In Canada, The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations requires that anyone operating a power-driven recreational watercraft must have proof of competency. It works much like a driver’s license where one is required to have a license to legally drive a motor vehicle. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is one essential proof of competency mandated by The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations.

The Federal Government’s Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations applies to all watercraft equipped with motors that are used only for recreational purposes. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is issued to boaters who have completed a Transport Canada accredited test offered by an approved private organization. You are required to have Proof of Competency if the boat is less than 4 m in length and you are born after April 1, 1983. Canadians who have taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999 are not mandated to take another course or test, but they must keep a copy of the certificate or card that was issued prior to that time on board the watercraft at all times. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life and cannot be transferred to another person.

The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations applies to non-Canadian residents if they operate a motor driven watercraft for more than 44 consecutive days. As well, the regulations apply if they operate a recreational motorized watercraft that is registered or licensed in Canada.

All Pleasure Craft Operator Cards are issued by private organizations. To obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card people will have to pass a Transport Canada accredited exam. The purpose of the exam is to educate boaters about boating safety and boating regulations, prepare for the test required to get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, and learn how to be a responsible boater. The course covers wide range of educational information such as: the Canada’s Buoy system, type of safety equipment needed, proper waterway sharing, understanding all important watercraft rules, and what to do in a watercraft emergency.

People can take the test without having to take a boating safety course. However, taking a boating course is strongly recommended. You can take the course in a classroom, by correspondence, on the internet, or buy a training manual from an accredited private training organization and study, and then take the test. There are a number of private organizations that provide the course and accredited exam. If you do not pass the exam the first time, you can retake it, usually at no extra cost. A test can only be taken once in a 24-hour period. Fees are paid to the private organization, and not the government. The operator card cannot be revoked and is good for life.

Every summer, Canadians take to the water to enjoy their boats. When preparing to take your boat, it is important to remember that you re required to follow specific rules and regulations. To avoid any problems or fines, it is essential to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. It will give you peace of mind knowing you are complying with the law.

Author Bio: BOATsmart Canada educates and certifies boaters for their boating license Ontario. With a mission to promote water safety BOATsmart Canada provides educational material, boating safety courses, and boating license BC.

Category: Recreation
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