- Do I need a license to drive a boat in Alberta?
Yes. All boaters, including those under 16, must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to operate any powered watercraft. This law applies to all boaters, there are no exemptions. "Powered watercraft" means a watercraft fitted with any size motor, even an electric trolling motor.
- How much does the boating license cost in Alberta?
The cost of the boating license online safety course is only $ 59.95 plus taxes. This includes study time, the final Transport Canada exam and mailing of your first boating license.
- At what age can I get my boat license in Alberta?
There is no minimum age requirement for the boat license, but certain restrictions apply to operate a watercraft according to your age. You only need to pass the final exam.
- Do boat licenses expire Alberta?
No, your Pleasure Craft Operator Card is valid for life and never needs to be renewed.
- Do I need to have an Alberta driver’s license to get a Boaters Card?
No, a drivers license is not required to obtain the Pleasure Craft Operators Card. However to operate a watercraft you must carry your Pleasure Craft Operator Card on board with you.
- Is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card good anywhere in Canada?
Yes, the same card is issued for all the provinces and territories in Canada. Whether you're boating in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia(BC), Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Saskatchewan or Newfoundland, the card is legal across the country.
- Is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (a.k.a. boating license) the same as a Pleasure Craft License or registration?
A pleasure craft operators card is considered as proof of competency proving the boater has completed a boating safety course and has the knowledge required to operate a vessel safely and understands the rules and regulations of navigating on Canadian waters. A pleasure craft licence or registration is a unique number the owner must display on the bow of the vessel. It is mandatory for all pleasure crafts equipped with motors of 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more.
- How can I replace a lost or broken pleasure craft operator card?
Before we can replace a lost or damaged Pleasure Craft Operator Card we must be sure that we originally issued it to you. Check with us by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-607-2329 to talk to an agent, or you can fill in the lost card form on our website and we will contact you by email within 24 hours, during our office hours.
If you took your online course with AceBoater.com, log into your profile and click on "Order Replacement Cards".
- Do you have to carry your card on you at all times?
Yes, all operators are required to carry the PCOC on board and have it readily available for inspection by law enforcement when operating a vessel.
- Do I have to be a Canadian resident to get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
For non-residents, proof of competency can take one of three forms: A Pleasure Craft Operator Card; A completed boat rental safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats); or, An operator card or equivalent which meets the requirements of their state or country.
- Where to navigate in Alberta?
Alberta is a wonderful place for boaters, however you like to enjoy the water. With 16,800 square kilometres of lakes, rivers and streams, and a continental climate, Alberta is an essential destination for holders of Canada’s Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), commonly known as a “boating license”.
Alberta is home to glacial lakes, shallow lakes, kettle lakes, and large lakes with stunning sandy beaches that entice nature-lovers and adventurers from around the world.
Whether you fancy sailing on Pigeon Lake, water skiing on Elkwater Lake in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, windsurfing on Lake Newell, cruising the waters of Lake Claire, fishing in Garner Lake, or participating in the annual Jet Boat Poker Rally on the Athabasca River, there is something for everyone in Alberta.
Starting in the magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountains, you can glide along the Bow River’s glacial waters and marvel at the scenery and wildlife as you wind through the Alberta foothills.
Located between Calgary and Medicine Hat, the huge Lake Newell—the largest and warmest man-made lake in Alberta—hosts a variety of water sports and all types of boats are allowed. Camp at the stunning Kinbrook Island Provincial Park to wake up next to the water and go fishing right away.
At Garner Lake, you can take in the scenery from your canoe, or get your pulse racing with tubing or waterskiing. For sailing enthusiasts, Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary offers strong winds and a technical challenge.
- What happens if I fail the boating exam?
If you do not pass the final exam on your first attempt, you will have one more chance to retake the exam after 24 hours.
If you are unable to pass the final exam a second time, you will be required to retake the course at no extra charge. This is a standard set by Transport Canada to ensure all students fully understand the laws and regulations of boating in Canada.
- How long is the Canadian boat license course?
The boating license course takes on average 3 hours to complete, so it really only takes a few hours to obtain the temporary certification and begin legally boating anywhere in Canada.
Your permanent Pleasure Craft Operators Card will by mail within a few weeks.
- How difficult is the Transport Canada boating exam?
Not very difficult! We teach you everything you need to know during the course to prepare you for the exam.
Our quiz's also help you retain the important information you will need to pass the final exam.
The exam will consist of 50 multiple choice questions and you will need at least 75% to pass.
Plus the exam is open book so you can even use our study guide to help you pass.
- I want to operate a boat in Alberta. How do I get the Alberta boating license?
Its easy take our official aceboater boating safety course!
- What if I go boating in another province?
No problem, the Pleasure Craft Operators card is valid in every Canadian Province as well as our neighboring American States.
- Is the Transport Canada boating license mandatory in Alberta?
Yes. The rule to qualify for the Canadian boating license (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) applies to all motorized watercraft throughout Canada, regardless of the length of the watercraft and the type and power of the motor used. You must have the card even while using an electric motor. Start the course!
- What is proof of operator competency in Canada?
In Canada, if you operate a boat with a motor and use it for recreation, you need proof of competency — something that shows you have a basic understanding of how to operate your boat safely and know what to do in an emergency. Proof of competency is required with all motor types (including electric trolling motors) and even when the motor is not in use (such as when sailing).
A variety of documents may serve as proof of competency:
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Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
Note: A paper or electronic copy of a PCOC is NOT acceptable.
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Certificate from a Canadian boating safety course completed before April 1, 1999 (when the current regulation came into effect)
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professional marine certificate or equivalent
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completed Rental Boat Safety Checklist good only for the rental period
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for a visitor to Canada, an operator card or other document that meets the requirements of his or her home state or country
Proof of competency is not required in the following situations:
- What is needed for boat in Alberta?
It all depends on the size of your boat.
All boats must:
- Have a lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on board the watercraft for each person.
- Have a sounding device.
Aceboater has all this information ready for you in our
safety equipment page.
- What are the boating regulations in Alberta?
- There are laws on the age of drivers, on alcohol, the speed limit while boating, the safety equipment to have on board your boat at boating laws and regulations in Alberta.
- Do you need a license to drive a Seadoo in Alberta?
- Absolutely! In the province of Alberta, it is an requirement under Canadian law for individuals operating motorized boats to hold a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, which is commonly referred to as the Alberta boating license.
