardinal Buoys and Special Buoys' reference card).
50. B — Starboard hand buoys carry a letter and even numbers; port hand buoys carry a letter and odd numbers (CCG Quick Reference Guide).

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