How To Obtain Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card

The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations (part of the Canada Shipping Act 2001) require operators of pleasure craft in Canada, fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes, to have proof of competency on board with them at all times.

Proof of competency can take one of three forms:

proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to 1 April 1999;
a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)issued following the successful completion of a Transport Canada accredited test; or

a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats)

The regulation applies to all motorized vessels, regardless of boat length or engine size, including sailboats that are fitted with auxiliary motors, small fishing boats with electric trolling motors as well as personal watercraft. A $250.00 fine is levied by a law enforcement officers upon an operator who fails to show proof of competency or Pleasure Craft Operator Card. For the vast majority of boaters, the easiest method to obtain proof of competency is to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

Currently, proof of competency (most commonly in the form of a Pleasure Craft Operator Card) is required by all operators of motorized vessels in Canada, regardless of age or size of boat. Contrary to some misconceptions there is no “grandfather” clause, and whether you’re 8 years old or 80 years old you’ll need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. The federal law applies in all provinces and to all navigable waters in Canada.

Once obtained, the Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life. Various names have been given to the Pleasure Craft Operator Card including “boating license”, “boat card”, “PCOC” and “Boatsmart Card”. No matter what boaters call it, the card can only be obtained from a recognized Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card provider.

Boaters can obtain their card after attaining a mark of at least 75 percent on a Transport Canada accredited test, such as the one offered by BOATsmart! Canada. Boaters have the option of challenging an accredited exam if they wish, and there is no legal requirement to complete a boating safety course. The exam is offered by BOATsmart! Canada online or in person.

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is NOT a "boat driver's licence" or "boating license" but rather simply one form of "proof of competency", meaning that the holder of the card has proven that he/she has gained the minimum level of boating competency to be safe on the water. Unlike a “license” the Pleasure Craft Operator Card cannot ordinarily be revoked, rescinded, cancelled or suspended. However, if the card was issued not in accordance with the federal Regulations, for example fraudulently, then the card can be invalidated.

Non-residents who are boating in Canada for up to 45 days do not require proof of competency. However, non-residents who operate an out-of-country vessel in Canada for more than 45 consecutive days do require competency, such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Proof of citizenship is required on board at all times, and if the person is operating a vessel registered in Canada he/she must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (or proof of competency) even if operating a vessel for less than 45 days.

Commercial mariners who recognized professional maritime certificates, such as Master Mariner, can apply to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card for having on board while operating a pleasure craft, for convenience. The completion of a Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam is not required in this instance.

Competency, within the meaning of the Pleasure Craft Opertor Card Regulations refers simply to a person being knowledgeable of 149 basic boating safety principles, such as

nautical terms e.g. starboard, abaft the beam, draft
knowledge of the regulations applicable to boaters e.g. Collision Regulations, Small Vessel Regulations, Vessel (speed & operation) Restriction Regulations
knowledge of steering and right-of-way rules e.g. keep going with caution (stand on) vs keep out of the way (give way) when power vessels risk colliding; red-green-white running lights when operating in restricted visibility and at night
knowledge of safety precautions and emergency preparedness
knowledge of safety equipment and its proper use
knowledge of aids to navigation, commonly known as marker buoys
knowing the meaning of weather warning terms and safe preparations before departing
knowing what to do in a boating emergency such as a person overboard, capsizing, mechanical failure, use of anchor, lifejackets, signal flares

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