Canadian Boating Exam Prep
Practice Test

A. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card ✓

B. A Transport Canada vessel registration certificate

C. A provincial boating permit

D. A marine radio operator licence

Correct — A. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is required by federal law for anyone operating a motorized pleasure craft with an engine of 10 hp (7.5 kW) or more. It must be carried on board at all times while operating the craft.

A. A sailing vessel under sail alone

B. A power-driven vessel underway ✓

C. A vessel not under command

D. A vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre

Correct — B. A power-driven vessel underway displays a white masthead light forward, red and green sidelights, and a white sternlight. Sailing vessels under sail alone do not display a masthead light but may display sidelights and a sternlight.

A. A swimming area — vessels must keep clear

B. An anchorage zone for vessels under 15 metres

C. A controlled area — a speed limit or activity restriction is in effect ✓

D. An isolated danger — pass with caution on either side

Correct — C. A white buoy with an orange circle is a control buoy indicating a restriction such as a speed limit or no-wake zone. The specific restriction is printed inside the orange circle.

A. To pump fuel from the tank to the engine

B. To pressurise the freshwater system on board

C. To remove accumulated water from the lowest interior part of the hull ✓

D. To circulate cooling water through the engine

Correct — C. A bilge pump removes water that accumulates in the bilge — the lowest interior section of the hull. Water can enter through leaks, rain, or spray, and if left unchecked can affect stability and buoyancy.

A. The faster vessel maintains course while the slower vessel gives way

B. Both vessels reduce speed and stop until the situation is resolved

C. Both vessels alter course to starboard so each passes on the port side of the other ✓

D. The vessel with fewer passengers has the obligation to give way

Correct — C. COLREGs Rule 14 requires both vessels in a head-on situation to alter course to starboard so that each passes on the port side of the other. Neither vessel has automatic priority in this scenario.

A. An orange smoke signal

B. A distress flag (orange with a black square and circle)

C. A red handheld flare

D. A parachute (rocket) flare ✓

Correct — D. A parachute flare produces a bright red light at high altitude and is effective both day and night. Orange smoke signals are day-only, and distress flags provide limited visibility at night.

A. Head and feet

B. Arms and legs

C. Groin, sides of the body, and chest ✓

D. Neck and shoulders

Correct — C. The HELP position — drawing the knees up to the chest and crossing the arms over it — protects the groin, sides, and chest, which are the highest heat-loss areas of the body. It significantly extends survival time in cold water.

A. Attract aircraft attention by grouping survivors into a visible cluster

B. Construct an improvised raft from floating debris

C. Conserve body heat when multiple survivors are in the water together ✓

D. Signal rescuers by creating noise with splashing movements

Correct — C. The HUDDLE technique involves two or more survivors clustering together with their sides touching, which reduces heat loss from the sides and groin. It extends survival time in cold water compared to floating alone.