Canada SVOP flashcards

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

SVOP certificate validity

A Small Vessel Operator Proficiency certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue. Renewal requires evidence of sea service, re-examination, or completion of a refresher course as specified by Transport Canada.

SVOP vs PCOC

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is for recreational vessels. SVOP is a commercial certificate of competency covering vessel handling, safety, and emergency procedures for small commercial vessels. They are not interchangeable.

SVOP exam passing mark

The SVOP examination typically consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with a passing mark of 70 percent. It is closed-book and covers all syllabus areas, especially collision regulations and emergencies.

MED training

Marine Emergency Duties training is separate from SVOP and is often required in addition. It covers firefighting, abandon ship, survival craft, and personal survival techniques for commercial seafarers.

Carrying the SVOP certificate

Operators must carry the SVOP certificate or a copy on board at all times while operating commercially and produce it on demand to a Transport Canada inspector, police, or peace officer.

Gross tonnage formula

Gross tonnage measures internal volume, not weight. GT = K1 × V, where V is the total enclosed volume in cubic metres and K1 = 0.2 + 0.02 log10(V).

Metacentric height GM

GM = KM minus KG. Positive GM indicates initial stability; negative GM indicates the vessel is unstable and may capsize. G must remain below M for positive stability.

Righting lever GZ

For small angles of heel, GZ = GM × sin(theta). The area under the GZ curve up to 30 degrees must be at least 0.055 metre-radians under IMO intact stability criteria.

Freeboard definition

Freeboard is the vertical distance from the waterline to the freeboard deck. Minimum freeboard is set by vessel length, type, and assigned load line and must never be reduced by overloading.

Free surface effect

Partially filled tanks allow liquid to shift, raising the effective centre of gravity and reducing GM. This reduces stability and can cause capsize in heavy weather. Keep tanks full or empty.

Capacity plate

A capacity plate or stability booklet states the maximum number of persons, cargo weight, and fuel/water allowed. Exceeding it compromises stability and is an offence under the Small Vessel Regulations.

COLREGS Rule 5 look-out

Every vessel must maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing and by all available means to make a full appraisal of the situation and the risk of collision.

COLREGS Rule 6 safe speed

Speed must be safe for prevailing circumstances, including visibility, traffic density, manoeuvrability, background lights, and stopping distance. No fixed speed is prescribed.

COLREGS Rule 7 risk of collision

If there is any doubt, risk of collision shall be deemed to exist. A steady bearing and decreasing range indicates risk. Use radar plotting or systematic observation to confirm.

COLREGS Rule 8 avoiding action

Action to avoid collision must be positive, made in ample time, and large enough to be readily apparent. Avoid small successive changes; if altering course, alter substantially.

Overtaking rule

Under Rule 13, an overtaking vessel must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken. Overtaking is when approaching from more than 22.5 degrees abaft the beam.

Head-on rule

Under Rule 14, when two power-driven vessels meet head-on or nearly so, each must alter course to starboard and pass port-to-port.

Crossing rule

Under Rule 15, when two power-driven vessels are crossing with risk of collision, the vessel with the other on her starboard side must keep out of the way and avoid crossing ahead.

Rule 18 give-way order

Power-driven vessels give way to sailing vessels, vessels not under command, restricted in ability to manoeuvre, fishing vessels, and vessels constrained by draft, in that order of precedence.

Restricted visibility rule

Under Rule 19, reduce speed to minimum steerageway, have engines ready for immediate manoeuvre, and if risk of collision exists take avoiding action. A vessel detecting another forward of her beam by radar alone must avoid altering course to port.

Lifejacket requirements

Small commercial vessels must carry approved lifejackets or PFDs for each person on board, plus a throwable flotation device. Lifejackets must be readily accessible, not in locked compartments.

Fire extinguisher minimum

Vessels under 6 metres require at least one 5-B:C dry chemical extinguisher. Larger vessels require additional extinguishers by length and hazard. Mount securely and inspect monthly.

Mayday vs Pan-Pan

Mayday is for grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance. Pan-Pan is for urgency without immediate danger. Securite is for safety messages. All are transmitted on VHF Channel 16.

Man overboard procedure

Shout Man overboard, throw a float, mark position with the MOB button, manoeuvre to return using a Williamson or Anderson turn, approach from downwind, and recover with engine in neutral.

Hypothermia stages

Cold water immersion causes cold shock in the first 1 to 3 minutes, cold incapacitation in 3 to 30 minutes, and hypothermia after 30 minutes. Use H.E.L.P. posture and huddle to conserve heat.

Beaufort scale

The Beaufort scale ranges from Force 0 (calm, under 1 knot) to Force 12 (hurricane, 64 knots or more). Wave height roughly corresponds to Beaufort force, but fetch and depth also influence sea state.

Rule of twelfths

Tidal range is divided into twelfths over six hours: 1/12, 2/12, 3/12, 3/12, 2/12, 1/12 per hour. Slack water occurs between flood and ebb. Use tide tables and current atlases.

IALA Region A buoyage

In Canada, red buoys mark the port side of a channel when entering from seaward; green buoys mark starboard. Cardinal marks indicate the direction of safe water.

Speed-time-distance formula

Distance = Speed × Time. One knot equals one nautical mile per hour, and one nautical mile equals 1.852 km. The 60:1 rule states one minute of arc equals one nautical mile.

MARPOL Annex V garbage

Disposal of all garbage into the sea is prohibited except food waste, which may be discharged beyond 12 nautical miles from shore, or beyond 3 nautical miles if comminuted.

Sewage discharge limits

Under MARPOL Annex IV, discharge of untreated sewage is prohibited within 3 nautical miles of shore. Beyond 3 nm, discharge must be comminuted and disinfected, with the vessel proceeding at least 4 knots.

Oil pollution reporting

Any discharge or probable discharge of oil must be reported immediately to the Canadian Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or 1-800-889-8852, and to Transport Canada.