• This course is NOT a boat-handling course
• This course provides knowledge operators need to comply with legal requirements and standards of operating a pleasure craft
• You must read your manual to be successful on the examination

• Recommended everyone on a boat should wear a PFD
• Putting one on in the water is difficult
• Regulations requires that everyone who operates a pleasure craft carry proof of competency – generally a
PCOC

• As the operator your are responsible for
– The safety of the craft
– The safety of everyone on board
– Any damage that your craft causes
• Your are prohibited from
– Operating the craft in a careless manner or without due care
– Operating the craft under any sort of impairment

• Some of the laws include
– Criminal Code of Canada
– Contraventions Act and Regulations
– Radio Communications Act and Regulations
– Canada Shipping Act 2001
– Small Vessel Regulations
– Collision Regulations

• Some of the laws include
– Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations
– Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft
Regulations
– Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations
– Navigation Safety Regulations
– Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and from Dangerous Chemicals

• The most common causes are:
– Not wearing a lifejacket or PFD
– Person overboard
– Capsizing and collision
– Alcohol and drug related boat operation
• Section 1007 of the Small Vessel Regulations
“No person shall operate a vessel in a careless manner, without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons.
”

• Vessel operators must ensure there is a lifejacket or a PFD of the correct size for each person on board (one size does NOT fit all)
• All passengers
– Should be encouraged to wear their PFD
– Should know how to use their PFD
– Under 16 years old MUST wear inherently floating lifejackets or PFDs

• All lifejackets and PFDs used on Canadian pleasure craft must have the approval label sewn into the device
• US Coast Guard approved devices are not approved in Canada
• Devices may be approved by
– Transport Canada (or Department of Transport)
– Department of Fisheries and Oceans
– Canadian Coast Guard

Standard
• Designed to float unconscious victim face-up
• Designed to keep victim afloat (high buoyancy)
• Cumbersome to wear
– Newer models available
• May be red, yellow, or orange
• Must carry label with Canadian approval number
Small Vessel

(PFDs)
• More comfortable than standard lifejacket
• May not turn person face-up
• Will keep person afloat
• May be in other approved colors
• Must carry label with Canadian approval number

• Two types of inflatable PFDs
– Manually triggered pouch type
• Comes folded in a pouch and worn on a belt
• Must be placed over the head then inflated
– Worn and inflates in place
• Either manually inflated, or
• Water activated trigger

• If you end up in the water you have about 10 minutes of useful movement in Canada’s cold water
• If you have a PFD on your chances of survival are greatly increased
• Donning a PFD after entering the water is extremely difficult

• Every device should have a whistle attached
• They must be inspected regularly and tested annually
• They should be cleaned as necessary using only mild detergents and air dried
• They should not be used a seat cushions and if not worn stowed in an immediately accessible location

• Small Vessel Regulations restrict use:
– Must be worn by an adult (at least 16 years of age and weighing 36.3 kg or more), in the case of an open boat or on deck/cockpit in any other type of boat, or readily available to any other adult occupant while below deck.
– Are not approved for white water paddling or personal watercraft use.

• Small Vessel Regulations restrict use:
– Must be fitted with an un-punctured, and fully functional inflation cartridge, or be worn fully inflated.
– Must be fitted with compatible inflation mechanism parts (refer to owner’s manual). The fitting of any other part could result in the device failing to inflate or inflating improperly.

• Minimum number of flares determined by vessel size
• All flares must be Transport Canada approved
• Flares indicate the date of manufacture and expires 4 years after that date
• CCGA-P recommends the use of SOLAS flares
– Does not include Type B (twin star)

• Hull Identification Number (HIN)
– All new crafts built or imported to Canada must come marked with a HIN
– It provides a uniform method of identifying:
• Any specific vessel
• The construction standards that apply to that specific vessel
• Vessels subject to manufacturer’s defect recall
• A lost or stolen vessel

• The HIN must be clearly visible when the vessel is in the water
– Typically on the upper starboard quarter on the outside of the transom
• The HIN must also be marked in a secondary location on the hull
– Beneath a fitting or an item of hardware; or
– In an area that is on the interior of the vessel and unexposed

• A Compliance Notice is defined as either:
– Capacity Label
• pleasure craft not exceeding 6 m
– Conformity Label
• pleasure craft greater than 6 m
– Single Vessel Label
• home built boat
• a boat manufactured or imported by a company no longer able to supply a label

• For pleasure craft less than 6 m the Capacity
Label will include the following:
– Name of manufacturer
– Manufacturer's identification code, MIC
– Model type or number, or both
– Label number
– Statement of compliance
– Maximum recommended ratings for load, number of occupants and power.

• On every outboard powered-driven vessel of
Capacity Label, the following ratings are specified:
– Recommended maximum load capacity for that vessel;
– Recommended number of adult persons to be carried on the vessel;
– Recommended maximum safe limit of engine power.

• On every power-driven vessel other than
outboard driven, the following ratings on the
Capacity Label are specified:
– Recommended maximum load for the boat;
– Recommended number of adult persons to be carried on the boat

• Every home-built boat and boat manufactured or imported by a company no longer able to supply a label, fitted with or capable to be fitted with engine(s) shall have affixed to it a
Single Vessel Label

Vessels greater than 6 metres show:
•
Manufactured or Home Built
•
Model Type
•
Label number
•
Statement of requirement for compliance
Vessels less than 6 metres also show capacity rating similar the
Capacity Label

• All pleasure craft powered by an engine of 10
HP (7.5 kW) or more and operated in Canada must be licensed, unless they have a vessel registration
• Registration is optional for all pleasure craft
– Benefit: provides proof of title and ownership
• Every vessel other than pleasure craft must be registered

• The license is valid for 10 years
• The license must be carried on board
• It must be updated to reflect changes in:
– owner name
– owner address
– particulars of the pleasure craft
– ownership

• Optional for pleasure craft
• Mandatory for other than pleasure craft
• Provides proof of title and ownership
• A Certificate of Registry is good for 3 years
• Fees vary

• Vessels greater than 15 gross tons will have to be measured by an approved measurer
• The Name and the Port of Registry must be clearly marked on the outside of the vessel
– Minimum height of 10.4 cm
– In a contrasting colour to the background

• The registration number and net tonnage are to be permanently etched, either on the main beam or, in the case of a fiberglass boat, on the forward bulkhead, inside and in a readily visible location, in such a manner that any alteration would be readily apparent

• Transport Canada set requirements
• Based on the length of your vessel
• Possession of the equipment is not sufficient
You must know where it is and how to use it
• Maintain regular and frequent checks of your safety equipment

• Check to ensure that your equipment is:
– In place
– Readily accessible and ready for immediate use
– Properly maintained and in good working order
• Although some equipment is not mandatory, ensure your optional equipment is governed by the same procedure (e.g. first aid kit, tool kit, spare parts, fenders, lines, etc.)

• We will not review the requirements for each size vessel here
• We will review the tables so you know where to go for the information
• DO NOT rely on your memory when ensuring your vessel has all the required equipment on board
• We will comments on specific equipment later

• Magnetic Compass
– Shows the direction of Magnetic North
– To correct reading to True North the variation needs to be added or subtracted based on information on the Compass Rose

• Angular difference between the Geographic
North and the Magnetic North is known as the
VARIATION
– will be different for different areas
– variation will be either
East or West

• Located on Compass
Rose
• NOTE : Rate of
Annual Change

• Magnetic Compass
– Boats may have their own magnetic field
• Causes: on board electronics, electric cables, ferrous metals
– Compass should be positioned as far from these sources of influence as possible
– The error caused by these influences is call
“Deviation”

• It is required that you have on board the largest scale charts available for the area in which you are boating
– Unless you are boating in your own area and you have intimate knowledge of those waters
• Remember, if you fall overboard the passengers on board will need to know or how determine your position

• While operating on lakes where no marine charts are available you should have a topographical map to assist you in determining your position
• You should be familiar with the symbols you will find on your charts or maps (refer to
Chart 1)

• Make sure you know how to:
– Plot a course
– Find your position from the chart
– Use a compass with the chart, and electronic equipment
– Use nautical publications such as tide tables
– Read the buoyage system

• A buoyant heaving line is designed to get a line to someone who is in the water
• The line must float
• It must be the correct length for the size of boat
• The line is a dedicated piece of safety equipment and should not be used for other purposes

• Where defined a vessel must carry an anchor and line attached
• The shackle attaching the line to the anchor should have the shackle pin secured so it cannot come out
• Anchor size and line diameter are dependant upon the size of the boat

• Fluke
– Use large fluke surfaces to develop very large resistance to loads once they dig into the seabed
– They have less ability to penetrate and are designed to reset rather than turn.

• Hook
– Use a relatively small fluke surface on a heavy, narrow arm to penetrate deeply into problematic bottoms such as
• rocky
• heavy kelp or eel grass
• coral
• hard sand

• Plough
– Ploughs are designed to bury themselves in the bottom as force is applied to them
– They are considered good in most bottom conditions from soft mud to rock.

• Most fire extinguishers use the PASS system to operate:

• Sound signalling appliances are
– Whistles (not the same as the pealess whistle)
– Gongs
• Gongs are required to produce a tone and sound that are separate and distinct from the bell
• Vessels over 12 m are required to have a sound signalling appliance
• Vessels over 20 m must also carry a bell

• Make you more visible to other vessel’s radar
• If your vessel is less than 20 m and not constructed of steel or aluminum a radar reflector is recommended
• Radar reflectors should be as large as practicable for your vessel
• Should be mounted as high as possible
– Preferably 4 m above water

• Fixed and portable radios are available
– Fixed can normally transmit at a higher wattage
• An operator must have an ROC(M) to legally operate the radio
– Various radio procedures and operating techniques are learned
• Channel 16 is the International Distress and calling channel
– Leave your radio set to this standby channel

• *16 on your cell phone may be used to contact Coast Guard Radio but cell coverage is spotty at best
• If you find yourself in a distress situation use
VHF Channel 16 to broadcast a distress message

• Many newer radios have a feature built in referred to as DSC
– Digital Selective Calling
– MMSI is required for functionality to operate
• Feature provides for automatic distress alerts at the push of a button
– Includes your position if connected to a GPS
• Also provide the ability of selective calling to a specific vessel

• There are no roads or street signs on the water
• As a vessel operator you must become familiar with the rules and signs on the water
• This chapter is devoted to learning how to read the various types of buoys on the water
– Lateral buoys
– Cardinal buoys
– Special purpose buoys

• Any buoy which is GREEN or RED is a lateral buoy
• PORT hand buoys are green
• STARBOARD hand buoys are red
• These buoys are kept to the respective sides of your vessel when operating in the upstream direction

• You are operating in the upstream direction when:
– Entering a harbour from seaward
– Heading up a river or stream
– Normally clockwise around North America
– Directed by buoyage authorities

• Port hand buoys:
– Are kept to the port side operating upstream
– Are flat topped or carry a flat top mark
– Have a green flashing light if so equipped
– Have green retro reflective material
– Displays letters and odd numbers

• Starboard hand buoys:
– Are kept to the starboard side operating upstream
– Have a pointed top or carry a pointed top mark
– Have a red flashing light if so equipped
– Have red retro reflective material
– Displays letters and even numbers

Starboard Hand Bifurcation Daybeacons

• Has basis in the 4 cardinal points of a compass
– North, East, South and West
• Safe water exists in the direction indicated by the cardinal direction
• Cardinal buoys:
– Are stripped Yellow and Black
– Have top marks indicating cardinal direction
– May have specific white flashing light combinations
CANADIAN COAST GUARD AUXILIARY - PACIFIC

• Special purpose buoys convey information not primarily intended for navigation
Caution
Anchorage
Mooring
Information
Hazard
Control
Keep Out
Swimming

• Cautionary buoy
– marks areas of danger
• such as racing courses
• firing ranges
• seaplane bases
• underwater structures or areas where no safe through-channel exists
– marks areas of traffic separations
– is yellow and displays identification letter(s)

• Cautionary buoy
– has a top mark that is a single yellow “X”
– if it carries a light, the light is yellow and is a flashing (Fl) four-second light.

• An anchorage buoy
– is used to indicate suitable areas for anchoring,
• for reasons such as being clear of channels, obstructions, etc.
– is yellow, and usually have an anchor symbol clearly visible
– carry a light, the light is yellow and it will flash once every four seconds.

Mooring Keep Out
Used for mooring or securing vessels. Be aware that a vessel may be secured to such a buoy.
Used to mark areas in which boats are prohibited. May carry a yellow light flashing (Fl) 4s

Anchorage
Used to mark the perimeter of
Designated anchorage areas.
Consult your chart for water depths.
Cautionary Displays
May carry a single yellow “X” topmark. Yellow
(Fl) 4s. Used to mark dangers such as firing ranges, underwater
Pipelines, race courses, seaplane bases. Consult your local chart for details of dangers being marked.

Information
Used to display information such as locality, name, marina, campsite, etc. Be guided by information illustrated within
The orange square. May carry a yellow light flashing (Fl) 4s.
Hazard
Marks random hazards such as rocks and shoals. May carry a yellow light flashing (Fl) 4s.

Swimming
Posted
Command or
Warning
Marks the perimeter of swimming areas.
May carry a yellow light flashing (Fl) 4s.
Control
Used to indicate speed limits, wash restrictions, etc. Obey the restriction illustrated within the orange circle. May carry a yellow light flashing (Fl) 4s.
These include: no wake zone, no anchorage area speed limit zone, low head dam hazard, power line hazard or pipe line hazard.

In alignment
• Consists of two or more fixed markers
• Top mark more distant
• May or may not be lighted
• Provides a leading line to steer on
• When out of alignment steer toward the bottom marker

• Two flags should be displayed
• Tender flies international flag “ A ”
• Diver ’ s location identified by a white buoy that flies a red flag with diagonal white stripe
• If it is equipped with a light it will flash
Yellow (Fl) 4s
• Approach no closer than 35m from either flag
• Pass at slow speed

• Red and White vertically striped buoys mark the middle of the channel
• Can be passed on either side
• Flashes Mo (A) 6s ● ▬

• Black and Red horizontally striped buoy is moored on, or above, an isolated danger
• There is navigable water all around it
• Light flashes in groups of two – Fl (2) 5s

• These are the rules of the road that all vessels in
Canadian waters must obey
• They define
– the factors that must be taken into account when navigating waters
– how vessels of different types interact when there is a risk of collision
– the responsibility of each vessel in the collision
– how vessels will interact in fog or restricted visibility

• Collision Regulations
– define how vessels interact in fog or restricted visibility
– lay down the the different navigation light layouts
– lay down the sound signals that should be used for maneuvering or when in restricted visibility
– list the distress signals which may be used

• Vessels are required to operate at a “Safe
Speed” taking into consideration factors such as:
– Weather and/or Visibility
– Amount of traffic
– Background lighting
– Maneuverability of your vessel
– Designated speed or operating restrictions
• You are responsible for wake damage caused

• All vessels are required to keep a proper lookout at ALL times
– Look, listen and use other means such as radar if required

• Power Driven Vessel: any vessel propelled by machinery
– When a sailboat uses it's engine, even if it has it's sails up, it is legally a power boat
• Under Way: Not tied to a dock, aground, or at anchor
• Making Way: Moving through the water

• Stand On Vessel:
– That vessel that is required by law to maintain course and speed (unless it is apparent that the other vessel has not take the appropriate action in time to avoid a collision) and is not required to take early and substantial action to keep well clear.
• Give Way Vessel:
– The vessel that shall yield to the stand on vessel by taking early and substantial action, sounding the appropriate signal, and making a readily apparent alteration to course in order to pass well clear.

1. Vessels Not Under Command
2. Vessels Restricted In Their Ability To
Manoeuvre
3. Vessels Constrained By Draft
4. Vessels Engaged In Fishing
5. Sailboats and Vessels Under Human Power
6. Power Driven Vessels
7. Seaplanes On The Water

• Approaching head on

• Crossing
Stand-on Vessel
Maintains course and speed
Give-way Vessel
Danger
Zone

• Overtaking Stand-on Vessel
Maintains course and speed
Give-way Vessel

Stand-on Vessel
Maintains course and speed
Give-way Vessel

• As we learned earlier Sailboats in most situations will be the Stand On vessel while the
Power Driven Vessel is the Give Way Vessel
– There is an exception we will talk about later

• The Starboard Tack Rule

• The Windward Boat Rule
Stand-on Vessel
Maintains course and speed
Give-way Vessel

• Shipping Lanes
– Stay clear, shipping lanes are designed for the convenience of ships and vessels of larger draft
– If you must cross do so at as close to 90 ° as possible
• Navigating in a narrow channel
– Stay out of the way of larger vessels which can only navigate in the middle
– If possible stay over to the side of the channel on your starboard side

• Yield to larger vessels
– In a small vessel with a small draft, keep out of the way of large vessels or ships, whose maneuverability and ability to alter course and speed may be hampered by their size and draft
• Use of VHF Radio
– Be mindful of using the radio to agree on a course to steer between vessels
– You may be talking with a vessel other than the one you intend to

• The most common lights your should be able to recognize are:
– Power driven vessel of all sizes (including ships)
– Sailing vessels of all sizes
– Hand-propelled vessels
– Personal water craft (PWC)
– Vessels at anchor
– Tugs and tows, where they operate in local waters

Navigation lights for small motor vessels less than 20m long, when under way
Navigation lights for small motor vessels less than 20m long, when under way
Motor boats less than 12m long, when under way

White
Standard Display
•
Red & Green sidelights
•
White stern light
Under 20 m
• Red over Green at top of mast
• Red & Green sidelights
• White stern light
Under 20 m
•
Tri-light at top of mast with
Red, Green & White
Under 7 m
•
360 ° White Light

A vessel under oars, when under way.
A flashlight showing a white light, exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
A vessel under oars, when under way

Navigation Lights – Vessels at Anchor

Navigation Lights – Government Vessels
• Government or police vessels may exhibit a blue flashing light when on an official operation
• This light DOES NOT provide any increased priority with respect to being either the Give
Way Vessel or the Stand On Vessel

• In clear weather the manoeuvring signals are:
●
(1 short) altering course to starboard
●●
(2 short) altering course to port
●●●
(3 short) operating astern propulsion
●●●●●
(5 or more) > I fail to understand your intention or actions, or
> I am in doubt whether sufficient action is being taken to avoid a collision
−
(1 long) I am about to leave my berth

• In clear weather in a narrow channel to warn other ship out of sight and coming the other way of your presence:
−
(1 long)
• As a distress signal:
Continuous sounding of the equipment

• In restricted visibility, such as for, snow or heavy rain, to warn other vessels of you presence:
− Power driven vessel underway and making way
− − Power driven vessel underway and stopped
− ● ●
A hampered vessel such as a sailing vessel, a fishing vessel, a hampered vessel, a vessel restricted in her ability to manoeuvre

Ch. 7 – Safety Awareness & Restrictions
• Manoeuverability of a vessel will depend upon:
– Power; the greater the power for a given size boat
– Underwater hull shape in comparison to topside and whether current and wind will affect it more
– Position of cabins and masts, including their position along the length of the vessel, which will affect turning ability in the wind

Ch. 7 – Safety Awareness & Restrictions
• Manoeuverability of a vessel will depend upon:
– Shape of the hull with regards to handling waves
– One or two propellers
– The skill of the helm
• Get to know your boat

• Keep a sharp lookout and plan how you will react to issues such as:
– Ferries; Be mindful of their propeller wash
– Tows; Keep well clear and don’t pass between, take special care with log booms being towed
– Engine Noise; Keep engine noise down so you can hear your surroundings
– Divers; Watch for divers which should be identified by the dive flags

• Keep a sharp lookout and plan how you will react to issues such as:
– Weight distribution; Distribute weight evenly and keep the load as low as possible
– Avoiding damage; When operating at speed contact with objects can severely damage vessel
– Person Overboard; Always have your engine in neutral when picking someone out of the water.
Turn off engines if possible

• To maximize safety follow these steps when fueling your vessel
– Portable fuel tanks must be filled ashore
– Ensure vessel is safely tied
– Only that person(s) involved with fueling on board
– Turn off all onboard electronics, breakers and personal electronic equipment
– Close all doors and hatches
– Do not overfill tanks
– When fueling complete cap the filling lines
– Operate blowers for at least 4 minutes

• There may be other restrictions in effect at certain locations
– Speed restrictions
– No wake
– Noise restrictions
– Boating prohibited, some examples might be:
• No power driven vessels, no internal combustion, power restrictions, no skiing, operation only during specific hours, etc.

Symbol Requirement
No power vessel
No internal combustion or steam engines permitted
Power limit
Standardized speed limit
(normally 5, 10, 25, 40, 55)

Symbol Requirement
No skiing
No regatta
No boats
No power vessels in the direction indicated by the arrow

Symbol Requirement
No skiing north of the sign
Combined sign
(speed limit and no skiing)
No power vessels between the hours and days in red

• It is all our responsibility not to pollute
– Take your garbage home
– Install holding tanks
– Vessel maintenance
– Operate responsibly
– Keep noise to a minimum
– Be careful not to spill fuel

• It is all our responsibility not to pollute
– Service engine regularly to minimize exhaust
– Use eco-friendly products for cleaning
– If you carry ballast flush your tanks on the outward journey to different waters to avoid moving invasive marine species
– Sewage should be pumped out ashore
• All boats with toilets require holding tanks effective May
3 rd , 2012

• If you accidently pollute it is your responsibility to clean it up
– Most fuelling facilities have absorbent cloths available
– Do not use detergents on a fuel or oil spill
• To report a pollution incident call:
– 1-800-889-8852 BC and Yukon
– Refer to you student manual for other provinces

• It I a good idea to do pre-trip planning
– It may be the most important part of the trip
• It reduces the possibility of things going wrong
• You and your guests should have the skills and experience for the trip
• Is your vessel up to the trip
– Engine, propellers, sails, rigging, hull, lights, etc.

• Paper charts and electronic plotters
– Do you have the correct charts for the area
– Have they been updated (NOTMAR)
– Familiarize yourself with the planned route
• Know the hazards and aid you may encounter

• Before you go out on the water make sure you know the current and forecast conditions
– Tides
• Measured from LLW aka “0” Tide
– Currents
• Remember current predictions are not in perfect synch with the tides
– Sea conditions

• Fuel and Oil
– Check both before heading out
– Remember the rule of thirds for fuel: ⅓ out, ⅓ back and ⅓ in reserve
– You must know the amount of fuel you have on board and the amount of fuel you consume
– If you don’t use you boat year round ensure you have fresh fuel when you start boating

• Knowing the current and forecast weather prior to setting out is critical
• Once you have started your trip continue to watch the weather & check weather forecasts
• Use your VHF weather channels
• There will be added debris in the water after high tides associated with high winds and rain
• If caught in weather slow own and seek shelter

Type of Weather
Restricted visibility
Squall (make note of compass heading)
Thunderstorm
Action to Take
Slow down, keep lookout, use radar, and take action for risk of collision.
As above, and watch the small craft warnings; be aware of water accumulation and changes to distribution of weight and in the boat.
(As above)
Sudden wind
Rapid build-up of high wave conditions
(As above)
If this happens, take a different course or find a safe harbour.

• Prior to starting your engines, check
– Bilges
– Fuel tanks or levels
– For fuel odors
– If outboard engines make sure they are trimmed down
– Visually check running engines (e.g. telltales)
– Listen to running engines to ensure proper running

• Also know as Sail Plans or Float Plans
• Leave it with a reliable person on shore
• If you cannot be contacted at the pre-specified time he/she will contact the Rescue Centre
• On longer trips file a daily report
• If plans change warn them of the change

• Emergencies do happen
• Before leaving the dock brief your passengers:
– PFD locations and use
– Location of first aid and emergency kits
– The importance of keeping low, on the centre line and holding on when moving around on board
– The importance of keeping hands, arms and legs inside the boat
– Their role in the event of an emergency

• Person Overboard
– Keep looking at them
– Manoeuvre back to them
– Stop engines before you get there
– Coast up to them
– Issue a distress message if you cannot find them in the water

• Grounding
– Occurs when boat ends up in water too shallow
– Grounding at low speed at a rising tide may not be serious
– Grounding on a falling tide can be serious if you can’t re-float quickly
– In bad seas and rough weather in can be catastrophic
– Do not back off until you know the vessel in not holed

• Collision
– Can seriously damage one or both vessels
– If a collision occurs:
• Check for injuries on board, account for everyone
• Check for damage and stop ingress of water
• Use the radio or display signals if there is a need to indicate a distress

• Hull Leaks or Flooding
– Any abnormal accumulation of water requires immediate attention
– You must, at all times, have the equipment and tools required to temporarily stop any leaks which may occur in the hull
– Hull leaks or flooding can prevented by good maintenance, proceeding at a safe speed, not overloading your vessel, and avoiding travel in conditions which may be taxing for your vessel

• Hull Leaks or Flooding – how to respond:
– Locate the leak or cause of flooding
– Stop or slow the leak or source of flooding
– Remove accumulations of water
– Use the radio or display signals if there is a need to indicate a distress

• In the event of Mechanical Breakdowns:
– Altering the craft’s speed and direction away from danger, as appropriate to the circumstances
– Anchor
– Investigate the problem
– Correct the problem
– Use the radio or display signals if there is a need to indicate a distress

CANADIAN COAST GUARD AUXILIARY - PACIFIC

• Cold Immersion Survival
– If accident immersion occurs follow the 1-10-1 Rule
• 1 minute to overcome Cold Water Shock – the initial deep and sudden gasp followed by hyperventilation, avoid panic and get control of you breathing
• 10 minutes Cold Incapacitation will result in loss of many motor skills – concentrate on self rescue and keep your airway clear
• 1 hour Hypothermia may result in loss of consciousness due to hypothermia – employ techniques for delaying it

• Survival in the water
– If there is a chance get out of the water onto land or capsized vessel
– If you cannot get out of the water a single person should assume the fetal or HELP position
– Multiple persons should huddle

• Hypothermia
– Develops with exposure to abnormally low temperatures
• Immersion in cold water, exposure to cold air in watersoaked clothing, prolonged exposure to low air temperatures
– Areas of the greatest heat loss are:
• The head and neck
• Both sides of the chest
• Groin

• Hypothermia
– Early stages: shivering, slurred speech, withdrawn
– Moderate: violet shivering, lack of muscle coordination, mild confusion even though victim may appear alert, victim turns pale while lips, ears, fingers and toes appear blue
– Advanced: sluggish thinking and amnesia, inability to use hands, exposed skin may be blue and puffy, muscle coordination becomes poor and walking almost impossible, incoherent and irrational behaviour

1. Take the patient to a warm, dry location.
2. Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry clothing and/or blankets, and cover the head. Never rub the patient's body or extremities in an effort to warm them up.
3. The introduction of another body with normal body temperatures can help.
4. Cover the patient with an insulating layer, and protect him from getting wet.

5. Apply warm dry objects (40 ° to 45 ° C) onto the patient. Professional treatment may include introducing warmed damp air into the lungs to warm the patient from the core.
6. Offer the patient warm but not hot liquids. Do not give alcohol or hot stimulants. Alcohol may assist in feeling warm, but actually increases bodily heat loss.
7. Call for help or exhibit signals to indicate distress and need of assistance, if necessary.

• CO is a toxic gas that is colourless, odorless, tasteless and non-irritating
• It is almost impossible to detect
• It is heavier than air and accumulates in the bottom of pockets
• There is also a danger of the exhaust fumes being drawn back into slow moving open boats

• Poisoning occurs from prolonged inhalation of carbon monoxide
• It may be generated by propane heaters, wood stoves, leaky exhaust, etc.
• It is strongly recommended that such vessels be equipped with a marine certified carbon monoxide detector

• Symptoms may include:
– Headaches and dizziness in low concentrations
– Frontal headaches, vertigo, flu-like symptoms in larger doses
• Larger doses can lead to death within minutes
• If you see someone passed out in a boat suspect CO poisoning
– Ventilate area before entering to guard against becoming an additional victim

• Treatment
– Move patient to fresh air
– Urgent medical attention is required
– If possible administer 100% oxygen

• The factors to consider when anchoring are:
– Weather forecast
– How long will you be anchoring
– What type of bottom will you be anchoring in
– Are there tidal considerations
– Are there rivers, creeks or naturally occurring currents
– Do local regulations permit anchoring

• Approach the position selected slowly, heading into the wind or current.
• Stop at the selected position, lower the anchor and put out the appropriate amount of chain and line depending upon your length of stay, and water depth.
• Fasten the line to the bow and then allow the wind or current to lead the boat until weight comes on the line.

• Scope is the ratio of
– Length of Anchor Rode : Depth of Water
• The depth is considered to be the maximum depth of water during the period of time you will be anchoring PLUS the distance from your gunwale to the water line
• For longer stays a Scope of 7:1 is suggested

• Once anchored check your bearings so you can determine if you start dragging anchor
• You anchor can be used in situations of mechanical breakdown or other emergencies to prevent drifting into shallow water
– Ensure it is readily available
• At night remember you must display an allaround white light

• A lock is a device for raising and lowering boats between stretches of water of different levels

• Before towing practice manoeuvring a trailer
– Practice with your trailer empty then graduate to a loaded trailer
• The trailer must be of a suitable size for the boat
– Don’t exceed 80% of the trailer’s capacity
• The boat should be balanced on the trailer
– Approximately 10% is carried on the tongue

• Backing up a trailer can be difficult
• There are many different procedures but this one appears to work for most
– Place your hand at the 6 o’clock position on the steering wheel
– Turn the bottom of the wheel in the direction you want the trailer to turn
– Don’t over-steer
• if necessary more forward to realign the trailer in the desired direction and try again

• Check tire pressure
• Inspect trailer for abnormalities
• Ensure boat is properly secured to trailer
– Secured to bow eye plus tie-downs
• Ensure electrical hook-up are properly connected
– Check for proper light and brake operation
• Connect cross hitch safety chains
– Crossed chains may support the hitch if ball fails

• Law enforcement agencies enforce the laws under which all vessels operate
– RCMP, provincial/municipal police, other authorized government agencies
• You may be checked for items such as
– PCOC, Radio Operator’s Certificate, mandatory equipment
– You may also be cited for careless operation or operation under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• You may be prosecuted or fined for:
– Operating a vessel in a reckless manner compromising the safety of others
– Consumption of alcohol/drugs while operating a vessel
– Operating a vessel while impaired
• Where impaired operation causes death the maximum penalty can be 14 years imprisonment
• Impaired operation causing injury carries a maximum sentence of 10 years

• Towing water-skiers without a person on watch or after dark (one hour after sunset to sunrise) or during restricted times.
• Sending false distress signals.
• Operating an unseaworthy boat, and endangering the lives of others.
• Tying up to a navigational buoy.
• Sailing an unseaworthy vessel.
• Operating vessel while disqualified/ prohibited.

• Standing up or changing seats in a small boat, especially if it is loaded.
– If a person must absolutely change places, he or she should stay low, on the centre line, and hold on to the boat's gunwales.
• Standing up to start an outboard motor.
• Using a boat propelled by mechanical power within five miles of the shoreline, unless it is equipped with a noise muffling mechanism.
• Needlessly setting off a sound signalling device or using a searchlight.

• Waiting until the last minute to comply with the Collision
Regulations.
• Operating too close to beaches, as swimmers are difficult to spot in the water.
• Having only outdated charts and documents on board.
• Overloading a boat.
• Dropping anchor too close to boats already at anchor.
• Proceeding at a high speed in or near an anchorage area.
• Showing off in a reckless manner.

• This chapter outlines a table of valuable terminology
– Far too extensive for review here
• You are encouraged to review this material and reference it when new terms are presented
• We will, however, review some of the components of boats