Pleasure Craft Operator Card

Q. Why do boaters now need to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

A. Recreational boating is a favourite pastime in Canada with between seven and nine million people enjoying Canadian waterways each year. Sadly, not every boating excursion is a return trip: Over 200 boating fatalities occur each year along with an estimated 6,000 non-fatal accidents – most of them preventable. The general public and pleasure boaters had expressed concern that anyone of any age could operate a watercraft without having any prior boating experience. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card regulations are an attempt to reduce the number of boating related accidents & fatalities. The goal of the program is to encourage boaters to evaluate their capabilities and limits, to prepare themselves adequately before heading out, and to be responsible on the water.

Q. How long will it take for the Card to arrive after I’ve passed the exam?

A. Your permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card will take between 3-5 weeks to arrive. A Temporary Operator Card can be printed and used while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.

Q. Is there a temporary card I can print while I wait for my permanent Card?

A. Yes! You may print off a Temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card immediately following your successful exam. If for whatever reason you need to print another copy of your temporary card, you may access the card again by following the Temporary Card link from our homepage. Please note that your Temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card expires 60 days following your exam.

Q. What if I lose my operator card?

A. If you lose your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, and you took your exam online with BoaterExam.com, then you may order a replacement card by clicking on the LOST CARDS menu item. If you did not take your exam online with BoaterExam.com, but you have proof that you passed an accredited safe boating course, then please call our office at 1-866-688-2628 to order another card.

Q. Is the card good for life?

A. Yes. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is good for life with no annual fees.

Q. How does the card look?

A. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is a "credit card" style plastic card. Here is an image of the card:

Q. How do I get the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

A. To receive your Pleasure Craft Operator Card you must receive a score of at least 75% on a Transport Canada accredited safe boating exam. You may take this exam on the Internet, on this web site, and if you receive a score of 75% or greater, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card will be mailed to your home.

Q. Why get the card now?

A. There are many advantages to having the card now, such as:

• Without the card, you cannot operate PWC’s or powered boats under 4m (13.1 ft). This law applies not only to the boats you own, but also to any boats you operate (such as a friend’s or neighbour’s boat).
• Your boat insurance may increase if you do not have the Card.
• The exam will likely get harder and more expensive in the future.
• The Card is good for life (and you will need to get it eventually).
• The Card is recognized across Canada and the USA

Q. Is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card federal or provincial?

A. The laws governing the Pleasure Craft Operator Card are a federal requirement, and apply in all provinces. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card obtained in one province is equivalent to a Pleasure Craft Operator Card obtained in another province.

Q. Where can I boat with the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

A. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card allows Canadian and US citizens to operate their watercrafts throughout Canada and the United States. For residents of the United States, the Pleasure Craft Operator Card acts as an out-of-state boater education card when operating their watercraft in any State except for their home State. (Example: The Pleasure Craft Operator Card would allow a Florida resident to operate their watercraft in Oregon waters, but they would still require a Florida Boater Education card to operate their watercraft in Florida.)