Get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card today!

Since September 15th, 2009, all pleasure craft operators must show proof of competency on board, if the boat is powered by a motor.

It is mandatory, regardless of your age, the length of your boat or the horsepower of the motor.

  • The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is good for life.
  • The minimum fine is $ 250 for those who cannot show proof of competency while sailing the Canadian waters.
  • The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is valid throughout Canada.

To obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), you need to pass the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test. One way to access the test is by taking one of our classroom courses. If you prefer to do your study and exam online, we have established a partnership with AceBoater.com to get your online pleasure craft operator card.

Safe boating course

To obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), you need to pass the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test. One  way to access the test is by taking one of our classroom courses.

The course is three hours long and is given by an instructor who will teach you all the basics of boating safety. You are given the test at the end of the course. If you pass the test, you get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card!

The Transport Canada Boating Safety Test consists of 50 multiple choice questions and the maximum time allowed to complete it is 75 minutes. You must score a minimum of 38 out of 50 questions in order to achieve a passing grade of 75%. Keep in mind that the questions on the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test require boaters to know and understand Canadian boating regulations and  know about marker buoys, lights, rules of navigation, etc.  If you do not succeed, and fail to score the minimum passing grade on your test, you may  re-attempt the test for free, but you must wait  at least 24 hours before taking it again.

We issue a temporary card at the end of the course and the Official Pleasure Craft Operator Card will arrive in the mail within 3 to 4 weeks of having completed the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

All recreational boaters within Canada require their Pleasure Craft Operator Card as of September 15, 2009. In order to avoid the 250$ fine, all boaters in Canada  (Ontario, Alberta, Nova Scotia, etc.) need to have acquired their Pleasure Craft Operator Card or a Recognized Boating Safety Course Certificate (Issued prior to April 1, 1999) when operating any recreational vessel. This includes any craft equipped with an engine (including electric trolling motors).

Do I need to renew my pleasure craft operator card each year? Does the PCOC has an expiry date?

No! The Pleasure Craft Operator Card has no expiry date. Once you have received your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) it is good for life. If you lose or misplace your card you can contact the course provider you wrote the test with and have them issue a replacement for your PCOC.

Do I need a driver’s license to get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

No you do not need a driver’s license to get a PCOC, but you must have your card on you at anytime.

Is there an age exemption clause?

No, there is no age exemption – this law applies to all operators, regardless of age.

In which provinces is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card valid?

The card is valid in each province; Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Columbia (BC), Prince Edward Island (PEI), Saskatchewan, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador (NFLD).

Get your pleasure craft operator card online now!