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
Free Powerboating Information sent to your In box over six days.
You will receive periodic emails with updates.
You will be able to unsubscribe at any time.
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.
| How this applies to operators of pleasure craft fitted
with a motor and used for recreational purposes |
Power restrictions |
| Less than 12 years of age and not directly supervised** |
Can operate a pleasure craft with no more than 10 hp (7.5 kW)
|
| Between 12, and under, 16 years of age and not directly supervised** |
Can operate a pleasure craft with no more than 40 hp (30 kW) |
| Less than 16 years of age |
Not allowed to operate a PWC*** |
| 16 years of age or older |
No power restrictions |
|
* These requirements apply in all areas outside the Northwest Territories and
Nunavut at this time.
** Directly supervised means accompanied and directly supervised in the boat by
someone 16 years of age or older.
*** Personal watercraft
These restrictions are made under the Vessel Operation Restriction
Regulations and are not affected nor superseded by the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft
Regulations. The Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations and Competency of Operators of
Pleasure Craft Regulations are entirely separate regulations and their respective requirements are
complementary.
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