Safe Boating Regulations in Canada
The Canadian safe boating regulations require recreational boaters to obtain
a pleasure craft operator card which demonstrates that they have the basic
knowledge to operate a motorized pleasure craft safely.
 Proof
of competency required
The safe boating regulations require operators of motor boats to carry
proof of competency if
- They are born after April 1, 1983.
- They operate a boat under 4 metres.
- They operate a PWC (Jet ski or Seadoo).
By September 15, 2009, all boaters will be required to carry the boat operator card
regardless of the size of their boat. The safe boating regulations do
not have a grandfather clause.
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. 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.
Safe Boating Resources
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