Operators of a Sea-Doo or personal watercraft (PWC) in Canada must be at least 16 years old, regardless of supervision. But young boaters younger than 16 can operate regular motorized boats with some restrictions. All operators, including youth, must comply with Canada's boating laws and…
On December 31, 2025, the Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) rules changed, meaning if you haven’t renewed since then, you may need to act before you can legally operate your vessel. Note that there have been no changes to the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). The…
The boat operator must always stay sober. However, passengers can usually drink alcohol on a boat. BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is a severe federal and state crime. If you drive a boat with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) that hits 0.08% or higher, you…
On July 1, 2025, Minnesota implemented a mandatory boater education law. Permits (or boater safety certificates) will now be required for operators of motorized vessels based on their birth date. This new Minnesota boating law will be phased in over four years, taking full effect…
To register a boat in British Columbia, start by determining whether you need a Pleasure Craft License (PLC) or full vessel registration. A PLC is required for recreational boats with engines of 10 horsepower or more and can be obtained by applying online or by…
