In Ontario, Canada, boating is a popular activity enjoyed by thousands of residents and people visiting the province. Unfortunately, with the increase in popularity of boating, there has been an increase in boating accidents. To decrease the number of boating accidents, the Canadian government has established new laws about operating a power-driven watercraft such as a motor boat. These laws include people operating a boat in Ontario.

In Ontario, if you operate any power-driven boat, you are mandated by law to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You can either get this card by taking a classroom course, taking an online course, or you can just take the test without study. You must acquire the Pleasure Craft Operator Card from a private organization accredited by Transport Canada. There are a number of organizations in Ontario offering a Pleasure Craft Operator Card program. Once you have passed the test, you will be issued a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You can then legally operate any motor driven watercraft in the province of Ontario. You must keep this card with you whenever you use the boat.

Before heading out on the waters in Ontario, taking a boat safety program is essential as it will teach you about such boating regulations as: vessel separation and right of way, local rules about safe boating speeds, collision regulations, small vessel regulations, and important laws regulating the operation of all watercraft. As well, you will need to learn and understand how to navigate motor watercrafts safely in Canadian waters.

In Canada, people who are born after April 1, 1983 are mandated to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. As well, a motor recreational water craft that is less than 4 meters in length must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. As of Sept. 15, 2009, all operators of recreational watercraft powered by a motor must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Previously-taken and completed boating safety courses may be recognized allowing the experienced boaters to take the Pleasure Craft Operator Card test without taking a course. Visitors from outside of Canada with a motor driven pleasure boat will have 45 days to get the appropriate proof of compensation. For those who rent a watercraft, they must complete a dockside checklist.

People who have taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999 will not be required to take another course or test. A copy of a certificate or a card issued at the completion of courses taken prior to April 1, 1999 will need to be carried on board the pleasure craft. The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations clearly state that a Pleasure Craft Operator Card cannot be issued unless an accredited test has been passed. To decrease the number of boating accidents, the Canadian government has established new laws about operating a power-driven vessel such as a motor boat. These laws include operating a boat in Ontario. By preparing for the test, it will ensure a passing grade and will receive your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You will then be able to head out on the water and enjoy your boating experience.

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