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Frequently Asked Questions - Pleasure Craft Operator Card
Do I need a licence to operate my boat? ^ Sometimes proof of competency is also referred to as a licence to operate a vessel. The two are not the same. In most instances what people actually want to know about is the requirement to carry proof of competency, as required under the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations A pleasure craft licence is the set of identification numbers displayed on a boat. Pleasure craft fitted with a motor of 10 hp or more are required to be licensed. See Section Three for more information on licensing and registration. Currently, proof of competency is required if you fall into one of two categories:
If you were born before April 1, 1983 and operate a pleasure craft fitted with a motor that is 4 m and over in length, you will require proof of operator competency by September 15, 2009. Isn't an operator card just another word for a licence? ^ No, unlike a driver's licence, the operator card cannot be revoked and is good for life. What is "proof of operator competency"? ^ Proof of operator competency can take one of three forms:
A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is issued following the successful completion of an accredited test. This proof of competency is the most common. If you have taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999, the certificate you obtained is a valid proof of operator competency. However, the certificate must clearly show that the course you took was taken in Canada and prior to April 1, 1999. If you are renting a pleasure craft fitted with a motor you must complete a rental boat safety checklist. This will be considered your proof of competency and is valid for the duration of the rental period. The rental company will review the checklist with you. How do I obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card? ^ To obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card you need to pass an accredited test. The first step is finding an accredited course provider in your area. Do I need to take a course before I write the test? ^ Taking a boating safety course is strongly recommended regardless of age or experience. However, you can challenge the test without taking a course. Will boaters who have previously taken a boating safety course be required to take another course or test? ^ Those who have taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999 will not be required to take another course or test. A copy of a certificate or a card issued at the completion of courses taken prior to April 1, 1999 will need to be carried on board the pleasure craft. What should I do if I received training prior to April 1, 1999 and my certificate does not show a completion date? ^ If the course provider that issued the certificate is still in existence, you can contact them to issue you a certificate showing the appropriate completion date. Otherwise, you will need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Can I exchange my certificate for a Pleasure Craft Operator Card? ^ No. The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations clearly state that a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is a document issued to a person by the administrator of an accredited test, to a person that has passed the test. Therefore, a card cannot be issued unless an accredited test has been passed. I took a boating safety course in the United States in 1980 and have a dated certificate. Is it an acceptable proof of competency? ^ No. The course must be taken in Canada. If I don't pass the test can I try again? ^ The test can be written as often as required, although it is strongly recommended that a course be taken if you are unsuccessful the first time. The test can be written only once in every 24-hour period. Does Transport Canada or the Canadian Coast Guard teach boating safety courses or offer testing? ^ No. Private companies administer all courses and tests and issue all cards. Are course or test fees collected for the federal government? ^ Because private companies administer all courses and tests and issue all cards no money is collected for the federal government. How do I replace my lost or stolen Pleasure Craft Operator Card? ^ To replace a lost or stolen card contact the accredited provider that originally issued the card. Do I need proof of competency to operate a non-powered pleasure craft? ^ No. The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations only apply to pleasure craft fitted with a motor. Do I need proof of competency to paddle a pleasure craft fitted with a motor and the motor is turned off? ^ Yes. Do I need proof of competency to operate a sailboat? ^ You need proof of competency if the sailboat is fitted with an auxiliary motor, even when under sail. Is there a grandfather clause? ^ No, this option was not supported when the regulations were originally published in 1998. There was considerable opposition to the grandfather clause, as it was not felt to make a positive contribution towards improving boating safety. Do the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to aboriginals? ^ While the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to aboriginals, the Regulations do not apply in situations where the craft is used for daily living or subsistence activities (such as hunting and fishing for the purpose of subsistence). However, most aboriginals that use a boat for subsistence activities also use it for recreational purposes on occasion. As such, it is recommended everyone have proof of competency. To remove ambiguity, the Regulations state that application is limited to pleasure craft used for recreational purposes. Do I need proof of competency if I operate a small boat in conjunction with my work? ^ The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations only apply to operators of pleasure craft (boats used for recreational purposes). Confusion between pleasure craft operation and non-pleasure craft operation is common. Non-pleasure craft are commonly referred to as small commercial vessels. What is acceptable proof of competency for non-residents? ^ For non-residents, proof of competency can take one of three forms:
Do the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to non-residents? ^ The Regulations apply to non-residents if:
The Regulations do not apply to non-residents who operate their pleasure craft (licensed in a country other than Canada) in Canadian waters for less than 45 consecutive days. Please note that a proof of residence will be required on board at all times. If you require more information on how Canadian requirements apply to non-residents visit the Requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters In Canadian Waters. If my child is 11-years-old and drives a boat of less than 10 HP (with my direct supervision) do they still need proof of competency? ^ Yes. The age-horsepower restrictions were developed under the Boating Restriction Regulations and aren't affected, or superseded, by the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations. The two are entirely separate regulations and their respective requirements should be looked at separately to avoid confusion. Remember, anyone born after April 01, 1983 is required to carry proof of competency now.
What is a Safety Compliance Notice? ^ A Safety Compliance Notice attests that a pleasure craft is built according to the Construction Standards for Small Vessels. Am I required to have a Safety Compliance Notice on my boat? ^ If your boat can be fitted with a motor, it needs to display a Safety Compliance Notice. What does a Safety Compliance Notice look like and how do I know if my boat has one? ^ A Safety Compliance Notice can take various forms but it always measures approximately between 8-10cm long by 5-6cm wide and is issued by either Transport Canada or the Canadian Coast Guard. It is either a glued-on label or riveted metal plate. By law, the Safety Compliance Notice must be permanently affixed to the pleasure craft in a conspicuous position plainly visible from the helm. Therefore, if your boat can be fitted with a motor, the Notice should be easily seen. My boat can be fitted with a motor and does not have a Safety Compliance Notice. What should I do? ^ Since you are required to display a Safety Compliance Notice, you will need to apply for one. How do I apply for a Safety Compliance Notice? ^ To apply for a Safety Compliance Notice, you need to:
IN ADDITION, if your boat measures 6 metres or less, you need to complete and include ONE of the following:
Once you have filled out the necessary forms, please mail the entire package to: Transport Canada - Marine Safety Before submitting your application package, please review this checklist to make sure that all of the information required is included since missing or incomplete information will result in substantial delays. IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the excessive volume of applications received, a delay of one year is expected before your Safety Compliance Notice is issued. However, a letter of acknowledgement will be sent to you within 30 days of reception of your application. It is imperative that you make sure that ALL of the required documents requested above are included since missing or incomplete information (such as inadequate pictures, unsigned or undated cheque or missing form) will result in further delays. |