Like any Government policy, the Pleasure Craft License has it’s fair share of doubters. As of September 15ht, 2009, all boaters in Canada must have the Pleasure Craft Operators Card to legally operate a pleasure craft. The catch is that it costs $50 to take the exam. The real controversy is that the test is too easy and really doesn’t ensure safe boating. On top of that, you can take the boater exam® online, so it’s not exactly a closed book deal. Although, you do have to have someone watch over you to make sure you don’t cheat.

For people who are new to boating, it is my hope that they realize there is much more to safe boating then just taking the $50 online boating exam® to get their pleasure craft license.

For people how have been boating for years, chances are you already know this stuff, so it a blow to the stomach to have to pay 50 bucks to prove it.

Like it or not, you face a $250 fine for not having your this summer.

If You Are Considering Taking Your Boater Exam® Online, Here Is What You Need To Know:

There several online sites where you can get the Pleasure Craft Operator Card.  However, not all of these sites are equal.

I spent considerable time surfing around and finding all the sites where I thought I could get my pleasure craft operating card.  Once I had a list of all the sites, I cross referenced them with the official Government of Canada approved sites.

What I found was a little surprising.  Here is what I discovered:

1. Not all the sites that claimed to be approved are actually approved
2. Some of the sites have had their rights removed by Transport Canada
3. Most sites offer the boater exam® for $49.95, but some charge as much as $74.95
4. Many sites only let you write the test once.  If you fail you have to pay to re-write.
5. Some sites are accepting credit card payment over a Non-Secured site (very dangerous)

After realizing that not all Pleasure Craft Operating Card examination sites are created equal, I decided to make a short list of the best ones.  That way I could recommend a good site when it came up in conversation with others.  Additionally, I wanted to make sure that when I paid my $50.00 I actually would receive my card once I passed the boaters exam®.

With no exception, the best site I found is Boater Exam®

- Boater Exam® charges $49.95

– Boater Exam® gives you a Free study guide

– Boater Exam® Gives you unlimited retries (One per 24 hour period)

– Boater Exam® lets you print a temporary Operators Card to use until the real one arrives in the mail

– Boaters Exam® uses a secure internet connection to accept payment

– Boater Exam® is a Canadian Company, based out of Ottawa, ONT.

– Boater Exam® is approved by the Better Business Bureau

If you spend a little time surfing around as I did, I am certain you will discover the same results; not all of the Pleasure Craft Operators Card testing sites are equal.  If you are looking for a no-hassle, reliable, and authorized site to take your boaters exam®, then hands down, I recommend Boater Exam® Good Luck on the test!