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Who needs their Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
The rules have not changed for the Canadian Boat Operator. Since implementation in 1999 you have had 10 years to get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), 2009 is your deadline.
Those that operate vessels under 4m. in length (including all personal watercraft) have needed their Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) since 2002, and anyone born after April 1, 1983 must also have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) for all power driven vessels.
Age and horsepower restrictions still apply to anyone under 16 years of age.
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Operators of personal watercraft must be a minimum of 16 years of age, and hold a PCOC.
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Operators 12 - 15 years of age are limited to a maximum of 40 hp., and must hold a PCOC.
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Operators under 12 years of age are limited to a maximum of 10 hp., and must hold a PCOC.
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After September 15, 2009 all operators of Power driven Pleasure Craft will need to have their PCOC.
We are not aware of any plan to change these compliance dates or requirements. If you have heard rumors of change within the system, nothing has changed the deadlines requiring boaters to have their operator card. You will see some differences as to how those doing the testing present themselves, we must comply with the new test protocol. The new testing protocols add strict requirements to the Course Providers to provide testing in an appropriate manner.
The PCOC is a lifetime card. Getting your card early will save both time and money as we approach the deadline. According to Government numbers, more than half of Canadians that will require their card have not acquired it as yet.
There are several options available for boaters to acquire their operator card. Experienced boaters may "challenge the test". Boaters can home study and prepare themselves, then challenge the test. However the best option is to attend a course. Boaters of all levels of experience will benefit from attending a course. A course will expand your knowledge and open up new, on the water, opportunities. Understanding the basics of on the water safety will make your time spent on the water much more comfortable and enjoyable, and knowing how the various laws and regulations effect boat operators, will keep you out of trouble with the authorities. After all it is usually your own family and friends you will have aboard, and as the operator, you are responsible.
Boaters should know how to be courteous and safe when operating around other boaters and those enjoying the waterways. How many times have you thought the other boater did not know what he was doing? Are you aware of the 10kph speed limits and where they apply throughout Ontario and all Western Provinces' inland waterways? These limits are not posted and any speeding tickets on the water are applied to your drivers license.
Not all boating instructors are created equally. Choose your instructor carefully, ask questions about their qualifications, not just experience. Certified by a Course Provider (CP) does not mean a thing unless that CP has properly chosen experienced individuals and provided adequate training and follow up. Transport Canada does certify individuals that can properly pass on the many aspects of operating a vessel properly and safely.
Rick Scott, S.C.O.T.T.S. Boat Safe |
