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Online Course
Take your exam online and get your Pleasure
Craft Operator Card!
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Classroom Courses
To obtain your boating license in a classroom setting, please select your province below:
- Alberta
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- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
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Intro: AAA Boating Study GuideIntroduction
The purpose of this course is to establish a common level of understanding of Safe Boating knowledge that operators of all pleasure craft in Canada should possess.
The objective of this course is to promote the safe use of Canadian waterways and to promote a concern and a desire to learn about boating safety.
The rationale for this course is the general public and pleasure boaters have expressed concern, that currently anyone of any age can operate a pleasure craft without having any prior knowledge of, or experience in, their operation.
Changes to improve safe boating were required. The Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety began consulting with several hundred boating associations and thousands of boaters on ways of making our waters safer. As a result of these extensive consultations, new and amended safety regulations were announced, to be effective April 1, 1999.
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. These requirements are being phased in over ten (10) years.
Certificates for Boating Safety Courses completed before April 1, 1999 will be recognized. If you have already taken a course prior to these regulations, and have proof, then that course certificate, or card, will be accepted as proof of competency!
Operator Competency Requirements*
Craft fitted with a Motor and used for
Recreational Purposes
All operators born after April 1, 1983
All operators of craft under 4M in length,
Including personal watercraft
All operators
Date at which Proof of Competency
required on board
"SINCE" September 15, 1999
"SINCE" September 15, 2002
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 45 consecutive days. Operator card or equivalent issued to a non-resident by their state or country will be considered proof of competency.
Proof of Competency can take 1 of 3 forms:
- Proof of having taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999
- A pleasure craft operator card from a Transport Canada accredited course provider following a test;
- A completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats).
The operator card is good-for-life. Boaters can obtain their card after receiving a mark of at least 75% on a Transport Canada accredited test after having completed an accredited course. Boaters also have the option of taking this test without first completing a course. Professional mariners will see their qualification recognized.
Age-horsepower restrictions came into effect April 1, 1999. These restrictions prohibit operators under the age of 16 years from operating craft above specified horsepower limits. This applies to the operation of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes. If an operator is accompanied and directly supervised in the pleasure craft by a person 16 years and older, the age-horsepower restrictions do not apply. These restrictions also prohibit persons under 16 years from operating personal watercraft regardless of whether they are accompanied by an adult.
*Age-Horsepower Restrictions
Persons between 8 and 12 years of age and not directly supervised **
Persons between 13 and 15 years of age and not directly supervised **
Under 16 years of age
16 years of age and over
Power Restrictions as of April 1, 1999
Can operate a vessel with no more than 10HP (7.5 KW)
Can operate a vessel with no more than 40HP (30KW)
Not allowed to operate a PWC ***
No power restrictions
* These requirements apply in areas outside the Northwest and Nunavut Territories at this time.
** Directly supervised means: accompanied and directly supervised in the boat by a person 16 years of age or older.
*** Personal watercraft.
Safe Boats - Equipment Requirements for Pleasure Craft (effective April 1, 1999)
What Has Changed?
Changes were developed in response to the emergence of new water activities, innovations in lifesaving equipment and the technological evolution of watercraft. New equipment requirements, starting April 1, 1999, allow for greater flexibility in selecting appropriate safety equipment. In some cases, boaters are offered a choice of safety equipment. Note that "Life Saving Cushions will no longer be approved as Personal Flotation Equipment".
Who Needs to Comply?
Types of recreational vessels and activities. Some people are surprised to discover that safe boating regulations apply to all recreational vessels. If you participate in any of the following activities, the regulations apply to you:
- Operating any powerboat,
- Operating a Personal Watercraft (PWC);
- Canoeing, kayaking or participating in any other paddling sport;
- Sailing or sail-boarding;
- Towing a water-skier, wake boarder, or para-sailor;
- Racing in an on-water official Regatta or competition.
These minimum safety equipment requirements DO NOT apply to beach and pool toys that measure less than 2mtr. in length that are not designed to be fitted with a motor.
Note that "Operating an Outboard Motor-Driven Surfboard in any Canadian waters is Strictly Prohibited". If you are renting a boat and will be operating it for recreational purposes, these carriage requirements also apply to you. If you are using your vessel for commercial purposes or are carrying passengers for remuneration, you should consult Transport Canada to check which regulations apply.