SAFE BOATING/PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATOR CARD

Safe boating is everybody’s responsibility. If you operate a commercial small vessel, water taxi, sport-fishing charter, or tour boat, or operate a commercial small fishing vessel, contact Transport Canada to find out about the updated safety requirements that apply to your vessel.

The competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations require operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes to have proof of competency on board at all times

Proof of competency can take 1 or 3 forms:

• A Pleasure Craft Operator Card
• Proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in Canada prior to April 1, 1999; or,
• A completed rental-boat safety checklist.

The Operator Card is good for life

Date at which proof of competency is required *

How this applies to operators** of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes:

• All operators born after April 1, 1983, proof of competency required on board by September 15, 1999.
• All operators of craft under 4 m in length, including personal watercraft, proof of competency required on board by September 15, 2002.
• All operators, proof of competency required on board by September 15, 2009

* These requirements apply in areas outside the Northwest and Nunavut Territories at this time.

** Applies to non-residents operating their pleasure craft in Canadian waters after 44 consecutive days. Operator Card or equivalent issued to a non-resident by their state or country will be considered as proof of competency.

Contact the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687. Visit the Office of Boating Safety website at www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca

For information on Operator Card, please visit:
www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety