Pleasure Craft Operator Card
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The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations require operators of pleasure craft in Canada, fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes, to have proof of competency on board at all times.
Currently, proof of competency is required if a person falls into one of two categories:
1. If a person operates a pleasure craft fitted with a motor and if that person was born after 1 April 1983; or
2. If a person operates a pleasure craft that is under 4 metres (13 feet) in length and is fitted with a motor, regardless of that person's age.
All persons born before 1 April 1983 who operate a pleasure craft that is 4 metres or more in length and is fitted with a motor will require proof of operator competency as from 15 September 2009.
Proof of competency can take one of three forms:
- proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to 1 April 1999;
- a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) issued following the successful completion of a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test; or
- a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats).
The PCOC is good for life. Boaters can obtain their card after attaining a mark of at least 75 percent on a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test. A list of course providers is available from the Canadian Government Office of Boating Safety. Boaters have the option of challenging an accredited test if they wish (i.e., taking the test without having first completed a preparatory course of study).
The qualifying test for obtaining a PCOC is based on the contents of the Safe Boating Guide published by the Canadian Government Office of Boating Safety.
