Canadian Boating Safety Course -
Chapter 4 Exam Questions and Answers
Monitoring the Weather - Answer -Since weather conditions can change quickly,
particularly on the water, you need to be able to monitor your surroundings while out on
the water so that you can anticipate and adapt quickly if necessary. Specifically:
Keep an eye on the sky - Fog, dark clouds, and lightning are obvious indications that
bad weather is approaching;
Barometric readings - A rising barometer usually indicates fair weather, while a falling
barometer can indicate potentially foul weather.;
Pay attention to shifts in wind direction and temperature - These indicators suggest
changeable weather could be imminent;
Look westward - Foul weather tends to approach from the west (however, storms from
the east tend to be more powerful).
Watch the movement of other boaters and monitor radio and weather channels
frequently - Ask for recommendations via radio if you are in unfamiliar waters.
Preparing for a storm - Answer -While boating, you and all your passengers should
always wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device or Lifejacket. If you encounter
foul weather or another emergency, it will be one less thing to worry about.
If you encounter a strong wind warning or you feel there is an approaching storm
(including sudden build-up of high waves), take the following steps to prepare:
- Your first priority should be to ensure that all passengers are wearing PFDs that are
secured properly;
- Reduce speed and proceed with caution, watching for approaching boats and floating
debris;
- Close all hatches and ports to avoid swamping;
,- All passengers should sit low in the boat and near the centreline;
- Secure all loose items in the boat to avoid losing them overboard;
- Pump out bilges to keep the boat high in the water;
- Turn on navigation lights (if in conditions of restricted visibility);
- Check marine charts for the nearest shelter and note hazards; and
- Head for the nearest safe shoreline.
In addition to the local marine charts, the nautical instructions and navigation guides
published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service can be used as reference in times of
bad weather. For more information, please contact the Canadian Hydrographic Service.
When a storm hits - Answer -- If your boat engine stops, drop your anchor from the bow
to combat drifting and swamping;
- Smaller boats such as canoes can roll over when strong waves hit. Smaller vessels
should point the bow of the boat into waves at a 90-degree angle to keep the watercraft
in its most stable position;
- Larger vessels such as a cabin cruiser should point the bow of the boat into waves at
a 45-degree angle to keep the watercraft in its most stable position. The advantage to
this is that these larger vessels can maintain their speed and absorbs the impact of the
waves.
- If lightning is present, unplug all electrical equipment, remain low in the boat and away
from metal objects
Take note that after heavy rain, water levels can rise in streams, rivers, or creeks,
leading to an increase in debris on the surface of the water. Debris will usually
accumulate close to shore, in inlets, and under bridges. Try to avoid these areas if
possible. Always proceed with caution after a storm.
Local Hazards - Answer -Boaters should always acquire local navigational charts to
learn the types of hazards that can be found in the waterway as well as the location of
shipping lanes and other areas to avoid.
When planning a route for your boating trip, plan it in such a way to avoid rapids or
strong currents that could put your safety and that of your passengers at risk.
Trip Plans (Sail Plan) - Answer -Your trip plan should contain the following information:
- Name and registration number of your craft;
, - Type of craft (i.e. sailing or power-driven);
- Name, address, and phone number of the watercraft owner;
- Number of persons on board your vessel;
- Size, type, and colour of your watercraft;
- Engine type (i.e. inboard, outboard);
- Distinguishing features of your craft;
- Type of radiotelephone and channel monitored;
- Safety equipment on board;
- Emergency instructions; and
- A trip description consisting of departure time, return time, and proposed route.
Following your trip, be sure to contact the responsible person with whom your plan was
filed and inform them of your safe arrival home. This will prevent an unnecessary use of
search-and-rescue resources.
Inspection and Preventative Maintenance - Boat maintenance schedule - Answer -
Proper inspection and regular maintenance of your boat can extend its useful life and
also help ensure that you and your passengers have an enjoyable, safe boating
experience. An inspection should be performed at the beginning of the boating season
each year, and also, before leaving the dock on every boating trip.
Inspection and Preventative Maintenance - Engine - Answer -- Change oil at least once
every season (consult manufacturer's recommendations);
- Inspect belts and hoses before every voyage and replace those that are worn or torn;
- Check for corrosion and oxidation, and take preventive measures before they become
potentially serious problems; and
- Check and service your boat's transmission, and change fluids according to the
recommended schedule.
Inspection and Preventative Maintenance - Operating an unseaworthy vessel - Answer -
Do not operate an unseaworthy vessel. Any person who knowingly operates or permits
someone else to operate a vessel that is unseaworthy is guilty of an indictable offence
and liable to imprisonment for a term of up to five years.
Inspection and Preventative Maintenance - Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check Program -
Answer -The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Canadian Power and Sail
Squadrons, as well as other boating safety organizations, with the help of Transport
Canada, offer free courtesy checks of pleasure crafts. During a courtesy check, a
trained boating safety volunteer will board your boat to verify the safety equipment and
other requirements, as well as identify any related safety issues.
These courtesy checks do not involve penalties. The goal is to educate boaters and
prevent unnecessary emergencies on the water. It's a great opportunity for recreational