Better Boating Basics ©

Course Directory  (Start with Nautical Terms - 11, then click on Next Page as you proceed right through the 59 page course).

As you go through the course, you will notice highlighted words or phrases.  If you click on them, you'll visit an outside web page where you can find out even more on that particular topic (if you wish).  The Ontario Boating League is not responsible for outside content, but does believe a visit is quite worthwhile.  I hope you enjoy your visit here, and trust that it will help ensure a most enjoyable time for you and your loved ones while on the water!    DH

The Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons offer enjoyable opportunities to learn even more about boating, and to meet other active people with similar interests.  Check them out.

The North Vancouver Squadron is particularly active and helpful.  They have kindly posted a series of web-site quizzes where you can measure your boating knowledge.  I have posted links to them as you go through this course.  While the course you are following (here) does not cover everything their 15 week course covers, it does cover every question that may be found on any Transport Canada accredited test.  Score good on the quizzes, and you'll know that you are ready to pass  the PCOC test at any of our approved Test Sites!
                               

Start by clicking Here >  Nautical Terms & Expressions  11
Parts of a Power Boat, Sailboat, and Personal Watercraft (PWC)  12
Introduction  13
Governing "Acts", "Code", and "Regulations"  14
Boat Licensing, Registration, Marking, Capacity Plate   17
Minimum Safety Requirements  18
Testing Your Lifejackets & Personal Flotation Device (Pfd)  19
Flares & other Safety Equipment  20
Guard against Mechanical Failure  21
Anchoring  21
Be Alert to Local Hazards  22
Sharing Our Waterways  22
Charts & Nautical Publications  23
Topographic Maps  24
Finding Your Way with a Magnetic Compass  24
Aids to Navigation  25
Lateral Buoys  26, 27
Cardinal Buoys  28, 29
Day Beacons    30, 31
Posted Command & Warning Signs, and Special Buoys  31, 32, 33
At the Gas Dock, (Safe Fuelling Precautions)  34
Carbon Monoxide, (The Silent Killer)              34
Loading Your Pleasure Craft    35
Advise Your Boarding Party  36
Check the local Weather Forecast    37
Terms that describe Wind Speeds  37
Prepare & File a Sail Plan  38

Before you cast-off  (pre-departure checklist)  39

Rules of the Road  (The Collision Regulations)    40
Radar & Passive Radar Reflectors     41, 42, 43
Lights & Shapes  (Their location onboard & Characteristics)  44
Exhibiting Lights &Shapes  45                                                               
Prohibited Behaviour, Criminal Code Offences  46
Control your Speed, Wake, & Wash            47

Expect the Best, but Prepare for the Worst      48

Exposure to the Cold  (Cold Shock, Hypothermia)    49
Surviving a Tempest  (grounding, capsize, flooding)   50
Protection from Hypothermia  51
Calling for Help  52
Methods of Calling for Help    53
Launching & Loading at the Ramp, (a chance to stop invading species)  54
About Personal Water Craft        54                                         

Required Safety Equipment (Tables 1 through 7)
Personal Lifesaving Appliances    55

Vessel Safety Equipment, Navigation Equipment  56

Visual Signals, Fire Fighting Equipment  (Sail & Power Boats)  57

Human-Powered Boats, Personal Lifesaving Appliances  58
Sailboards & Kiteboards    59

Bibliography & notes about GPS  60                                                        Top of Page