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Q. Am I required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
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A. Yes, as of september 15, 2009, anyone wishing to operate a power-driven boat will require to show proof of competency. Certain age and horsepower restrictions will apply for youths.
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- Q. What does 'proof of competency' mean?
A. 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). ( click here for more on proof of competncies...)
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Q. What is the deadline for getting a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
A. As of September 15, 2009 the deadline is passed. You must have a PCOC or proof of competency to operate any type of powered vessel.
Q. Do I need a Pleasure Craft Operator Card to operate a Sailboat, Canoe or Row boat?
A. If your pleasure craft is temporarely or permanently fitted with an auxiliary gas, diesel or electric engine or you are carrying an such an engine on board that can be fitted to operate your pleasure craft, yes, you do need proof of competncy.
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Q. Is the CPS Pleasure Craft Operator Card any different from the others?
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A. Yes. The CPS PCOC courses and tests are the only ones approved by both Transport Canada and the US National Association of Boating Law Administrators, and is recognized by the United States Coast Guard. As such the CPS PCOC Card is the only one officially recognized in both the US and Canada. US States may choose to recognize other PCO Cards but they are not obliged to do so unless they have received individual NASBLA approval.
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CPS approved tests have 50 questions. The first 36 are required to meet minimum Canadian standards and the additional 14 questions help meet the us standards and ensure that the card holder has a good working knowledge of the required 149 key learning points as prescribed by Transport Canada.
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Q. Can PCOC's be replaced if lost or Stolen? If yes, what is the cost?
A. Yes, provided you took the exam with CPS. Just call Head Office at 1-888-CPS-BOAT (1-888-277-2628) and we will replace your card for the cost of $20.00 (non-members) or $10.00 (CPS members).
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Q. Do I have to enroll in a Boating Safety Course before writing the exam?
A. No. You can 'challenge' the exam, but a little time studying our Boating Handbook an accredited manual, or taking the Boat Pro Seminar, is strongly recommended.
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Q. Where can I take such a Boating Safety Course?
A. The Boating Handbook is Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons' accredited course. It is available through Squadrons across Canada, and from several CPS Recognized Providers.
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Q. How much does The Boating Handbook cost?
A. You can buy a copy from CPS Headquarters or from most Squadrons. The cost in each case is $19.00, which covers the handbook only - no instruction and no examination! The manual is also distributed to certain participating retailers by Mapart with a suggested retail price of $15.95.
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Q. Does the cost of the Boat Pro Seminar include the examination?
A. No. The exam is a separate item. The suggested cost, through a local Squadron or CPS Recognized Provider, is $25.00.
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Q. Where do the funds collected go?
A. The funds remain with CPS to pay for revisions to course material, and tests, maintaining a data base of successful candidates, and issuing the TC card. It does not go to any government agency.
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Q. Can I study The Boating Handbook at home, or with friends?
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A. Absolutely! Just order the handbook online. It is ideal for home study, but you must still write the supervised examination.
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Q. Where do I go to write the exam?
A. Check the Course Calendar or contact your local Squadron. CPS will be arranging group exam sittings at convenient locations and frequent times.
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Q. Can I re-write the exam if I fail the first time?
A. Certainly! But only once. A failed rewrite requires attendance at a Boat Pro Seminar.
Q. Is there a practical, on-the-water component to the Boat Pro Seminar or exam?
A. No. The course and exam are entirely theory.
Q. How long is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card good for?
A. According to present regulations, it is a lifetime card.
Q. Is there an annual cost for the card?
A. No! Earning a card is a one-time effort. The original card comes with the price of the exam. There will be a nominal charge for replacement of a lost or damaged card.
Q. Do operators of Personal Watercraft require the card?
A. YES! PWC operators are considered boaters, and must follow the same rules and regulations.
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Q. Is this card a Boat Operator Licence?
A. Definitely NOT! It is proof that a person has achieved a defined standard of knowledge on boating safety, not a licence to operate a boat.
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Q. Who will enforce the laws relating to the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
A. Any agency that currently enforces the Small Vessel Regulations, Canada Shipping Act, and/or Contraventions Act will police the Regulation. Enforcement may vary from Province to Province, and place to place. You can expect the RCMP; Provincial Police; local police and auxiliaries, and Canadian Coast Guard to check on boaters.
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Q. What penalties might there be for boaters who fail to get the required card?
A. The penalties will likely be similar to those that currently apply for not carrying the required safety equipment on board. In Provinces where the "Contraventions Act" has been adopted, summary ticketing with a schedule of fines is to be expected.
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Q. Will there be a penalty for those who have a card, but don't carry it while boating?
A. It is expected that there will be penalties similar to those for not carrying a driver's licence while operating a motor vehicle. This will depend upon the regulations in place, and the conditions of the Contraventions Act.
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Q. Can anyone 15 years of age or younger operate a Personal Watercraft?
A. As of April 1 1999, NO! Children may ride on a PWC but it must be operated by a person at least 16 years of age.
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Q. Can I help to teach the Boat Pro Seminar?
A. Perhaps. Contact your local Squadron, or CPS Head Office to learn more about teaching opportunities in your community.
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Q. Does passing the Boat Pro Seminar allow me to take any of the CPS Advanced Courses?
A. At this time, no, but Boat Pro is a great stepping-stone to the CPS Boating Course which is the requirement for Regular membership in CPS, and access to the CPS Advanced Courses. The boating public can take the CPS Elective Courses such as, Marine Maintenance, Navigating with GPS, Seamanship Sail, etc., at any time they are offered. Check with your local Squadron or call 1-888-277-2628.
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Q. Does passing the Boat Pro Seminar give me any credits towards the more extensive Boating Course?
A. Passing the Boat Pro Seminar gives you a head-start on the Boating Course, and you would not have to sit the Transport Canada accredited exam. But you would be required to study the full Boating Course, and pass the final, multiple-choice examination with a mark of at least 75%, to receive Regular membership status.
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Q. Is the cost of the Boat Pro Seminar, and exam, tax deductible?
A. No. The basic criteria for tax exemption requires a minimum course-cost of $100; and the course must be related to an individual's potential to create income.
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