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Drive a Boat Canada is a Transport Canada approved, 100% Canadian provider of the official boating safety course, test and Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
A boater licence is mandatory if you want to operate a motorized vessel on Canadian waters. Sign up to get your official boating licence in New Brunswick today!
You need to get certified to operate a motorized pleasure craft of any size on New Brunswick waters. This certification is called a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). Many people call it a boating licence, but it is actually an official proof of competency required under Canadian federal law. A New Brunswick driver’s licence does not qualify you to drive a recreational vessel.
Since 1999, Drive A Boat Canada has delivered a top-tier recreational boating safety course for residents of New Brunswick. Over 2 million Canadians have trusted our Transport Canada-accredited online boating course. We’ll help you get fully prepared for safe, legal and fun recreational boating.
Take the online course, pass the exam, and get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card!
Unbeatable group discounts! Pay once and get lifetime access.
If you lose your boating licence, you can easily get a replacement boater card from Drive A Boat Canada. You can also purchase extra cards as a backup. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth and shipping address, pay a fee, and prove that you previously held a PCOC.
Anyone operating a recreational powered watercraft on New Brunswick waters must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or other proof of competency, such as a rental boat safety checklist. This applies regardless of age, boat size, or engine power. It also applies if your boat has a motor that is not in use.
There is no minimum age to take the course, pass the exam and get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. However, there are horsepower restrictions for operators under 16 years old:
Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is valid for life and will never expire. Once you get your card, you are still responsible for following local boating safety regulations and obtaining any required activity-specific certifications. Remember, a PCOC does not allow you to operate a commercial vessel.
Failing to carry proof of competency while operating a powered vessel can result in a $250 fine
Yes, tourists visiting New Brunswick can take an approved course and obtain a PCOC. Alternatively, they can use proof of competency from their home country if it is approved by Transport Canada.
Yes, operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol is illegal. DUI is treated similarly to impaired driving on roads, and is punishable by law. Alcohol may only be consumed on boats equipped with sleeping quarters, a kitchen, and a bathroom, and only when anchored.
No, you do not need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) to operate non-motorized boats in New Brunswick. If your boat has a motor, you need a PCOC, even if the motor is not in use.
You do not need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) to go fishing in New Brunswick if you are using a non-motorized boat. However, if you are operating a motorized boat for recreational fishing, regardless of engine size or type, and regardless of whether it is in use, you are required by law to have a PCOC on board.
Drive a Boat Canada offers a fun and simple way to obtain your boating licence in New Brunswick. Millions of Canadian boaters have been certified with our 100% online boating safety course and exam.
Sign up now to get your official Pleasure Craft Operator Card in just a few hours!
