---
title: Proof of Competency Requirements - Transport Canada
description: As of September 15, 2009, everyone who operates a motorized pleasure craft must carry proof of competency on board at all times...
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![Proof of competency](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/pcoc2021/images/aceboater-card-hr.png?width=1100&height=806&name=aceboater-card-hr.png)

As of September 15, 2009, **everyone **who operates a motorized pleasure craft must carry proof of competency on board at all times (does not apply to the Northwest Territories and Nunavut). Proof of competency **is not required for a pleasure craft without a motor.**

### What is proof of competency in Canada?

- A Pleasure Craft Operator Card;
- Proof, such as a course certificate, that you have successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada before April 1, 1999; 
- A specified marine certificate from the List of Certificates of Competency, Training Certificates and other Equivalencies accepted as Proof of Competency when Operating a Pleasure Craft;<http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-courses-pcoc-list-marine-safety-certif-1323.htm>
- A completed rental boat safety checklist.

### What is the only exception to proof of competency in Canada?

The only exception is **persons operating a pleasure craft in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut**.

### Do you need proof of competency for non motorized boats?

**No**. The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations only apply to pleasure craft fitted with a motor.

### Do you need a proof of competency if you are a non-resident visiting Canada with your boat?

You are not required to carry proof of competency on board as long as your boat is in Canada for less than 45 consecutive days.

If you do require proof of competency (because the above doesn’t apply or you want to operate a boat licensed or registered in Canada), then you may either show an operator card or similar proof of competency issued by your home state or country, or obtain a Canadian proof of competency. Either way, you must keep proof of residence on board with you at all times.

As for the pleasure craft operator card, the operator **must have the**** original card on board** since a copy is not accepted.

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