Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) Boating Safety Test
Operator competency and licensing: practice questions
Our Pleasure Craft Operator Card (Canada) bank has 50 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
Proof that you passed a boating safety course in Canada before which date still counts as proof of competency?
- April 1, 1999
- January 1, 2010
- April 29, 1981
- September 15, 2009
Show the answer
A. April 1, 1999 — Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations s. 4(1)(b) and the Safe Boating Guide: a recreational boating safety course passed before April 1, 1999.
Question 2
Before buying a used boat, which check helps make sure it isn't stolen?
- Ask the marina for its fuel records
- Check the colour of the hull
- Search the Canadian Police Information Centre's stolen boat database
- Check the boat's radar reflector
Show the answer
C. Search the Canadian Police Information Centre's stolen boat database — Safe Boating Guide: search the CPIC stolen boat database before buying.
Question 3
Which document gives proof of ownership (legal title) of a boat in Canada?
- Vessel registration in the Canadian Register of Vessels
- A compliance notice
- A Pleasure Craft Operator Card issued in the owner's own name
- A Pleasure Craft Licence
Show the answer
A. Vessel registration in the Canadian Register of Vessels — Safe Boating Guide: registering your boat gives proof of ownership, the right to fly the Canadian flag, a unique name and official number, and use as security for a marine mortgage.
Question 4
A first conviction for impaired boating can result in:
- Only a fine under $100
- Only a warning
- Fines, boating and driving bans, seizure of your boat or vehicle, and jail
- Only a boating ban
Show the answer
C. Fines, boating and driving bans, seizure of your boat or vehicle, and jail — Safe Boating Guide: a first offence can bring fines, boating and driving bans, your boat or vehicle being seized, and jail time.
Question 5
Which of these counts as proof of operator competency?
- A pleasure craft licence
- A fishing licence
- A Pleasure Craft Operator Card
- A provincial driver's licence with a photo
Show the answer
C. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card — Safe Boating Guide: proof can be a PCOC, proof of a boating course passed before April 1, 1999, a specified marine certificate, or a completed rental boat safety checklist.