PCOC Rules and Regulations for Operation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Collision Regulations, which vessel is considered the 'give-way' vessel when a power-driven vessel meets a sailing vessel?
- The sailing vessel
- The power-driven vessel (Correct answer)
- Whichever vessel is moving faster
- The vessel on the port side
Correct answer: The power-driven vessel
A power-driven vessel underway must give way to a sailing vessel under the Collision Regulations.
Question 2: What does a single prolonged blast on a horn (4–6 seconds) indicate when a vessel is leaving a dock?
- The vessel is in distress
- The vessel is warning of its departure (Correct answer)
- The vessel is requesting a drawbridge opening
- The vessel is anchored in fog
Correct answer: The vessel is warning of its departure
One prolonged blast is a warning signal used when a vessel is getting underway from a berth.
Question 3: What is the minimum age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) unsupervised in most Canadian provinces?
- 12 years old
- 14 years old
- 16 years old (Correct answer)
- 18 years old
Correct answer: 16 years old
Most Canadian provinces require operators to be at least 16 years old to operate a PWC without supervision.
Question 4: When two power-driven vessels are in a crossing situation, which vessel must give way?
- The vessel on the port side of the other (Correct answer)
- The vessel on the starboard side of the other
- The slower vessel
- The larger vessel
Correct answer: The vessel on the port side of the other
In a crossing situation, the vessel that has the other on its starboard side is the stand-on vessel; the vessel that sees the other on its port side must give way.
Question 5: What does a white buoy with an orange diamond and black lettering indicate?
- Safe water ahead
- Controlled area with speed limits
- Danger or hazard ahead (Correct answer)
- Boat exclusion zone
Correct answer: Danger or hazard ahead
An orange diamond on a white buoy is a hazard marker warning boaters of rocks, shoals, or other dangers.
Question 6: Which of the following activities is prohibited within 30 metres of a diver's flag?
- Anchoring your vessel
- Operating a vessel at any speed (Correct answer)
- Fishing from shore
- Swimming without a life jacket
Correct answer: Operating a vessel at any speed
Vessels must stay at least 30 metres away from a diver's flag and must not operate in that zone.
Question 7: At what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is it illegal to operate a pleasure craft in Canada?
- 0.05%
- 0.06%
- 0.08% (Correct answer)
- 0.10%
Correct answer: 0.08%
Operating a pleasure craft with a BAC of 0.08% or higher is a criminal offence under the Canada Shipping Act.
PCOC Rules and Regulations for Operation 2
Under the Collision Regulations, which vessel is considered the 'give-way' vessel when a power-driven vessel meets a sailing vessel?