3 Steps to Get Your Canada Boating License

Many people across the nation dream of buying their own boat and hitting the nearest lake each weekend. After all, boat ownership offers a special kind of freedom that few ever get to experience. However, you might be surprised to learn your dream of getting a boat could very well be within your reach.

 

For example, you can buy your first boat using one of the many financing options we offer over at Westshore Marine. Once you have purchased your boat, your next step should be to get your boating license before taking it out for its inaugural voyage. You might be wondering how to obtain this license.

 

In this guide, we will discuss what exactly Canada’s boating license is, why you need one, and how to get yours.

 

What is the Canada Boating License?

Anyone that intends to operate a watercraft with a motor exceeding 40 horsepower in Canada is required to possess a special license known as the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). This requirement also extends to people who intend to operate sailboats with motors, even if they don’t plan to use the motor.

 

You don’t need this license if you intend to operate a boat with a motor under 40 horsepower. Children between the ages of 12 and 16 aren’t permitted to operate boats with motors exceeding 40 horsepower under any circumstances. Children under the age of 12 aren’t allowed to operate boats with motors exceeding 10 horsepower.

 

You can apply for your Pleasure Craft Operator Card once you turn 16. To do this, you must first take a boater safety course and then complete an exam.

 

What Happens If I Operate a Motor Boat Without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

Any boater that is caught operating a motor boat with a motor that exceeds 40 horsepower without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card will face a $250 fine. Transport Canada has implemented this law to discourage people who lack the appropriate training from operating motor boats in each province.

 

This means you will face a penalty for operating a motor boat without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card regardless of whether you’re in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, or any other Canadian province. For this reason, it is vital for you to get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card before you take any motor boat with a motor exceeding 40 horsepower out for a spin.

 

Does the Pleasure Craft Operator Card Expire?

You might be surprised to learn that the Pleasure Craft Operator Card is valid for life. This means you won’t ever need to renew this license or pay annual fees once you obtain this. This stands in contrast to Canadian drivers’ licenses that must be renewed every 5 years.

 

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card also differs from the Canadian driver’s license in that it cannot be revoked or suspended. For example, if you are caught driving recklessly or under the influence, your driver’s license may be revoked or confiscated. You won’t need to worry about this happening to your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. However, you should still strive to be an upstanding boater that follows the safe boating procedures.

 

Steps to Apply for Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card

Getting your Pleasure Craft Operator Card may seem like a daunting task at first. However, the truth is that this process is actually quite straightforward. You can follow the steps described below to apply for your Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

 

1. Prepare For The Exam

Transport Canada issues a Pleasure Craft Operator Card only to individuals that have demonstrated in-depth knowledge and proof of competency in boat safety. They assess such individuals based on their performance on an exam. Those who score 75% or higher on this exam will be issued their Please Craft Operator Card. For this reason, it is vital to prepare for this exam in advance.

 

You can take a boating safety course either online or in-person to help you prepare. It should be noted that you will need to pay to get access to these courses and learning materials in most cases. Your typical boating safety course covers a wide range of topics including:

 

Before Getting on your Boat

This module covers getting to know the personal watercraft you will be operating. It includes an overview of boat hulls, lengths, and engines and how they differ in operations. This module also covers float plans and instructions on fueling and maintaining your boat properly.

 

Safety Equipment

This module goes over the mandatory safety equipment you will need to take with you or keep on your boat. This includes personal lifesaving gear, equipment for fighting fires, and equipment for navigating. You will also get to learn how to perform a pre-voyage safety check list before sitting in and operating your boat.

 

Boating Laws and Regulations

This online course module covers Canadian boating laws and regulations. This includes information on boat registration and the importance of completing it before attempting to take your boat out on the Canadian waters. It also covers who is allowed to operate the boat as well as information on performing other activities such as water skiing and diving that utilize the boat.

 

This module also offers information on how to protect the environment while boating. This includes the correct waste, trash, and oil disposal methods. Lastly, it covers the penalties you will face if you violate any of Canada’s boating laws and regulations.

 

Safe Boat Operation

This module goes over your responsibilities as a Pleasure Craft Operator. It also includes an in-depth guide to anchoring, docking, and casting-off your boat safely. There is also a special section that includes practices to follow when you are operating your boat in historic canals and waterways. This module also mentions various tips to avoid propeller strike injuries.

 

Navigating on Water Safely

This module discussions various techniques and practices for safe navigation on the water. It delves into Canadian waterway traffic laws and what to do when you encounter other vessels or buoys. You will also learn how to navigate through special situations safely. This includes navigating at night.

 

Boating Emergencies

The final module teaches you how to deal with various types of boating emergencies. Many things can go wrong once you’re out on the water, and it’s important to know how to react appropriately in such situations.

 

This module will tell you what to do if you fall overboard or if your boat is capsizing. It also discusses how to handle collisions, flooding events, and fires.

 

Once you have studied all these course materials, you should practice your knowledge using a mock quiz and exam questions from course providers. This preparation will improve your chances of passing the exam on your first attempt and bring you closer to getting your certificate.

 

2. Register For and Take the Exam

Once you have completed your boat safety course, you can register to take the PCOC exam. You can complete this registration process online by filling out a form, including your email, agreeing to a website privacy policy, and then paying an exam fee using your credit card. This is a one-time fee so you won’t need to worry about paying it again if you fail the exam and need to retake it.

 

You will need to complete your exam online. It will consist of fifty multiple choice questions, and you will need to get at least thirty eight of these questions right to pass the exam.

 

If you fail the exam, you can make your second attempt after twenty-four hours. However, it is a good idea to revise your course materials and brush up on boater education before retaking this exam.

 

3. Print Out Your Temporary Card

Once you pass your exam, you will be taken to a webpage where you can print out a temporary version of your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You can use this temporary boating license as you please until you receive your permanent card in the mail two or three weeks after passing your online exam.

 

If you happen to lose your PCOC, you can inform the authority that issued it to you, and they will send you a replacement card.

 

Making the Most of Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card

As you can see, getting your Pleasure Craft Operator Card is a relatively straightforward process. Some people may initially struggle to memorize the information contained in the learning material for their Transport Canada boating safety test. However, you are free to retake this test as many times as you would like, so don’t worry about learning the material at your own pace.

 

If you’re interested in buying or renting a boat for recreational purposes, check out the selection we offer over and boats we have for sale. At Westshore Marine, we carry both new and used boats from some of the top watercraft manufacturers. Contact us today and make your dream of owning a boat a reality.