Betterboating

Welcome to Better Boating!

GET YOUR PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATORS CARD TODAY! Better Boating makes our waters safer one boater at a time! In business since 1999, we’re one of the oldest and most reputable companies in this field, period. You must carry your P.C.O.C onboard at all times it’s the LAW! You must also carry your vessel licence and identification.
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Never overload your boat

and always check the weather forecast before heading out on to the water!
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Always watch for strong currents

and wind when a operating around docks and locks. Pay particular attention, when operating on or near rivers after a heavy rainfall!
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Not wearing a flotation device

continues to be associated with the vast majority of drownings in small open boats. According to a Red Cross report, 90% of drowning victims were not wearing a P.F.D.
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FLARES ARE NOT TOYS OR FIREWORKS

THEY ARE ONLY TO BE USED IN EMERGENCIES. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using flares and remember they expire four years after the date of manufacture.
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The most common breakdown is running out of fuel.

Before departing on any trip remember the one third fuel rule: one third out, one third back and keep one third in reserve.
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Don’t forget to test them for buoyancy at least once year

1. Put it on and fasten it properly 2. Walk into chest high water 3. Bend your knees 4. Then float on your back and make sure that the device keeps your chin above the water so that you are able to breathe easily.
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To help reduce the chance of break downs

always perform regular required maintenance, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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Before launching the boat

make sure the drain plug is in place. Disconnect the trailer lights. Attach a line to the boat and launch the boat. Once the boat is free and clear of the trailer go through your pre departure check list. To avoid an accidental injury, never start your engines until after the motor is in the water.
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Always carry spare parts

and the necessary tools to make minor repairs while on the water.
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Towing a person

Water skiing, tubing and wake boarding can be an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. When towing a person there must be a spotter and a 3rd seat for the [...]
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Always maintain a proper lookout

for these signals indicating a need of assistance. Remember you are obligated by law to render assistance as long as it safe to do so.
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How do you call for assistance when on the water?

Use a VHF (Very High Frequency) radio to call for the need of assistance. A VHF radio is the best way of communicating between two or more vessels when on the water. Currently, all VHF marine radio operators must have a Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC) to obtain this license contact Industry Canada.
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Manual bailers must hold at least 750 ml

have an opening of at least 65 sq. cm (10 sq. inch) and be made of plastic or metal. Manual bilge pumps must have sufficient hose to discharge water over the side of the boat.
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H.E.L.P

If you find yourself in cold water assume the HEAT ESCAPE LESSENING POSITION (H.E.L.P.). This position will help reduce heat loss from the head, armpits and groin area.
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DANGER ZONE

Keep clear of vessels approaching from this direction.
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A blows one short blast

(1 sec.) and alters course to starboard. B blows one short blast (1 sec.) and alters course to starboard.
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A keeps clear of and

must avoid crossing ahead of B
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A keeps clear of B

C keeps clear of A and B
B keeps clear of D
D keeps clear of A and C
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A power-driven vessel

keeps clear of a sailing vessel.
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Great Lakes Rules

“I want to pass you on your port side” 2 short blasts (1 sec.) “Proceed” 2 short blasts (1 sec.) International Rules “I am altering my course to port” 2 short blasts (1 sec.) Great Lakes Rules “I want to pass you on your port side” 2 short blasts (1 sec.) “Proceed” 2 short blasts (1 sec.) International Rules “I am altering my course to port” 2 short blasts (1 sec.)
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It’s no joke stay afloat.

ALWAYS WEAR A PFD.
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All boats must

stay clear of Ferries
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PORT means

PORT means -The left side of a boat when looking forward. STARBOARD means – The right side of a boat when looking forward. BOW means – The front of the boat, generally the pointy end. STERN means -The after part of a pleasure craft, the back end of the boat.
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Remember Red Right Returning

Keep Red Buoys on the right side and Green Buoys on the left side when heading up stream.
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Latest Blog Post

NEW APPROVED MANUAL

Click here to view our FREE STUDY GUIDE .

Effective September 15, 2009 all boat operators in Canada require the Pleasure Craft Operator Card or they face a fine. We are here to provide you with the information and training you need, so that you can continue to enjoy the waterways safely. We have a number of options available to help you obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card.
Be sure to study the “Watercraft Safety Manual” before attempting the exam. To order your copy click here. To study online click here.

Free Online Practice Exam & Free Online Study Guide

Welcome to the Better Boating Safe Boat Training FREE online Practice Exam.

The following link contains Safe Boating Tips from the FREE STUDY GUIDE. Please review them, and when you are done, click the link below to take the Better Boating Safe Boat Training FREE online Practice Exam and check your knowledge.

Our Services

Boating Tips

In Person Testing and Training

If you like to take the test in person or schedule a course.

Course Description

Join us for a course, during which you will learn the basics of operating power or sail boats and personal watercrafts safely. This fun and interactive course is accredited by [...]