Operator Competency Requirements:
Operators of power-driven pleasure craft must obtain and carry proof of competency on board at all times. This is the law. It applies to all operators of power boats, personal watercraft and motorized sailing craft that are used for recreational purposes within Canada . A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (or a boating safety course certificate completed prior to April 1, 1999 ) is recognized as proof of competency. Once obtained, your Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life.

You can obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card by taking the BOATsmart! Canada Challenge Exam.

Key Dates:

Operator	Date proof of competency required
All operators born after April 1, 1983	September 15, 1999
All operators of craft under 4 m in length including PWCs	September 15, 2002
All operators	September 15, 2009

FAQ's:

Do I need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
All operators of power driven pleasure craft (including PWCs and motorized sailboats) used for recreational purposes within Canada will be required to obtain and show proof of competency .

When do I need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

• All operators born after April 1, 1983 require the card
• All operators of craft under 4 m in length (including PWCs) require the card by September 15th, 2002
• Everyone operating a pleasure craft (regardless of size) will require the card by September 15th, 2009

Is there a “Grandfather Clause”? Do I still need an Operator Card even if I’ve been boating for a long time?
Yes. All pleasure craft operators will be required to obtain a Card.

How do I get my Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
You can obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card by attempting the BOATsmart! Canada Challenge Exam. You must achieve at least 75% on the exam in order to obtain your Card.

Is my Operator Card good for life?
Yes! Once issued, your Operator Card is good for your life. If your lose your Card one can be re-issued for you.

I have already completed a boating safety course. Is it recognized?
Certificates for boating safety courses completed before April 1, 1999 will be recognized. If you've already taken a course prior to these regulations - and have proof - then that course certificate or card will be accepted as proof of competency! If you have completed a course and would like more information on obtaining proof of competency please contact BOATsmart! Canada at 1-877-792-3926 or the Canadian Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety at 1 -800-267-6687.

Do visitors from foreign countries need to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
Non-residents operating their pleasure 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 their state or country may be considered as proof of competency. Please contact us for more details.

Do commercial operators need a Card?
No. As long as you are operating your craft for commercial purposes then you are not required to show proof of competency. However, if you operate your vessel (or any other pleasure craft) for recreational purposes you are required to obtain and show the Card.