Do I Need A Boat License To Drive A Boat In Canada
Go to: Previous Article Next Article
You may be asking: do I need a boat license to drive a boat in Canadian waters? The short answer is no, the operator does not need a license, but the boat does. The operator or skipper requires confirmation of competency as demonstrated in the form of a craft operator card (PCOC). After 15 September 2009, all recreational boaters must have that certification as stipulated by the relevant regulations.
Although it is commonly referred to as a boating license, the PCOC is a competency card, not a license. Unlike a license, it cannot be revoked or suspended. Additionally, the PCOC does not have an expiry date. Also, the PCOC is issued at no charge.
The card is relatively hassle-free to get. It may be procured online by answering 36 multiple-choice questions. By successfully passing the exam, the operator proves competency as a safe boat operator. Successful completion of the test requires a score of at least 75 percent.
The exam tests competency for several key boating skills including safety equipment; buoy system; sharing waterways with other boats; boating rules and regulations; equipping and operating a boat safely; navigation aids; vessel maintenance; and responding to distress situations.
The PCOC requirement is broad ranging. All skippers of powered recreational craft must have an operator card. There are no exemptions for age, size of boat or engine. Powered watercraft means any pleasure boat, including sailing boats, fitted with any sized engine - including electric trolling motors. There is no "grandfather" clause or age exemption; all pleasure craft operators are required to have an operator card.
Yacht owners should be aware that they are required to have a PCOC onboard even if the craft is under sail with the motor off. Overseas boaters journeying to Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days should be aware that they are also required to have a PCOC onboard. Non-resident yachties operating their craft in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days are required to obtain an operator card. An operator card or equivalent issued to a non-resident by country may be considered as proof of competency. Non-resident boaters are advised to contact Transport Canada for more details.
All operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor are now required to have proof of competency onboard. Failure to produce this proof of competency can result in a fine of $250.00, plus regional administration costs. Pleasure craft operators are required to carry the license onboard their craft at all times. It is probably fair to say that Canada, has lagged other countries in introducing this boating competency requirement. Many comparable nations introduced a similar requirement years ago.
The licensing regime for recreational vessels is administered by Transport Canada. Enforcement, however, is conducted by the officers of various regional police authorities such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), depending on the specific province or jurisdiction.
In summary, you may be asking yourself, do I need a boat license to drive a boat in Canada? The answer is no. The boat requires a license, but the operator requires proof of competency as evidenced by the operator card. A PCOC is issued at no charge upon successful completion of a boating course administered by an accredited testing centre. There is a charge for the exam. That revenue is retained by the private operator, not the government. Further details may be obtained by contacting Transport Canada.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
- Credit Cards A big selection of Cards in all flavors: Bad Credit Cards, Secured Cards, Prepaid Cards, Credit Cards for Canada, Low Interest Cards, etc -
Word Count: 591
Reduce Your Debts Without Bankruptcy. See How Much You Can Save. Free Debt Analysis
