PCOC Boating Practice Test
Free · 150 Questions.

Question 1

When returning from open sea or travelling upstream (toward the river source), on which side of the craft must red starboard hand buoys be kept?

• A. Keep red starboard hand buoys on your starboard (right) side under Canadian safe boating regulations
• B. Keep red starboard hand buoys on your port (left) side under Canadian Collision Regulations during standard operations
• C. Pass directly over the buoy anchor cable at idle speed for recreational boating operations in Canada
• D. Keep red starboard hand buoys centered between boat and shore to ensure full compliance with maritime safety laws

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

In a situation where a pleasure craft is underway in Canadian waterways, under Canadian regulations, how many Canadian-approved lifejackets or PFDs must be on board a pleasure craft?

• A. One lifejacket for every two passengers plus one buoyant throwable cushion under Canadian safe boating regulations
• B. Two lifejackets for the boat operator and one spare per sleeping berth under Canadian Collision Regulations under federal law
• C. One properly sized, Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD for every person on board for recreational boating operations in Canada
• D. Lifejackets are only required when operating more than 5 nautical miles from shore to ensure full compliance with maritime safety laws

Explanation: Small Vessel Regulations require at least one properly sized, Canadian-approved PFD or lifejacket in good condition for each person on board.

Question 3

When two power-driven vessels are meeting head-on, what action must each vessel take under Collision Regulations?

• A. Both vessels alter heading to starboard (right) so each passes port-to-port under Canadian safe boating regulations
• B. The craft with smaller displacement comes to an immediate emergency stop under Canadian Collision Regulations during standard operations
• C. The larger vessel maintains speed while the smaller boat backs away for recreational boating operations in Canada
• D. Both skippers sound five short whistle blasts and reverse throttles to ensure full compliance with maritime safety laws

Explanation: Rule 14 of the Collision Regulations: when two power-driven vessels meet on reciprocal or nearly reciprocal courses, each must alter course to starboard to pass on the port side of the other.

Question 4

During a weekend cruise on an inland lake or waterway, what does the '1-10-1' rule describe regarding sudden immersion in cold Canadian waters?

• A. 1 hour of swimming; 10 hours of floating; 1 day before hypothermia symptoms appear under Canadian safe boating regulations on active waterways
• B. 1 second to inflate PFD; 10 seconds to call Mayday; 1 minute to deploy anchor under Canadian Collision Regulations under federal law
• C. 1 minute cold shock gasp reflex; 10 minutes cold incapacitation; 1 hour before hypothermia unconsciousness for recreational boating operations in Canada
• D. 1 breath underwater; 10 strokes toward shore; 1 minute to climb on the boat to ensure full compliance with maritime safety laws

Explanation: The 1-10-1 principle: Phase 1 (1 min) = Cold shock & uncontrollable gasping; Phase 2 (10 min) = Cold incapacitation / swim failure; Phase 3 (1 hour) = Hypothermia leading to unconsciousness.