Canada Boating Licence (PCOC) Practice Test 2026: Practice test 3

Practice test 3 of 6 for the Canada Boating Licence (PCOC) Practice Test: 25 more questions with answers and explanations.

Boating
Canada
150 questions
Checked October 10, 2026

Question 1 of 25
What kind of flotation device must you wear on a personal watercraft?
- An inherently buoyant lifejacket or PFD
- An inflatable belt-pack PFD
- Any approved device stored on board
- A buoyant cushion held on your lap
Show answer
Answer: A. An inherently buoyant lifejacket or PFD
Lifejackets and PFDs used on a PWC must be inherently buoyant. Inflatable PFDs are not allowed on a PWC.
Question 2 of 25
When does an inflatable PFD count as approved equipment on board?
- Only when it is being worn
- Only when the water is warmer than 15°C
- Whenever it is stored on board
- Only when it is already inflated
Show answer
Answer: A. Only when it is being worn
An inflatable PFD does not float until it is inflated, so it must be worn to count as approved.
Question 3 of 25
The water is colder than 15°C. What kind of PFD is a good choice?
- An inflatable PFD stored under a seat
- A light mesh PFD that keeps you cool
- Any PFD, since water temperature does not matter
- One with thermal protection
Show answer
Answer: D. One with thermal protection
For cold water under 15°C, choose a PFD with thermal protection.
Question 4 of 25
You do up all straps, raise your arms and a friend lifts the lifejacket at the shoulders. It slides up to your nose. What does this mean?
- It is too loose and does not fit
- It fits correctly
- It needs to be inflated first
- It is too small for you
Show answer
Answer: A. It is too loose and does not fit
In the fit test, if the zipper touches your nose or the lifejacket almost comes off, it is too loose.
Question 5 of 25
In this fit check, what do items 1, 2 and 3 show?
- Zipper closed, buckles fastened, straps snug
- The straps are left loose so you can breathe
- The lifejacket is the wrong size and colour
- The lifejacket is inflated, wet and cold
Show answer
Answer: A. Zipper closed, buckles fastened, straps snug
A lifejacket only works if it is closed and fitted: zip it up, fasten every buckle and pull the straps snug.
Question 6 of 25
When you check a child's lifejacket, how big a gap between the child's shoulders and the device means it is too big?
- More than 15 cm (6 in.)
- More than 1 cm
- More than 7.6 cm (3 in.)
- Any gap at all
Show answer
Answer: C. More than 7.6 cm (3 in.)
If there is more than 7.6 cm (3 in.) between the child's shoulders and the device when lifted, it is too big.
Question 7 of 25
Is there a Canadian-approved lifejacket or PFD for babies under 9 kg (20 lb)?
- Yes, a buoyant cushion counts
- No, none are approved for infants under 9 kg
- Yes, an inflatable PFD sized for infants
- Yes, any small adult PFD will do
Show answer
Answer: B. No, none are approved for infants under 9 kg
There are no approved lifejackets or PFDs for infants under 9 kg (20 lb).
Question 8 of 25
Before you start fuelling, where should your passengers be?
- In the cabin with the door closed
- Sitting near the fuel tank
- On shore, off the boat
- At the helm, with the engine running
Show answer
Answer: C. On shore, off the boat
Moor securely, shut off all engines, and send passengers ashore before you fuel.
Question 9 of 25
How should you fill a portable fuel tank?
- Fill it in the boat, near the engine
- Fill it inside the cabin, out of the wind
- Fill it while the engine is idling
- Take it off the boat and fill it on shore
Show answer
Answer: D. Take it off the boat and fill it on shore
Remove portable tanks from the boat before refuelling them.
Question 10 of 25
Why should you close hatches, windows and cabin doors while fuelling?
- To make the boat sit higher in the water
- To stop fuel vapours from getting inside the boat
- To keep the engine compartment warm
- To keep rain and spray off the passengers
Show answer
Answer: B. To stop fuel vapours from getting inside the boat
Fuel vapours are heavier than air and can collect inside the boat, where a spark can ignite them. Closing openings keeps them out.
Question 11 of 25
While you fill a built-in tank, what should you do with the fuel nozzle?
- Hold it a few centimetres above the opening
- Keep it in contact with the filler pipe
- Let a passenger hold it
- Wrap it in a plastic bag
Show answer
Answer: B. Keep it in contact with the filler pipe
Ground the nozzle against the filler pipe to prevent a static spark.
Question 12 of 25
How long should you run the engine compartment blower before starting a gasoline engine?
- At least 4 minutes
- Only until the engine starts
- At least 30 seconds
- At least 15 minutes
Show answer
Answer: A. At least 4 minutes
Run the blower for at least 4 minutes right before starting a gasoline engine, then check for vapours.
Question 13 of 25
You finished fuelling and ran the blower. What should you do before starting the engine?
- Check the engine compartment for fuel vapours
- Open the throttle fully
- Light the stove to warm the cabin
- Turn on all electrical devices
Show answer
Answer: A. Check the engine compartment for fuel vapours
Check for fuel vapours in the engine compartment before you start the engine. If you smell fuel, find the source first.
Question 14 of 25
Some boats use converted car or truck engines. Why should a certified marine technician check them?
- To make sure the parts are ignition-protected
- To change the boat's licence class
- To make sure the engine is quiet
- To make the engine more powerful
Show answer
Answer: A. To make sure the parts are ignition-protected
Marine engine parts are ignition-protected so they do not spark fuel vapours. Car parts may not be.
Question 15 of 25
What is true about carbon monoxide (CO)?
- It has no colour, smell or taste
- It only forms when the boat is moving
- It can be seen as blue smoke
- It smells strongly of gasoline
Show answer
Answer: A. It has no colour, smell or taste
Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and tasteless, so you cannot rely on your senses to detect it.
Question 16 of 25
Where is carbon monoxide especially dangerous for swimmers?
- Under swim platforms and between pontoons
- Next to a mooring buoy
- At the bow of an anchored boat
- Near shore in shallow water
Show answer
Answer: A. Under swim platforms and between pontoons
CO can build up under swim platforms and between pontoons. Swimmers there can be overcome.
Question 17 of 25
How can you protect people on board from carbon monoxide?
- Idle the engine with a tailwind pushing the exhaust forward
- Run the engine with the cabin doors and windows closed
- Use a marine-grade CO detector and test its batteries before trips
- Rely on your sense of smell to warn you of exhaust
Show answer
Answer: C. Use a marine-grade CO detector and test its batteries before trips
Use a marine-grade CO detector, test its batteries before each trip, and run engines and appliances only with good ventilation.
Question 18 of 25
What is a sail plan?
- Trip details you leave with someone you trust
- The design drawings for a sailboat
- A chart showing wind directions
- A licence to sail in shipping lanes
Show answer
Answer: A. Trip details you leave with someone you trust
A sail plan includes your route and a description of your boat. Leave it with someone you trust before every trip.
Question 19 of 25
You are overdue and have not checked in. What should the person holding your sail plan do?
- Call the boat's manufacturer
- Post a message on social media
- Contact a Joint Rescue Coordination Centre
- Wait one week, then call your family
Show answer
Answer: C. Contact a Joint Rescue Coordination Centre
If you do not return on time, the person with your sail plan should contact a Joint Rescue Coordination Centre.
Question 20 of 25
You arrive safely at the end of your trip. What should you do about your sail plan?
- Tell the person holding it that you are back
- Nothing, because it expires on its own
- Mail a copy to the nearest Coast Guard station
- Throw it away so nobody needs to worry
Show answer
Answer: A. Tell the person holding it that you are back
Close your sail plan by telling people you arrived, so nobody starts an unnecessary search.
Question 21 of 25
Before leaving the dock, what should you show your passengers?
- How to switch off the navigation lights
- How fast the boat can go
- Where the safety equipment is and how to use it
- Where the snacks are stored
Show answer
Answer: C. Where the safety equipment is and how to use it
Show everyone where the safety equipment is and how to use it, and make sure at least one other person can operate the boat.
Question 22 of 25
What is a pleasure craft courtesy check?
- A paid inspection that every boat must have once a year
- A free, no-penalty safety equipment check by trained volunteers
- A police inspection that can lead to fines and charges
- A test you must pass before you can get a pleasure craft licence
Show answer
Answer: B. A free, no-penalty safety equipment check by trained volunteers
Courtesy checks are free and focus on education. They carry no penalties, but the owner is still responsible for meeting the rules.
Question 23 of 25
Who issues marine weather forecasts in Canada?
- Your provincial parks department
- Transport Canada
- The Canada Border Services Agency
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
Show answer
Answer: D. Environment and Climate Change Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada issues marine forecasts several times a day for many areas.
Question 24 of 25
On the Great Lakes, which VHF channels carry continuous Coast Guard weather broadcasts?
- 68 and 72
- 16 and 9
- 6 and 13
- 21B and 83B
Show answer
Answer: D. 21B and 83B
The Canadian Coast Guard broadcasts continuous weather on VHF 21B and 83B on the Atlantic coast and Great Lakes. Channel 16 is for distress and calling.
Question 25 of 25
A strong wind warning is issued for winds of what speed?
- 64 knots or more
- 20 to 33 knots
- 34 to 47 knots
- 5 to 10 knots
Show answer
Answer: B. 20 to 33 knots
Strong wind warnings are for 20–33 knots, gale warnings for 34–47 knots, storm warnings for 48–63 knots, and hurricane force for 64 knots or more.

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