Mixed Deck — All SVOP Topics Flashcards

What is the safest approach angle when coming alongside a dock in calm conditions?

Answer: 30 degrees, reducing to near-parallel

A 30-degree approach lets you control speed and pivot the stern in at the last moment with a burst of reverse or a spring line. Steeper angles risk a broadside collision; too shallow reduces control.

Which of the following is NOT typically found in the title block or marginal notes of a Canadian nautical chart?

Answer: Real-time vessel traffic information

A nautical chart's title block and marginal notes contain essential static information like the scale, projection, units for depths and heights, and the reference datum. Real-time information, such as live vessel traffic, is dynamic and obtained from systems like AIS (Automatic Identification System), not printed on the chart itself.

What factors affect a vessel's ability to stop quickly in an emergency, and why is this important for passenger safety?

Answer: Vessel displacement, speed, hull resistance, engine astern power, and sea state — heavier/faster vessels require significantly longer stopping distances, affecting safe operating speeds near berths and other vessels

Stopping distance depends on speed (increases as the square of speed), displacement (heavier vessel = more momentum), hull form (planing hulls lose speed faster than displacement hulls), effectiveness of reverse thrust (astern power), and sea state (head sea assists stopping).

What steps should a commercial vessel operator take when encountering a medical emergency aboard?

Answer: Assess and stabilise the patient, radio MCTS/Coast Guard for medical advice (MEDICO), and proceed to the nearest appropriate facility

Medical emergencies: assess ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation), administer first aid, contact MCTS on Ch 16 to request MEDICO (medical advice by radio), and proceed to the nearest appropriate medical facility or rendezvous with emergency services.

Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), which of the following is the defining characteristic of an overtaking situation?

Answer: The overtaking vessel is approaching the other from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam.

Rule 13(b) of the COLREGs defines a vessel as overtaking when it is 'coming up with another vessel from a direction more than 22.5 degrees abaft her beam'. This means the overtaking vessel is in a sector where, at night, it would only see the sternlight of the vessel ahead, but neither of its sidelights.

What is the best action to take if you see a man overboard?

Answer: Shout “Man overboard!” and keep the person in sight

The immediate and most crucial action when a person falls overboard is to shout "Man overboard!" loudly and clearly to alert everyone on board. Simultaneously, you must keep the person in sight at all times, pointing at them if necessary, to ensure they don't disappear from view while the vessel is maneuvered for recovery. This initial response is critical for a successful rescue.

When manoeuvring a small vessel in reverse, which side does a single right-hand propeller typically cause the stern to walk toward?

Answer: Port (left)

A right-hand (clockwise) propeller in reverse causes the stern to walk to port due to propeller torque and the paddle-wheel effect acting on the lower blade, which has greater bite.

What is the meaning of five or more short blasts on a vessel's whistle?

Answer: Danger signal — the vessel is unsure of the other vessel's intentions or believes a collision is imminent

Five or more short blasts is the doubt or danger signal under Rule 34(d). It means the vessel is in doubt about the other's intentions or actions, or that a collision risk exists and immediate action is required.

According to the Safe Boating Guide and Small Vessel Regulations, when must navigation lights be displayed?

Answer: From sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility such as fog

Navigation lights must be shown from sunset to sunrise and during any period of restricted visibility, such as fog, rain, or snow, regardless of the time of day, as required by the Collision Regulations.

What VHF radio channel is designated for distress, safety, and calling in Canadian waters, and what is the protocol for routine use?

Answer: Channel 16 — the universal distress/safety/calling channel that must be monitored at all times; routine vessel-to-vessel traffic must move to a working channel after initial contact on 16

VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international distress, safety, and calling channel. All vessels equipped with VHF must monitor Ch 16 continuously. Routine communications: call the other vessel on Ch 16, agree on a working channel (68, 71, 72, 73, etc.), and switch — keep Ch 16 clear.

While operating near the coast on a sunny afternoon, you notice a steady wind developing from the sea towards the land. What is this local wind phenomenon called and what is its primary cause?

Answer: A sea breeze, caused by the land heating up faster than the adjacent sea.

This phenomenon is a sea breeze. During the day, the land heats up more quickly than the water. The air over the land becomes warmer and less dense, causing it to rise. Cooler, denser air from over the sea then moves in to replace the rising warm air, creating an onshore wind.

When communicating on VHF radio, what technique should you use to indicate you are finished speaking and expect a reply?

Answer: Say 'Over' to signal you have finished your transmission and await a response

'Over' is the correct radio procedure term meaning your transmission is complete and you expect a response from the other party.

Which of the following actions is required by good seamanship when operating a small vessel?

Answer: Securing all loose gear on deck before getting underway.

Good seamanship involves the prudent and skillful management of a vessel. Securing loose gear is a fundamental safety practice to prevent items from falling overboard, becoming a hazard on deck, or causing damage in rough seas. The other options are incorrect as speed must be adjusted for conditions, passing side depends on the situation, and anchoring is permissible in many locations outside of designated areas, provided it is safe and not prohibited.

What is the correct procedure for using a portable fire extinguisher (PASS technique)?

Answer: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side

PASS: Pull the pin (breaks the tamper seal), Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire (the fuel source, not the flames), Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side across the base of the fire.

On which VHF channel do boaters typically communicate with bridge tenders to request a bridge opening?

Answer: Channel 13

VHF Channel 13 is the designated bridge-to-bridge navigation channel used to communicate with bridge tenders, lock operators, and nearby vessels.

What is 'pilotage' and when is it required for commercial vessels in Canadian waters?

Answer: Navigation of a vessel through coastal or harbour waters using local knowledge of hazards, tides, and channels — compulsory pilotage areas require a licensed pilot aboard certain vessel classes

Pilotage is specialised navigation using local knowledge. Under the Pilotage Act, compulsory pilotage areas (e.g., St. Lawrence, Pacific Coast, Atlantic) require certain classes of foreign and domestic vessels to take on a licensed pilot. Commercial small vessels may be exempt but must navigate the same hazardous waters with due care.

What is a 'Cardinal Buoy' and what does a north cardinal mark indicate?

Answer: Cardinal marks are placed to indicate safe water lies on the named cardinal side of the mark — a north cardinal indicates safe water to the north of the hazard

Cardinal marks are yellow and black buoys placed near hazards, indicating that the safest water lies on the named cardinal side. A north cardinal mark: safe water is north of the buoy. Pass to the north of it.

What lights does an anchored vessel display at night in an anchorage?

Answer: An all-round white light forward (and another aft for vessels over 50 m) — vessels under 7 m in a designated anchorage are exempt

Rule 30 requires an anchored vessel to show one all-round white light in the forward part of the vessel, and for vessels 50 m or more, a second all-round white light at the stern, lower than the forward light. Vessels under 7 m anchored outside a fairway or special anchorage may be exempt.

What effect does shallow water have on a vessel's handling?

Answer: Squat increases, stern sinks, steering becomes sluggish

In shallow water, flow is restricted under the hull, causing the bow to rise slightly and the stern to squat. Steering response deteriorates and the vessel may be drawn toward the bank (bank effect).

What is 'compass deviation' and how is it determined for a vessel?

Answer: The error in the compass caused by the vessel's own magnetic field — determined by swinging the vessel on known headings and comparing compass readings to magnetic bearings

Deviation is the error in the compass caused by the magnetic influence of the vessel's own iron, steel, and electrical systems. It varies with heading. It is determined by 'swinging the compass' — comparing compass readings against known magnetic bearings on multiple headings — and recorded on a deviation card.