June 30, 2026

By John Gullick 

I’ll start by asking the following question: Would you start driving a car before taking a course and/or driving lessons? The answer is probably no, and for good reason. 

When it comes to operating a boat, especially a power boat, personal watercraft, or sailboat, I often ask the same question but the answer I get is usually very different. Most people believe that operating a boat is much easier than operating a car, and I would respectfully suggest that this is far from the truth. 

Let’s think about it and follow the comparison. When you do the written portion of your driver’s license test, you have to be able to identify a large number of signs. The same is true for travel on the water. I counted up the number of different signs, markers, lights and flags that are noted in Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide and there are over 60. Add to that which side of the boat you keep certain markers on, changes depending on the direction of the water flow and you have to know how to determine that.  

Let’s go even further. You are required to carry up-to-date charts, the water version of road maps, on board. To be able to use them you also need a magnetic compass and an understanding of the symbols that are noted on the chart. There are literally pages of those. In fact, there is a whole book dedicated to charts, their symbols and how to read them. 

Now let’s look at the operation of the vessel itself. Power boats, personal watercraft, sailboats and paddle boats all perform differently, just like cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles. When you turn the steering wheel on a boat, it is the back end of the boat that moves first, not like the front end of a car. When you take your foot off the gas in a car, you can still turn left or right with no problem. The same is not true in a boat. So much so in some cases that, without power to drive forward motion, the boat or personal water-craft will not turn at all. Cars have brakes, boats don’t and rely on reverse thrust or friction to slow the boat down. 

Most cars also contain all the required safety equipment already built in. The same is not true of boats. Different types and sizes of boats require different safety equipment to be on board, in good repair and accessible.  You need to know what that equipment is and how to maintain it. For the most part seat belts are all the same, but lifejackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs) are not. Today PFDs are purpose-designed for different types of on-the-water activity and you need to know how to choose the right one for what you do and know how to maintain it. 

Last but not least, let’s consider weather. It is true that in a car you must consider adverse weather conditions, especially heavy wind or rain, but in most cases, you are protected from those conditions and can carry on to your destination. The same is not true on the water. Slight changes in the weather can call a halt to what started out as a fun day on the water. Even too much sunshine can have adverse effects and you need to know when to recognize that and how to do something about it. 

Are you beginning to get the picture? And, I have not talked about Cold Water Shock due to unexpected immersion or the dangers of Carbon Monoxide. 

The body of knowledge that is required to pass the test for your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) now has over 275 key learning points and that covers only the basic level of knowledge that is really needed to fully understand and enjoy a safe boating experience for you and your family, and guests. 

CanBoat offers a wide range of courses, that cover everything from required certification for PCOC and ROCM, boat handling and navigation, to advanced navigation, offshore cruising, local and weather, marine electronics, marine maintenance, mini-courses and much more; go to: www.CanBoat.ca . Many marinas offer courses and seminars, as do private individuals and organizations. Classroom or online instructor-led courses are usually offered during the winter and early spring months, so you can enjoy year-long boating experiences, learn a great deal and make many new friends that share your passion for boating. 

It is said that knowledge is power and when it comes to boating you can never have too much of it. That knowledge can give you the confidence to really enjoy your boating experience, and it can give others confidence in your abilities as a safe boat operator.  

The best trip is always a safe return trip. 

By John Gullick, currently CanBoat’s Manager of Government and Special Programs and has been an active recreational marine specialist and writer for over 50 years.  
 
Sign up for the CanBoat newsletter https://www.canboat.ca/contact/canboat-newsletter-subscription/ and visit www.CanBoat.ca to learn more about us.  

All articles are free for use to promote boating and water safety. Credit must be provided to CanBoat / NautiSavoir and author John Gullick.