Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary - Central & Arctic
Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue
DSC VESSEL
c130
Carling township1
Weather Oar Knot
BARU
SOUTHWIND
The Small craft training in Hay River
BBBS SAIL
Britt + Area Fire Search + Rescue
COMRA VESSEL
POINT SAR DOCK
Arctic
INSTRUCTOR COURSE 2011
MELISSA JUNE 1
SAR INSTR COURSE 2008
Arctic
COMRA
May 2013 Mngt Board Meeting
Arctic
Vik Beach in the Winter
The Small craft training in Hay River
SEA HAWK
BARU side view
The Small craft training in Hay River
Diavik
The Small craft training in Hay River
INSTRUCTOR COURSE 2010
The Small craft training in Hay River
Diavik
KugluktukSar
Arctic
HBRU
Falcon III
MARLENE I - THUNDER BAY
Thunder Spirit
OGINA II
ALFA SEVEN
ANICA LEE
QSAR
SAREX Leamington
Fancy Canoe underway
Thunder Spirit underway
Avalon underway
YELLOWKNIFE UNIT
Diavik
Arctic
BAITFISH 3
ISAR 2009
CAmbrian 1012
SUTCLIFF 2
FUNDY GALE
Arctic
Banner Image 1
WASAGA BOAT
QSAR
C130 Exercise
Maverick
Hay River Coast Base
McCRACKEN III
Avalon
SUTCLIFF 3
TURNEY
SUTCLIFF 1
The Small craft training in Hay River
"Bobbie"
Arctic
TED COOK + CO.
Sample PCOC Card

Pleasure Craft Operator Competency Card

When do I need to get a card?


The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations require operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes to have proof of competency on board at all times. These requirements are being phased in over ten years (see table).

How this applies to operators** of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposesDate at which proof of competency required on board
All operators born after April 1, 1983September 15, 1999
All operators of craft under 4 m in length, including personal watercraftSeptember 15, 2002
All operatorsSeptember 15, 2009

* These requirements apply in areas outside the Northwest and Nunavut Territories at this time.

** Applies to non-residents of Canada and whose pleasure craft is in Canada more than 45 consecutive days. Operator card or equivalent issued to a non-resident by their state or country will be considered as proof of competency.

Tip: Certificates for boating safety courses completed before April 1, 1999 will be recognized. If you´ve already taken a course prior to these regulations - and have proof - then that course certificate or card will be accepted as proof of competency!

Proof of competency can take 1 of 3 forms:

    * proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999;
    * a pleasure craft operator card issued following the successful completion of a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test;
    * a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats).

The operator card is good-for-life.

How do I get a card?

Boaters can obtain their card after receiving a mark of at least 75% on a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test. Boaters have the option of taking this test without first completing a course.  Accredited tests are offered by each accredited course provider.  

Why take a boating safety course?

  • To improve the safety of all boaters and the boating environment.
  • To get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card as required by the regulation.
  • To learn about your responsibility
  • To make your boating experience enjoyable for everyone.

What is covered during a course?

The course covers a full range of basic boating information such as:
  • minimum safety equipment requirements required on board your boat
  • the Canadian Buoy system
  • how to share waterways
  • a review of all pertinent regulations
  • and how to respond in an emergency situation
GCAC/CCGA
Copyright © 2000-2025 Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary - Central and Arctic
web development: PawPrint.net