- Is the Transport Canada boating license mandatory in Ontario?
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 Ontario?
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 boat driving license cost in Ontario?
The cost of the boat driving license online safety course is only $ 59.95 plus taxes. This includes study time, the final Transport Canada exam and mailing of your official boating license.
- At what age can I get my boat license in Ontario?
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 take the course and pass the final exam.
- Does the boating license expire?
No, your boat driver license is valid for life and never needs to be renewed.
- 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 I need an Ontario 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 Ontario boating safety course?
Transport Canada requires a minimum of 3 hours of study. At Ace Boater we have developed a training program to make your study time virtually interactive and pleasant.
- What happens if I fail my 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 navigating a vessel.
- How long does it take to get the boating license?
- The boating safety course takes on average 3-5 hours to complete, so it only takes a few hours to obtain the temporary certification and begin legally boating anywhere in Canada. Your permanent Pleasure Craft Operators Card will arrive in a few weeks by mail.
- How difficult is the Transport Canada-approved boating exam?
- Not very difficult! We teach you everything you need to know during the course to prepare you for the exam. Plus we have our quiz's to help you retain the important stuff. The final exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and you will need at least 75% to pass. The exam is open book so you can even use our study guide to help you pass.
- I want to operate a boat in Ontario. How do I get the Ontario 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.
- 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:
- the boat is being operated in the waters of Nunavut or the Northwest Territories
- a visitor to Canada is operating the boat he or she brought into Canada for less than 45 consecutive days
- What safety equipment is required on a boat in Ontario?
It all depends on the size of your boat. Aceboater has all this information ready for you in our safety equipment page.
- Why is Aceboater the best course provider in Ontario?
- Aceboater is Ontario's #1 provider of boating safety education. We provide a comprehensive online boating education and certification platform for boaters of all levels and interests. We are fully approved by Transport Canada and recognized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and the U.S. Coast Guard.
