A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), more commonly known by Ontario’s boating community as a ‘boating license’, is a federal competency card. You must obtain and carry your PCOC in order to legally operate any powerboat or motorized boat in Canada. 

All motorized boat operators in Ontario require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Also known as a boating license, a Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required for all ages, boat lengths or engine sizes (including electric trolling motors).

There is no minimum age to take the online boating course and get your boating license. Boaters of all ages, including those less than 16 years of age, are legally required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card when operating a boat in Canada. All ages need their PCOC and there are also horsepower restrictions for younger boaters.

Note that a PCOC is not required in Nunavut or the Northwest Territories. However, it is a smart idea to get certified and know that you have the boating skill and confidence you should have when operating a boat, especially if you’re operating in areas with cold water temperatures.

A Pleasure Craft License is a document and a set of I.D. numbers. The document must be on board your boat at all times and the numbers must be displayed on the bow of your boat at all times.

All motorized boats and PWCs in Ontario powered by 10 horsepower or more are required to have a Pleasure Craft License. The number must be displayed on both sides of the bow, above the waterline, as far forward as possible, in block letters at least 7.5cm high that contrast with the colour of the boat.

You can obtain a 10 year license for free from Service Canada. You must renew the license after the 10 year period has expired.

Right here! Simply take Canada’s Online Boating Course and Test now. Once you pass the open-book Test you can print your Temporary Card right away and go boating. Your Official BOATsmart! Card will arrive in the mail just a few weeks later. Take the Course online, with any device, from anywhere – even with your smartphone from that Muskoka chair on the dock.

The Online Course & Test take approximately 3 hours to complete. You can print your Temporary Card immediately once you pass the Transport Canada Test, and your Permanent Card will arrive in the mail within 4 weeks! This is the fastest way to get your boating license, Ontario!

When renting a boat, you can use your completed boat rental safety checklist as your proof of operator competency. However, it’s a super smart idea to get your official BOATsmart! Card as your proof of operator competency. A checklist won’t teach you how to respond if your pontoon boat runs aground or if a passenger falls overboard when you’re out wake surfing!

Yes! We know that boating laws can change over time and that it can be tough to perform boating skills like docking your boat in the wind or anchoring your boat for an overnight stay on the water. There’s also lots to know about the safety equipment you need on your boat and the different types of buoys on the water in Ontario. That’s why we’ve created our free BOATsmart! Knowledge Base. You can find anything you need to know in there! If you would like to have a handbook to have with you on the boat, you can also order a BOATsmart! Study Guide. We’ve got you covered, Ontario! 

Boaters 12 years of age & under can operate a boat without supervision so long as the engine is not more than 10 horsepower and they have proof of competency. They are not allowed to operate a PWC under any conditions.

Boaters 12-16 years of age can operate a boat without supervision as long as the engine is not more than 40 horsepower and they have proof of competency. They are not allowed to operate a PWC under any conditions.

Boaters 16+ years of age can operate a boat or PWC without supervision or horsepower restrictions so long as they have proof of competency.

No, boat owners are not required to have boat insurance in Ontario. However, it is a smart idea to protect your boat and your boating experience with great coverage features. You can save up to 25% off your annual boat insurance policy with BOATsmart! Assure.

The fines and penalties for driving a boat while under the influence of alcohol in Canada are the same as those for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence.

A drunk boater may have their driver’s license suspended for a minimum of 1 year.

A boat operator’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level cannot exceed 80 mg. This is the legal alcohol limit in Canada.

There is NO difference between drunk driving & drunk boating.

Boat passengers may consume alcohol on board a boat in Canada so long as the boat is licensed for alcohol consumption, or the boat has a permanent toilet, cooking facilities, sleeping facilities and it is anchored or docked.

Each province and territory is patroled by the RCMP except for Ontario which is patroled by the Ontario Provincial Police and Quebec which are patroled by the Surete du Quebec.

For emergencies on the water, like a boating accident or drowning, always dial 911.