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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 an 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:

• 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.

• As of September 15th , 2009 everyone needs their card now – regardless of the size of craft being operated.
  
  

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 has changed the rules of issuing boating licenses. The study material is no longer and the test is new.

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:

• Once obtained, your Boat license card is good for life
• 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
  
  

How Can I Get An Operator Card?
You can obtain your Boating License Operator Card by taking the boating exam test . You must receive a grade on the Boating test, which consists of 50 question multiple choice questions. The current course has a very high pass rate, Boating test sample questions. If you pass 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

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.