

To legally operate a motorized boat in Manitoba, you must get your BOATsmart! Boating License (also called a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or PCOC). Your Manitoba Boating License can be used to operate a recreational motorized boat in any of Canada’s provinces & territories, where motorized boating is permitted. Don’t risk it: If you’re caught driving a boat in Manitoba without your BOATsmart! Boating License you’ll receive a fine of $250 from law enforcement.
We've been making smart boaters for more than 17 years. BOATsmart! is Canada’s largest Transport Canada Accredited Course Provider and we’re proud to be trusted by more Canadian boaters. Your BOATsmart! Card is also accepted in more than 40 U.S. states. We’ve got you covered.
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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.
To operate a motorized boat in Manitoba, you must get your BOATsmart! Pleasure Craft Operator Card (also called a Boating License). The Manitoba Boating License is a federally mandated boating competency card. It can be used to operate a recreational motorized boat anywhere in Canada. It must be carried on boat your boat at all times however, unlike your driver’s license, the PCOC can not be suspended or revoked.
You must take the Transport Canada Approved BOATsmart! Course and pass the Boating Safety Test, to get your Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Take the test from home, online. Once you pass the open-book Test you can print your Temporary Card right away and go boating. Your Official BOATsmart! Card will arrive in the mail within 4 weeks at no charge.
Although there is no minimum age to obtain your Canadian Boating License, there are age and horsepower restrictions that apply to boaters who are less than 16 years of age. For more information on the engine horsepower restrictions that apply to young boaters, see below.
No children under 12 years of age can operate a powerboat with a more than 10 horsepower engine. Youths, aged 12 to 15 may only operate a boat with a motor up to 40 horsepower unsupervised. Operators must be at least 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft, such as a Jet Ski or Sea Doo.
Study for your Boating License test online from home, with the fully narrated and animated course. The online BOATsmart! Study Guide is approved by Transport Canada, and takes about 3 hours to complete. Once you complete the course and pass the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test, you can print a temporary card immediately. BOATsmart! then mails the permanent card within four weeks.
It’s important to keep up-to-date on boating laws and regulations in Manitoba, including boating safety equipment requirements, boat licensing requirements, and collision regulations. BOATsmart! has got you covered, with a free BOATsmart! Knowledge Base that includes everything you need to know about boating safety in Manitoba. Boaters in Manitoba can also purchase the printed BOATsmart! Study Guide. Keep a copy at the cabin, or on your boat to reference the latest regulations. The BOATsmart! Study Guide is available online and at Canadian Tire.
Boat operators in Manitoba must obtain their PCOC, or complete an official rental boat safety checklist in order to legally operate a rented motorized boat in Canada. To ensure you’re confident on the water obtaining your boating license is ideal, and will ensure you have the knowledge you need to stay safe on the water. Since a rental checklist won’t teach you what to do if your boat runs aground or you fall into icy water, it’s a good idea to get certified.
Failure to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card
$250
Operating a Personal Watercraft (PWC) under 16 years of age
$250
Violation of age and horsepower restrictions
Up to $500
Operating a vessel in an unsafe manner
$500
Insufficient number of Transport Canada Approved lifejackets or PFDs. Fine is applicable for EACH missing or improper lifejacket or PFD.
$200
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