All the answers to your questions about the boating license in Ontario
Who needs a boating license in Ontario?
All operators of powered recreational boats on Canadian waters must carry proof of competency, such as the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). This requirement applies to everyone, no matter your age, the size of your boat, or the engine’s horsepower.
What is the cost of a boating license?
The boating license costs $59.95 plus taxes. This price includes the online training, the exam, and your official Pleasure Craft Operator Card. While the license is not free, it is valid for life.
What is the new law regarding the pleasure craft licence?
The new law applies to the pleasure craft licence, not the boating license. The pleasure craft licence is the registration number displayed on the front of your boat’s hull, similar to a license plate on a car, and it is now valid for 5 years.
For details on how to renew your pleasure craft licence, please see the official renewal information.
Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card—often called the “boating license”—is not affected by this change and remains valid for life.
How to get a boating license in Ontario?
Get your permit in 3 simple steps:
1. Take the online course.
2. Pass the online exam.
3. Print your temporary card immediately after you pass.
We will mail your official card to you in less than 3 weeks.
How old do you have to be to get a boating license?
There are no age restrictions to obtain a boating license, also known as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
At what age can I operate a motorboat?
There are no age restrictions. However, if you are under 16 years old, certain restrictions apply. A young person must be accompanied in order to operate certain motorized boats. For more information on engine power limits by age for operating a motorboat.
Is there a special license for personal watercraft PWC (Jet ski - Seadoo)?
In Ontario, there is no special license for personal watercraft (Sea-Doo, jet ski).
What is required instead:
The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required to operate a personal watercraft.
It is the same as for all motorized boats.
Therefore, a single certification covers everything: motorboats + personal watercraft.
How do I replace my Pleasure Craft Operator Card if I lost it?
Click on “Lost Pleasure Craft Operator Card”
Do I need a boating license to operate a canoe or kayak?
No. The Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Regulations apply only to pleasure craft equipped with a motor. If you are operating a non-motorized vessel, you are not required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
Do I need a boat license to operate a boat with an electric motor?
Yes. All boaters 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.
Do I need proof of competency to operate a sailboat?
You need proof of competency if the sailboat is fitted with an auxiliary motor, even when under sail.
How long does it take to get boating license in Ontario?
The online course has a mandatory duration of 3 hours. The study time is divided into 6 chapters. At the end of each chapter, there is a 10-question quiz. You must get 8 out of 10 correct to pass the quiz. If not, you need to review the chapter and retake the quiz.
Once all 6 chapters are completed, you can access the final Transport Canada exam. It is a 50 multiple-choice question exam, and you have 75 minutes to complete it.
Does a boater license expire?
No, your Pleasure Craft Operator Card is valid for life and never needs to be renewed.
Do I need proof of competency to paddle a pleasure craft fitted with a motor and the motor is turned off?
Yes — in Ontario, what matters is whether the boat is fitted with a motor, not whether it is currently being used.
Is my boating license valid only in Ontario?
No, it is a federal law. Therefore, the card is valid in all Canadian provinces. There is also a reciprocity agreement with the United States. The card is therefore also valid on the other side of the border.
Do I need a boating license to operate a sailboat?
You must have proof of competency, such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, if your sailboat is equipped with an auxiliary motor, even when you are sailing under wind power.
Is it true that I can get my boating license online for free?
The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is not free.
It is usually obtained after:
- a boating safety course
- an official exam
There are always fees to pay (course + exam + card).
Can I operate a motorboat if my driver’s license has been suspended?
When a person loses their driver’s license for a car, they do not automatically lose the right to operate a motorboat. It is at the judge’s discretion. To know whether you are allowed to operate a motorboat, you must check the paper record of the incident and look in the “driving prohibition” section to see if the “All motor vehicles” box has been checked. If so, during the suspension period, operating a motorboat is also prohibited. It is possible that a judge may prohibit motor vehicles but still allow the operation of aircraft and boats.
What boating safety equipment do I need on board my pleasure craft?
It depends on the length and type of boat you have.
Do the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to non-residents?
The Regulations apply to non-residents if:
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They operate their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for more than 44 consecutive days or,
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They operate a pleasure craft that is licensed or registered in Ontario (including rented or chartered boats).
The Regulations do not apply to non-residents who operate their pleasure craft (licensed in a country other than Canada) in Canadian waters for less than 45 consecutive days. Please note that a proof of residence will be required on board at all times.
For non-residents, proof of competency can take one of three forms:
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A Canadian-issued pleasure craft operator card.
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A completed boat rental safety check-list (for power-driven rental boats).
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An operator card or equivalent that meets the requirements of their state or country.
STUDY AT YOUR OWN PACE
- Register and pay only $ 59.95 (online course, final test and the card included).
- Complete an easy-to-read study guide.
TAKE THE FINAL TEST
- Transport Canada's official final test.
- Free tests retries - Risk free.
- Open-book final test.
PRINT YOUR CERTIFICATE
- Print your temporary card immediately and start boating now! It is valid for 60 days.
- Your official Pleasure Craft Operator Card will be mailed within 30 days.
- The card is good for life.
Group and Family Discounts
More boaters, more savings
Take advantage of our group discounts for family and friends. Register together and get a discount for the online boating course!
A complete 3-hour course… well organized in 6 chapters
- Study at your pace
- The card is valid for life
- Exam retries are free
