Beginning April 15, 2011, boaters taking their Pleasure Craft Operators Card test online must first pass a three hour online boating course, successfully passing questions for each learning module before proceeding to the final exam.  The final exam increases from 36 to 50 questions.

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The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations which fall within the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 require operators of pleasure craft in Canada, fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes, to have proof of competency on board with them at all times. The regulation applies to sailboats that are fitted with auxiliary motors and to personal watercraft, not just to motorboats.

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A fine ($250, in the form of a ticket) can be levied by a law enforcement officer upon an operator who fails to show proof of competency (as prescribed within the federal Contraventions Regulations / Contraventions Act).

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Since September 15, 2009 all persons operating a pleasure craft that is fitted with a motor require proof of operator competency, regardless of that person's age, the size of the pleasure craft, or the size of the motor.

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To learn how to apply for a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), click here

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If you've lost your PCOC, don't get in a boat until you've replaced it.  For more information on replacing a lost card, click here.