Surrounded by three oceans, Canada is a land filled with fresh and ocean waters. The scenery is impressive, and the waters are inviting. Boating is a very popular pastime in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fun Facts: Before you head out onto the waters, you must have a Proof of<\/strong> Competency<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Several documents fulfil this requirement: You must be at least 16 years of age to operate a pleasure craft without horsepower limits. You must be 16 years of age or older to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) without supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The above age restrictions do not apply in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Pleasure Craft Operator card is accepted as proof of competency in all provinces, territories, and states that require mandatory boater education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are from the United States, you may use your boating card issued by a NASBLA state-approved course as your proof of competency. You must always carry proof of residency, such as a passport, on your boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proof of competency for non-residents is not required for the first 44 days you are on Canadian waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While people need a PCOC, an actual Pleasure Craft Licence is a document issued by Transport Canada. It has a unique license number assigned to your particular vessel and is used by search and rescue personnel to access important information in the event of an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Pleasure Craft Licence is required for all vessels EXCEPT: You can get a licence on the Transport Canada website or by mail.\u00a0 Get more information HERE<\/a>. Penalties for Boating without a PCOC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Operators who are found boating without their Pleasure Craft Operator Card can face fines between $250 and $10,000. Saskatchewan and Alberta have higher fines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boating laws are enforced by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), provincial and municipal police forces, and other local authorities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If they ask to see your PCOC, have it handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022<\/strong> There are an estimated 8.6 million recreational boats in Canada
\u2022<\/strong> 12.4 million adult Canadians go boating every year (that\u2019s about 1\/3 of the population)
Source:\u00a0 https:\/\/www.discoverboating.ca\/tools\/facts-and-figures.<\/a>aspx<\/a><\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Proof of Competency<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022<\/strong> A Pleasure Craft Operator Card\u00a0
\u2022<\/strong> Proof that you passed a boating safety in Canada before April 1, 1999
\u2022<\/strong> A certificate approved by the Department of Transport.\u00a0 Click HERE<\/a> for a list of certificates.
\u2022<\/strong> A completed safety checklist for a rented boat \u2013 good only while the boat is rented
While some people refer to the Pleasure Craft Operator Card as a Canadian boating license, it\u2019s not technically a licence but proof that you have the education required to operate a pleasure craft safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who Can Operate a Boat?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022<\/strong> Persons\u00a0under 12 years of age\u00a0who are not directly supervised by a person 16 years of age or older may only operate a pleasure craft propelled by a motor of\u00a0no more than ten hp (7.5 kW).
\u2022<\/strong> Persons\u00a0at least 12 years of age but under 16 years of age\u00a0who are not directly supervised by a person 16 years of age or older may only operate a pleasure craft propelled by a motor of\u00a0no more than 40 hp (30 kW).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What if I travel to another Province?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pleasure Craft Licence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022<\/strong> A pleasure craft using a motor with less than ten horsepower (75 kW)
\u2022<\/strong> A pleasure craft that has a vessel registration
\u2022<\/strong> A pleasure craft purchased less than 90 days ago (you must carry documents with your name, address, and purchase date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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