Transport Canada PPHEL flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Pleasure Craft Operator Card

Proof of competency required to operate a motorized pleasure craft with an engine of 10 hp (7.5 kW) or more in Canada; obtained by passing an accredited exam and valid for life.

Pleasure Craft Licence

A free 10-digit number issued by Transport Canada that must be displayed on both sides of the bow; it must be renewed every 10 years and updated on ownership or address changes.

Youth horsepower limits

Under 12 with no supervision: under 10 hp only. Ages 12-15: up to 40 hp. Age 16 and older: any horsepower. No one under 16 may operate a PWC.

Proof of competency alternatives

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card, a boating safety course certificate from a recognized provider, or a prior vessel operator certificate accepted by Transport Canada can serve as proof of competency.

Operator responsibility

The operator is legally responsible for the vessel, its crew, and compliance with the Collision Regulations and the Canada Shipping Act, regardless of who owns the craft.

Accident reporting threshold

A collision or accident causing death, injury, or property damage above the regulatory threshold must be reported to the appropriate authority as soon as practicable.

Give-way vessel duty

The give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to keep well clear, normally by altering course to pass astern of the stand-on vessel.

Head-on meeting rule

Two power-driven vessels meeting head-on both alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port, each keeping to its own right side of the channel.

Crossing situation rule

When two power-driven vessels cross, the one with the other on her starboard side is the give-way vessel and must keep clear or pass astern.

Overtaking vessel rule

The overtaking vessel must keep clear of the vessel being overtaken until finally past and clear, regardless of whether either vessel is power or sail.

Sound signal meanings

One short blast: altering to starboard. Two short: altering to port. Three short: operating astern. Five or more short rapid blasts: danger or doubt.

Power-driven vessel lights

Underway at night a power-driven vessel shows a masthead light forward, sidelights (red port, green starboard), and a sternlight; sailing vessels under sail show sidelights and sternlight only.

Safe speed factors

Safe speed depends on visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, stopping distance, background lights at night, and current or sea state; no fixed open-water limit applies.

Required PFD or lifejacket

Every pleasure craft must carry a Transport Canada-approved personal flotation device or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person aboard, stowed accessibly.

Buoyant heaving line

A line of at least 15 m with a buoyant throw bag, required on all pleasure craft; it is used to throw to a person in the water or to secure a line ashore.

Fire extinguisher requirements

A 5BC extinguisher is required on power craft under 6 m; 10BC on craft 6-12 m; larger craft may need additional extinguishers; check the gauge and service date regularly.

Mayday versus Pan-Pan

Mayday signals grave and imminent danger to life or vessel; Pan-Pan signals urgency without immediate danger; Sécurité announces safety information such as navigation warnings.

VHF channel 16

The international distress, safety, and calling frequency monitored by the Coast Guard; Channel 70 is used only for DSC digital alerts and Channel 9 for recreational calling in many areas.

Man-overboard procedure

Shout 'man overboard', throw a buoyant object, keep the person in sight, approach into wind and current, and recover using a reboarding device or heaving line.

1-10-1 cold-water principle

About 1 minute of cold-shock gasp reflex, 10 minutes of useful movement before limbs numb, and 1 hour before hypothermia causes loss of consciousness.

Small craft warning

A marine forecast warning of winds of 20-33 knots; recreational craft should remain in port or seek shelter because seas and spray will be hazardous.

Barometer trend

A falling barometer indicates an approaching low-pressure system and deteriorating weather; a rapid drop signals a fast-moving storm or frontal passage.

Fog navigation rule

Reduce speed to a safe level, sound fog signals (one prolonged blast every two minutes for a power-driven vessel underway), and use radar, GPS, and a lookout.

Anchor scope ratio

Use 5:1 to 7:1 scope (rode length to depth), set the anchor by reversing slowly, and confirm holding with transits or a GPS position fix.

Wind against current

When wind opposes current, seas become steep, short, and confused; reduce speed, adjust course, and consider postponing passage until conditions ease.

Sewage discharge restriction

Untreated sewage may not be discharged within 3 nautical miles of shore in most Canadian waters; use a holding tank and pump-out stations instead.

Clean, drain, dry

The invasive-species protocol: remove all plants and mud, drain bilge and live wells, and dry the hull, trailer, and gear before launching in another waterbody.

Wildlife approach distance

Keep at least 100 m from marine mammals and 200 m from whales and calves in many Canadian regions; never chase, feed, or block an animal's path.

Wake and shoreline etiquette

Reduce speed and wake near shorelines, docks, swimmers, and posted zones; wakes erode banks, disturb nesting birds, and damage moored vessels.

Fueling safety steps

Stop the engine, extinguish all flames, close hatches, fuel slowly to avoid spills, and ventilate the engine compartment before restarting the engine.

Docking approach angle

Approach the dock at about 30-45 degrees, use short engine bursts in gear, and secure a spring line to control fore-and-aft movement alongside.

PWC steering control

A personal watercraft steers only when thrust is applied; releasing the throttle removes steering control, so steer with throttle and attach the cut-off lanyard.