Do you need the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

You need education if you will be operating a pleasure craft that has a motor and is used for recreational purposes in Canada. Proof of certification from any NASBLA– approved boating course is acceptable.

Do you need the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

You need education if you will be operating a pleasure craft that has a motor and is used for recreational purposes in Canada. Proof of certification from any NASBLA– approved boating course is acceptable.

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Go Boating In Canada Today!

With 208,080 km of coastline, Canada is home to more coastline than anywhere else in the world. With the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Great Lakes to the south — not to mention 31,752 lakes larger than three square miles — the boating options are truly endless in Canada.

Look for the best places to boat in: Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Nova Scotia Ontario Saskatchewan Newfoundland and Labrador Northwest Territories Nunavut Prince Edward Island Quebec Yukon

Who Needs A Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) in Canada?

Anyone operating a motorized pleasure craft in Canada is required to obtain proof of education from a Transport Canada-approved course.

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Relax in your captain's chair as our animated videos teach you how to be a safe boater. Print your temporary PCOC today with successful completion of final exam.

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Boating Terms & Definitions

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Personal Watercraft
Canadian Lakes

To operate a personal watercraft in Canada, you need a license called a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). To get your PCOC, you’ll need to take a boater education course approved by Transport Canada, such as BOATERexam. This course will help you understand your personal watercraft and stay safe on the water.

In addition to having a PCOC, there are some additional laws and regulations that you must learn and abide by while operating a PWC in Canada.

Wear a lifejacket

We’re sure you’re excited to get out on the water, but before you get started, it’s important to know that anyone operating a motorized craft on Canadian waters must successfully complete a Transport Canada–approved boater safety course and obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).

Now that you’re ready for the water, here are some of our top recommendations:

Haida Gwaii

Located off the coast of British Columbia, this remote archipelago is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Canada. Haida Gwaii’s many islands and fishing villages provide the perfect opportunity for exploring, as well as unmatched whale, sea lion, and dolphin watching.

The Great Lakes

With stunning scenery and plenty of marinas and launch points, the five Great Lakes – Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario – offer some of the best freshwater boating in the world. These lakes hold 84% of the surface water of North America, so you won’t run out of space for watersports.

The Rideau Canal

Connecting Ottawa to Kingston, the Rideau Canal is a historic waterway filled with locks, quaint towns, and beautiful landscapes. As the only remaining slackwater canal from the 19th century, it offers unparalleled views of historic structures.

Okanagan Lake

Located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, with Vernon in the north, Penticton in the south, and Kelowna on its eastern shore, Okanagan Lake is known for its stunning mountain and vineyard views. Its rich history and natural beauty make it ideal for a short trip or an extended stay.

Before getting on the water, always prioritize safety. Bring all required equipment, including lifejackets and communication devices. Check weather and water conditions, and be aware of local regulations in the area you’re visiting.

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Canada Frequently Asked Boating Questions

Below are some common questions about safe boating rules & regulations.

- What is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)?
  
  The PCOC is proof of competency that shows boaters understand how to operate a boat safely. This is achieved through taking the boater safety course online or in person and passing the final exam.
- Do I need to have a drivers license to get a Pleasure Craft Operators Card?
  
  No, a driver's license is not required to operate a watercraft. You do require your Pleasure Craft Operator Card on board with you while operating a powered watercraft.
- What is proof of operator competency in Canada?
  Proof of operator competency can take one of three forms:
  1. 1. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card;
  2. 2. Proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999; or,
  3. 3. A completed rental-boat safety checklist.
  - A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is issued following the successful completion of an approved test. This proof of competency is the most common.
  - If you have taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999, the certificate you obtained is a valid proof of operator competency. However, the certificate must clearly show that the course you took was taken in Canada and prior to April 1, 1999.
  - If you are renting a pleasure craft fitted with a motor you must complete a rental boat safety checklist. This will be considered your proof of competency and is valid for the duration of the rental period. The rental company will review the checklist with you.
- Is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card the same as a Boating Licence?
  
  The PCOC does not expire and therefore is not called a licence. Only a PCOC is required to legally operate a motor-powered boat on Canadian waters.
- How long is the Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card good for?
  
  The Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life.
- How long will it take for the Pleasure Craft Operator Card to arrive after I’ve passed the exam?
  
  Your permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card will take between 2-3 weeks to arrive. A Temporary Temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card can be printed and used while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.
- Is the card good for life?
  
  Yes. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life with no annual fees.
- How do I replace my Pleasure Craft Operator Card Card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
  
  You can order a replacement card by clicking Lost your card? in the top menu or by contacting us at 1-866-688-2628 to order another card.
- In which province is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card valid?The card is valid in each province.
  
  The card is valid in each province.
- Is there a minimum age requirement to receive the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
  
  There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
- Do I have to be a Canadian resident to get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
  
  No. There is no residency requirement for obtaining a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
- How long does the course take?
  
  The course is formatted to be a minimum 3 hours for study time.
- What happens if I don't pass the final exam?
  
  If you are unable to pass the final exam on your first attempt, you may retry the exam once again for free in 24 hours. If you are unable to pass the final exam a second time, you will then need to retake the entire online course before retrying the final exam again.