BASIC CRUISING STUDENTS ADDITIONAL STUDY NOTES FOR PCOC

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Objective

To prepare you for the legal and safe practices of boating and to successfully obtain your 'Pleasure Craft Operators’ Card.

This study guide is a supplement to the material supplied for your Basic Cruising course.

Good Luck!

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Roles of Skipper & Crew

Responsibilities of the Skipper Safety of crew and vessel Activating & De-Activating the Boating Plan Point out where safety equipment is and how to

use it Responsible for the wake you create

Responsibilities of the Crew Assist in the safe operation of the vessel

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Our Boating Rules

Canada Shipping Act, 2001

Small Vessel Regulations

Collision Regulations Competency of

Operators of Pleasure Craft

Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations

Pollution Control Regulations

Navigation Safety Regulations

Charts & Nautical Publications Regulations

Criminal Code of Canada

Contraventions Act Construction Standards

for Small Vessels Radio Communications

Act Crossing Boarder – U.S.

Department of Homeland SecurityAdvantage Boating, 2011

An overview of the various Acts, Codes or Regulations that govern pleasure craft operators in Canada…

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Compliance Notices

The manufacturers or importers confirmation that the vessel is built in accordance with the construction requirements of the Small Vessel Regulations.

For pleasure craft up to 6 m it also includes:• recommended outboard engine size/power.• number of persons on board.• maximum total load which includes persons, equipment,

stores, fuel, etc.

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Hull Serial Number

HIN (Hull Identification Number) helps find lost or stolen boats, or boats subject to a recall.

Permanently marked into the outside upper starboard corner of the transom

Required for all vessels that are Made in or imported into Canada After August 1, 1981 With or without a motor

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Pleasure Craft Licenses

A document that contains a unique license number

It is free and valid for 10 years

Required when Your boat is mostly operated or kept in Canada Is powered by one or more motors adding up to 10 hp

It is to be displayed Above the waterline on both sides of the bow Using block letters at least 7.3 cm high

Safe Boating Guide pg 6

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Pollution Control

Preventing pollution of our waterways If you accidently

pollute the water or you witness or see the result of someone else – report it to federal government authorities

* Even a small oil spill can have serious long-term effects

Safe Boating Guide pg 60

Preventing noise pollution A vessel require(s)

muffler(s) when operating within five (5) nm of shore

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Travelling to US waters

Verify the latest entry requirements with

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency Department of Homeland Security

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On-water Enforcement

Who may pull you over & inspect your boating activity… RCMP Provincial &

Municipal police Other authorized

local authorities

Flashing blue lights

Carry with you Proof of

Competency Photo ID And if the motor is

over 10 hp – your Pleasure Craft License

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Weather

Sources of Marine Weather Information

Internet VHF radio weather channel Local weather office TV weather channel Newspaper AM and FM radio stations

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Weather Awareness

Forecasts are generalized for a broad area and as a result local conditions can vary considerably

Changing wind strength/direction, wave heights, temperature changes, and clouds are all weather signs

If wind increases, temperature decreases, or barometer falls, deteriorating weather is indicated

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Weather Warnings

Environment Canada's specialized terminology in marine forecast. (Safe Boating Guide page 13)

Light Winds - less than 12 knots Moderate Winds - range of 12 - 19 knots. Strong Wind Warning - range of 20 - 33 knots. Gale Warning - range of 34 to 47 knots. Storm Warning - range of 48 - 63 knots. Hurricane Force Wind Warning- 64 knots or more.

2 kilometers approximately equals 1 knot.

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