Boating License Canada

The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations require operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes to have proof of competency on board at all times. These requirements are being phased in over ten years (see below).

Date at which proof of competency is required *

How this applies to operators** of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes:

All operators born after April 1, 1983, proof of competency required on board by September 15, 1999.
All operators of craft under 4 m in length, including personal watercraft, proof of competency required on board by September 15, 2002.
All operators, proof of competency required on board by September 15, 2009.

If you hold any certificate on the List of Marine Safety Certificates Recognized for the Issuance of a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you already meet the requirements of the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations – you just need to make sure you carry your certificate on board. Proof of certification may include original documentation or a copy of the certificate.

Tip: Certificates for boating safety courses completed before April 1, 1999 will be recognized. If you've already taken a course prior to these regulations - and have proof - then that course certificate or card will be accepted as proof of competency!

Proof of competency can take 1 of 3 forms:

proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999;
a pleasure craft operator card issued following the successful completion of a Transport Canada accredited test;
a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats).

The operator card is good-for-life.

Do I need proof of competency to operate a non-powered pleasure craft?

No. The License only apply to pleasure craft fitted with a motor.

Do I need proof of competency to operate a sailboat?

You need proof of competency if the sailboat is fitted with an auxiliary motor, even when under sail.

If my child is 11 years old and drives a boat of less than 10 HP (with my direct supervision) do they still need proof of competency?

Yes. The age-horsepower restrictions were developed under the Boating Restriction Regulations and aren't affected, or superseded, by the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations. The two are entirely separate regulations and their respective requirements should be looked at separately to avoid confusion. Remember, anyone born after April 01, 1983 is required to carry proof of competency now.

How do I replace my lost Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

While Transport Canada administers the regulations - all cards are issued by private sector organizations referred to as “Course Providers”. Here are a few tips to getting a card replacement:

First, contact the accredited course provider that originally issued the card.

Second, if you can't remember the name of the course provider that originally issued your card there are a few things to do to help to remember:

- Did you take the test with a family member or friend? If so, check with them as the name of the course provider will be on their card.

- Did you keep a copy of your receipt or the letter that came in the mail with your card attached to it? The course provider’s name is included on both of these documents – and…

- Most importantly, Transport Canada recommends that all boaters make a copy of their card upon receiving it. This will eliminate doing any research in order to get a replacement card. It’s the simplest and most effective way to get your card replaced!

How do I obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

To obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card you need to pass an accredited test.

Do I need to take a course before I write the test?

Taking a boating safety course is strongly recommended regardless of age or experience. However, you can challenge the test without taking a course.

What is covered in a course?

The course covers a full range of basic boating information such as:

minimum safety equipment requirements required on board your boat;

the Canadian Buoy system;

how to share waterways;

a review of all pertinent regulations;

and how to respond in an emergency situation.

What are my options?

Take the course over the Internet Online , or in class, or, purchase a training manual from an accredited training organization, study on your own and then take the test.

If I don't pass the test, can I try again?

The test can be written as often as required, although it is strongly recommended that a course be taken if you are unsuccessful the first time. The test can be written only once in every 24-hour period.

Does Transport Canada or the Canadian Coast Guard teach boating safety courses or offer testing?

No. Private companies administer all courses and tests and issue all cards.

Do I need a licence to operate my boat?

Sometimes proof of competency is also referred to as a licence to operate a vessel. The two are not the same. In most instances what people actually want to know about is the requirement to carry proof of competency, as required under the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations.

Currently, proof of competency is required if you fall into one of two categories:

1.You operate a pleasure craft fitted with a motor AND are born after April 1, 1983; or,

2. You operate a pleasure craft, fitted with a motor, that is under 4m (13 feet) in length (regardless of age).

If you were born before April 1, 1983 and operate a pleasure craft, fitted with a motor, that is 4 m and over in length, you will require proof of operator competency by September 15, 2009.

Isn't an operator card just another word for a licence?

No, unlike a driver's licence, the operator card cannot be revoked and is good for life.

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