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.
Anyone born after April 1, 1983 who operates a pleasure craft fitted with a
motor, and all operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and less than
four meters (13.12 feet) in length, are now required to have proof of competency
on board at all times. As of September 15, 2009, all other persons who operate
pleasure craft of any size fitted with a motor will have to carry proof of
competency. 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 test covers basic boating safety rules and regulations and how to
respond to emergency situations. Like a driving exam, it includes many questions
that require common sense. It also includes more difficult questions that
require either taking a course or having a broad boating knowledge. Transport
Canada strongly recommends all boaters take a safe boating course before
completing the test. To find a course provider near you, visit the
Office of
Boating Safety website or call the Boating Safety Info-line at
1-800-267-6687.
The Government of Canada has received positive feedback from Canadians on the
benefits of the Pleasure Craft Operator 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, visit the Office of Boating Safety website or call the Boating Safety Info-line at 1-800-267-6687.
October 2007
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
OPERATOR COMPETENCY
GENERAL
Who is required to have proof of competency?
Anyone born after April 1, 1983 who operates a pleasure craft fitted
with a motor, and all operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and less
than four meters (13.12 feet) in length, are now required to have proof of
competency on board at all times. As of September 15, 2009, all other persons
who operate pleasure craft of any size fitted with a motor will have to carry
proof of competency.
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?
Operators 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.
To find an accredited course provider in your area, visit the
Office of Boating
Safety website or call the Boating Safety Info-line at 1-800-267-6687.
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 your card. In most cases,
boaters do not recall the name of the course provider organization that
initially issued them the card. All boaters must ensure
that they keep a record of their respective course provider in the event that
they need a replacement. Transport Canada is not responsible for lost cards.
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 I’m 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 will apply.
How is the operator competency requirement enforced?
During 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 your competency card and your personal identification.
Does this operator competency requirement apply to me if I live in the Northwest
Territories and Nunavut?
No, requirements currently only apply to areas outside the Northwest Territories
and Nunavut.
Does this operator competency requirement apply to me if I am a non-resident of
Canada?
Yes, if your pleasure craft 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. An
operator card or equivalent issued by your state or country will be considered
proof of competency.
Where can I get more information on operator competency regulations?
For more information visit the Office of Boating Safety website or call the
Boating Safety Info-line at 1-800-267-6687.
THE COURSE AND TEST
What are my options for taking the course and test?
- You may take the boating safety course in classroom, by correspondence, or
on 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 just simply take the test.
However, Transport Canada strongly recommends taking the accredited course
first.
Why should I take a boating safety course?
- To help ensure your safety and the safety of others while boating;
- To learn about your responsibilities;
- To make your boating experience enjoyable for everyone; and
- To obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card as required by the regulations.
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 is based on "knowledge requirements" only and is intended to
apply to all motorized pleasure boat operators by covering the basic boating safety
information, (including rules and regulations).
How long is the course?
Courses may vary in length, but on average, most courses are 4 - 6 hours in 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.
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, visit the
Office of Boating Safety website
or call the Boating Safety Info-line at 1-800-267-6687.
How much do the course and test cost?
The cost varies according to the type of course materials, the length of the
course, the test 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 administered by private-sector businesses
and organizations. The Government of Canada's role is to develop and manage the
boating safety regulations.
How does the Government of Canada ensure the quality of courses and tests?
Recently, Transport Canada incorporated stricter requirements for
Course Providers to adhere to. All tests must be administered according
to the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations. Transport Canada
monitors course providers on a regular basis. The goal is to encourage and
facilitate compliance, monitor compliance and respond to non-compliance. Course
providers that do not comply with the regulations could have their accreditation
suspended or revoked depending on the nature, severity and frequency of
offences.
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 is required to
be carried with you on board the pleasure craft.
How do I become a course provider?
TC is planning further amendments to the Competency of
Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations in 2008, which would
include new accreditation and auditing requirements for all course providers.
Transport Canada is not presently accrediting new companies to administer
boating safety courses and tests until these amendments are in place.
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 Info-line 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.
October 2007
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