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Anyone operating a powered watercraft on B.C. waters must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or equivalent proof of competency. This applies regardless of age, boat size, or engine power.

There are a few cases in which you do not need the card:

• You can provide proof that you successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada before April 1, 1999, when the PCOC rules came into effect.
• You are renting a powered boat and carry a completed and signed rental boat safety checklist. This temporary proof of competency is only good for the duration of the rental period.
• You hold a specific marine certificate or equivalency that is recognized by Transport Canada.
• You are a non-resident operating a pleasure craft in Canadian waters that is not registered in Canada for less than 45 consecutive days.
• You are a member of a community of the First Nations of Canada and you are engaged in daily living or subsistence activities (such as hunting and fishing for the purpose of subsistence).

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, boater card or PCOC. If you’re operating a boat for commercial purposes (e.g., chartering, tour operations), you’ll need additional certifications that go beyond the PCOC.

There is no minimum age to obtain a PCOC in British Columbia. However, there are horsepower restrictions for operators under 16 years old:

• Under 12 years: Max 10 horsepower without supervision.
• 12–16 years: Max 40 horsepower without supervision.
• Under 16 years: Cannot operate personal watercraft (PWC) under any conditions.

Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is valid for life and will never expire. Boaters are responsible for staying aware of local boating safety regulations and obtain all relevant activity-specific certifications, such as a radio operator’s certificate or fishing licence.

If you go boating in a motorized vessel without carrying proof of competency, you can be fined $250 or more.

Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol is illegal in British Columbia. The rules and consequences largely mirror those for drinking and driving.

The PCOC is for the operator and is a proof of competency for driving powered vessels. A Pleasure Craft Licence is for your vessel, not for the person driving it.

Yes, you generally need a license for recreational fishing in British Columbia, but the specific requirements depend on whether you’re fishing in freshwater (non-tidal) or saltwater (tidal) areas. You can learn more from the Government of Canada. If you are operating a motorized boat while fishing, regardless of engine size or type, you are required by law to have a PCOC on board in British Columbia.

If you have lost your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you can get a replacement boating licence from Drive A Boat Canada. You can also purchase additional cards as a backup. Just be ready to provide proof that you have passed the boating exam.