OPERATOR COMPETENCY CARD: 
A MUST FOR ALL PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATORS!

Participation in recreational boating has increased dramatically in recent years. Between eight and nine million people enjoy Canadian waterways each year.

For many of us, water activities are an essential part of being Canadian, something we've grown up with and often take for granted. However, each year in Canada, there are approximately 6,000 boating incidents involving 150 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Many of these incidents could be prevented.

In 1999, the Government of Canada introduced new requirements under the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations to help reduce the number of boating-related incidents and fatalities, and to implement changes requested by Canadians. These regulations are designed to help boaters safely operate their boats and respond to emergency situations.

Everyone born after April 1, 1983 who operates a recreational vessel fitted with a motor, and all operators of vessels fitted with a motor and less than four meters (13.12 feet) in length, are required to have proof of competency on board at all times. All other persons who operate pleasure craft of any size fitted with a motor will have to carry proof of competency as of September 15, 2009. Proof of competency can take one of three 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 an accredited test; and
• a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats, valid for the rental period).

Boaters can obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card by taking an accredited Transport Canada boating safety test and achieving a mark of at least 75 per cent. The exam covers basic boating safety rules and regulations and how to respond to emergency situations. Like a driving exam, it includes many questions that just require common sense. It also includes more difficult questions that require either taking a course or having a broad knowledge of boating. Transport Canada strongly recommends that all boaters take a safe boating course before completing the test. To find a course provider near you, call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 or visit the Office of Boating Safety website.

The Government of Canada is receiving good feedback from Canadians on the benefits of the operator competency card and enforcement officials are finding that more and more boaters are carrying their cards. These cards are valid for life, and are a simple way to make our waterways safer for everyone. Get yours today!

For more information, call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 or visit the Office of Boating Safety website.

November 2004

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
OPERATOR COMPETENCY

GENERAL

Who is required to have proof of competency?
Everyone born after April 1, 1983 who operates a recreational vessel fitted with a motor, and all operators of vessels fitted with a motor and less than four meters (13.12 feet) in length, are required to have proof of competency on board at all times. All other persons who operate pleasure craft of any size fitted with a motor will have to carry proof of competency as of September 15, 2009.

What is proof of competency?
Proof of competency can be provided in one of three forms:

• proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999;
• a Pleasure Craft Operator card issued after the successful completion of an accredited test; or
• a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats), valid for the rental period.

How do I get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
Boaters can obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator Card after receiving a mark of at least 75 per cent on a Transport Canada accredited test. Transport Canada strongly recommends all boaters to complete a course before taking the test. Accredited tests are offered by each accredited course provider. To find a course provider near you, call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 or visit the Office of Boating Safety website.

How long is the card valid?
The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is valid for life.

If I lose my card, how do I get another one?
You must contact the course provider who issued the card.

Are there penalties if I do not have proof of competency or a rental-boat safety checklist?
Yes. Normally this offence will result in a fine of $250. Enforcement agencies also have the option of prosecuting an infraction as a summary conviction offence, which may result in an increased or decreased fine as assessed by a court of law.

If paddling a motorboat while the motor is off, am I still required to have an operator competency card?
Yes. As long as there is a motor on board, it will be considered a powered vessel and the requirements apply.

How is the operator competency requirement enforced?
During the boating season, RCMP, provincial and municipal police, and any person designated as an enforcement officer by the Minister of Transport can ask you to show proof of operator competency and personal identification.

Does this operator competency requirement apply to me if I live in the Northwest and Nunavut Territories?
No, requirements currently only apply to areas outside these Territories.

Does this operator competency requirement apply to me if I am a non-resident of Canada?
Yes, if your pleasure craft is in Canada for 45 consecutive days or more, an operator card or equivalent issued by your state or country will be considered proof of competency.

Are operators of American pleasure craft travelling in Canadian waters required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card and to comply with Canadian regulations?
If an American vessel is in Canadian waters for 45 consecutive days or more, the operator will be required to follow applicable Canadian regulations, including carrying proof of competency.

Where can I get more information on the operator competency regulations?
For more information call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687, or consult the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations.

THE COURSE AND TEST

What are my options for taking the course and test?

• You may take the boating safety course in class, by correspondence, or through the Internet prior to taking the test;
• you may purchase a training manual from an accredited training organization, study on your own, and then take the test; or
• if you already know the rules, you may wish to take the test on its own, although Transport Canada strongly recommends taking the accredited course first.

Why should I take a boating safety course?

• To get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card as required by the regulations;
• to help ensure your safety and the safety of others;
• to learn about your responsibilities; and
• to make your boating experience enjoyable for everyone.

What is covered in the course?
The course covers the full range of basic boating information, including:

• Minimum safety equipment requirements 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.

Does the course include on-the-water training? If not, why not?
The course covers basic boating rules and regulations. It is designed to teach basic boating safety to all pleasure boat operators. It does not have an on-the-water training requirement. On-the-water training is difficult to provide in every region of the country. Some course providers, however, may offer boating courses that include on-the-water training.

How long is the course?
There is no limit to the course length.

What is covered in the test?
The test, like a driving exam, has many questions that just require common sense. There are also questions that are more difficult and require either taking a course or having a broad knowledge of boating.

How long is the test?
The test is approximately 45 minutes long.

If I fail the test, can I write it again?
Yes, however, Transport Canada strongly recommends that you take an accredited course if you fail the test.

Who offers the course and test, and how can I register?
There are many organizations throughout Canada that provide accredited courses and tests. To obtain a list of course providers in your area, call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 or visit the Office of Boating Safety website.

How much do the course and test cost?
The cost varies according to the type of course materials, the length of the course, the exam fee, and whether or not there is extra content. It is therefore best to shop around and compare course features and prices.

How much money from the course and test fees goes to the Government of Canada?
None. Courses and tests are developed and operated by private-sector businesses and organizations. The Government of Canada's role is to accredit and audit the courses.

How does the Government of Canada ensure the quality of courses and tests?
Each course is reviewed before accreditation to ensure it includes all appropriate elements. All tests administered must also meet rigorous standards of quality. When infractions are reported, Transport Canada advises the course provider to take appropriate corrective action immediately. Course providers that do not comply with the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations could have their accreditation suspended or revoked. As is the case with any new and evolving initiative, Transport Canada will continue to monitor the program to identify areas where it can be further refined for maximum effectiveness.

Will boaters who have previously taken a boating safety course be required to take another course?
Those who have received training in Canada prior to April 1, 1999 will not be required to take another course, provided they have proof (a certificate or card) of successful completion. A copy of the certificate or card will need to be carried on board the pleasure craft.

How do I become a course provider?
The Office of Boating Safety is currently working on proposed amendments to the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations. Therefore, Transport Canada is not accrediting new companies to administer boating safety courses and tests until these amendments are in place. It is expected that the amendments will come into effect in 2004/2005.

RENTED BOATS

What if I rent a boat? Do I still have to carry a proof of competency?
Yes. For operators of rental boats, proof of competency can be provided by means of a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats), valid for the duration of the rental period.

Does everyone have to fill out a rental-boat safety checklist before renting a powered boat?
Only those individuals that will be operating the rental boat will be required to complete the rental-boat safety checklist. If you already have a valid proof of competency, you will not be required to fill out a rental-boat safety checklist.

If I have a boat rental agency, how can I get the rental-boat safety checklist for my clients?
There are two ways to obtain a rental-boat safety checklist:

• visit the Office of Boating Safety website; or
• contact the Office of Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687 for a hard copy of the sample checklist. The sample can be used as is or customized to suit the individual needs of the rental agency.

Last revised: November 29, 2004