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 Testing
Your Nautical Knowledge
by
Mark King
When the Canadian Coast
Guard finally introduced mandatory knowledge standards and testing
for recreational boaters many people cheered. Others complained.
Some are still complaining. Even some of the people who cheered
at first have begun to complain. The reason is simple.
The set of knowledge statements - the 149 points
of boating information the Canadian Coast Guard says is mandatory
to know - was pared down from what was originally discussed. It
was argued the 149 knowledge statements could be neatly packaged
into an eight-hour course and presented as a day-long session or
over a series of evenings - a schedule so people could attend. And
some people do attend. However, they have found the information
to be simple enough to learn on their own. They simply buy a book,
learn the material and take the test. Still others find they have
enough boating experience and knowledge to pass.
And what is the test? It only has 36 multiple questions
and 27 of the answers have to be correct to pass. You then achieve
your competency card. Although the administrator of the test is
required to review the wrong answers, this still means it's possible
to acquire the Operator Competency Card by only knowing 27 of 149
basic knowledge statements. Given that some of the information is
common sense, an intuitive person might be able to guess their way
through part of the test. (Top)
At 27 questions correct, that is just over 18 per
cent of the already limited amount of knowledge required for the
card. While this problem has been discussed, there have been no
solutions. Some suggestions have included mandatory courses and/or
longer tests, perhaps up to 100 or 125 questions.
The issue points out something that is important
for boaters. Just because you have a card doesn't necessarily mean
you are a truly competent boater. There can be a significant knowledge
gap between what we know and what we really need to know to be a
safe boater. So how can we protect ourselves? The answer: by taking
a course or completing some supplemental reading on boating and
boating safety. Something most boaters enjoy is the ability to learn
more about the sport each year. There are hundreds of magazine articles
that offer basic and advanced knowledge about boating.
The fact that you are reading Power Boating Canada
indicates you have more than a passing interest in boating. If you
don't have the inclination or time to sit in a classroom, why not
spend a few hours each week with a boating book?
From true stories to pure theory, there are many
resources that can help you learn. But why would you want to learn?
After all, you take the boat out for a couple of weeks each season
and everything is fine. Besides, anyone can hop on board, put it
in forward and drive. The truth is, even experienced boaters can
expand their horizons through knowledge.
If you find yourself tying up at the same dock all
the time because it's familiar, maybe you are missing out on another
location. Or maybe you've always wanted to anchor but aren't sure
how.
Talk to boaters at any marina and they'll tell you
there are things they would like to do with their boats, but they
don't have the knowledge or they may have encountered a bad experience
and could never understand why. (Top)
Perhaps you use a particular boating technique and
it works well, but you are sure there is an easier or better method.
A little knowledge from a course, book or magazine just might help
you figure out the solution to the problem.
Technology improves rapidly and the boating industry
sees several innovations each year. Challenging yourself to learn
more about boating will help you enjoy the sport so much more.
It could help you extend your season, your cruising
range and your overall ability to handle poor weather and rougher
water. Of course, if you're new to boating there should be no question
that you will want, or need, to learn as much as possible.
Taking a course to acquire your operator competency
card is a good place to start. It will give you the absolute basic
theory you need to know for safer boating. Then, as you acquire
the skills to go with that knowledge, you can begin to learn more.
Competent boating is a combination of theory and practice.
For more Canadian boaters, the practice comes in
the summer which leaves a long winter to learn more theory.
(Top)
Lifeline
is produced through the Safe Boater Training Program, a certification
program for recreational boaters.
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