The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is a document used in Canada as proof of competency to operate a recreational boat with a motor. It is required for any craft fitted with a motor, even if the motor is not in use, for example an auxiliary motor on a

sailboat A sailboat or sailing boat is a boat propelled partly or entirely by sails and is smaller than a sailing ship. Distinctions in what constitutes a sailing boat and ship vary by region and maritime culture. Types Although sailboat terminology ...

. PCOC has been required since 1999. Regulations are currently defined under Canadian maritime law by the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. It is not required for non-powered pleasure craft. It is not required in

Nunavut Nunavut is the largest and northernmost Provinces and territories of Canada#Territories, territory of Canada. It was separated officially from the Northwest Territories on April 1, 1999, via the ''Nunavut Act'' and the Nunavut Land Claims Agr ...

and

Northwest Territories The Northwest Territories is a federal Provinces and territories of Canada, territory of Canada. At a land area of approximately and a 2021 census population of 41,070, it is the second-largest and the most populous of Provinces and territorie ...

. Nor is it required by certain

indigenous peoples in Canada Indigenous peoples in Canada (also known as Aboriginals) are the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, Indigenous peoples within the boundaries of Canada. They comprise the First Nations in Canada, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis#Métis people in ...

and non-residents. 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 are operating your boat in Canada for 45 consecutive days and more, or operating a boat licensed or registered in Canada, you are required to carry proof of competency, either an operator card or similar proof of competency issued by your home state or country.

Requirement

The PCOC can be obtained by taking a

Transport Canada Transport Canada () is the Ministry (government department), department within the Government of Canada responsible for developing regulations, Policy, policies and Public services, services of road, rail, marine and air Transport in Canada, tra ...

accredited boating safety course, then passing a test. Transport Canada requires a minimum study time of 3 hours for the boating safety course. The boating course is generally split up into 5 chapters with a 10 question multiple choice quiz at the end of each chapter. Curriculum includes: * nautical terms * safety equipment and procedures * Canadian

buoy A buoy (; ) is a buoyancy, floating device that can have many purposes. It can be anchored (stationary) or allowed to drift with ocean currents. History The ultimate origin of buoys is unknown, but by 1295 a seaman's manual referred to navig ...

s and markers * sharing the waterways * rules and regulations * emergencies * safe boat operation * navigation * emergency preparedness * fueling safety * craft loading * craft inspection

References

{{Reflist

External links

Canada Shipping Act, 2001
Licenses Transport Canada Water transport in Canada

Requirement

See also

References

External links