What You Need to Know Before You Get An Ontario Boating License

Ontario has a number of laws and regulations in place when it comes to boating. Anyone who operates a boat in Ontario must have a valid boat license. There are a few things you need to know before you can get your license.

All boat operators in the province of Ontario must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). The PCOC is also commonly referred to as the Ontario Boating License.

Who Can Apply for a Boating License in Ontario?

There are no age or citizenship restrictions on taking the Transport Canada boating course and getting a pleasure craft operator card. You don’t need to be a resident of Canada, and there is no minimum age to take the course.

Who Doesn’t Need a Boating License in Ontario?

This means that if you are not a Canadian citizen and are visiting the country with your boat, or if you only plan to go boating for less than 45 days, you do not need to prove your competency. Similarly, you do not need to prove your competency if you are boating in the waters of Nunavut or the Northwest Territories.

Register For a Boating Safety Course

To get your Ontario boating license, you first need to take an accredited online course on boating safety from Transport Canada. The course will cover basic boat safety, navigation using GPS, nautical maps, and more. The course is interactive, with animations and other tools to help you learn the material.

After completing the course, you will need to take the Transport Canada Test to get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. With this card, you are now able to boat in some of the great freshwater lakes located in the Canadian province of Ontario. 

Many online course providers offer Transport Canada-approved courses. These courses are necessary to obtain a boating license in Canada. Be sure to select a reputable provider to ensure you receive a quality education.

Laws and Regulations of a Pleasure Craft

The Canada Shipping Act, 2001 is the law that governs pleasure craft in Canada. In order to operate a motorized boat in Canadian waters, you must first go through the boating course and get familiar with the different laws and regulations. The course will educate you on the different types of boats, their parts, and how to operate them safely. It is also important to get familiar with the different acts, regulations, and codes that affect pleasure craft operators in Canada.

Take the Online Exam

The best thing about the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test is that it is very flexible and can be taken online or in person. This makes it very convenient for people who want to get their pleasure craft operator card.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the Ontario Boating License is an important document that all boaters in the province of Ontario must possess. There are a few things that you need to know in order to get your license, such as the eligibility requirements and the testing process. Once you have your license, you will be able to enjoy boating in Ontario safely and legally.

If you need an Ontario boating license, Sprint Driving School in Toronto can help. Our experienced and professional instructors will guide you until you finally get your license. Get in touch with us.