BOATsmart! Canada

Login with an Existing BOATsmart! Affiliate Account

Login with an Existing User ID or Register a New BOATsmart Account

Regulations

Operator Competency Requirements
Operators of power-driven pleasure craft must obtain and carry proof of competency on board at all times. This is the law. It applies to all operators of power boats, personal watercraft and motorized sailing craft that are used for recreational purposes within Canada . A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (or a boating safety course certificate completed prior to April 1, 1999 ) is recognized as proof of competency. Once obtained, your Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life.

You can obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card by taking the BOATsmart! Canada Challenge Exam.

Operator competency requirements are being phased in over a 10 year period:

Key Dates

Operator	Date proof of competency required
All operators born after April 1, 1983	September 15, 1999
All operators of craft under 4 m in length including PWCs	September 15, 2002
All operators	September 15, 2009

*If you completed a boating safety course before April 1, 1999 and have proof, then your course certificate or card may be accepted as proof of competency. Please contact us for more details.

**Operator Competency Requirements also apply to non-residents of Canada who operate a pleasure craft in Canada for more than 45 consecutive days. An operator card or equivalent issued to a non-resident by their state or country will be considered as proof of competency.

Age and Horsepower Restrictions
Age and Horsepower Restrictions prohibit operators under the age of 16 from operating craft with engines above specified horsepower limits. These restrictions also prohibit persons under 16 years from operating a personal watercraft.

Age and horsepower restrictions apply to the following categories:

Age and Supervision	Engine Horsepower Restrictions
Under 12 Years of Age and not directly supervised	Can operate a vessel with an engine no more than 10 hp (7.5 KW) Cannot operate a PWC under any conditions
12 to 15 years of age and not directly supervised	Can operate a vessel with an engine no more than 40 hp (30 KW) Cannot operate a PWC under any conditions
16 years of age and older	No supervision or horsepower restrictions apply Operator allowed to operate a PWC only if he/she has obtained a Pleasure Craft Operator Card

How Do I Obtain A Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
Boaters can obtain their operator card after receiving a mark of at least 75 percent on the BOATsmart! Canada Challenge Exam. Once obtained, the Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life.