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.

First of all, the Canada boater exam® is a boating exam, not a replacement for a full boating education.  The Canadian boating exam® is what you will have to pass to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operators Card.

The Pleasure Craft Operators Card became mandatory as of September 15, 2009 for all motorized pleasure craft.

The was initiated to make sure all boaters have at least the bare minimum of safety education before heading out on the water.  Unlike driving a car, boaters in Canada have never had to pass a test or have a license to operate a boat.

While the Canada boater exam® will teach you the basics of safety and the basic navigational skills you will require, it certainly is not a replacement for a full boating course and practical experience from a knowledgeable boater.

It is easy to go out and buy a boat and head out on the water.  What is not so easy is learning the skills you may one day need in an emergent situation.  The $250 fine you could receive for not having your Pleasure Craft Operators Card is perhaps the least of your worries.   If you do not have the basic boating skills you or one of you passengers may well end up injured or worse, dead.

If you are a knowledgeable boater, by all means, take the simple online boaters exam® and have a wonderful summer on the water.

If you are a beginner boater, take the boater exam® and also enroll in a full boating course in your area.  The skills you will learn will serve you well and you will be confident when heading out on the water that you are prepared for most situations.

If you are going to take the boaters exam® online, make sure it is from a Transport Canada accredited site.  I got my Pleasure Craft Operators Card from Boater Exam®