What to Know About Boating License Laws In Canada
What do boaters need to know about boating license laws in Canada before taking a boat out on the water?
Transport Canada is the federal institution responsible for transportation programs and policies. The organization promotes "safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible transportation" throughout Canada.
The latest regulations have been implemented to improve the safety of everyone who boats and make the boating experience more enjoyable for all boaters on the water. Well-defined boating guidelines help recreational boaters become more responsible and knowledgeable about boating safety.
So, knowing all the current regulations is crucial whether you are a new boating enthusiast or an experienced boater. Today, we highlight what Canadian boaters need to know about boat license regulations.
An Overview of Canada Boating License Laws
As of April 15, 2011, boaters of all ages operating a motorized pleasure craft must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) (i.e., a boating license). This includes any watercraft with a motor, whether a canoe with an electric motor or a sailboat with an auxiliary motor.
There are no longer age exemptions or minimum ages to get certified before operating a boat.
To acquire the license, students must pass a mandatory five-chapter online course and receive a minimum grade of 80% on each quiz at the end of each chapter. Then, students must pass the open-book online PCOC test, which includes 50 questions. Passing requires a minimum grade of 75%.
If you have taken a boating safety course before April 1, 1999, you must take another course or pass another test. However, when on board your watercraft, you'll need to carry a copy of the certificate or card issued after the course you took before April 1, 1999.
Online Study Guide Requirements
Before taking the online boating safety test, you must complete the Study Guide, which is available online.
The Online Study Guide (or boater safety course) includes at least five chapters covering the basics of boating safety, accepted best practices, and regulations.
After each chapter, students must test their knowledge by taking a chapter review quiz. There are a minimum of ten practice questions per chapter. The candidates are graded automatically and given their scores online. They can move on to the next chapter if they receive a grade of over 80%.
Additional requirements for the online course include the following:
- The total time required to complete the Online Study Guide must be at least three (3) hours. Each chapter has a minimum set time limit for completion.
- You can complete the Online Study Guide one chapter at a time at your own pace for up to one (1) year after starting the course.
- Once you have successfully passed a chapter review quiz, you can return to the content page for that chapter at any time (with no time requirements).
- Once you've completed the Study Guide, you can access the online PCOC Test website to complete the official test.
While that might sound like a lot of work, taking a course through BOATERexam meets these requirements. We make it simple, convenient, and engaging to learn the required course material through text, graphics, and videos – and you can learn at your own pace.
Taking an Online PCOC Test
Once the Study Guide or course is complete, students will receive a link to the Transport Canada Marine Safety's (TCMS) online testing website.
Every test is unique and includes 50 randomly generated questions pulled from the TCMS bank of boat safety questions. The open-book test can be completed from home, or anywhere you can access the internet.
A supervisor is no longer required for the exam.
After completing the exam:
- A passing grade is 75%.
- Students automatically receive their test scores online.
- A student may only take one (1) Online PCOC test per day (or within 24 hours of starting a test).
- If you fail the test twice, TCMS will email the Course Provider. You'll be required to start the complete Online Study Guide again from the beginning – with the time requirements in place.
The BOATERexam course adequately prepares most students for the open-book test! You'll be on the water in practically no time at law.
After Passing the PCOC Test
Following the test, you'll receive an email from TCMS, allowing you to print a temporary Operator Card directly from their website. The temporary PCOC expires when students receive their permanent PCOC or 60 days after the date they passed the test.
Choose an Accredited Course to Comply With Boating License Laws
We hope you find this information helpful! Before taking your boat out for the season, make sure you have your PCOC to comply with Canada boating license laws.
Before you can get your PCOC, you'll need an accredited boating education course. BOATERexam is officially Canada-approved and an ideal course to learn everything you need about safely operating a watercraft.
Learn and get licensed before the season begins! Choose the Canada-approved course and start learning.
Originally published March 28, 2011. Content updated March 16, 2023.
