The Pleasure Craft Operator Card, also known as a PCOC, is proof of competency under the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations.    PCOC FAQ's

We are Transport Canada accredited course providers for the PCOC.

As of 2002, any person operating any powered recreational boat less than 4 metres (including personal watercraft) must provide proof of competency. 

As of September 15, 2009 any person operating any powered recreational boat must have proof of competency.

Exemptions:

Proof of previous training (until 03/31/1999) such as Canadian Power Squadron or Canadian Yachting Association courses.

Grace period of 45 days for non-residents of Canada operating foreign boats without a recognized Competency Card.

In addition to carrying Proof of Competency aboard, you are also required to carry personal picture identification.

How to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card:

Obtain and study a copy of the free Safe Boating Guide, which we can supply, and then write the exam. 

As an alternative, you may write the exam as part of your Basic Cruising or Basic Powerboat course.

Cost:  $35 plus 5% GST 

The Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations include items like speed limits both posted and unposted (such as shoreline speed zones), designated waters where boats are prohibited and waters where certain activities are restricted, among others.

The regulations also outline age-horsepower restrictions. These restrictions prohibit those less than 16 years of age from operating craft above specified horsepower limits. If an operator is accompanied and directly supervised in the pleasure craft by someone 16 years of age or older, the age-horsepower restrictions do not apply. These restrictions also prohibit those less than 16 years of age from operating personal watercraft regardless of whether they are accompanied or not.