The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is a boating competency card. The laws requiring you to get certified are being phased in over the next few years, and by 2009 all power boat operators will have to be certified. To obtain your Card, you will be required to pass a Transport Accredited exam . By passing the exam you’ve proven that you’re a competent boater. The exam covers aspects of general boating safety, navigation, marker buoys and emergency preparedness. Once obtained, your Operator Card is good for life.
How Do The Rules Apply to Me?
Right now, all young boaters and those that operate small pleasure craft need a card:
- Many anglers operate smaller boats, including those less than 4 metres (13.1 feet) in length. Right now, all operators of powered boats less than 4 metres in length need an Operator Card – no matter what your age or the horsepower of your boat.
- Also, any person born after April 1, 1983 needs their card now – regardless of the size of craft being operated.
When Do All Boaters Need Their Card?
Very soon all power boat operators will need an Operator Card. By September 15, 2009 all operators of power-driven craft will require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
Here's how the legal requirements are being phased in:
Key Dates
| Operator | When You Need Your Card | |
| 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 of powered craft (regardless of age or boat length) |
September 15, 2009 |
Should I Wait Until 2009?
Even if you don’t require a card until September 15, 2009 it is recommended that you obtain your card now. Each year the cost of certification increases. By obtaining your card now, you will be able to get certified at a lower cost – and your card is good for life. Get it now and you'll have met the legal requirements.
Keep in mind:
- Once obtained, your card is good for life
- The exam will increase in cost each year
- Without the card you cannot operate PWCs (personal watercraft) or powered boats less than 4 m (13.1 ft) in length – even if you are just borrowing the craft.
- Once certified, you may be eligible for insurance discounts
- The card is recognized in Canada and for out of state boaters
in the USA
How Can I Get An Operator Card?
You can obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card by taking the official BOAT SMART! Canada exa
m. You must receive a grade of at least 75% on the exam, which consists of 36 question multiple choice questions. You may take the exam on the internet, on this web site. If you obtain a score of 75% or greater, you can print a temporary card immediately and your official card will be mailed to your home in 2 – 4 weeks.
You may also take the authorized exam at one of BOAT SMART! Canada's approved testing centres/agents , and at official BOAT SMART! Canada events.
How Do I Prepare For The Exam?
You can prepare for the exam by taking the BOAT SMART! Canada course or by studying the BOAT SMART! Canada Study Guide.
The Study Guide is a comprehensive home study resource that includes all the knowledge you need to pass your exam. Available in both book and interactive CD-ROM format, you can purchase the Study Guide at participating Home Hardware stores. You can also ask for the BOAT SMART! Study Guide at West Marine stores and your local marine dealer.
Prefer to study online? You can access the free online study guide here.
What Happens If I Don’t Have My Card?
If stopped by enforcement officers without your card, you will be fined. Fines vary from province to province, but generally range between $280 and $320. For example, if you’re stopped in Ontario and don’t have your card, you will be issued a fine of $305 under the Competency of Operators Pleasure Craft Regulations.
Is The Card Good For Life?
Your BOAT SMART! Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life - there are no annual or recurring fees.
What If I Lose My Card?
If you lose your card you can contact us for a replacement. BOAT SMART! Canada is able to issue replacement cards to those boaters who obtained their original Operator Card from BOAT SMART! Canada. If you did not take your exam with BOAT SMART! Canada but have proof that you have passed an accredited boating safety course, please contact us
toll free at
1-877-792-3926 to order an Operator Card.
What About The "Grandfather" Clause?
Contrary to what you might have heard, there is no "Grandfather" clause. Both young and old will eventually need their Card. Only those that have completed a recognized boating safety course can be exempted from taking the exam.
If you have taken a recognized boating safety course please contact us or call 1-877-792-3926 to obtain your Operator Card.
What If I'm Renting A Fishing Boat?
Many of us enjoy heading up to our favorite lakes and lodges to fish. When renting, you'll either need your Pleasure Craft Operator Card or you will be required to complete a rental safety checklist each time you rent a boat.
Is the Operator Card Required In All Provinces?
Yes. The law requiring you to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is federal and applies in all provinces. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card issued in one province is equivalent to a Pleasure Craft Operator Card issued in another province.
