Printable Boating License Practice Test (PCOC)

60 PCOC practice questions on one printable page, three from each of our 20 topics, with a separate answer key. Save it as a PDF from your browser. Free.

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If you would rather study away from a screen, at the cottage or on a dock with no signal, this page puts 60 Pleasure Craft Operator Card practice questions on one sheet you can print or save as a PDF. They are spread evenly across our 20 topics, three from each, so a single sheet touches every part of the course: the equipment your boat must carry for its length, buoys and daybeacons, right-of-way and horn signals, navigation lights, cold-water survival, fines and the limits for young operators. The answer key, with a short explanation and the source of each item, starts on a separate page after question 60.

Use it the way the real test works. The federal regulation sets the PCOC test at 36 questions with a 75% pass mark, so 45 out of 60 on this sheet is the same bar, and 50 or more gives you a safer margin. Mark your answers in pencil, check them against the key, then reread the pages of Transport Canada's free Safe Boating Guide behind the ones you missed. Every question is our own, written from that guide and the Collision Regulations, not copied from a provider's course manual or from the confidential test bank.

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1.A boating restriction sign is arrow-shaped. What does that mean?
1. A marina or boat launch is in that direction
2. You must turn that way
3. It applies in the arrow's direction
4. It applies only at night
2.Your 6 m boat is anchored in a quiet cove far from any channel or anchorage. Must it show an anchor light?
1. Only if it has a cabin
2. No, under 7 m away from traffic is exempt
3. Only after midnight
4. Yes, every anchored boat must show one at night
3.What kind of top does an unlighted starboard hand buoy have?
1. A round top
2. A pointed (conical) top
3. A yellow X topmark
4. A flat top
4.How long is a 'short blast' on a horn or whistle?
1. About 3 seconds
2. About 10 seconds
3. About 1 second
4. 4 to 6 seconds
5.Which of these is an aquatic invasive species found in Canada?
1. Common loon
2. Lake trout
3. Quagga mussel
4. Walleye
6.What is an ODAS buoy used for?
1. Mooring large ships
2. Marking a dive site
3. Collecting weather and scientific data
4. Marking a channel junction in open water
7.What is the fine for operating a vessel in an unsafe way?
1. $100
2. $350
3. $250
4. $500
8.An approaching boat's compass bearing from you is not changing as it gets closer. What does this mean?
1. It is moving away from you
2. It will pass well astern
3. Risk of collision exists
4. It has stopped
9.Who publishes Canada's official nautical charts and publications?
1. The Canadian Hydrographic Service
2. Service Canada
3. Transport Canada's licensing centre
4. Parks Canada
10.You see a red spar buoy while going upstream. What does it tell you?
1. Keep it on your starboard (right) side
2. No anchoring nearby
3. A diver is below
4. Keep it on your port (left) side
11.Why is firing off expired flares on a calm summer evening a bad way to dispose of them?
1. It is allowed only on holidays
2. It is a criminal offence
3. They will not ignite after expiry
4. It voids your boat insurance
12.Can you use a remote-controlled boat to tow a person on a kneeboard?
1. No, never
2. Yes, in daylight
3. Yes, under 10 km/h
4. Yes, with a spotter on shore
13.Hypothermia begins when your body temperature drops below what level?
1. 35°C
2. 37°C
3. 30°C
4. 25°C
14.What is the maximum speed for entering a lock?
1. 10 km/h
2. 20 km/h
3. The posted lake limit
4. 5 knots
15.How does a Mayday call on VHF begin?
1. 'Help' three times, then your phone number
2. 'Pan-Pan' twice, then 'Mayday' once
3. Your location, then 'Mayday' once
4. 'Mayday' three times, then the boat name three times
16.Which statement about a pleasure craft licence is true?
1. It replaces the operator card
2. It is not proof of ownership
3. It is issued at Service Canada counters
4. It must be renewed every year
17.A 14-year-old wants to wear her mother's inflatable PFD while tubing behind the boat. What is the problem?
1. It must be inflated before boarding
2. Nothing; inflatable PFDs suit all ages and activities
3. Inflatables must be yellow
4. Inflatables aren't allowed for under-16s or tubing
18.Which anchor type is meant only for semi-permanent moorings?
1. Plow (CQR) anchor
2. Folding grapple
3. Mushroom anchor
4. Claw (Bruce) anchor
19.You have lost your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Who do you contact for a replacement?
1. The nearest Coast Guard base
2. Your provincial motor vehicle office
3. The course provider that issued it
4. Transport Canada's licensing centre
20.Where is carbon monoxide most dangerous for swimmers?
1. Near the bow when anchored
2. In open water, well away from the running boat
3. In shallow water near shore
4. Under swim platforms and between pontoons
21.Who implements local boating restrictions under the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations?
1. The Canadian Coast Guard
2. Marina owners
3. Local authorities
4. Boating clubs
22.A sailboat may show two all-round lights in a vertical line at the top of the mast. What colours are they?
1. White over red
2. Red over green
3. Red over white
4. Green over red
23.A white buoy has an orange square with the words 'MARINA' inside. What kind of buoy is it?
1. A keep out buoy
2. A control buoy
3. An information buoy
4. A hazard buoy
24.How often does a vessel at anchor in fog ring its bell rapidly for about 5 seconds?
1. Every 5 minutes
2. Only when it hears a boat
3. Every 2 minutes
4. At least every minute
25.Your boat has a toilet and you boat on Ontario waters. What is required?
1. Any chemical toilet
2. A portable toilet
3. A holding tank emptied at pump-outs
4. Overboard discharge 3 km offshore
26.Will a diving buoy normally appear on your nautical chart?
1. Only on Pacific charts
2. Yes, always
3. Yes, but only near busy harbours
4. No, it is not normally charted
27.In which province are boating offences dealt with in court, with fines up to $25,000, instead of by ticket?
1. Nova Scotia
2. Ontario
3. British Columbia
4. Alberta
28.If you are in doubt about whether a risk of collision exists, what must you assume?
1. That the risk exists
2. That you have the right of way
3. That no risk exists
4. That the other boat will turn
29.What is a pleasure craft courtesy check?
1. A licence renewal inspection
2. A police check that can lead to fines
3. A paid inspection every 5 years
4. A free, no-penalty check by trained volunteers
30.Heading upstream, you see a port hand daybeacon on a post. Where do you keep it?
1. On either side
2. On your port (left) side
3. On your starboard (right) side
4. Directly ahead
31.When should you use an orange smoke signal?
1. Only from shore
2. Only in daylight
3. Only in thick fog
4. Only at night
32.The skier you are about to tow is not wearing a lifejacket. What must you have?
1. A signed waiver
2. A second spotter watching the skier
3. A tow rope over 30 m
4. A lifejacket on board for them
33.Which person-overboard manoeuvre is fastest and best in calm water with good visibility?
1. Reversing straight back
2. A figure-eight at full speed
3. The Anderson (single) turn
4. The Williamson turn
34.What is the danger of passing between a tug and the barge it is towing?
1. The tug will sound five blasts
2. The tow line may be just under the surface
3. The barge has the right to ram you
4. Barges never make a wake
35.What does a Sécurité broadcast usually announce?
1. A request for a tow
2. A life-threatening injury on board
3. Safety information, like a hazard
4. A boat that is sinking
36.You just bought a licensed boat from its previous owner. How long do you have to transfer the licence into your name?
1. 7 days
2. 60 days
3. 30 days
4. 90 days
37.How does a PFD compare with a lifejacket?
1. Approved only for children under 40 kg
2. Required on all SOLAS vessels
3. More comfortable, but less able to turn you face-up
4. More flotation, and it turns you face-up much faster
38.What is the right way to set an anchor?
1. Throw it as far as you can
2. Lower it gently from the bow
3. Drop it while moving at speed
4. Drop it from the stern
39.A 15-year-old asks to drive a personal watercraft while her father rides behind her. Is this allowed?
1. Yes, during daylight only
2. Yes, with direct supervision
3. Yes, if the PWC is under 40 hp
4. No, under 16 cannot operate a PWC
40.Why are leaking propane and gasoline vapours so dangerous on a boat?
1. They are lighter than air and disperse fast
2. They are heavier than air and collect low
3. They rise and escape quickly
4. They can't burn when cold
41.What minimum distance from marine mammals do the rules generally require?
1. 25 m when idling
2. 50 m or more
3. 10 m
4. 100 m or more
42.Your 14 m sailboat is motoring along the coast in daylight with its sails up. What shape must it display?
1. A black ball in the rigging
2. A diamond on the mast
3. A cone, point down, forward
4. A cylinder at the stern
43.Which of these might a yellow cautionary buoy be warning you about?
1. An aquaculture site
2. A public swimming beach
3. The centre of a channel
4. A safe mooring
44.On the coast, a power-driven ship in sight of you gives one short blast. What does it mean?
1. I am altering my course to starboard
2. I doubt your intentions
3. I am altering my course to port
4. I am operating astern propulsion
45.What does the guide recommend to soak up oil and fuel in your bilge?
1. Absorbent bilge cloths
2. High-pressure hot water
3. Bleach
4. Biodegradable dish detergent
46.What does a keep out buoy tell you?
1. Swimmers may be present
2. Slow to 10 km/h in the area
3. Anchoring is allowed there
4. Your vessel may not enter the area
47.You tow a water-skier without a spotter on board. What is the fine?
1. $500
2. $350
3. $100
4. $250
48.Two sailboats approach each other with the wind on different sides. Which must keep out of the way?
1. The one to leeward
2. The larger of the two
3. The one with the wind on its port side
4. The one with the wind on its starboard side
49.You haven't returned by the time in your sail plan. Who should your contact call?
1. Your boat insurance company
2. Environment Canada
3. The Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre
4. A Joint Rescue Coordination Centre
50.Going upstream, you reach a bifurcation buoy whose top band is red. To stay in the main channel, how do you pass it?
1. Stop and wait for a signal
2. Keep it on your starboard (right) side
3. Keep it on your port (left) side
4. Pass it on either side
51.It is getting dark and a search plane is circling overhead looking for you. Which signal is best suited to help it find you?
1. A dye marker
2. A hand flare
3. A buoyant smoke signal
4. A hand-held smoke signal
52.Can a paddleboard leash replace your lifejacket or PFD?
1. Yes, if you can swim
2. Yes, on calm water
3. Yes, if you stay within 30 m of the shore
4. No, you still need a lifejacket or PFD
53.Someone falls overboard. What should you do first?
1. Sound the alarm and slow down
2. Speed up to circle back
3. Jump in after them
4. Call your insurance company
54.At a lock station, what does the blue line on the mooring wharf show?
1. Where swimming is allowed near the lock
2. Where to wait for the next lockage
3. The maximum water depth
4. Where fuel is sold
55.You accidentally send a DSC distress alert. What should you do?
1. Phone your marina about it
2. Send a second alert to cancel
3. Cancel it on channel 16 with name and MMSI
4. Turn the radio off and say nothing
56.Which document proves legal ownership of a boat and gives it the right to fly the Canadian flag?
1. Pleasure Craft Operator Card
2. Pleasure craft licence
3. Compliance notice
4. Vessel registration
57.Which type of lifejacket turns an unconscious person face-up the fastest?
1. Inflatable pouch PFD
2. Small vessel lifejacket
3. Standard lifejacket
4. SOLAS lifejacket
58.When are navigation lights required on a pleasure craft?
1. Only when anchored overnight
2. Sunset to sunrise and in low visibility
3. Only when you are over 1 mile from shore
4. Only on boats over 12 m
59.An 11-year-old wants to drive the family boat with no one aged 16 or older aboard supervising. What is the largest motor allowed?
1. 40 hp (30 kW)
2. 25 hp (18.5 kW)
3. 10 hp (7.5 kW)
4. No motor at all
60.Your passengers are on board when you pull up to the fuel dock. What should they do while you fuel?
1. Hold the fuel nozzle
2. Move up to the bow
3. Stay seated in the cabin
4. Go ashore

Answer key with explanations

1. C — It applies in the arrow's direction
Arrow-shaped restriction signs mean the restriction applies in the direction the arrow points.
Speed, wake, noise and local restrictions · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 44 — Know how to read a restriction sign
2. B — No, under 7 m away from traffic is exempt
Boats under 7 m need not show anchor lights or shapes unless they are in or near a narrow channel, fairway, anchorage or where other vessels usually navigate.
Navigation lights and shapes · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 30 — Table 7: boats at anchor
3. B — A pointed (conical) top
Unlighted starboard buoys have a pointed, conical top; unlighted port buoys have a flat top.
Buoy numbers, tops, lights and markings · Based on: An Owner's Guide to Private Buoys (Transport Canada, 2021), Ch. Buoy selection and examples, p. 14 — Figure 2: Starboard buoy
4. C — About 1 second
A short blast lasts about one second, while a prolonged blast lasts four to six seconds.
Sound signals · Based on: Collision Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1416, current to 2026-09-21), Ch. Schedule 1 Part D Sound and light signals, Rule 32 — Definitions
5. C — Quagga mussel
Zebra mussels, quagga mussels and spiny waterfleas are examples of aquatic invasive species in Canada.
Protecting the water · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Respect and protect Canada's waterways, p. 56 — Help keep out invaders
6. C — Collecting weather and scientific data
An ocean data acquisition system (ODAS) buoy collects weather and other scientific data.
Cardinal and special buoys · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Reference cards, p. 65 — Special buoys: scientific (ODAS)
7. D — $500
Operating a vessel in an unsafe way is the highest listed contravention fine, at $500.
Impaired boating, fines and visitors · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 46 — Table 9: Boating offences and fines
8. C — Risk of collision exists
A steady compass bearing on an approaching vessel means you are on a collision course and must act.
Rules of the road (Collision Regulations) · Based on: Collision Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1416, current to 2026-09-21), Ch. Schedule 1 Part B Steering and sailing rules, Rule 7 — Risk of collision
9. A — The Canadian Hydrographic Service
The Canadian Hydrographic Service publishes nautical charts and publications, sold through chart dealers.
Trip planning, weather and loading · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Before you go, p. 33 — Carry and use official nautical charts
10. A — Keep it on your starboard (right) side
Any red lateral buoy, whether spar, pillar or conical, is a starboard hand buoy kept on your right going upstream.
Lateral buoys and daybeacons · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Reference cards, p. 64 — Lateral buoys
11. B — It is a criminal offence
Firing flares in a non-emergency is a criminal offence and can trigger a needless search; return them to the distributor instead.
Flares and visual distress signals · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 25 — How to dispose of distress signals
12. A — No, never
The guide says not to use remote-controlled boats for towing, and remote-controlled vessels are illegal in Canada.
PWC, towing and paddling · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 42 — Waterskiing and other recreational towing
13. A — 35°C
Hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls below 35°C, and it can take about an hour to lose consciousness.
Person overboard and cold water · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Be prepared for an emergency, p. 54 — 1 hour: hypothermia
14. A — 10 km/h
Enter a lock slowly, no faster than 10 km/h, with people at the bow and stern ready with mooring lines.
Sharing the water and local hazards · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 41 — Passing through a lock
15. D — 'Mayday' three times, then the boat name three times
Say Mayday three times and your boat's name three times with the call letters once, then give your location and the emergency.
Marine radio and distress calls · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. How to communicate, p. 51 — How to make a Mayday call
16. B — It is not proof of ownership
A licence gives the boat a unique number, like a licence plate, but it does not prove who owns the boat.
Licences, compliance notices and hull numbers · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 9 — Pleasure Craft Licence
17. D — Inflatables aren't allowed for under-16s or tubing
Inflatable PFDs are not allowed for anyone under 16 or for high-impact activities such as tubing and waterskiing.
Lifejackets and PFDs · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 19 — Inflatable PFDs
18. C — Mushroom anchor
The bowl-shaped mushroom anchor digs in however it falls and is used only for semi-permanent moorings.
Required safety equipment by boat length · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 26 — Table 6: Common types of anchors
19. C — The course provider that issued it
Replacement cards come from the accredited course provider that issued the original, and providers charge a fee for this.
Proof of competency and age limits · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 12 — Replace your lost or damaged card
20. D — Under swim platforms and between pontoons
Swimmers can be overcome by CO and drown; the high-risk areas are under swim platforms and between pontoons.
Fire, fuelling and carbon monoxide · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Before you go, p. 34 — Be aware of carbon monoxide dangers
21. C — Local authorities
Restrictions are listed in the VORR Schedules, and local authorities are responsible for implementing them.
Speed, wake, noise and local restrictions · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 44 — Local boating restrictions
22. B — Red over green
The optional masthead lights for a sailboat are red above green, in addition to its sidelights and sternlight.
Navigation lights and shapes · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 29 — Table 7: sailboats
23. C — An information buoy
Information buoys show words or symbols of interest, such as a marina entrance or campsite, inside an orange square.
Buoy numbers, tops, lights and markings · Based on: An Owner's Guide to Private Buoys (Transport Canada, 2021), Ch. Buoy selection and examples, p. 18 — Figure 6: Information buoy
24. D — At least every minute
A vessel at anchor rings the bell rapidly for about five seconds at intervals of not more than one minute.
Sound signals · Based on: Collision Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1416, current to 2026-09-21), Ch. Schedule 1 Part D Sound and light signals, Rule 35 — Sound signals in restricted visibility
25. C — A holding tank emptied at pump-outs
Sewage can't be pumped into any Ontario waters, so a toilet must drain to a holding tank emptied at shore pump-out facilities.
Protecting the water · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Respect and protect Canada's waterways, p. 58 — Help keep our waterways clean
26. D — No, it is not normally charted
Diving buoys mark areas where diving is in progress and are not normally charted, so keep a sharp lookout.
Cardinal and special buoys · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Reference cards, p. 65 — Special buoys: diving
27. D — Alberta
Alberta, Saskatchewan and the territories haven't signed the Contraventions Act, so offences go to court under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.
Impaired boating, fines and visitors · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 47 — Boating offences and fines
28. A — That the risk exists
Rule 7 says that if there is any doubt, a risk of collision is deemed to exist.
Rules of the road (Collision Regulations) · Based on: Collision Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1416, current to 2026-09-21), Ch. Schedule 1 Part B Steering and sailing rules, Rule 7 — Risk of collision
29. D — A free, no-penalty check by trained volunteers
Courtesy checks are free, education-focused visits by trained boating safety volunteers, and there are never any penalties.
Trip planning, weather and loading · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Before you go, p. 36 — Get a pleasure craft courtesy check
30. B — On your port (left) side
Daybeacons follow the same upstream rule as buoys: port hand daybeacons stay on your left.
Lateral buoys and daybeacons · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Reference cards, p. 64 — Standard daybeacons
31. B — Only in daylight
Smoke signals produce dense orange smoke that can only be seen in daylight.
Flares and visual distress signals · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 24 — Distress flares
32. D — A lifejacket on board for them
If a towed person isn't wearing a lifejacket or PFD, one must be carried on board for them.
PWC, towing and paddling · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 42 — Waterskiing and other recreational towing
33. C — The Anderson (single) turn
The Anderson turn brings the boat back fastest; the Williamson turn suits delayed response or poor visibility.
Person overboard and cold water · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Be prepared for an emergency, p. 52 — Anderson turn
34. B — The tow line may be just under the surface
Tow lines often hang below the surface and are nearly invisible; hitting one can capsize you in front of the tow.
Sharing the water and local hazards · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 38 — Give plenty of space to tugs
35. C — Safety information, like a hazard
Sécurité messages are used by authorities to share general safety information, such as a hazard to navigation.
Marine radio and distress calls · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. How to communicate, p. 51 — Table 13: Common marine radio terms
36. C — 30 days
You have 30 days to transfer a licence, get a new licence number or report changes to your details or the boat.
Licences, compliance notices and hull numbers · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 10 — Pleasure Craft Licence
37. C — More comfortable, but less able to turn you face-up
PFDs are designed for comfort and constant wear but do not offer the same face-up turning protection as lifejackets.
Lifejackets and PFDs · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 19 — Personal flotation devices
38. B — Lower it gently from the bow
Never throw the anchor, which can tangle it, and always drop it from the bow to avoid swamping the boat.
Required safety equipment by boat length · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 26 — Key anchoring tips
39. D — No, under 16 cannot operate a PWC
No one under 16 may operate a personal watercraft, even with direct supervision.
Proof of competency and age limits · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 12 — Age and horsepower restrictions
40. B — They are heavier than air and collect low
These vapours sink into the lowest parts of the boat, are hard to remove and are highly explosive.
Fire, fuelling and carbon monoxide · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Before you go, p. 35 — Reduce the risk of explosion
41. D — 100 m or more
The law sets a minimum distance of 100 m or more, and even more for some species in some areas.
Speed, wake, noise and local restrictions · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 45 — Boating near marine mammals
42. C — A cone, point down, forward
A sailboat under sail that is also using its motor shows a cone, pointed downward, in a forward spot where it can be seen.
Navigation lights and shapes · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 28 — Navigation lights
43. A — An aquaculture site
Cautionary buoys warn of aquaculture sites, firing ranges, racing courses, seaplane bases, underwater structures and similar dangers.
Buoy numbers, tops, lights and markings · Based on: An Owner's Guide to Private Buoys (Transport Canada, 2021), Ch. Buoy selection and examples, p. 15 — Figure 3: Cautionary buoy
44. A — I am altering my course to starboard
One short blast means the vessel is turning to starboard (right); the guide's Table 8 shows the same meaning.
Sound signals · Based on: Collision Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1416, current to 2026-09-21), Ch. Schedule 1 Part D Sound and light signals, Rule 34 — Manoeuvring and warning signals
45. A — Absorbent bilge cloths
Absorbent bilge cloths soak up petroleum products and repel water; dispose of them in an approved container.
Protecting the water · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Respect and protect Canada's waterways, p. 58 — Reduce pollution from bilges
46. D — Your vessel may not enter the area
A keep out buoy marks an area that vessels are not allowed to enter.
Cardinal and special buoys · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Reference cards, p. 65 — Special buoys: keep out
47. D — $250
Towing a person without someone other than the operator watching them is a $250 fine.
Impaired boating, fines and visitors · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 46 — Table 9: Boating offences and fines
48. C — The one with the wind on its port side
When sailing vessels have the wind on different sides, the one with the wind on its port side gives way.
Rules of the road (Collision Regulations) · Based on: Collision Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1416, current to 2026-09-21), Ch. Schedule 1 Part B Steering and sailing rules, Rule 12 — Sailing vessels
49. D — A Joint Rescue Coordination Centre
Search and rescue incidents are reported to a Joint Rescue Coordination Centre through its 24-hour emergency line.
Trip planning, weather and loading · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Before you go, p. 33 — Make and file a sail plan
50. B — Keep it on your starboard (right) side
Treat the bifurcation buoy like a buoy of its top colour: a red top means keep it to starboard to follow the main channel.
Lateral buoys and daybeacons · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Reference cards, p. 64 — Bifurcation buoy
51. B — A hand flare
A hand flare is best for helping air searchers locate you, and smoke signals are for daylight use only.
Flares and visual distress signals · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 24 — Distress flares
52. D — No, you still need a lifejacket or PFD
The leash keeps the board near you but is not an approved replacement for a lifejacket or PFD.
PWC, towing and paddling · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 43 — Stand-up paddleboarding
53. A — Sound the alarm and slow down
Sound the alarm, slow down and stop if possible, then throw something that floats and keep the person in sight.
Person overboard and cold water · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Be prepared for an emergency, p. 52 — Recovering someone who falls overboard
54. B — Where to wait for the next lockage
The blue line marks where boats wait for the next lockage.
Sharing the water and local hazards · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. On the water, p. 41 — Passing through a lock
55. C — Cancel it on channel 16 with name and MMSI
Communicate the mistake right away: reset the unit, go to channel 16 and broadcast your boat name and MMSI, cancelling the false alert.
Marine radio and distress calls · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. How to communicate, p. 52 — What if you accidentally make a distress call?
56. D — Vessel registration
Registration provides legal title, a unique name and official number, the right to fly the Canadian flag and use as security for a marine mortgage.
Licences, compliance notices and hull numbers · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 11 — Vessel registration
57. D — SOLAS lifejacket
The SOLAS lifejacket is the quickest to act, turning you onto your back within seconds even if you are unconscious.
Lifejackets and PFDs · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 19 — Table 5: Canadian-approved lifejackets
58. B — Sunset to sunrise and in low visibility
Navigation lights are needed after sunset, before sunrise and in periods of low visibility such as fog, smoke or falling snow.
Required safety equipment by boat length · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 17 — Note 4: Navigation lights
59. C — 10 hp (7.5 kW)
Operators under 12 without direct supervision are limited to boats with motors of up to 7.5 kW (10 hp).
Proof of competency and age limits · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Getting started, p. 12 — Age and horsepower restrictions
60. D — Go ashore
Guests should be sent ashore during fuelling, along with shutting off engines, putting out flames and closing hatches.
Fire, fuelling and carbon monoxide · Based on: Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E, 03/2026), Ch. Before you go, p. 34 — Fuel safely

Original practice questions by Canada Exam Prep, written from the official handbook. Not official test questions. Free to print for personal study.

FAQ

Boating licence practice test (printable PDF): common questions

Is there an official PCOC practice test PDF?

No. Transport Canada supplies the real question bank only to accredited course providers and keeps it confidential. Its free Safe Boating Guide (TP 511E) is a PDF, but Transport Canada says it is not the study guide for the test, and providers sell their own course manuals. Practice PDFs online, this one included, are written by third parties.

How do I turn this page into a PDF?

Press Print or save as PDF, then choose Save as PDF as the printer on your phone or computer. The site menu, buttons and ads are left out of the printed version, and the answer key begins on a new page.

Can I bring printed notes to the real test?

No. Candidates may not use any notes or talk to anyone except the person running the test. Work through the sheet beforehand, and on test day bring only the identification your provider asks for.

Printable Boating License Practice Test (PCOC)