Who needs a Canadian Boating License ?

Boating Exam

What is a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

This is also sometimes referred to as a Boating License in Canada and all provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, PEI, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is a boating competency card. The laws requiring you to get certified are now in effect.

After September 15th, 2009 all Canadian power boat operators will need to write a boater exam in Canada and have to be certified! . To obtain your Card, you will be required to pass a Transport Canada Accredited exam. By passing the boating 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 Boating License is good for life !

How Do The Rules Apply to Me?
Right now, all boaters in Ontario and all provinces and those that operate small pleasure craft need a card:

Should I get my card now ??
Now, all power boat operators will need to write a Boating test. All operators of power-driven craft require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or proof of competancy. Transport Canada is reviewing the current system of issuing boating licenses. It may become more difficult to acquire the card in the future. The Ministry of Transport may decide to change how the cards will be handed out.

Each year the cost of certification may increase. By obtaining your card now, you will be able to get a Boat License at a lower cost – and your card is good for life. Get your Boater License now and you'll have met the legal requirements for the boating test in Canada.

There is a one time fee to get what is referred to as a Boating License and you never have to RENEW. There is no Risk to you, free re-writes if you do not receive a passing grade.

Keep in mind:

How Can I Get An Operator Card?
You can obtain your Boating License Operator Card by taking the boater exam test . You must receive a grade of at least 75% on the Boating test, which consists of 36 question multiple choice questions. The current course has a very high pass rate, Boating test sample questions. If you obtain a score of 75% or greater, you can print a temporary card and your official operator card will be mailed to your home.

How Do I Prepare For The Exam?
You can prepare for the exam by taking a Boating License Canada course or by studying the online 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 locations.

Prefer to study online? You can access the Boating License free online study guide for helpfull information.

What Happens If I Don’t Have My Card?
If stopped by enforcement officers without your Boating License or proof of competency, you will be fined. Fines vary from province to province, but generally range between $250 and $320. For example, if you’re stopped in Ontario and don’t have your card, you will be issued a fine of up to $305 under the Competency of Operators Pleasure Craft Regulations.

What If I Lose My Operator Card but beware

The ministry does not keep a complete record of where you took your exam. You must rmember where you got your operator card or it will be more difficult to get a replacement.

If you lose your card you can get for a replacement operator card. For a small fee replacement boat license cards can be mailed out to those boaters who obtained their original Operator Card Boating license.

boat license