Parts of a boat

Bow & Stern 

  • Bow of a boat (ship)

Refers to the forward part of a pleasure craft.

  • Stern of a boat (ship)

Refers to the back end of a pleasure craft.

Bow and Stern of a boat

Starboard side of a boat

The right side of a pleasure craft when looking forward. Many centuries ago, ships were always moored on the left side; the helm was on the right side and would have been a hinderance while mooring. More information on starboard side.

Port side of a boat

The left side of a pleasure craft looking forward. More information on port side.

Starboard and Port side of a boat

Boat Hull

The main body of a vessel from the deck down. It does not include rigging, superstructure, machinery, or equipment.

Hull of a boat

Waterline of a boat

The line marked on the hull of the vessel that separates the submerged section of the vessel from the section above the water level. The waterline must never be submerged.  If it is submerged, the vessel has exceeded its maximum load capacity. Furthermore, if this line is lower on one side, it means that the load is unevenly distributed on each side of the vessel. These two situations represent a danger for the safety of the passengers as well as to the pleasure craft.

Waterline of a boat

Draft of a boat

The depth of water, which a pleasure craft requires to float freely. It is, therefore, necessary to have deeper water than the draft of the pleasure craft, so that it may easily float, otherwise it may run aground.

Draft of a boat

Freeboard of a boat

The distance from the waterline to the upper deck level, measured at the lowest point of sheer, where water can enter the boat or ship.

Freeboard of a boat

Propeller

Propeller is a type of fan that transmits power by converting rotational motion into thrust.

Propeller

Rudder

A rudder is a primary control surface used to steer a boat,  that moves through water.

Rudder

Transom

The transom is the area of the boat where the motor is attached. The transom is located on the stern of the boat.

Transom

Gunwale

A cleat is a kind of hook with two ends which is used to hold ropes, especially on boats.

Gunwale

Cleat

A cleat is a kind of hook with two ends which is used to hold ropes, especially on boats.

cleat boat

Deck of a boat

A deck is a permanent covering over a compartment or a hull of a boat.

deck

Ballast

Ballast is the extra weight you add to the boat to make it heavier so it displaces more water, which helps create a larger wake for surfing or wakeboarding. 

Ballast

Bilge

Located at the lowest point inside a boat, the bilge serves as a reservoir for collecting excess water. Equipped with a pump, this essential component works to eliminate accumulated water ensuring a dry and safe vessel.

Bilge

Bimini

A Bimini is a canvas or composite (hard) top that is affixed to a boat  that provides shade and protection from the sun and rain.

bimini

Navigation lights

A set of lights shown by a ship at night to indicate its position and orientation, especially with respect to other vessels.

navigation lights

Boat Wake & Wash

The column of water around and behind a moving pleasure craft, which is set into motion by the pleasure craft advancing through the water. Smooth track left by the passage of a vessel.

Boat Wake & Wash

Stand-on vessel

A vessel which has right-of-way during a meeting, crossing, or overtaking manoeuver, shall maintain her course and speed.

Give-way vessel

A vessel that is required to keep out of the way of another vessel.

 

Stand-on vessel & Give-way vessel

Pleasure craft

Means a boat, a ship, a vessel, or any other description of a water craft that is used exclusively for pleasure, and does not carry passengers or goods for hire, reward, remuneration or any object of profit.

Pleasure craft

Power-driven vessel

Means any vessel propelled by machinery.

Power driven vessel

Sailboat 

Means any vessel under sail and not assisted by an engine.

Sailboat 

Would you like to learn more about boating safety and be able to drive a boat?

Aceboaters' boating safety course is accredited by Transport Canada to train students on the rules of navigation, buoys and their meanings, boating navigation lights, hazards, how to respond to emergency situations, boating laws and more.

Our course, once successfully completed, will give you the official pleasure craft operator card from Transport Canada, valid throughout North America.

I want my official Canadian boating license.

Back to Study guide

Boating License & Pleasure Craft Operator Card online exam - Accredited Transport Canada

↑