What is a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is the most accepted proof of competency to operate a powered pleasure craft. The card is obtained by getting a passing grade on a Coast Guard accredited Operator Proficiency Exam.

The card is made of durable PVC plastic and is valid for life; there are no annual fees.

Who must get the card and what are the deadlines?

• Under Canada’s Competency of Pleasure Craft Operators regulations, the following operators must carry proof of competency when operating a powered pleasure craft in Canada:
• any operator born after April 1, 1983; and
• all operators (regardless of age) of powered recreational vessels less than 4 metres (13 ft) in length. By September 15, 2009, all operators of all powered pleasure craft will have to carry proof of competency.
• An operator is the person in charge of a vessel. Failure to carry proof of competency carries a fine of $250. Proof of Competency can take any of three forms:
• Proof of having taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999;
• A Pleasure Craft Operator Card from a Canadian Coast Guard accredited course provider such as freecourse.ca; or
• A completed rental safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats).

All information and certification is provided by: freecourse.ca