| In Canada, recreational boating is a popular pastime | | | | such as operating a boat properly and safely, how to |
| that is enjoyed by millions of residents as well as | | | | handle a boating emergency, and boating terminology. |
| people visiting the country. On September 15, 2009, | | | | It is not necessary to take a classroom boating |
| the Canadian Government implemented the | | | | course as you can self study and then take the |
| Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft | | | | exam online, however taking a boating course is |
| Regulations. These regulations mandate that people | | | | highly recommended. The cost is approximately |
| who operate recreational watercrafts that are | | | | $49.95. You must have a test supervisor to prevent |
| equipped with a motor used for recreational purposes | | | | cheating. Once successfully passed, you will receive |
| must have proof of competency. This means they | | | | the Pleasure Craft Operator Card which is good for |
| must have specific documentation to operate the | | | | the life of the owner and is non transferable. When |
| watercraft. Without proof of competency, a boater | | | | operating a motor recreational watercraft, you must |
| can receive a fine of up to carry $250. | | | | keep the card with you at all times. Boating safety |
| It is not difficult to acquire boating proof of | | | | accredited courses are sanctioned by the Federal |
| competency. The main way for Canadians to acquire | | | | Office of Boating Safety |
| proof of competency is to get a Pleasure Craft | | | | There are special rules for foreign visitors and |
| Operator Card from a private organization accredited | | | | watercraft renters. Boat rental operators have to |
| by Transport Canada. In Canada, there are a number | | | | take and pass a dockside test. Foreign visitors will not |
| of private organizations that offer boating courses to | | | | have to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card if their |
| help people prepare to write the boating exam and | | | | stay is less than 45 days. If their stay is more than |
| then write the exam. The boating exam is | | | | 45 days, they will have to have an operator card. |
| administered by a private organization that is | | | | Operator cards issued by another country or state |
| accredited by Transport Canada. | | | | will be considered as proof of competency that the |
| In Canada, people who are born after April 1, 1983 | | | | individual can safely operate a motor recreational |
| must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Also, | | | | watercraft. |
| motor recreational watercraft that is less than 4 | | | | Canada's boating regulations are designed to improve |
| meters in length must have a Pleasure Craft | | | | boater safety, reduce accidents, and make sure |
| Operator Card. People can get their card by taking a | | | | boaters know how to operate a power-driven |
| class offered by private organization located in | | | | personal recreational watercraft. Before taking to |
| various regions through out Canada. When completing | | | | Canada's beautiful waters on a motor boat, it is |
| the course, people will then take the boating exam | | | | important to have proof of competency such as the |
| which is a 36 multiple choice questions where a | | | | Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You will be a better |
| passing grade of 75% must be achieved. The test | | | | boater which will make the boating experience much |
| itself will be about topics covered in the classroom | | | | more pleasurable. |