Unit 1: Before Getting Underway

Question 1

Vessel

Answer 1

A ship, pleasure craft, or non-pleasure craft capable of being used as a means of transportation on water

Question 2

Pleasure Craft

Answer 2

A vessel that is used only for pleasure or recreational activities, such as fishing or water sports, and does not carry paid passengers

Question 3

Non-Pleasure Craft

Answer 3

A small commercial vessel that carries goods or passengers (people who have paid a fee to be transported), a workboat, a commercial fishing vessel, etc.

Question 4

Boat:

Answer 4

A pleasure craft

Question 5

Power-Driven Vessel

Answer 5

Any vessel that is propelled by a motor or machinery

Question 6

Sailing Vessel

Answer 6

Any vessel that is propelled only by wind in its sails and not by a motor or machinery

Question 7

Operate

Answer 7

To control the speed and course of a pleasure craft

Question 8

Operator

Answer 8

The person in control of the speed and course of a pleasure craft

Question 9

Design Waterline

Answer 9

The waterline when a pleasure craft is at its maximum recommended gross load capacity

Question 10

bow

Answer 10

Front of a vessel

Question 11

cleat

Answer 11

Metal fitting on which a rope can be fastened

Question 12

gunwale

Answer 12

Upper edge of vessel’s side (generally pronounced “gunnel”)

Question 13

hull

Answer 13

Body of a vessel

Question 14

port

Answer 14

Left side of a vessel

Question 15

propeller

Answer 15

Rotates and powers a boat forward or backward

Question 16

starboard

Answer 16

Right side of a vessel

Question 17

stern

Answer 17

Rear of a vessel

Question 18

Beam:

Answer 18

Maximum width of a boat

Question 19

Freeboard

Answer 19

Distance from water to lowest point of the boat where water could come on board

Question 20

Draft:

Answer 20

Depth of water needed to float a boat or PWC

Question 21

Keel:

Answer 21

Main centreline (backbone) of a boat or the extension of hull that increases stability in the water

Question 22

Two types of boat hulls

Answer 22

Displacement

Planning

Question 23

Displacement Hull Elaborated

Answer 23

Boats with displacement hulls move through the water by pushing the water aside and are designed to cut through the water with very little propulsion.

If you lower a boat into the water, some of the water moves out of the way to adjust for the boat. If you could weigh that displaced water, you would find it equals the weight of the boat. That weight is the boat’s displacement.
Boats with displacement hulls are limited to slower speeds.
A round-bottomed hull shape acts as a displacement hull. Most large cruisers and most sailboats have displacement hulls, allowing them to travel more smoothly through the water.

Question 24

Planning Hull Elaborated

Answer 24

Boats with planing hulls are designed to rise up and glide on top of the water when enough power is supplied. These boats may operate like displacement hulls when at rest or at slow speeds but climb toward the surface of the water as they move faster.

Boats with planing hulls can skim along at high speed, riding almost on top of the water rather than pushing it aside.
Flat-bottomed and vee-bottomed hull shapes act as planing hulls. Most small power-driven boats, including personal watercraft (PWCs), and some small sailboats have planing hulls, allowing them to travel more rapidly across the water.

Question 25

personal watercraft

Answer 25

A small pleasure craft that uses an inboard jet drive as its primary source of propulsion, and is designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on the PWC rather than inside the pleasure craft (Jet ski)

PWCs are subject to all of the same laws and requirements of any other vessel plus a few laws specific to PWCs.

Question 26

Displacement Mode:

Answer 26

A planing hull, when operated at very slow speeds, will cut through the water like a displacement hull.

Question 27

Plowing Mode:

Answer 27

As speed increases, a planing hull will have a raised bow, reducing the operator’s vision and throwing a very large wake. Avoid maintaining a speed that puts your boat in plowing mode

Question 28

Planing Mode:

Answer 28

Your boat is in planing mode when enough power is applied so that the hull glides on top of the water. Different boats reach planing mode at different speeds.

Question 29

Measuring Length Overall (LOA)

Answer 29

When boating, the length overall dictates the equipment the pleasure craft must carry to comply with Canadian law. Length overall is measured from the tip of the bow in a straight line to the stern of the pleasure craft, including any rear deck extensions (platforms). Bow sprits; rudders; outboard motors and motor brackets; handles; and other fittings and attachments are not included in the measurement.

Question 30

Grouping vessels by length

Answer 30

Pleasure Craft 6 metres or less in length
Pleasure Craft more than 6 metres in length
Non-Pleasure Craft 6 metres or less in length
Non-Pleasure Craft more than 6 metres in length

Question 31

Bow Sprit

Answer 31

A pole extending forward from a sailing vessel’s bow

Question 32

Tiller

Answer 32

Handle used to turn a rudder to steer a boat

Question 33

transom

Answer 33

Vertical surface at the back of the hull

Question 34

Outboard

Answer 34

An outboard is a portable, self-contained package of an engine, gear case, and propeller that is attached to the transom of a boat.

A growing number of outboard engines are of four-stroke design, but many are still conventional two-stroke engines that burn oil as a lubricant along with the fuel. New-technology two-stroke outboards are direct-injection engines and burn over 75% cleaner than conventional two-stroke outboards.

Question 35

Inboard Engines

Answer 35

An inboard is a four-stroke automotive engine adapted for marine use. Inboard engines are mounted inside the hull’s midsection or in front of the transom.

The engine turns a drive shaft that runs through the bottom of the hull and is attached to a propeller at the other end.

Question 36

rudder

Answer 36

Steering device, usually a vertical blade attached to a post at, or near, the stern of the boat

Steering of most inboard boats, except PWCs and jet-drive boats, is controlled by a rudder behind the propeller.

Question 37

Stern Drives

Answer 37

Stern drives are known also as inboard/outboards (I/Os) because they combine features found on both inboard and outboard engines. Stern-drive engines:

• Are four-stroke automotive engines adapted for marine use and…
• Are mounted inside the boat and…
• Are quieter and more fuel-efficient engines.

Question 38

Jet Drives

Answer 38

Jet drives use an engine to power a strong water pump. The pump sucks up water and then forces a jet of water out the back of the boat to thrust the boat forward. Directing this jet of water steers the boat.

Personal watercraft are the most common type of pleasure craft that use a jet drive.

Jet drives also may power larger boats (jet boats) and are used commonly for boats designed for shallow water conditions. Jet boats can have inboard or outboard jet drives.

Question 39

impeller

Answer 39

Device used to pump and force water under pressure through a steering nozzle at the rear of the vessel

Question 40

intake

Answer 40

Opening in the hull that draws water toward the impeller

Question 41

intake grate

Answer 41

Screening cover over the intake, which prevents large debris from entering

Question 42

engine shut-off line

Answer 42

Short cord for attaching the ignition safety switch to the operator’s wrist flotation device (lifejacket or PFD)

Question 43

Steering control

Answer 43

Means of controlling the steering nozzle

Question 44

Drive Shaft

Answer 44

The long stem connection between the motor and the impeller

Question 45

Compliance Notice

Answer 45

A pleasure craft’s compliance notice shows that the pleasure craft was in compliance with the construction requirements at the time the pleasure craft was built or imported (the latest of the two). If the pleasure craft is 6 metres (19.7 feet) or less in length, the compliance notice also will include the maximum recommended safe capacity and horsepower limits.

Question 46

helm

Answer 46

Lever or wheel that controls a pleasure craft’s steering

Question 47

ISO 13590

Answer 47

International Standard Organization Standard ISO 13590, Small Craft — Personal Watercraft — Construction and System Installation Requirements

Question 48

Three type of compliance notices

Answer 48

For vessels 6 metres (19.7 feet) or less in length, the compliance notice includes the maximum recommended safe limits.

For vessels more than 6 metres (19.7 feet) in length, there are compliance notices for:

• Pleasure craft
• Non-pleasure craft

Question 49

Compliance Notices: Vessels 6 Metres or Less in Length

Answer 49

A compliance notice for a pleasure craft of 6 metres (19.7 feet) or less in length gives maximum recommended safe limits for that boat. These limits are:

• Maximum number of people who can be on board
• Maximum weight (gross load capacity) the pleasure craft is designed to carry, including people, motor, equipment, etc.
• Maximum outboard motor weight and horsepower (for an outboard-powered pleasure craft)

Question 50

If your pleasure craft is 6 metres (19.7 feet) or less in length, is powered by an outboard motor, and does not have a compliance notice, use the following formula to calculate the maximum number of people the pleasure craft can carry safely in good weather.

Answer 50

Number of people = recommended maximum gross load (in kg) - total weight of outboard engine and equipment (in kg) ÷ 75

ex: For example, for an outboard-powered boat that is 6 metres (19.7 feet) or less in length with a recommended maximum gross load of 578 kg, an engine weighing 228 kg, and equipment weighing 50 kg, the number of people is 578 kg minus 278 kg divided by 75, which equals four 75-kg/165-lb people (or a total person weight of 4 × 75, or 300 kg/660 lbs).

Question 51

Float Plan

Answer 51

A float plan (also called a sail, trip, or rescue plan) includes your travel route and a basic description of your pleasure craft. You should file a float plan with a responsible person before going out on a boat or PWC, even if it’s just for a couple of hours.

Question 52

Short Outings (Float plan)

Answer 52

For shorter daytime outings on the water, at a minimum you should:

• Contact a responsible person before you go out, and tell him or her where you will be boating and when you plan to return. This is the most important information in a float plan.
• Ask that person to contact a Joint Rescue Coordination Centre or Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre if you fail to return on time.
• Contact this person again when you return or if you decide to extend your time out on the water.

Question 53

Extended Outings (Float Plan)

Answer 53

For extended outings on the water, leave a float plan with a relative or friend, or at least a local marina. You also should file a daily position report, especially if your planned route has changed.

Your float plan should:

Describe the pleasure craft, including its name and licence number, length, make, colour, and engine type.
Give your name, address, telephone number, and number of people on board in case of emergency.
State your proposed route, your planned departure time, and your expected return time. Include the location of all stopping points, dates, and times.
Give the phone number for Joint Rescue Coordination Centre or Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre in case you fail to return when expected.
Contact the person who has your float plan when you return from your outing to let them know that you are back.

Question 54

Before Fueling

Answer 54

Never fuel at night unless it is an emergency.

If you must refuel after dark, use only electric lights. To protect the water environment, try to refuel away from the water or on a commercial fueling ramp. Follow these procedures in order to fuel safely and responsibly.
Before beginning to fuel:

Tie the pleasure craft securely to the fuel dock.
Ask all passengers to leave the pleasure craft and go onto the dock.
Do not allow anyone in your group or others at the fuel dock to smoke, strike a match, or use a lighter.
Check to see that fuel lines, connections, and fuel vents are in good condition.
Turn off anything that might cause a spark—engines, fans, or electrical equipment.
Shut off all fuel valves and extinguish all open flames, such as galley stoves and pilot lights.
Close all windows, ports, doors, and other openings to prevent vapours from entering the pleasure craft.
Remove portable fuel tanks from the pleasure craft and fill them on the dock.
Make sure that your fire extinguisher is within reach.

Question 55

While Fueling

Answer 55

While filling the fuel tank:

Keep the nozzle of the fuel-pump hose in solid contact with the tank opening to prevent producing a static spark.
Use caution and fill the tank slowly to avoid spilling fuel into the boat’s bilge or into the water. Use an absorbent bilge cloth to catch drips or spills.
Never fill a tank to the brim—leave room for fuel to expand.

Question 56

bilge

Answer 56

Interior of the hull below the floorboards; lowest part of a boat’s interior where the sides of the boat curve in to form the bottom

Question 57

After Fueling

Answer 57

Put the fill cap on tightly to prevent vapours from escaping.
Wipe up any spilled fuel and properly dispose of the used paper towels or rags on shore.
Open all windows, ports, doors, and other openings.
If your pleasure craft is equipped with a power ventilation system (exhaust blower), turn it on for at least four minutes before starting your engine. This will help eliminate fuel vapours in the bilge.
Before starting the engine, sniff the bilge and engine compartment for fuel vapours. Continue ventilating until you cannot smell any fuel vapours. Consider installing a gas vapour detection and alarm device.
Start the engine and then reload your passengers.

Question 58

Fueling a PWC

Answer 58

Serious accidents also can occur when fueling a personal watercraft (PWC). Spilled or leaked fuel can ignite and explode, especially in an enclosed space. PWC operators should pay particular attention to these fueling guidelines.

Check the entire fuel system for leaks and inspect fuel system connections frequently. Engine vibrations and the pounding from operating on rough water can loosen connections.
Avoid fuel spills when fueling in or near the water.
Do not tip the PWC in order to fill it all the way up. The tank is designed to leave space for the fuel to expand. If the tank is overfilled, the fuel may expand and spill into the water.
After fueling, open the door of the PWC’s engine compartment and sniff to check for any evidence of fuel vapours. Do this before starting the engine. If you do smell fuel vapours, determine the source and make repairs immediately.

Question 59

Courtesy on the Ramp (DO NOT POWER LOAD - CREATES MOUNDS)

Answer 59

Prepare your boat for launching or for the drive home well away from the ramp.

Never block a ramp with an unattended boat or vehicle. Move the boat away from the launch lane immediately after removing it from the trailer. Return briefly to pick up the vehicle driver once he or she has parked the vehicle and is back at the ramp.

When retrieving, do not pull your boat into a launch lane until the towing vehicle is at the ramp. The line is formed by vehicles with trailers, not by boats in the water. Drop off the vehicle driver, and wait offshore and clear of the ramp until he or she arrives with the trailer.

Question 60

Pleasure Craft Maintenance

Answer 60

Keeping your pleasure craft well-maintained will extend its life and give you and your family many more years of enjoyment.

Examine the interior and exterior of the hull when it is out of the water.
Check for oxidation, a common problem on aluminum hulls, which appears as white powder spots.
Use fine sandpaper on oxidized areas until spots are replaced by bright shiny metal.
If you sand, scrape, or remove any antifoulant coating from your pleasure craft’s hull, collect all paint residue and dispose of it properly at a household waste facility.
To slow the growth of marine organisms, use regular paint and a coat of slick bottom wax instead of an antifoulant coating.
The wax will prevent surface dirt from sticking, reducing the need for detergents when you wash your pleasure craft.
If you have a small boat, you can avoid using antifouling paint by storing the boat on dry land.
To protect the environment, use only plain water or environmentally safe, non-phosphate detergents to remove algae and oil from fiberglass hulls.
Clean the hull frequently with a long-handled brush at your home or marina to reduce the need for antifoulant coatings.
Avoid abrasive materials, which can remove the shiny top layer (gel coat).
Patch holes immediately with a fiberglass patching compound.
Check through-hull fittings to make sure they are not cracked or leaking.
Remove all puddles from the interior before and after every outing.
Store pleasure craft in a dry area out of the sun. If you must store the pleasure craft for a long period of time, place the trailer on blocks to preserve the tires. Keep the pleasure craft covered, leaving an opening to circulate air. Hang canoes upside down.
Clean all lines (ropes). Dirt and sand cause deterioration. Keep lines out of the sun when not in use, and replace weakened or fraying lines.
Clean sails with a soft brush. Examine them for small tears or open seams that can be repaired by taping or sewing.
Refer to the owner’s manual for a maintenance schedule.