PCOC Passenger Safety and Service 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before allowing passengers to board, the operator should verify which of the following?
- That fuel tanks are completely full
- That sufficient approved lifesaving equipment is on board for every person (Correct answer)
- That every passenger has paid the required fee
- That the vessel is registered in the current calendar year
Correct answer: That sufficient approved lifesaving equipment is on board for every person
Canadian regulations require that sufficient approved lifesaving equipment be carried for every person on board before departure.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a sound signaling device on a pleasure craft?
- To attract attention during fishing to scare fish toward the boat
- To signal intentions and warn of danger in restricted visibility or congested waters (Correct answer)
- To entertain passengers during docking
- To alert the marina that you are departing
Correct answer: To signal intentions and warn of danger in restricted visibility or congested waters
Sound signals are used to communicate navigational intentions, warn other vessels of your presence, and signal distress.
Question 3: A passenger complains of seasickness. How should the operator respond?
- Increase speed to shorten the trip regardless of conditions
- Advise the passenger to look at a fixed point on the horizon and offer fresh air on deck (Correct answer)
- Give the passenger alcohol to calm them down
- Have the passenger lie below deck in a closed cabin
Correct answer: Advise the passenger to look at a fixed point on the horizon and offer fresh air on deck
Looking at the horizon provides a stable visual reference and fresh air helps reduce nausea; a closed cabin can worsen symptoms.
Question 4: When mooring a vessel with passengers aboard, what precaution should the operator take?
- Ask all passengers to move to the bow to balance the vessel
- Ensure all passengers remain seated or holding on until the vessel is fully stopped and secured (Correct answer)
- Cut the engine only after all passengers have stepped ashore
- Allow eager passengers to jump off as the boat approaches the dock
Correct answer: Ensure all passengers remain seated or holding on until the vessel is fully stopped and secured
Passengers should remain seated or holding on until the vessel is fully stopped and secured to prevent falls during docking maneuvers.
Question 5: What is the required minimum visibility distance when using a buoyant heaving line to rescue a person in the water?
- The line must reach at least 15 metres (49 feet) (Correct answer)
- The line must reach at least 30 metres (98 feet)
- The line length depends solely on vessel size
- No minimum length is prescribed; any line will do
Correct answer: The line must reach at least 15 metres (49 feet)
Canadian regulations require a buoyant heaving line of at least 15 metres to reach a person who has fallen overboard.
Question 6: Which action by a passenger could contribute to 'swamping' of a small open boat?
- Wearing a PFD while seated
- Standing and moving to one side while the vessel is underway (Correct answer)
- Using a paddle when the engine fails
- Keeping luggage stored low in the bilge
Correct answer: Standing and moving to one side while the vessel is underway
Standing or shifting weight to one side raises the risk of capsizing or allowing water to enter over the gunwale (swamping).
Question 7: What information should the operator leave with a responsible person ashore before departure?
- The vessel's fuel consumption rate
- A float plan including destination, expected return time, and number of people aboard (Correct answer)
- A list of each passenger's swimming ability
- The vessel's insurance policy number
Correct answer: A float plan including destination, expected return time, and number of people aboard
A float plan gives rescuers critical information about where to search if the vessel does not return as expected.
PCOC Passenger Safety and Service 3
Before allowing passengers to board, the operator should verify which of the following?