Operator Competency Requirements
The Competency
of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations
require operators of pleasure
craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes to have proof of
competency on board at all times. These requirements are being phased in over
ten years (see table).
Date at which proof of competency is required
| How this applies to operators** of pleasure craft fitted
with a motor and used for recreational purposes |
Date at which proof of competency required on board |
|
All operators born after April 1, 1983
|
September 15, 1999
|
|
All operators of craft under 4 m in length, including personal
watercraft
|
September 15, 2002
|
|
All operators
|
September 15, 2009
|
* These requirements apply in areas outside the Northwest and Nunavut
Territories at this time.
** Applies to non-residents of Canada and whose pleasure craft is in Canada
more than 45 consecutive days. Operator card or equivalent issued to a
non-resident by their state or country will be considered as proof of
competency.
Tip: Certificates for boating safety courses completed before April 1, 1999
will be recognized. If you've already taken a course prior to these regulations
- and have proof - then that course certificate or card will be accepted as
proof of competency!
Proof of competency can take 1 of 3 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 a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test;
- a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats).
The operator card is good-for-life.
Boaters can obtain their card after
receiving a mark of at least 75% on a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test.
Boaters have the option of taking this test without first completing a course. Accredited tests are offered by each accredited course
provider.
You can easily find a course provider
operating in your area by visiting our Directory by clicking here!
- To improve the safety of all boaters and the boating environment.
- To get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card as required by the regulation.
- To learn about your responsibility
- To make your boating experience enjoyable for everyone.
The course covers a full range of basic boating information such as:
- minimum safety equipment requirements required 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
- take the course in class, by correspondence or through the internet or
- purchase a training manual from an accredited training organization, study on
your own and then take the test
- if you already know the rules, you may wish to challenge the test although
Transport Canada highly recommends taking the accredited course
Boating may look simple but there is a lot to learn!
Get Trained! Get your Operator Card!
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