Pleasure Craft Operator Competency requirements are now a reality in Canada. As of 2009 all operators will be required to carry proof of competency such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. The PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) or otherwise known as the Boater Licence is not actually a 'license,' it is 'proof of competency'. However due to confusion by the public throughout our website we will refer to the Pleasure Craft Operator Card as your Boater Licence.
As of 15th April 2011 there were changes to the exam required to obtain a PCOC. The written exam now consists of 50 questions and the online exam requires 3 hours of compulsory online study before taking an online 50 question exam. These changes were brought in by Transport Canada to try to better ensure boaters have a basic knowledge of boating safety.
How can I get a Pleasure Craft Operators Card?
The easiest way to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operators is visit one of our agents where you can challenge the 50 question written test. Once you've successfully completed the boating exam, a plastic (credit-card-style) boating licence will be mailed to you. (We will provide you with an interim boater card in the mean time.) Once you've obtained your boater licence, the certification is good for life! You never have to rewrite the boating exam. If you ever lose your boat license, we have your boater information on file so that we can issue you a replacement card!
You can get a manual to study for the exam and keep as a useful reference tool from our agents or purchase the manual here online.
If you are unable to get to one of our agents you can also take the 3 hour online course and exam online. MTAC has hundreds of agents right across Canada and was one of the first organisations to become accredited by Transport Canada, helping people get their Boater Licenses since 1999. We strongly encourage beginners to take a course or at the very least, purchase a study manual before taking the exam.