Canada. Transport Canada, Sarnia, Office of Boating Safety

Canada. Transport Canada

Site: Sarnia

Service: Office of Boating Safety - Pleasure Craft Operator Card

Record #: BAR4030

Last Modified: 22 May 2024

Last Full Update: 21 May 2024

Description

Description (Service)

Operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes are required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, (PCOC), as proof of competency on board at all times

Testing and Courses
- to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card it is necessary to pass an accredited test
- Transport Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard do not teach boating safety courses or offer testing, private companies administer all courses and tests and issue all cards
- Boating Safety courses cover a full range of basic boating information such as minimum safety equipment requirements required on board your boat, Canadian Buoy system, how to share waterways, a review of all pertinent regulations and how to respond in an emergency situation
- courses can be taken in class, by correspondence, on the Internet, or a training manual can be purchased, from an accredited training organization or downloaded from the website of an accredited training organization, to be studied independently before taking the test
- see List of Accredited Course Providers
- see Safe Boating Guide from Transport Canada

Service Details

Public Comments	Although it is commonly referred to as a boating licence, the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is actually a Competency Card by successfully passing the test and obtaining an Operator Card individuals have proven their competency as a safe boat operator Canadian law does not require recreational boaters to obtain a boating licence, the only legal requirement for boaters is to carry proof of competency (i.e. Pleasure Craft Operator Card) on board at all times For full information about the Pleasure Craft Licensing System see Pleasure Craft Licensing System
Hours	Hours vary
Areas Served	Canada ; Canada
Eligibility	Any person operating a pleasure craft fitted with a motor
Application	Call Boating Safety Office or visit Pleasure Craft Operator Cards for more information
Languages	English; French - Reception
Fees	Program - call organization offering course or testing for information on fees

Address and Location

Located In Community	Sarnia
Address & Map	Office of Boating Safety, Transport Canada 100 Front St S Sarnia, ON Canada N7T 2M4
Intersection	Front St S and Davis St
Mailing Address	Office of Boating Safety, Transport Canada 100 Front St S Sarnia, ON Canada N7T 2M4
Physical Access	Fully Accessible

Contact Information

Toll Free Phone	1-877-281-8824, Office of Boating Safety (Ontario Region)
E-Mail	obs-ontario-bsn@tc.gc.ca
Website	tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/office-boating-safety