BoatDealerOnline

If you ask: do I need a boat license to drive a boat, the quick answer is you do not. But you do need proof of competency as evidenced by a pleasure craft operator permit or card (PCOC). Canada moved some time ago to increase safety for all recreational boaters and other users of its waterways. As of September 15, 2009, all recreational boaters in Canada are required to have the PCOC certification. This and related requirements are set out in the national Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations.

Although it is commonly referred to as a boating license, the PCOC is a competency card, not a license. Unlike a license, it cannot be revoked or suspended. Additionally, the PCOC does not have an expiry date. Also, the PCOC is issued at no charge.

The exam covers a range of competencies such as minimum boat safety equipment requirements; the Canadian buoyage system; relevant Canadian boating regulations; equipping a vessel; operating a vessel with safety; navigational aids; maintaining a vessel and its equipment; and responding to emergency situations.

All skippers of powered vessels used for pleasure require a PCOC. This regulation does not apply to vessels used for commercial purposes. There is no exemption for size of vessel, age of vessel or size of engine. A powered craft is defined as any boat fitted with any size motor - including electric trolling motors. All operators are required to pass the test and be issued with an operator card.

The PCOC requirement is broad ranging. All skippers of powered recreational craft must have an operator card. There are no exemptions for age, size of boat or engine. Powered watercraft means any pleasure boat, including sailing boats, fitted with any sized engine - including electric trolling motors. There is no "grandfather" clause or age exemption; all pleasure craft operators are required to have an operator card.

Yacht owners should be aware that they are required to have a PCOC onboard even if the craft is under sail with the motor off. Overseas boaters journeying to Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days should be aware that they are also required to have a PCOC onboard. Non-resident yachties operating their craft in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days are required to obtain an operator card. An operator card or equivalent issued to a non-resident by country may be considered as proof of competency. Non-resident boaters are advised to contact Transport Canada for more details.

All operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor are now required to have proof of competency onboard. Failure to produce this proof of competency can result in a fine of $250.00, plus regional administration costs. Pleasure craft operators are required to carry the license onboard their craft at all times. It is probably fair to say that Canada, has lagged other countries in introducing this boating competency requirement. Many comparable nations introduced a similar requirement years ago.

The licensing regime for recreational vessels is administered by Transport Canada. Enforcement, however, is conducted by the officers of various regional police authorities such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), depending on the specific province or jurisdiction.

In summary, if someone asks you: do I need a boat license to drive a boat, you now know that the answer is no. What is required is proof of competency obtained in the form of a the PCOC upon successful completion of a boating course administered by an accredited course provider testing centre or course provider. Further details are available on the Transport Canada website.

Summer is here, get a boat exam or operator card and set sail. Getting a boating license is now quick and easy, simply register for a operator card test, sit the online boat exam and away you go.