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Sign up today to get your official Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) in Ontario!
A boater licence is mandatory to boat on Canadian waters.
Drive a Boat Canada is a Transport Canada approved Canadian provider of the official boating safety course, test and licence.
You need to get certified to operate a motorized boat of any size in Ontario. This certification is not really a licence. It is called a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), and it is the official proof of competency required under Canadian federal law. An Ontario driver’s licence does not qualify you to drive a boat.
Since 1999, we have delivered a top-tier boating safety course for all Ontario residents. Join over 2 million Canadians who have trusted Drive a Boat Canada’s Transport Canada-accredited online boating course. We’ll help you get fully prepared for safe and fun boating.
Take the online course, pass the exam, and get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)!
Unbeatable group discounts! Pay once and get lifetime access.
A Pleasure Craft Operator Card and a boating licence are the same thing in Canada. Pleasure Craft Operator Card is the official term, but many boaters simply call their certification a boating licence or PCOC.
Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is valid for life and will never expire. Once you get your card, remember to stay aware of local boating safety regulations and activity-specific certifications.
You can get a replacement boater card from Drive A Boat Canada. You will need to provide your name, date of birth and shipping address, and pay a fee. You may also need to provide proof that you previously held a PCOC.
No, there is no minimum age to obtain a PCOC. However, age and horsepower restrictions apply for operators under 16.
Yes, anyone operating a motorized boat in Ontario must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), regardless of age, engine size, or boat length
The approved Drive A Boat boating course and exam are available 100% online.
The Ontario boating exam, which is the Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) exam, consists of 50 multiple-choice questions.
No, non-residents can also take the course and obtain a PCOC.
The safe boating course typically takes a few hours and can be completed at your own pace online. You can take the exam right after finishing the course and get your licence in one afternoon!
You can print a temporary card immediately and go boating right away! You will receive your official PCOC by mail within a few weeks.
If you are caught operating a boat without a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) in Ontario, or you refuse to show the authorities your card, you could be charged a minimum of $250 and a maximum of up to $10,000.
No, unlike a driver’s licence, the PCOC cannot be suspended or revoked once issued. Technically, it is not a licence, but rather a proof of competency.
Yes, but there are horsepower restrictions for operators under 16 years old:
If you have proof of competency from an approved course taken previously, you may not need to retake it.
If you fail the boating safety exam, you can retake it after 24 hours. However, if you fail the exam a second time, Transport Canada requires you to retake the entire online boating safety course before attempting the test again.
At Drive A Boat Canada you have unlimited retries and do not have to pay for each new attempt.
No, you do not need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) to operate non-motorized boats in Ontario, such as kayaks, canoes, or sailboats. However, if a non-motorized vessel is fitted with a motor (even if the motor is not in use), proof of competency is required.
If you are renting a motorized boat in Ontario, it is mandatory to have proof of competency. You need either the PCOC or the rental safety checklist. The checklist must be co-signed by you and the rental operator, and you are required to carry it on board.
Yes, you need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) to operate any motorized vessel in Ontario, even if you are using it for fishing. You must also have both an Outdoors Card and a valid fishing licence (either conservation or sport).
You can always improve your boating skills with additional certifications and courses, such as our Boat Handling Course.
At Drive a Boat Canada, you can get your Ontario Pleasure Craft Operator Card in an enjoyable and easy way. We are a top-notch, fully accredited provider with millions of happy customers to prove it. Sign up today and get your official boating licence in one afternoon!
