FAQ's

Who is BOATsmart! Canada?

BOATsmart! Canada promotes the safe, enjoyable and environmentally conscious use of Canada's waterways. Our organization is committed to helping Canadians boat safely and with confidence. As Canada's largest Course Provider, we are a leader in boating safety education and Pleasure Craft Operator Card certification.

Is BOATsmart! Canada a recognized boating safety organization?

Yes. All BOATsmart! Canada course materials, training programs, and exams have been officially accredited by Transport Canada.

Do I need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

All operators of power driven pleasure craft (including Personal Water Crafts and motorized sailboats) used for recreational purposes within Canada are now required to carry proof of competency. The following are considered proof of competency:

Pleasure Craft Operator Card
Recognized Boating Safety Course Certificate (Issued prior to April 1, 1999)
Rental Boat Safety Checklist

When do I need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

ALL operators of powered watercraft used for recreational purposes require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card* as of September 15, 2009.
There are no exemptions for age, size of boat or engine size.
Powered watercraft means any recreational boat, personal watercraft, sailing vessel, or other type of craft fitted with any size motor - including electric trolling motors.

*or proof of competency

Is there a "Grandfather Clause"?

All pleasure craft operators will be required to obtain an Operator Card. There is no "grandfather" clause or age exemption.

What is the fine for operating a powered watercraft without your card?

The fine for operating a powered watercraft without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (or proof of competency) on board is $250.00 plus provincial administrative charges.

How will enforce the law and issue fines?

The law requiring boat operators to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (or proof of competency) is enforced by peace officers including RCMP, OPP and Conservation Officers (depending on province and/or jurisdiction). The law requires operators of powered watercraft to carry proof of age as well as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (or proof of competency) on board at all times.

Is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card a "boating license"?

Although its commonly referred to as a "boating license", the Operator Card is actually a "Competency Card". By successfully passing the BOATsmart! Exam and obtaining your Operator Card you have proven your competency as a afe boat operator.

If the Operator Card isn't a boating license, can it be revoked or suspended?

A "license" can be revoked, suspended and typically has an expiry date. However, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card cannot be revoked or suspended and once obtained, the card good for life.

Do I need a boating license as well as an Operator Card?

No. Canadian law does not require recreational boaters to obtain a boating license. The only legal requirement for boaters is to carry proof of competency (i.e. Pleasure Craft Operator Card) on board at all times.

Do I need a driver's license to operate a watercraft?

No - a driver's license is not required to operate a watercraft. However, you must carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (or recognized proof of competency) on board at all time while operating a powered watercraft.

Is there a difference between a Pleasure Craft Operator Card and a Pleasure Craft License?

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required for the operator of a boat, whereas a Pleasure Craft License is required for all boats fitted with a engine of 10 HP or more. The original Pleasure Craft Licence certificate must be carried on board at all times and the Pleasure Craft License number must be displayed in a visible area on the both the port and starboard side of each recreational vessel. Specific regulations as to the size and placement of the License numbers can be found in the Canada Shipping Act Small Vessel Regulations.

You can apply for a Pleasure Craft License at your local Service Canada outlet. For the location nearest you please visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca or call 1-800-O-CANADA.

How do I get my Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

You can obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card by passing the 36 question, multiple choice exam offered by BOATsmart! Canada. You must achieve a score of at least 75% to pass the exam and obtain your Operator Card.

Is my Operator Card good for life?

Yes. Once obtained, your Operator Card is good for life. If your Operator Card is lost or stolen you can purchase a replacement from BOATsmart! Canada.

I have already completed a boating safety course. Is it recognized?

Certificates for recognized boating safety courses completed before April 1, 1999 may exempt you from taking the exam. If you've already taken a course prior to these regulations - and have proof - then that course certificate or card will be accepted as proof of competency. The ORIGINAL course certificate must be carried on board the pleasure craft at all times. Photocopies are not valid.

Do visitors from foreign countries need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

Non-residents operating their pleasure 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 their state or country may be considered as proof of competency. Please contact us for more details.

Do commercial operators need a Card?

No. As long as you are operating your craft for commercial purposes then you are not required to show proof of competency. However, if you operate your vessel (or any other pleasure craft) for recreational purposes you are required to show proof of competency.

Who should participate in the BOATsmart! Canada Program?

Any person who operates a pleasure craft in Canada should participate. The BOATsmart! Canada Safe Boating Program covers all aspects of safe boating and responsible operation on Canadian waterways. Boaters of any age and ability are encouraged to participate in the BOATsmart! Canada Program.

How do I prepare for the exam?

Boaters have four options to prepare for the exam:

BOATsmart! Canada Home Study Guide
BOATsmart! Canada CD-ROM
Online Safe Boating Course
BOATsmart! Canada Classroom Course

Each format is recognized and approved by Transport Canada and includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. To order a copy of the BOATsmart! Canada Safe Boating Manual or CD-ROM call toll free: 1-877-792-3926.

Is there an online safe boating course or Canadian Safe Boating Course on the internet?

Yes. BOATsmart! Canada offers a comprehensive safe boating course online. The online boating course includes all of the knowledge required to take the boating exam. BOATsmart! Canada also offers classroom courses for safe boating and the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Call toll free 1-877-792-3926 for details.

What will I learn?

BOATsmart! Canada educational resources include all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Topics include:

Canadian Boating Rules and Regulations
Properly Equipping Your Craft
Operating Your Boat Safely
Ensuring the Safety of Your Passengers
Understanding Navigational Aids
Properly Maintaining Your Craft and Equipment
Responding to Emergencies and Distress Signals

What are the minimum technical requirements to access the Online Study Guide?

To use the Adobe PDF version of the Online Study Guide you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader v 4.0 or greater installed on your computer. You can access a free download of the Adobe Acrobat Reader here.

What are the minimum technical requirements to access the Online Exam?

In order to use this website and access the online exam, the following minimum requirements are necessary:

1024 x 768 Screen Resolution
Firefox 3.0 or greater
Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater
Safari 2.0 or greater
Google Chrome
Javascript Enabled
Some pop-up blockers may require you to enable pop-ups to use this site
Certain areas of this site require Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader and Flash v9.0

What are the minimum technical requirements to use the Online or Webcam Supervisor Signature Options?

In order to use the Online or Webcam Signature Options you must have Flash v9.0 installed.

How much is the BOATsmart! Online Exam?

BOATsmart! Canada charges a standard fee of $49.95 + GST for the exam. The cost includes a Temporary Operator Card Slip (issued immediately following your exam) and your permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card will arrive by mail within 4-6 weeks. In peak periods, it may take up to 8 weeks for your Operator Card to arrive by mail.

Where can I take the BOATsmart! Exam?

You can take the official Transport Canada accredited exam on this web site. Click here to access the exam now. Boaters can also attempt the exam at one of BOATsmart! Canada's Certified Affiliate Locations across Canada.

BOATsmart! Canada Safe Boating Teams also offer the Operator Card exam at special events, boat shows, and community events each season. Check our Locations page for a BOATsmart! Exam location near you.

How many safe boating questions are on the Boater Exam?

The boater exam consists of 36 multiple questions. You have a maximum of 45 minutes to complete the exam.

What score do I need to pass the boaters exam?

You need to answer at least 27 questions correctly (75%) in order to pass the exam and obtain your Operator Card.

Can I retry the boating exam if I happen to fail?

Yes you can. This web site includes free retries. However, you must wait a full 24 hours from the time of completion before retrying the exam.

Refund Policy

Once a boater (candidate) has registered with BOATsmart! Canada, he/she may decide to transfer their account to another person of their choice within 90 days. The candidate may also apply the payment to another BOATsmart! Canada service or product of their choice (i.e. BOATsmart! Canada Safe Boating Course, Gift Voucher, etc). The boater must advise BOATsmart! Canada of the change by e-mail or telephone within 90 days of the registration date. Refunds will only be issued in the event that a customer is charged more than once due to technical problems during the registration process. BOATsmart! Canada must be notified within 30 days of any technical problems in order to be eligible for a refund.

The requirement for a Supervisor is clearly stated on the BOATsmart! Canada web site prior to a boater registering and purchasing the exam. Boaters will not be refunded for any issue relating to the requirement for a Supervisor.

Candidates may only transfer their account as stated above.
Online purchases of additional or replacement cards will only be refunded if the order has not been processed. Once BOATsmart! Canada's printing and mailing process has been initiated, no refund can be issued.

If You Have Not Received Your Card
If you do not receive your card within 90 days of passing your exam, please contact info@BoatSmartExam.com. Contacting BOATsmart! Canada after the 90 day period will result in an Operator Card re-issue fee of $20.00 + GST.

If There Is An Error On Your Card
If there is an error on your Operator Card, such as an incorrect spelling of your name or date of birth, you must report it to BOATsmart! Canada within 90 days. If reported within the 90 day period, and if it is determined to be an error on the part of BOATsmart! Canada, we will reissue your card at no charge. A re-issue fee of $20.00 + GST will apply in the event that the card error was the result of incorrect data supplied by the boater (candidate) or it has been longer than 90 days since the date of the exam.