Transport Canada Canadian Boating License
The Official Transport Canada Approved Boating Safety Course to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Unlimited test retries included & good for life.
Who Needs It
Who needs a pleasure craft operator card?
All motorized boat operators in Canada must have proof of competency, such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, (more commonly known as a boating license) regardless of age, length of boat or engine horsepower, other than in waters of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Operating without proof of competency can result in a $250.00 fine. If your boat is equipped with a motor, even those smaller than 10hp or an electronic trolling motor, you need the card.
Get Certified In 3 Easy Steps
1. Study Online
- Animated, narrated and video lessons help you learn
- Perfect for all ages
- Study at your own pace
- Anywhere, on any device
- Live in-course customer support
-
2. Pass The Test
- Official Transport Canada Boating Safety Test
- Free unlimited retries
- Risk free
- Open book, multiple choice
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3. Go Boating Today
- Card is good for life
- Print temp card immediately
- Avoid the $250 fine
- Go boating today
Family Pricing
Replace your Card
Try The Course
Try The 1st Module Free
Not sure what to expect? Try the official Transport Canada Boating Safety Course for free.
Transport Canada Approved
Canada's Boating Educator
We’ve been making smart boaters for more than 17 years and are proud to have certified more than 650,000 Canadians for their boating license.
BOATsmart! is accredited by Transport Canada to certify boaters for their Official Pleasure Craft Operator Card. The BOATsmart! Card is good for life and valid in all Canadian provinces and territories including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and the Yukon.
BOATsmart! is also accredited and recognized by NASBLA and the US Coast Guard. Your BOATsmart! Card is valid in all US states.
Canadian Boating Laws & Regulations
Canada's Boating Laws, Rules & Regulations
Canada’s boating laws are governed federally by the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 as well as provincial laws, rules and regulations. Laws include the requirement for boaters to obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator Card as well as age and horsepower restrictions, equirements for boating safety equipment, impaired boating, vessel licensing and more. Find boating laws, rules and regulations in your province:
OTHER PROVIDER 1
$49.95
90 Day Course Access
- Transport Canada Approved
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Phone Support
- Unlimited Test Retries
$49.95
Unlimited Course Access
- Transport Canada Approved
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Family Pack Discounts
- Live In-Course Chat Support
- Phone Support
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Animated, Narrated & Perfect For All Ages
- Unlimited Test Retries
- 1% For The Planet Member
- Campfire Collective Member Discounts
OTHER PROVIDER 2
$49.95
90 Day Course Access
- Transport Canada Approved
- Phone Support
- Get Licensed In 3 Hours (Average)
- Unlimited Test Retries
OTHER PROVIDER 3
$49.95
90 Day Course Access
- Transport Canada Approved
- Limited Phone Support
- Limited Satisfaction Guarantee
MADE FOR BOATERS,
BY BOATERS
Excellent!
BOATsmart! has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 8016 ratings and reviews.
This is a great learning, which is very helpful for my skills of sailing. Thank you
Yan Z
Posted 21 hours ago
Easy to follow. Great visuals
Gabriel C
Posted 2 days ago
Great course with a good variety of forms to stimulate learning (images, text, audio and video). Consider shortening the length of time for certain lessons. The recommended time is not always the amount of time that was needed.
Jeremy G
Posted 2 days ago
Great course! Very lengthy but worth it. Looking forward to getting out on the water!
Charlene S
Posted 3 days ago
I definitely did need a refresh from this course and a new card as well because i lost my other cards and i wanted a full refresh as well from this course also
Jesse F
Posted 5 days ago
Easy way to work through the basics. Appreciate that there is a choice between listening, watching, and reading, depending on how you like to learn (for most pages, not all). The summary pages are also helpful. I do think a final booklet (even in PDF form) would be a "nice to have". A couple of animations wouldn't start for me but the majority worked fine, as did the quizzes and the link to the official final test (the tech all worked smoothly).
Richard P
Posted 5 days ago
Cam Taylor is amazing.
Arielle F
Posted 1 week ago
Easy to follow modules. Voice recordings are clear and easy to understand. However I suggest changing the colour of the printed text to all black to make it easier to read. Thanks
Jean L
Posted 1 week ago
There are minor grammar and spelling mistakes, but it was generally excellent.
Olena S
Posted 1 week ago
Was really informative but Holy smokes was it long
Noah W
Posted 1 week ago
FREE PADDLERSMART! COURSE WITH PURCHASE
The PADDLERsmart! course is perfect for anyone participating in paddle sports including canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you’ve been paddling for years or just getting started, you’ll learn everything you need to stay safe on the water.
$24.95 value. Get it free when you purchase your BOATsmart! Course.
The average number of drownings in Canada was 452 between the years 2011-2015
Of all drowning-related fatalities in Canada, 30% involved paddle activities like canoeing, kayaking or SUP.
With the proper knowledge and understanding of risks, 100% of all watercraft-related drownings are preventable.
Watch, Listen & Learn
From anywhere, on any device at any time.
Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.
BUY MORE, SAVE MORE
Purchase more than one boating course, test and license and save up to 35%. Perfect for family, friends and workmates, we include everything your crew needs to get their Official Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
1 Boater
“It’s all about freedom. No roads, no lines, no boundaries to guide my adventures.”
– Brad McFarlane, Kelowna BC –
Lost or Damaged Boating License?
Official Pleasure Craft Operator Card Replacements
Lost? Damaged? Need some back-ups? Don’t sweat it! If you need to replace your Pleasure Craft Operator Card or want back-up copies for the cottage, cabin or boat we’ve got you covered.
YOU’RE IN THE
CAPTAIN’S SEAT
FREE BOATING LICENSE PRACTICE TEST
Not sure what to expect? Try the Boating License Practice Test for free and test your knowledge.
Try the online boating safety practice test now.
SAVE UP TO 25% OFF BOAT
INSURANCE
Best-in-class coverage at a direct-to-consumer price.
BOATsmart! Assure® is a new way to buy boat insurance. By removing the middle-man we reduce your annual premium by up to 25%. You get premium coverages backed by the confidence of Aviva Canada. Smart boaters are making the switch every day. Learn more at BOATsmart! Assure.
Instant Online Quote
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The 12 most asked questions by canadian boaters
WHO NEEDS A BOATING LICENSE?
If you operate a motorized boat in Canad, you must have proof of competency, such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, (PCOC or Boating License) regardless of age, length of boat, or engine horsepower, other than in waters of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Operating without proof of competency can result in a minimum $250.00 fine. Once obtained from BOATsmart!®, your PCOC is good for life.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T PASS?
You can retry your official boating test once every 24 hours. If you fail the test more than once, Transport Canada requires that you retake the online boating course. Your one-time fee includes unlimited retries and unlimited access to the online boating course.
IS A BOATING LICENSE THE SAME AS A PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATOR CARD?
All motorized boat operators in Canada are required to obtain and carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). Many boaters commonly refer to the PCOC as a boating license, boat license or boat card.
HOW LONG IS MY BOATING LICENSE GOOD FOR?
The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life, no renewal is required.
IS THE CARD VALID IN ALL PROVINCES?
When you obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card from BOATsmart!® it’s valid in all provinces and territories.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET A BOATING LICENSE?
There is no minimum age to take the online boating course. Boaters of all ages are required to obtain and carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card when operating a motorized boat. Once obtained, your boating license is good for life.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE BOATING COURSE?
The boating course includes all of the knowledge you need to prepare for the test and obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. The course includes boating basics and terminology, rules & regulations, safety equipment, safe boat operation, navigation and right-of-way rules, marker buoys and emergency preparedness.
HOW DO I GET A BOATING LICENSE?
You can get your boating license in 3 easy steps. First, study and pass the official Transport Canada Boating Safety Course online. Then take the 50 questions multiple choice exam. Once passed, print a temporary card immediately and receive your PCOC by mail within 4 weeks.
HOW HARD IS THE TEST?
The online boating test is open book and consists of 50 multiple choice questions. You’ll need at least 75% (38 out of 50) to pass. Everything you need to pass is covered in the BOATsmart!® Course.
WHO IS BOATSMART!?
BOATsmart!® is Canada’s Boating Educator and a Transport Canada Accredited Course Provider. Since 2003, we’ve educated and certified more than 650,000 Canadian boaters.
HOW DO I REPLACE MY LOST BOATING LICENSE?
BOATsmart!® issues replacement boating licenses in Canada. Call toll free 1-877-792-3926 or replace your boating license online. You can print a valid temporary card immediately and your replacement card will arrive by mail within 4 weeks.
CAN I GET AN INSURANCE DISCOUNT WITH MY BOATING LICENSE?
If you obtain your pleasure craft operator card from BOATsmart!® you are eligible for 25% off your annual policy premium, an exclusive benefit offered through BOATsmart! Assure™.
Printed study guide
The perfect companion to the open book online test, and a great reference guide for your boat.
LOST YOUR CARD?
Lost or damaged Pleasure Craft Operator Card? Need some back-ups for the cottage or boat?
YOUR WILD AWAITS
BOATsmart! is a proud member of the Campfire Collective. Campfire is an outdoor education that helps people have awesome outdoor adventures. We also fuel your outdoor pursuits with partner discounts and inspiring content.
“A perk of being in the wild, you rise and set with the sun.”
– Campfire Ambassador Logan Dralle –
