OFFICIALLY APPROVED TM .ca WWAATETERR CRAFT SASAFETYFETY SSTUDYTUDY GUGUIDEIDE P This boating safety course manual has been approved by Transport Canada strictly on the basis that it meets the minimum requirements of boating safety knowledge set out in Transport Canada's Boating Safety Course and Test Syllabus (TP14932 E). Copyright ownership notification: Better Boating Ltd., ©2010. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, or stored in any material form, without the express written permission of Better Boating Ltd. Trade-mark ownership notification: The TM and BETTER BOATING trade-marks are owned by Better Boating Ltd. ® © Operating under license Disclaimer: The contents contained in this publication are for general information only. This publication should not be regarded or relied upon as a definitive guide to boating safety practices. The contents of this publication were, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of printing. However, no representations of any kind are made with regard to the accuracy, completeness or sufficiency of the contents. The appropriate regulations and statutes should be consulted. Readers should not act on the information contained herein without seeking specific independent advice on their specific circumstance. For more information please consult the Collision Regulations. For more information please visit www.betterboating.ca TM .ca We at Better Boating would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to become an educated boater. Canada has more than 244106 square kilometres of water not including the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and more than 35,000 islands. This amount of surface area is to provide more than enough water for all to enjoy and enjoy it you should. Our course was written with the novice boater in mind and is not intended for a person who intends to pursue an ocean going voyage. It is Better Boating’s intention to provide you with the basics in navigation and boat handling skills, so you may confidently and safely enjoy countless hours on the water. After reading our course you will be more than prepared to pass the Pleasure Craft Operator Exam. I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank family members, friends, Transport Canada Staff and the corporate companies who took the time from their busy schedules to contribute to this venture. Sincerely, Todd Powis President Better Boating Ltd. This course is in memory of George Powis TABLE OF CONTENTS VOYAGE 1 - Regulations Visitors to Canada ...................................................................................... 3 Codes, Regulations and Acts ...................................................................... 3 Enforcement on the water ........................................................................... 4 Entering U.S. waters .................................................................................... 4 Buying a boat .............................................................................................. 4 Hull types ..................................................................................................... 5 Types of motors ........................................................................................... 5 Licensing a boat .......................................................................................... 6 Registration ................................................................................................. 6 Hull identification numbers .......................................................................... 7 Capacity plate .............................................................................................. 7 Boating terminology ..................................................................................... 9 The Criminal Code of Canada ..................................................................... 9 Voyage 1 Review ......................................................................................... 10 VOYAGE 2 - Equipment Mandatory equipment requirements ........................................................... 11 Lifejackets & P.F.D.’s .................................................................................... 13 Use and care .............................................................................................. 17 Testing ......................................................................................................... 17 Testing for buoyancy once a year ................................................................ 17 Buoyant heaving lines and lifebuoys ........................................................... 17 Voyage 2 Review ........................................................................................ 19 VOYAGE 3 - Equipment continued Re-boarding device ..................................................................................... 20 Manual propelling devices ........................................................................... 20 Anchors ....................................................................................................... 20 Bailer and manual pump ............................................................................. 20 Bilge pumping arrangements (electric) ........................................................ 20 Fire extinguishers ........................................................................................ 21 Fire buckets ................................................................................................. 22 Marine VHF radio and GPS ......................................................................... 22 Non-emergencies ........................................................................................ 22 Emergency calling ....................................................................................... 22 Important VHF channels .............................................................................. 23 Weather channels ........................................................................................ 23 Global Positioning System (GPS) ................................................................ 24 Distress signals ........................................................................................... 24 Sound signalling device/appliance .............................................................. 26 Radar reflector ............................................................................................. 27 Magnetic compass ...................................................................................... 27 Nautical charts and topographical maps ..................................................... 27 Topographical maps .................................................................................... 28 Voyage 3 Review ........................................................................................ 29 VOYAGE 4 - Preventing Emergencies Effects of the environment .......................................................................... 30 Alcohol ......................................................................................................... 30 Fatigue ......................................................................................................... 30 Boat handling and manoeuvrability ............................................................. 30 TM .ca TABLE OF CONTENTS Check the weather forecast ......................................................................... 31 Monitor the weather ..................................................................................... 32 Handling rough weather .............................................................................. 33 Loading the boat .......................................................................................... 33 Proper fueling procedures ........................................................................... 34 Sail plan ....................................................................................................... 35 Pre-departure check list .............................................................................. 36 Getting under way and informing guests .................................................... 38 Voyage 4 Review ......................................................................................... 40 VOYAGE 5 - Rules of the road Accident reporting ....................................................................................... 43 Navigation lights (nav lights) ........................................................................ 43 Sound signals .............................................................................................. 47 Voyage 5 Review ......................................................................................... 49 VOYAGE 6 - Courtesy and common sense Towing a person .......................................................................................... 50 Hunting and fishing ...................................................................................... 51 Swimming .................................................................................................... 52 Kayaking, canoeing and other paddle sports .............................................. 52 PWC and jet boats ...................................................................................... 54 Voyage 6 Review ......................................................................................... 56 VOYAGE 7 - 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