What You Need To Know Boating And The Pleasure Craft Operator Card

By Carlene Kosloski


One of the things that makes the Canadian outdoors a wonder of natural beauty its abundance of lakes and rivers. Naturally, these lakes and rivers attract boaters who wish to bask in the glory of the outdoors as they enjoy their recreational activities. However, to ensure the safety of everyone involved, there are laws governing the use of motor-driven recreational watercraft. Before you can operate a power-driven pleasure watercraft, you must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

When you operate a power-driven pleasure watercraft, you are responsible for the vessel and passengers and the damage caused by your boat's movement through the water. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is a license provided by Transport Canada that is proof you meet the competency regulations to operate a power-driven watercraft safely on Canada's waters. You have to keep the PCOC on you at all times when you operate the power-driven pleasure watercraft.

Your own Pleasure Craft Operator Card cannot be transferred to another person. To get the PCOC card, you have to pass a multiple choice boating exam which is offered by a private, government-accredited organization. To pass the boating exam, you have to attain a score of 75% or more. Once you pass the boating exam, you will be sent the Pleasure Craft Operator Card which is good for life. You will be able to print off a Temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card immediately after you pass your exam. The Temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card expires 90 days following your exam.

The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations only applies to pleasure craft fitted with a motor. There are private accredited organizations that offer a boating course to help you prepare for the boating exam. You can take a boating course in a classroom setting and online. You can also get Home Study Guides to prepare for the boating exam. There is a fee to take the course and boating test. Once you have a PCOC card you are legally permitted to operate your power-driven pleasure watercraft on Canada's waters.

Boating in Canada, boating is governed by seven acts, regulations, and codes that apply to all operators and vessels. Pleasure craft operators must be aware of the laws and how to regulate the operation of their vessels. Violation of any of the acts, codes and regulations, can result in charges against the pleasure craft operator. For this reason, you must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. If you lose your Pleasure Craft Operator Card you may order a replacement card. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life with no annual fees.

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card allows Canadian and US citizens to operate their pleasure watercrafts throughout Canada and the United States. Experiencing Canada's lakes, oceans, and rivers, and other waterways is an unforgettable experience. You will have a more enjoyable experience when you operate your boat safely and responsibly. When boating in Canada, it is important to adhere to Canada's laws governing operating motor-driven pleasure watercraft. Before you are legally allowed to operate a power-driven pleasure watercraft on Canada's waters, you must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.




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