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

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. However, if you need to replace a lost or damaged Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you will have to contact the Transport Canada-accredited course provider who issued it.

Transport Canada can offer assistance if:

• You don’t know the name of your original course provider
• The course provider is no longer in business
• The course provider is suspended

Simply call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687.

An agent will look up your name in a national database of card holders and explain the steps you need to take.

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.

Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Cards (PCOCs) are officially recognized by the US government as valid and equivalent to their own Boating Safety Education Certificates. As a result, Canadian boaters who have passed the Transport Canada-approved boating exam and obtained a PCOC are permitted to operate a vessel in the US without the need for any further certification.

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 province.