A Guide to Getting your Ontario Boating Card

With over 250,000 lakes in Ontario, boating is an outstanding way to explore the province, whether you’re into fishing, luxury experiences, art, or the simple serenity of being out on the water. If you are planning on renting or buying your own boat, read on to ensure that you've got what you need before heading out on the water. 

What is a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), and Who Needs One?

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is also known as your boating license—and it's mandatory for operating any motorized boats in Canada, including electric trolling motors and sailboats. This card is valid for life in every province, and serves as proof that you understand the rules and regulations of boating recreationally in Canada, and that you have basic knowledge of boat handling. Although it's sometimes referred to as a boating license, it’s not technically a license since it’s valid for life and doesn’t need to be renewed.

Alternate proof of recreational boating competency:

There are some exceptions to needing a PCOC card, for instance:

• If you have a certificate that proves you took a Canadian boating safety course before the current regulation came into effect (April 1, 1999).

• If you have a professional marine certificate.

• If you’re renting a boat under specific conditions.

• If you’re boating in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

A complete list of acceptable proof of competency is on the Transport Canada website.

Do International Visitors to Canada Need a PCOC?

International visitors to Canada and non-residents are eligible to take the test to receive a PCOC, but may not need one in certain circumstances, as outlined in the Requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters in Canadian Waters.

Registering for the PCOC Course and Card

Make sure your course is accredited by Transport Canada. There are currently 19 accredited course providers, as listed on the Transport Canada website. Registering for a course and card is a one-time fee and the card is valid for life.

Lost or damaged cards will need to be replaced, as electronic or photocopied versions of the card are inadmissible, and operating without your PCOC can result in a fine.

If you need a replacement card, it is issued by the provider you took the course with, and is subject to a small replacement fee.

Considerations When Choosing a Course and Card Provider

• The language you’d like to take the course and test in (English or French.)

• If you learn best with in-class instruction or independent online instruction.

• The cost – fees for the course vary slightly and are determined by the individual providers. They run between around $25-50 for the course, which includes the card when you pass the test. Some providers offer discounts if two or more people in a family or group register for the test at the same time. 

What to Expect for the PCOC Course and Test

The course covers topics like: boating terms and regulations, navigational aids, sharing waterways with other boats, and how to prevent and respond to boating emergencies.

If you’re taking the course in-person, expect it to take around four hours, and you’ll have up to 90 minutes to complete the test.

Taking the course online, you should be able to get through the modules in around three hours and you’ll have up to 75 minutes to complete the test.

The test is open-book, consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, 38 of which need to be correctly answered to receive your PCOC. If you don’t pass the test the first time, you can try again after 24 hours.

Age Restrictions

The test is designed to be taken by boaters of all ages. If you’re over 16 and have your PCOC, you may operate a pleasure craft with any size motor. Under 16 years of age, you are not allowed to operate a personal watercraft (also called a jet ski), although between the ages of 12 and 16, with your PCOC, you may operate a pleasure craft with a motor less than 40 hp (30 kW). Under 12 years of age, you may operate a pleasure craft with a motor less than motor with no greater than 10 hp (7.5 kW) with your PCOC.

Additional Ways to Stay Safe on the Water

1.  Download the Boating Safety app which has tools to help you plan and prepare for your trip, useful boating reminders, and emergency information.

2.  Get a free Pleasure Craft Courtesy Check. A boating safety volunteer will visit your boat to check safety equipment and help identify any issues you may have, which could not only help keep you safe, but also help you avoid a fine down the line.

Happy boating! 

Edited Body Text

You’ve finally decided to make the leap. You’re buying a boat. Already you can picture yourself standing on deck, the wind in your hair, a refreshing beverage in hand as your stare out across the broad horizon. Ontario is a fabulous place to go boating. But before you hit the water, what are a few things that you need to know?

Well, before you head out, you need to know any applicable laws, regulations and local rules. For example, what are the collision regulations, small vessel regulations or local rules concerning safe speeds? In order to safely navigate your boat, you should have an understanding of the Canadian buoyage system, the use of marine charts and compasses, and navigation lights and signals. You’ll need to know how to plot a course and understand positioning methods and navigational references. Much of this you’ll learn as you progress. But, first things first…

getting boat Insurance in ontario

Currently, you’re not absolutely required to have insurance on your boat. But the question is, do you really want to risk it? There are some who don’t have home insurance, and we’ve all heard the horror stories that can result in those instances. Basically, you really should insure your boat. In the big picture, it’s not particularly expensive, at least when you consider how much it might cost you to haul a damaged boat after a freak windstorm, or you collide with someone on a personal watercraft and find yourself the subject of a million-dollar lawsuit. What if your boat leaks, and suddenly you’re handed a bill for the environmental clean-up?

All in all, insuring your boat is a way of protecting not only your investment (i.e. the boat itself) but also the lifestyle that you’ll enjoy along with it. Keep in mind that home policies are generally not written to protect against marine risks, and therefore are usually not adequate for boaters. So, instead of just adding your boat to your home policy, consider getting a separate one.

getting your boating Licence (also known as your pleasure craft operator card) in Ontario 

In general, you should ensure that you're easily identified. All boats powered by a motor 7.5kW (10HP) or more must be licensed and the licence number clearly marked on both sides of the bow. Out-of-province licences are acceptable. Pleasure boats 5m (16' 5") long or under, powered by an outboard motor 7.5kW (10HP) or more, must carry a plate stating the maximum load and kilowatts recommended for it. Vessel Licenses are available from any Service Canada office.

To find the office closest to you, please check the Service Canada website. 

In Ontario, the boating license is otherwise known as the Pleasure Craft Operator card. For more information on getting your card, click here.