- What is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)?
A PCOC is proof of competency which is required in Canada to operate a boat with a motor. The PCOC is proof that the boater has completed an online or in person course and has successfully passed the Transport Canada final exam.
- Is the Transport Canada boating license mandatory in Newfoundland?
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!
- 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.
- Do I need a PCOC to operate a boat with an electric motor in Newfoundland?
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.
- How much does the Newfoundland boating license cost?
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 Newfoundland?
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.
- Does a pleasure craft operator card expire?
No, your Pleasure Craft Operator Card is valid for life and never needs to be renewed.
- Is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card the same as a Boating License?
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 boating license?
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 I need to have a Newfoundland driver’s license to get a Pleasure Craft Operators 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.
- 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.
- How long is the boating safety course?
Transport Canada requires 3 hours of study. At Ace Boater we have developed a training program to make your study time virtually interactive and pleasant.
- Where to navigate in Newfoundland?
Famously known as ''The Rock'' because it is a monstrous mass of rock and gravel shooting out of the water towards the sky, Newfoundland is at the top of the list for any power boater! The extremely spectacular 9656 km of rugged coastline from which Newfoundland is carved is filled with hundreds of sheltered coves and will delight any power boater.
And don't worry, there is plenty of water to go around for all boaters in order to satisfy the adventures they wish to embark on! Cruise along the Exploits and Gander Rivers and observe the natural beauty of the shoreline as you try to snare a combative salmon or a herring. You can glide on Red Indian Lake and one of the many coves on your jet-boat or waterskis, or even try to hook a delicious trout from your yacht.
For the more adventurous of boaters, take the yacht, sailboat or zodiac onto the great Atlantic to view the spectacular sight of the gigantic icebergs. If your timing is right, you will spot the hundreds of whales migrating north and crossing paths with the bergs floating southward. For a triple treat, time your outing to coincide with the many flocks of migrating gannets for which Newfounland is so famous!
But remember, you must carry proof of competency like the Pleasure Craft Operator Card to navigate the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador regardless of your age or the type and size of motor used. It is mandatory for all vessels including yachts, PWC, pontoons, houseboats and sailboats equipped with a motor.
It's the law, in Newfoundland and Labrador, and in the rest of Canada!
