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Welcome to the Boatwise Exam. Today, we’re going to give you all the information you need to obtain your pleasure craft operator card. If you operate any motorised recreational watercraft in Canada, you are required to obtain a pleasure craft operator card. The boat operator is required regardless of age, size of boat or engine horsepower. It’s the law. Boaters obtain the official Transport Canada boat card by taking the Canadian Safe Boating exam. The Canadian Safe Boating card is good for life.
It’s important to understand that security on the water is primordial. Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death for Canadians under the age of 60. Most deaths caused by drowning are preventable, by taking certain precautionary steps during watersports activities. First, a PFD should always be worn when boating. About 60% of all water-related deaths occurred while boating. A safe driving attitude should be adopted at all times. Eighty-five per cent of the victim was not wearing a PFD or lifejacket, while the majority of fatal accidents are caused by capsizing, a collision or falling overboard.
As well, the consumption of alcohol in a pleasure craft is much more dangerous than most people realize. Alcohol intensifies this effect, reducing your reaction time, your judgement and, consequently, your ability to navigate your craft. Fatigue, sun, wind and the rocking movement of the boat may all dull your senses. Fatigue can also cause problems; such as being less alert and bringing on tunnel vision, thus diminishing our ability to see objects around you.
Keeping a low profile, such as looking before acting, driving at a safe speed, being alert to changes in weather conditions and using the right navigation lights from sunset to sunrise.