Frequently Asked Questions
About Online Exams:
Q. Who can supervise my boater exam?
A.
Online exam supervisors must be over the age of majority of the province in which the exam shall be written (19 years old in British Columbia) and may not be related to the exam candidate. Supervisors must also be a professional in the community.
Q. How long does it take to confirm my registration?
A. Generally, exam registrations are processed within one business day. If there are any problems with payment, or if information is missing from the registration form, this can slow processing. If you have registered more than two days ago, and have not yet received your account information, you can call us toll free at 1-800-474-5210 to get an update.
Q. How long does the boat licence test take?
A. There is a 45 minute time limit. Once 45 minutes has passed, the computer will automatically grade your exam. TIP: If you find yourself stuck on one question, move on to the next and come back to the problem question later. You don't want to run out of time!
Q. How many questions are there, and how many do I need to answer correctly to pass?
A. There are 36 questions in total. The questions are all multiple choice, each question has four answer options. The successful candidate will score a minimum of 27 correct answers out of a possible 36. At the end of the exam, you will click on the 'grade me' button and the computer will give you your score out of 36 along with your percentage. You can print the score page to use as proof of competency until your permanent, plastic card arrives via Canada Post.
Q. How do I pay for the boat license test?
A. Payment can be made by either Visa or MasterCard. Sorry, we do not accept American Express. If you do not have access to a credit card, you can also print the registration form, and mail it in with a personal cheque or money order. Please do not send cash.
Q. How do I pay for the boat license test?
A. Payment can be made by either Visa or MasterCard. Sorry, we do not accept American Express. If you do not have access to a credit card, you can also print the registration form, and mail it in with a personal cheque or money order. Please do not send cash.
If you have any further questions or concerns, you can call MTAC toll free at 1-800-474-5210 and a representative will be happy to help you.
About the Pleasure Craft Operator Card:
Q. Who needs it?
A. Right now: Anyone operating motorized pleasure craft under 4 metres (13.12 feet)
Persons born after April 1, 1983 (under 21 years of age) are required to have their card to operate ALL motorized vessels, not just those under 4m.
By 2009: Everyone operating ANY powered pleasure craft.
Q. Why the little boats first?
A. Because statistically small vessels get into the most accidents. Also, there are more small vessel operators than large vessel operators (those who have large boats, yachts, etc often have a tender/dinghy under 4m). Kids and Seadoos are other likely factors in the legislation.
Q. Does the card only cover you for vessels under 13?
A. No, the card covers all motorized vessels used for pleasure purposes, so as the legislation changes (in 2009), the PCOC card will cover boaters operating boats over 4m as well.
Q. How long is it good for? Are there annual renewal fees?
A. No. The PCOC certification is good for life. They never have to write the exam again.
Q. What happens if I lose it?
A. Boaters who have written the card with MTAC can have a new card reissued (we have a database that lists every card we've issued). Call our toll free number (1.800.474.5210) and we will find you on our database and can then issue a new card.
Q. Are you guys with the Canadian Coast Guard?
A. No, we are a private sector company who is accredited by the Canadian Coast Guard. We were also the FIRST accredited provider in Canada. MTAC's founder, Cpt. Brian Tuomi, was a member of the Canadian Coast Guard and chaired the committee which put together the recommendations for the COPCR (Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations).
Q. Why is another company a different price than you guys?
A. There are currently over 90 private companies and organizations offering Pleasure Craft Operator Cards. Each company charges their own fees and has their own policies. After conducting market research last year, MTAC found that our prices were below the national average.
Q. I have taken a Boating Safety Course already, can I get one of your boater cards based on that?
A. We cannot issue PCOC Cards based on previous certification (only if you write the exam), however, previous certification (training), in some cases, is adequate as proof of competency. We suggest that you contact the government's Boating Safety Hotline to find out if your certification qualifies: 1-800-267-6687.
Q. What is the minimum age for kids to write the boating exam?
A. There is really no minimum age. As long as the child can read the exam and understand the exam, they are permitted to write it. We do not recommend that children or young adults challenge the exam without taking a classroom course or home study course first.
Q. Do U.S. Residents (and other non-residents of Canada) need the card when they are in Canada?
A. Non-residents operating their pleasure craft in Canadian waters after 45 consecutive days do require proof of competency. (Up until the 46th consecutive day, they do not need to carry anything but the required safety equipment.)
If your question has still not been answered, please do not hesitate to call us toll free! 1-800-474-5210