How to get your Official Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)?
Who needs a PCOC in Canada?
All operators of powered recreational watercraft used on Canadian waters must have proof of competency like the boating license. The boating license is mandatory, regardless of age, length of boat or engine horsepower.
Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) — Official Process
The PCOC is required by law under regulations from Transport Canada for anyone operating a motorized recreational vessel in Canada.
1. Study the Required Material
You must complete a boating safety course from a Transport Canada–accredited course provider.
The course covers:
- Navigation rules (Collision Regulations)
- Buoys and markers
- Required safety equipment
- Boating laws and responsibilities
2. Pass the Boating Safety Test
- The test is typically multiple choice
- Minimum passing grade: 75%
- Must be completed with an approved provider
- Some providers allow the exam online; others may require supervision
3. Obtain Proof of Competency
After passing:
- You receive a temporary PCOC (valid immediately)
- The permanent card is mailed to you
4. Carry Your Card While Operating
You are legally required to carry the PCOC when operating a powered vessel.
Failure to present it can result in fines.
How much does it cost to get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
It's $ 59.95 + taxes for the online course, the final test and the card valid for life.
How do I replace my Pleasure Craft Operator Card if I lost it?
If you lost your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) in Canada, the process is pretty straightforward:
1. Contact your original course provider
- You must reach out to the company where you took your boating course/test.
- Only Transport Canada–accredited providers can issue a replacement. Please contact us at 1-888-962-6513
2. Request a replacement card
You’ll usually need to provide:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Sometimes a photo of your old card (if you have one)
Then you:
- Pay a small fee (often around $15–$30)
- Wait for it to be mailed to you
Please contact us at 1-888-962-6513
What can you operate with a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) in Canada allows you to operate motorized recreational boats—basically anything with a motor that’s used for fun (not commercial work).
With a PCOC, you can legally operate:
Motorboats
- Fishing boats
- Speedboats
- Pontoon boats
Personal watercraft
- Jet skis (like Sea-Doo)
- WaveRunners
Larger recreational boats
- Cabin cruisers
- Yachts (for personal use, not commercial)
Do I need a PCOC 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.
What is the minimum age for kids to write the boating exam?
There is no minimum age. As long as children can read and understand the exam, they are allowed to write it.
Does a PCOC expire?
No, your Pleasure Craft Operator Card is valid for life and never needs to be renewed.
How do I change the address on my Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
You can phone us at 1-800-607-2329 or email us at info@aceboater.com to make the change.
Do I need it to operate a non-powered pleasure craft?
No. The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations only apply to pleasure craft fitted with a motor.
Do I need proof of competency to paddle a pleasure craft fitted with a motor and the motor is turned off?
Yes.
Do I need to take an exam to obtain my card?
Yes, following the completion of the course you must complete the official Transport Canada final exam to obtain your card.
Do I need a pleasure craft operator card to paddle a pleasure craft fitted with a motor when the motor is turned off?
Yes, you must have proof of competency, including the boating card, if you have an engine on board the boat, even if not in use.
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.
Do the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to non-residents?
The Regulations apply to non-residents if:
-
They operate their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for more than 44 consecutive days or,
-
They operate a pleasure craft that is licensed or registered in Canada (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:
-
A Canadian-issued pleasure craft operator card.
-
A completed boat rental safety check-list (for power-driven rental boats).
-
An operator card or equivalent that meets the requirements of their state or country.
Do the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to Indigenous peoples?
While the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to Indigenous peoples, the Regulations do not apply in situations where the craft is used for daily living or subsistence activities (such as hunting and fishing for the purpose of subsistence). However, most Indigenous peoples that use a boat for subsistence activities also use it for recreational purposes on occasion. As such, it is recommended everyone have proof of competency. To remove ambiguity, the Regulations state that application is limited to pleasure craft used for recreational purposes.
