Vancouver Boating License Course

Sign up for our online boating course approved by Transport Canada to obtain your official Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). Drive a Boat Canada is an authorized provider of the Canadian boating license for Vancouver residents.

Get your Vancouver boat license in 3 simple steps

Study our boating safety course

Our boat safety course offers approximately 3 hours of fun and engaging learning perfect for beginners.

Pass the exam

After studying our course, participants will have unlimited retries to pass the Transport Canada approved exam.

Obtain proof of competency

Upon passing the exam, print your temporary card instantly, while your permanent card is mailed within a few weeks.

Do you need a boating license to drive a boat in Vancouver?

Yes. In Vancouver, it is required to have a boating license, officially known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), in order to operate a motorized boat. This requirement applies to all boats with motors, regardless of their size or engine power. You can easily obtain your BC boat license by taking our online boating course and exam.

How to get a boat license in Vancouver

Follow these steps to obtain your boating license in Vancouver, BC:

  1. Complete our online boating safety course and successfully pass the online boating exam.
  2. Immediately print your temporary boating license (PCOC) from the comfort of your home and hit the water without delay.
  3. Rest easy as your permanent boating license (PCOC) will be mailed to you within 48 hours.
  4. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your boating license never expires and can be used anywhere in Canada.

Trusted by Vancouverites, with over 2 million certified Canadian boaters since 2001

Drive a Boat Canada has helped over 2 million Canadians get their Pleasure Craft Operator Card since 2001. Our Transport Canada-approved boating course is trusted by Vancouverites for a quick and enjoyable certification.

Why study our boating license course?

Drive a Boat Canada is committed to offering an unparalleled learning experience for new boaters in Vancouver. Here’s what you can expect with our boating safety course:

Study at your own pace

Embark on your learning journey with Drive a Boat Canada and take control of your boating education. Our boating safety course grants you the flexibility to learn at your own pace, whether it’s on your laptop or mobile phone, all from the cozy confines of your home. No need to worry about passing on your first attempt – we offer unlimited retries, and there’s no additional cost.

A fun and engaging learning experience

Join us for an exhilarating boating course that offers captivating instructional videos and entertaining quizzes. Wave goodbye to boring reading materials and say hi to a more immersive and enjoyable learning experience.

Group and family discounts

At Drive a Boat Canada, we don’t just offer our solo boating course for $59.95 CAD. We also provide fantastic discounts for groups and families! It’s a friendly and enjoyable way to learn together.

  • 2 People: $49.95 per PCOC
  • 3 People: $44.95 per PCOC
  • 4 People: $34.95 per PCOC

FAQs about the Vancouver boating license

How long does it take to get a boating license in BC?

New boaters can get a temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) in just a matter of hours! Our boater safety course is specifically designed to be completed quickly, requiring only 3-5 hours of your precious time. Before you know it, you’ll be all set to hop on your watercraft and enjoy the waves!

Does my Vancouver boating license expire?

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (also known as a Canadian boat license) is valid for life, with no expiration date! Plus, there are no annual fees to worry about.

What are the age and horsepower restrictions in BC?

In British Columbia, there are certain restrictions on operating boats based on age. If you are under 16, there are horsepower limits for the boats you can operate. It means that you can’t operate boats with motors that exceed specific horsepower limits, unless there is someone 16 years or older who can supervise you on the vessel and prove their competency. Moreover, if you want to operate a personal watercraft (PWC), you need to be 16 years or older.

What are the best boating destinations in BC?

British Columbia is a nautical paradise with a bounty of breathtaking boating destinations. Here are some of the top spots to explore:

  • The Gulf Islands: A boater’s dream, these islands are scattered along the coast, offering charming anchorages, cozy harbors, and endless exploration.
  • Desolation Sound: Nestled in the northern reaches of the Sunshine Coast, this is a tranquil, fjord-like paradise with warm waters and lush greenery.
  • The Inside Passage: A picturesque coastal route that takes you through narrow fjords, past glaciers, and offers unbeatable wildlife viewing.
  • Vancouver Island: Circumnavigate the island, stopping at places like Victoria, Tofino, and the Discovery Islands for a mix of culture and wilderness.
  • The Sunshine Coast: Known for its friendly communities, stunning inlets, and world-class salmon fishing, this coast is a true gem.
  • Okanagan Lake: Located in the interior, it’s the perfect destination for boaters who love sunny beaches and wineries.
  • Barkley Sound: For those seeking seclusion, this area on the west coast of Vancouver Island is a haven of untouched wilderness and pristine waters.
  • Howe Sound: Explore the stunning fjords and islands around Squamish and Bowen Island, with awe-inspiring views of the Coast Mountains.

With diverse landscapes, wildlife encounters, and a rich maritime history, British Columbia offers an ocean of possibilities for boaters. 

Get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card in Vancouver

Getting your Pleasure Craft Operator Card is a fun experience with Drive a Boat Canada. Join over 2 million certified Canadian boaters who have trusted us. Sign up today and get your official boating license in just one afternoon!