DO I NEED A PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATOR CARD (PCOC)?Taken with permission from the CPS member magazine – Port Hole This is the most common question that I get asked and it actually goes something like this: I have been boating for over 30 years. Do I really need to get that boating license thing or am I grandfathered? The simple answer to the question is NO, no one is “grandfathered”. You are required to show physical proof of operator competency and under current regulations this can take one of three forms. I quote from Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide: Competency of Operators Pleasure Craft Regulations “As of September 15, 2009, everyone who operates a motorized pleasure craft must carry proof of competency on board at all times. Proof of competency is not required for pleasure craft without motors." This includes a personal water craft. The operator competency requirements do not currently apply in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Proof of competency can take one of three different forms: - A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC); - Proof such as a course certificate that you have successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada before April 1, 1999; or - A completed rental boat safety checklist (for power driven rental vessels). The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life. Remember to make a photocopy of your card as soon as you get it so it can be replaced if it is lost. To replace a lost card contact the course provider that issued it. For a complete list of course providers please visit www.boatingsafety.gc.ca ” A few things to note: The PCOC is not a license as many people perceive it to be. It is a certificate that indicates the person named on the card has successfully passed an approved test. The PCOC or one of the other two forms of proof mentioned above must be carried on board your power driven vessel at all times. This proof is required for power driven vessels only and this includes sailing vessels with auxiliary power. Power is defined as any type or size of motor. These requirements also apply to non residents operating their pleasure craft in Canadian waters after 45 consecutive days. If a non resident operates a Canadian powered vessel or any other powered vessel that has been in the country for more than 45 continuous days they must show Canadian proof of competency. When do I need my PCOC or other proof of Competency?
For further information you can contact Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons at www.cps-ecp.ca. John Gullick, Manager of Government and Special Programmes, Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons
Remember when you are on the water boating... BE A RESPONSIBLE BOATER... THINK ABOUT THIS.... Without a BOAT, 75% of the Earth’s Surface is Wasted!!!! |
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