FAQ'S

About BOATsmart! Canada

Who is BOATsmart! Canada?
BOATsmart! Canada is a boating safety organization dedicated to promoting safe, enjoyable boating Canadian waterways.

Is BOATsmart! Canada recognized by the Canadian Coast Guard?
Yes! All BOATsmart! Canada course materials, training programs and exams have been officially accredited by the Canadian Coast Guard.


Rules and Regulations

Do I need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
All operators of power driven pleasure craft (including PWCs and motorized sailboats) used for recreational purposes within Canada will be required to obtain and show proof of competency .

When do I need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

• All operators born after April 1, 1983 require the card
• All operators of craft under 4 m in length (including PWCs) require the card by September 15th, 2002
• Everyone operating a pleasure craft (regardless of size) will require the card by September 15th, 2009

Is there a “Grandfather Clause”? Do I still need an Operator Card even if I’ve been boating for a long time?
Yes. All pleasure craft operators will be required to obtain a Card.

How do I get my Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
You can obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card by attempting the BOATsmart! Canada Challenge Exam. You must achieve at least 75% on the exam in order to obtain your Card.

Is my Operator Card good for life?
Yes! Once issued, your Operator Card is good for your life. If your lose your Card one can be re-issued for you.

I have already completed a boating safety course. Is it recognized?
Certificates for boating safety courses completed before April 1, 1999 will be recognized. 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! If you have completed a course and would like more information on obtaining proof of competency please contact BOATsmart! Canada at 1-877-792-3926 or the Canadian Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety at 1 -800-267-6687.

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 obtain and show the Card.


Training – The BOATsmart! Canada Safe Boating Program

Who should participate in the BOATsmart! Canada Safe Boating Program?
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 Safe Boating Program before attempting the Challenge Exam.

What options do I have to take the BOATsmart! Canada Safe Boating Program?
You have four safe boater training options:

• Safe Boating Manual
• Safe Boating CD-ROM
• Online Study Guide
• Classroom Course

Each format is recognized and approved by the Canadian Coast Guard and includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card! For more information on each format click here.

To order a copy of the BOATsmart! Canada Safe Boating Manual or CD-ROM call toll free: 1-877-792-3926.

To view current locations for the BOATsmart! Canada Classroom Course click here.

What will I learn?
Each of BOATsmart! Canada training formats includes 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.


Testing – The BOATsmart! Challenge Exam

How much is the BOATsmart! Challenge Exam?
The BOATsmart! Challenge Exam is $45.00 + GST. The cost includes a Temporary Operator Card (issued immediately following your exam) and your official Operator Card (issued by mail in 3-5 weeks).

Where can I take the BOATsmart! Challenge Exam?
You can attempt the BOATsmart! Canada Challenge Exam at locations throughout Canada. BOATsmart! Canada has developed a network of Certified Affiliates in communities across Canada who are able to administer the Challenge Exam. You’ll also find the BOATsmart! Canada Safe Boating Team at special locations and boating events across the country.

Check our locations page for a Challenge Exam location nearest you.

How long is the Challenge Exam?
The Challenge Exam contains of 36 multiple questions. You have a maximum of 45 minutes to complete the exam.

What score do I need to pass?
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 exam if I happen to fail?
Yes you can! However, you must wait at least 24 hours before retrying the exam.

Refund Policy
Once a 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) The candidate must advise BOATsmart! Canada of the change by e-mail or telephone within 90 days of the registration date. There will be no refunds, unless the customer was 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 Proctor is clearly stated on the BOATsmart! Canada web site prior to a candidate registering and making payment for the exam. Candidates will not be refunded for any issue relating to the requirement for a Proctor. Candidates may only transfer their account as stated above.

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. Waiting beyond the 90 days will result in a re-issue fee $20.00 + GST to have another card issued.

If There Is An Error On Your Card
If there is an error on your Operator Card, such as an incorrect spelling of you name or date of birth, you must report it to BOATsmart! Canada within 90 days. If reported within the 90 day period, BOATsmart! Canada will reissue your card at no charge. Waiting beyond the 90 days will result in a re-issue fee $20.00 + GST to have another card issued.