PCOC Boating Practice Test
Free · 140 Questions.

Question 1

When returning from open sea or travelling upstream (heading toward the source of the river), on which side of your pleasure craft should you keep red starboard hand buoys?

• A. Keep red starboard hand buoys on your starboard (right) side.
• B. Keep red starboard hand buoys on your port (left) side.
• C. Pass directly over the buoy anchor chain at low speed.
• D. Keep red starboard hand buoys centered between your vessel and the shoreline.

Explanation: Under the Canadian Lateral Buoyage System, the rule 'Red Right Returning' applies when heading upstream: keep red starboard hand buoys on your starboard (right) side.

Question 2

What colour and characteristics identify a port hand lateral buoy under the Canadian Lateral System?

• A. Red colour with even numbers and a conical top (nun) or red light.
• B. Green colour with odd numbers and a flat top (can) or green light.
• C. Yellow and black horizontal stripes with flashing white light.
• D. White with an orange diamond and cross marking a restricted area.

Explanation: Port hand buoys are solid green with odd numbers. When travelling upstream, they must be kept on the vessel's port (left) side.

Question 3

How many Canadian-approved lifejackets or PFDs must be carried on board a recreational pleasure craft?

• A. One properly sized, Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD for each person on board.
• B. One lifejacket for every two adult passengers plus one spare per cabin.
• C. Two lifejackets for the operator and one buoyant cushion for all guests.
• D. Lifejackets are only required on board when travelling further than 5 km from shore.

Explanation: Transport Canada regulations mandate that a pleasure craft carry at least one properly sized, approved lifejacket or PFD for every single person on board.

Question 4

When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on or nearly head-on, what action must each vessel take?

• A. Both vessels must alter course to starboard (right) so that each passes on the port side of the other.
• B. Both vessels must alter course to port (left) and increase speed to clear the encounter under standard Canadian operating guidelines.
• C. The faster vessel maintains course while the slower vessel comes to an immediate dead stop.
• D. The vessel with the larger engine has the right-of-way and holds course as defined by the governing regulatory authority.

Explanation: Rule 14 of the Collision Regulations: when meeting head-on, each vessel must alter course to starboard (right) to pass port-to-port.