Boating in Canada is a very popular pastime enjoyed by thousands of people across all provinces. In Canada, operators of recreational water vessels equipped with a motor must have proof of competency to operate the vessel. The Competency of Operators Pleasure Craft Regulations mandate that operators of motorboats carry proof of competency when they are operating their watercraft or risk a penalty fine of up to $250. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is issued to boaters who have completed a Transport Canada accredited test. This applies to anyone operating a motor boat under 4 meters long, or to anyone born after April 1, 1983. There are many private organizations that offer boating courses not just to teach people about boating safety and regulations, but the courses also prepare them for the exam that is required to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

To make it convenient for people seeking to obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator Card, there are a number of private organizations that allow people to take their pleasure craft operator test online. People can take the test through the organizations website. Taking the test is normally a simple process:

1.Applicants will first register information such as their name, address, and other pertinent information. They will be required to pay a $49.95 plus GST registration fee which is a standard one-time fee. It will also include a free online study guide. The Study Guide includes all the information needed to pass the exam and includes practice quizzes and exam. It is also Transport Canada Accredited. The online exam must be monitored by an exam supervisor. Test takers may select their own exam supervisor so long as the supervisor is the age of majority and he or she is not a relative. If test takers are unsuccessful the first time, they can retry the exam for free. The exam fee does not expire. As well, the fee includes mailing of the Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

2.The next step is to register the exam supervisor. Transport Canada requires all Pleasure Craft Operator Card exams be monitored by an exam supervisor. This is to make sure applicants do not cheat. A Supervisor must be age of majority in the particular State, Province, or Territory of residence and not related to the person taking the exam. When registering to be an exam supervisor, they must agree to comply with the organizations rules and procedures. A supervisor does not need to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card and supervisor registration is free.

The exam consists of 36 multiple choice questions and the applicant must score a minimum of 75% to pass. When applicants have completed the test and passed, they will be able to print a temporary card. The permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card will be mailed to them in a few weeks. Taking the pleasure craft operator test online is an easy and convenient way to get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Before you know it, you will be out on the water enjoying your boat.

Author Bio: BOATsmart! provides Canada’s online boating course, issues the Pleasure Craft Operator Card, commonly known as a boating license, and offers the boating exam, BOATsmart!