tc.gc.ca Operator Card : Transport Canada

Name of the Organization : Transport Canada
Type of Facility : Operator Card
Country : Canada

Website : http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-paperwork-paperwork_operatorfaq-2233.htm

Operator Card :

Who needs an Operator Card?:
Everyone who operates a power-driven boat needs proof of competency — something that shows they understand the basic rules and how to safely operate a boat.

Related : Citizenship and Immigration Apply For Permanent Resident Card Canada : www.statusin.org/25636.html

The most common proof of competency is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You can get the card by taking a boating safety course in-person or online, and passing the test at the end of the course.

* Proof of Competency is not required in the waters of Nunavut and Northwest Territories at this time.

Will boaters who have previously taken a boating safety course be required to take another course or test?:
Those who have taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999 will not be required to take another course or test. A copy of a certificate or a card issued at the completion of courses taken prior to April 1, 1999 will need to be carried on board the pleasure craft.

How do I replace my lost Pleasure Craft Operator Card?:
Replacing your Pleasure Craft Operator Card:
If you need to replace a lost or damaged Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you will need to contact the course provider who issued it.

Please note:
** Only currently accredited course providers may issue replacement cards.
** Course providers charge a fee for replacing Pleasure Craft Operator Cards.

Transport Canada can help you if:
** you don’t know the name of your original course provider,
** the course provider is no longer in business, or
** the course provider is suspended.

Simply call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687.

An agent will look up your name in a national database of card holders and tell you what you need to do next.

How do I obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?:
The most common proof of competency is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. You can get the card by taking a boating safety course in-person or online, and passing the test at the end of the course. Training and testing for this card is only available through Transport Canada accredited course providers. The first step is finding an accredited course provider in your area.

Do I need proof of competency to operate a non-powered pleasure craft?:
No. The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations only apply to pleasure craft fitted with a motor.

Do I need proof of competency to paddle a pleasure craft fitted with a motor and the motor is turned off?:
Yes.

Do I need proof of competency to operate a sailboat?:
You need proof of competency if the sailboat is fitted with an auxiliary motor, even when under sail.

Do the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to aboriginals?:
While the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to aboriginals, the Regulations do not apply in situations where the craft is used for daily living or subsistence activities (such as hunting and fishing for the purpose of subsistence). However, most aboriginals that use a boat for subsistence activities also use it for recreational purposes on occasion. As such, it is recommended everyone have proof of competency. To remove ambiguity, the Regulations state that application is limited to pleasure craft used for recreational purposes.

Do the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations apply to non-residents?:
The Regulations apply to non-residents if:
** They operate their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for more than 44 consecutive days or,
** They operate a pleasure craft that is licensed or registered in Canada (including rented or chartered boats).

The Regulations do not apply to non-residents who operate their pleasure craft (licensed in a country other than Canada) in Canadian waters for less than 45 consecutive days. Please note that a proof of residence will be required on board at all times.

If you require more information on how Canadian requirements apply to non-residents visit the Requirements for Foreign Recreational Boaters In Canadian Waters.

What is acceptable proof of competency for non-residents?:
For non-residents, proof of competency can take one of three forms:
** A Pleasure Craft Operator Card;
** A completed boat rental safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats); or,
** An operator card or equivalent which meets the requirements of their state or country.

Do I need to take a course before I write the test?:
Taking a boating safety course is strongly recommended regardless of age or experience. However, you can challenge the test without taking a course.

Why take a boating safety course?:
** To improve the safety of all boaters and the boating environment.
** To get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card as required by the regulation.
** To learn about your responsibility.
** To make your boating experience enjoyable for everyone.

What is covered in a course?:
The course covers a full range of basic boating information such as:
** minimum safety equipment requirements required on board your boat;
** the Canadian Buoy system;
** how to share waterways;
** a review of all pertinent regulations;
** and how to respond in an emergency situation.

What are my options?:
Take the course in class, by correspondence or on the Internet; or, purchase a training manual from an accredited training organization, study on your own and then take the test.