ajaxguy
Well-known member
Have they changed the test to make it more difficult? I know at one point is was realy simple and easy and i meant to get it but procrastinated. I heard now thats its pretty difficult with way more questions then before.
Boatsmart test?
- Thread starter ajaxguy
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ABadjusterrider_5
Well-known member
Yeah, they made the test more difficult. Now it's done online and in 3 modules. You don't even get to find out which questions you got wrong. They just tell you if you passed or failed. The minium needed to pass is either a 70 or 80%
Hence why I am not bothering.
Hence why I am not bothering.
vociferous
Well-known member
its still easy to get. it just takes some time. you just have to start the videos, then walk away. plus its now "open book" i've gone through it several times with people. IMO, its easier, but takes more time.
I dont know why people so readily dismiss the required learning material...as if being a dumb ignorant boater is somehow different from being a dumb ignorant driver?
I hope those who took the easy route through the exams at least read the materials and make an attempt at understanding the rules and laws on the water.
I hope those who took the easy route through the exams at least read the materials and make an attempt at understanding the rules and laws on the water.
A bad driver doesn"t need to know how to swim. I see even more dumbass stuff on the water.
To the OP: Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons offer many courses. If you pass the Navigation course, you get an Operator's card. Just an option.
If anyone wants to give it a shot and they are downtown core, there is a kiosk/tent thingy at Brookfield Place (BCE Place for thems what remembers them building it) in the Plaza. I believe you can take the test there, they have tables and such. Didn't check it out, water is not my thing.
I took the course about 10 years ago. It's definitely worth it!
you dont need to swim for a boaters card either, its why your in a boat.......
The power squadron courses are pretty good and if you get a fun instructor its less dry material. The course can be tax deducted "tuition expense" and most marine brokers give ins. discounts. you can often work a VHF radio card into the course so if you ever get a real boat your good to go.
I can recall when i took it years ago, that you could continously re take the test until you passed.
The joke was if you crash in a boat doing something dumbass, you better know how to swim. Sorry that wasn't clear enough for everyone.
The Boatsmart test still isn't difficult. My 8 year old just passed it, on his own without any help from me or his mom. He is a smart kid but no super genius. You now need to complete 5 online modules and have to have a certain amount of study time. If you listen to the modules you will have your time and you will be able to pass the test no problem.
I was at bass proshop today and they had a tent outside with a big sign saying pay AFTER you pass.
rmemedic
Well-known member
I did it last year. I grew up on boats, so all the rules of the water and what equipment you need etc was easy to pass... But a large portion of my test was all this BS of what law is from what government documents... Like it really matters I know what piece of paper a certain law is written on, and it made the test useless for testing real world applicable knowledge.
It must be different now because my air head 18 year old sister just passed it with a 96. And no, there are no pics of said sister.
It must be different now because my air head 18 year old sister just passed it with a 96. And no, there are no pics of said sister.
YES - they have changed it. I procrastinated too long and took the online exam yesterday. The test used to be ~15 minutes. It now takes up nearly 5 hours of your time.
There are 7 modules, and a final 'exam', after you pay $56. I found out after (too late), there's a $20 coupon online at RedFlagDeals.
Each module is comprised of several 'sub sections' that are timed - IOW, you have to wait until the timer on the browser counts down to zero before you can click on and move to the next 'section, or module'.
In each of the 7 modules, there is a "quiz" at the end. It's 10 multiple choice questions. You need to score 8/10 to be eligible to continue onto the next 'module'. If you don't get 8/10, you must redo that particular module until you pass (eight out of ten), even if it takes you a month.
Once you've completed all 7 modules, and 7 'quiz' tests, you move on to the final exam, that allows you 75 minutes to complete. It's made up of 50 questions, 38 (76%) of which you must get correct.
If you fail to get 38 correct (76%), you can give it another go (for free). If you fail to get 38 correct (76%) again, you must return to the lengthy 7 module segment, and do that all over again.
I passed all modules first crack, and the final exam with 88%. It took just under 5 hours of sitting in front of the bloody puter though, and I didn't waste 1 second of time. The 75 minute final exam took me ~12 minutes. You get your results instantly, and can print out a copy of your 'new' license, and the real one is supposed to arrive within 4 - 6 weeks.
The Boatsmart license / card test may change again, but that's how it was yesterday, June 23, 2012.
Anyone with an 18' (or smaller) bowrider (outboard only), 1 - 2 yrs old, wanting to sell - PM me details.
