Compass Revision is an independent study platform. It is not affiliated with, approved by, or endorsed by Sail Canada, Transport Canada, ISED, CanBoat, the Canadian Hydrographic Service, or the Canadian Coast Guard. These companions do not award certification, a PCOC, or an ROC(M), and do not replace recognized instruction, practical experience, or assessment.

Compass Canada

Compass Canada study companion

Basic Cruising Study Companion

Direct answer

Independent Canadian preparation for basic cruising terminology, sailing decisions, Canadian rules and aids, safety, weather, and skipper responsibilities. Independent knowledge preparation mapped to a published standard. Compass is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sail Canada. Completion does not award certification, demonstrate on-water competence, or replace recognized instruction and assessment. Actual Sail Canada Basic Cruising certification, not this Compass companion, may be accepted as proof of competency under current Transport Canada rules.

Price
$24.99 once
Course size
10 modules
Access
Lifetime access
Format
Independent online study companion
Preview the free module

Course route

Learn the knowledge, then take it afloat with an instructor

1Free

Canadian Boat Terms and Parts

Hull, rig, sails, controls, directions, and clear Canadian sailing language.

Open module
2Full access

Sailing Forces, Points of Sail, and Trim

True and apparent wind, points of sail, sail shape, balance, and first trim responses.

Open module
3Full access

Manoeuvres and Crew Calls

Tacking, jibing, heading up, bearing away, stopping, and concise crew communication.

Open module
4Full access

Knots, Lines, and Loads

Core knots, cleats, winches, line care, chafe, and loaded-line hazards.

Open module
5Full access

Docking, Auxiliary Power, and Engine Awareness

Slow-speed plans, wind, propeller effects, spring lines, engine checks, and abort points.

Open module
6Full access

Anchoring and Mooring

Ground tackle, scope, holding ground, swing room, setting, monitoring, and mooring checks.

Open module
7Full access

Canadian Collision Regulations

Lookout, safe speed, collision risk, sailing encounters, responsibilities, lights, and sound awareness.

Open module
8Full access

Canadian Aids and IALA Region B

Canadian lateral, cardinal, isolated danger, safe water, special, bifurcation, and regulatory marks.

Open module
9Full access

Equipment, Weather, and Cold-Water Safety

Federal equipment context, marine forecasts, warnings, cold shock, hypothermia, and conservative limits.

Open module
10Full access

Emergencies, Skipper Duties, and Practical Readiness

Crew overboard, grounding, flooding, fire, distress communication, skipper responsibility, and course boundaries.

Open module

What the companion includes

Clear knowledge and practical boundaries

  • Original lessons and explanations
  • 18 questions and 12 flashcards per module
  • Three 40-question mixed knowledge assessments
  • Canada terminology, jurisdiction, and primary-source context
  • Practical-awareness prompts clearly separated from assessed knowledge

Not included

  • Sail Canada certification or an official examination
  • A Pleasure Craft Operator Card or ROC(M) certificate
  • Instructor-observed practical assessment
  • Copied textbook, chart, manual, or examination content
  • A guarantee of school, examiner, or charter-operator acceptance

Editorial record

Primary-source review

Course content is original to Compass and reviewed against published Sail Canada standards and current Canadian government sources. Provincial, local, vessel-specific, and operator requirements must be checked separately.