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.

The Canadian Boating License refers to the Pleasure Craft Operating Card.  As of September 15^th, 2009, every person operating a recreational boat equipped with a motor must have successfully completed the boater exam.  Non-compliance could lead to a fine of $250.  Even if you are operating a sailboat, if it has a motor (on or off) you must have this recreational boat license.

There is a little confusion out there as to exactly what the Canadian boating license is.  The main source of this confusion is that Transport Canada has licensed private companies to administer the ‘boating exam’®.  These private companies have in turn used their own terminology to brand their own product.

The official title is the “Pleasure Craft Operators Card”.  That is what is written on the actual certification card you will receive.  If you do a search on the internet you will see it referred to under countless names, such as: boater exam®, Canadian boating license, Canadian boaters certificate, safe boating license…This list goes on and on.

The term license is somewhat in accurate.  This is a certification that cannot be taken away from the user.  Once you have it, you have it for life.  Technically a license is something that can be revoked.  That being said, the boaters card is somewhat similar to obtaining a license.

Regardless of what you call it, if you plan to operate a pleasure craft in Canadian waters this summer, you must have the card by law.

Getting your Canadian boating license in not too hard.  You can study the free course material then challenge the boating exam® online.  There are a few rules you must follow, such as being supervised by a non-family member, however it is not too complicated.  Many sites will allow you to re-write the boaters exam® (only once per 24 hour period) should you fail on your first attempt.

The most important thing you must be sure of is that you are taking the boaters exam® from a Transport Canada certified provider.  Some of the providers have been suspended, so again be sure the company you use is legit.

I obtained my boating license through Boater Exam®.  I had a great experience with them and can recommend them to anyone who requires the Pleasure Craft Operators Card.