4 Things to Know About Your Alberta Boating License

One of the most important things to do when boating in Alberta is to consider the licensing guidelines. You want to make sure you're using your boat responsibly, and that goes beyond just paying attention to where you're navigating and whether you have the proper safety gear, such as life jackets.

Along with all those areas to consider, boaters must take the time to get an Alberta boating license. Then, you can boat with peace of mind and feel confident that you're doing everything you can to boat safely and properly on local waterways.

Here are four things to know about boating licenses in Alberta.

1. Who Needs a Boating License in Alberta?

All motorized boat operators in Alberta must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). This card is required regardless of your age, the length of your boat, or the type of motor it uses.

Remember that operating a motorized boat occasionally or as a guest still means you need a PCOC. If caught operating a boat without a license, you won't be able to use the idea that you didn't know you needed a license or it's not your boat to avoid having a card. You can face fines and penalties if you aren't correctly licensed.

No matter whose boat you're operating, and even if you only use your boat a couple of times yearly, a valid PCOC is required. 

2. How to Obtain Your PCOC

Don't worry: getting your license is simple!

Study by Taking a Course

You'll want to study the official Transport Canada Boating Safety Course to prepare for your Alberta boat license exam. It's available online and in print, so you can get access to it and have it available to you when you need it.

Some people like to attend a course in person that offers this information, while others would prefer to learn at home online (for example, by taking the BOATsmart! course for Canada). Both are valid ways to get the knowledge you need and receive your card. 

Take the Exam

Once you're confident that you've studied enough, you'll take the exam. It has 50 multiple-choice questions, and you'll need to get at least 75% correct to pass.

If you don't pass on the first try, you can retake it, but you're limited in the number of tries you're allowed before you have to retake the entire course.

After you pass the exam, you'll officially get your PCOC. Once you have it, it's valid for life, so you won't need to retake the course or exam.

Make sure you carry it with you whenever you're on the water, as you're legally required to have it on your person. Having one isn't enough, and leaving it at home can still mean fines and penalties.

3. It's Proof You Know How to Boat Safety

Legal compliance is a big part of boating safety. When you have a PCOC, you ensure you're legally compliant, which helps you avoid fines and other penalties.

The course provides crucial safety knowledge, including information on environmental responsibility, navigation rules, and emergency preparedness. When you receive your card and carry it while boating, this shows you have the data to operate your boat safely.

Going through the course also increases your confidence on the water, and information from the course and exam can help you have increased peace of mind. That improves your boating experience and makes it safer and more enjoyable.

You want to feel comfortable when you're boating so you can have fun instead of worrying about laws or other specifics you're unclear about.

4. Don't Worry If You Lose Your Alberta Boating License

Among the best things about the PCOC is that it doesn't expire, so that's one less thing to worry about.

Once you've passed the test and gotten your card, it's good for a lifetime. That makes it easy to ensure you have the correct information for your licensing to boat safely and have fun.

However, we've stressed the importance of carrying your card with you while boating, so what happens if you lose your card?

If you lose your card, you can get a replacement through BOATERexam if you took your course with us. You can also get a replacement card through the I Lost My Card website.

It doesn't take long to get your new card, and you can get a temporary one online so you can still boat while waiting for the new one to arrive.

Additional Tips for Boating Legally

Your Alberta boating license is essential, but don't get complacent once you have it.

While it's true that it's good for life and you don't need to renew it, boating laws and regulations can change over time. Staying informed and up-to-date through Transport Canada, BOATERexam, or local boating organizations is the right way to know what's current.

Along with having your card, be sure to practice safe boating in every other way. For example, always wear your life jacket, avoid alcohol when operating your boat, and ensure your boat has all the necessary safety gear. If you take passengers onboard, you must also have life jackets and other safety gear for them.

Take the Course and Get Your Alberta Boat License

Ready to get out on the water and enjoy everything the boating season offers? To do that, take the online boater education course through BOATERexam for Alberta to prepare for all your waterway and boating adventures, then get your Alberta boating license.

You'll learn about safety on the water and increase your confidence so you can enjoy your boat more fully (and legally).