Pleasure Craft Operator Card

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is a document used in Canada as proof of competency to operate a recreational boat with a motor.[1] It is required for any craft fitted with a motor, even if the motor is not in use, for example an auxiliary motor on a sailboat.

It has been required since 1999. Regulations are currently defined under Canadian maritime law by the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.

It is not required for non-powered pleasure craft. It is not required in Nunavut and Northwest Territories. Nor is it required by certain indigenous peoples in Canada and non-residents.[2]

The PCOC can be obtained by taking a Transport Canada accredited boating safety course, then passing a test. Transport Canada requires a minimum study time of 3 hours for the boating safety course. The boating course is generally split up into 5 chapters with a 10 question multiple choice quiz at the end of each chapter.[3] Curriculum includes:[2]

  • nautical terms
  • safety equipment and procedures
  • Canadian buoys and markers
  • sharing the waterways
  • rules and regulations
  • emergencies
  • safe boat operation
  • navigation
  • emergency preparedness
  • fueling safety
  • craft loading
  • craft inspection

References
  1. "Proof of competency for recreational boaters". Transport Canada. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
  2. "Operator Card (PCOC) - FAQ". Transport Canada. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
  3. "MyBoatCard.com® | Official Canadian Boating License". MyBoatCard.com® | Official Canadian Boating License. Retrieved 2022-12-22.
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