Sept 15 deadline for Pleasure Craft Operator Card to operate any motorized boat in Canada
Everyone who wants to operate a motor boat must complete the Safe Boat Operator exam by September 15 in order to get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
There is a $52 charge to take the exam and get the card.
The exam can be taken online at a number of sites including:
http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/
http://www.boatsmartexam.com/
Also online is free information material for SAFE BOATER TRAINING, including:
FREE! Online Study Guide
Click here to try the online practice quiz and practice exam
BOATsmart! Canada Safe Boater Training is available from a variety of sources throughout Canada. Boaters are encouraged to complete safe boater training before attempting the BOATsmart! Canada Challenge Exam. Each of the BOATsmart! Canada training options includes all the knowledge you need in order to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
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Boaters face new operating rule
September 7, 2009
Anyone operating a boat or a pleasure craft fitted with a motor will be required to get a certificate proving their competency, according to a new Transport Canada rule that begins next week.
Boaters will need a pleasure craft operator card by Sept. 15, and must carry it on board at all times.
Once certified, the card is good for life, and the new requirement applies in areas outside the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the department said.
Sarah-Jane Raine and her husband, Norman, have a lifetime of experience on the water, and said that until now, anyone could buy a boat and start boating.
"You get on it and you take off, and that's unfortunately what's caused some of the [boating] problems," said Sarah-Jane Raine.
Experienced boaters like Denis Flynn say the new rule is long overdue.
"I think you have to take some kind of responsibility out there, and I think it's safer for everyone," he said.
Those who police the waterways and rescue boaters in distress agree.
"By doing this, it's forcing people to learn a little bit about what to carry on a boat, and I think it's a great idea," said Anthony Garron with the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
"Bare minimum is better than nothing. That's the way I like it," he said. "One day I'd like to see practical exams out on the water but … baby steps first."