Online Boat License in Canada: TC-Approved Course and Exam

In Canada, a boating license — also known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card — serves as proof of competency for operating a motorized recreational boat. This card is mandatory for all boats equipped with a motor, including those with auxiliary motors on sailboats.

As of September 15, 2009, all operators of all ages need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (boating license) to operate a pleasure craft equipped with any type of motor, including personal watercrafts.

A boating license — the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) — costs $69.95 for one person. This one-time price includes the online course, exam, and shipping of your official card. Discounts apply starting at 2 people, up to 21.45% off per card for 4 or more.

Yes. Online exam retries are unlimited and included in your registration price — you can retake it as many times as needed until you get your boating license, at no extra cost.

Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life. Once you obtain it, you do not need to renew or replace it unless you want an extra copy.

There is no age exemption; the law applies to all operators, regardless of age.

Age restrictions are imposed on the horsepower (hp) (or kilowatt (kW)) capacity of the motor of the boat.

• Children under the age of 12 with no direct supervision may only operate a boat with a motor of up to 10 hp/7.5 kW
• Youth aged 12–15 with no direct supervision may only operate a boat with a motor of up to 40 hp/30 kW
• Youth under the age of 16, regardless of supervision, may not operate a personal watercraft (PWC)

These restrictions do not apply in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

The fine for not having the required proof of operator competency (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) while operating a motorboat or personal watercraft is $250 (does not include administrative fees).

A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life. Contact us to replace a lost or damaged Pleasure Craft Operator Card.

Yes. The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to all pleasure craft fitted with a motor and state that proof of competency is required for operation, even for pleasure craft or PWC rentals.

Yes. The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to any vessel powered by a motor, regardless of type or power — including electric motors. You must hold your Pleasure Craft Operator Card before heading out, even with an electric motor.

No, a driver’s license is not required to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. The two are independent of each other. You must, however, carry your PCOC on board at all times while boating.

Yes. Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards (PCOCs) are officially recognized by the US government as valid and equivalent to their own Boating Safety Education Certificates.

For more information on boating legally in the United States, visit Drive a Boat USA.

A pleasure craft refers to any boat or watercraft used for recreational purposes.

Transport Canada is the federal department responsible for implementing and enforcing transportation policies and programs in Canada.

With the exception of the Northern provinces, boating regulations are uniformly applied throughout the country.

Yes, the Pleasure Craft Operator Card is valid in every Canadian province. To learn more, click on your city or province:

• Alberta Boating License
• BC Boating License
• Quebec Boating License
• Ontario Boating License
• Montreal Boating License
• Nova Scotia Boating License
• New Brunswick Boating License
• Northwest Territories Boating License
• Newfoundland Boating License
• Manitoba Boating License
• Prince Edward Island Boating License
• Nunavut Boating License
• Saskatchewan Boating License
• Yukon Boating License
• Toronto Boating License
• Vancouver Boating License