Northern Consulting Services - Pleasure Craft Operator Card

What is a pleasure craft operator card?

Is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card the same as a driver's license?

How often must the card be renewed?

Who is required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

Is there a grandfather clause or an age exemption?

How can I obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

How long does it take to get my card?

What is the total cost?

Is this site accredited by the Canadian Coast Guard?

How can I verify that freecourse.ca is accredited by the Canadian Coast Guard?

What is freecourse.ca?

Can I join freecourse.ca as a trainer or exam supervisor?

Is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card the only accepted form of proof of competency?

I have already taken a boating safety course. Is it recognised?

Can I be fined for not having the card?

Are there other fines that I should know about?

Is there a time limit to complete the exam?

How many questions are on the exam?

What is the exam format?

What is the passing grade?

If I happen to fail, can I try the exam again? What is the cost of a retest?

Is it safe to pay by credit card to register for the online exam?

How is personal information used?

Is training available?

What is an Exam Supervisor?

Where can I find an Exam Supervisor?

What is a pleasure craft operator card?

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is the most accepted proof of competency to operate a powered pleasure craft. The card is obtained by getting a passing grade on a Coast Guard accredited Operator Proficiency Exam. The card is made of durable PVC plastic and is valid for life; there are no annual fees.

Is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card the same as a driver's license?

No. The card is simply proof that a boater has obtained a defined standard of boating knowledge. It is not a license to operate a vessel.

How often must the card be renewed?

Never. Your pleasure craft operator card is good for life. There are no annual fees. It is possible to purchase a duplicate card in case of loss or if you have more than one watercraft and you want to keep your card on board.

Who is required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

Currently, anyone born after April 1, 1983 must carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or other proof of competency when operating a powered pleasure craft. Also, as of September 15, 2002, all operators of vessels under 4 metres (13.3 ft) in length are required to carry proof of competency at all times. By September 15, 2009, operators of all powered recreational vessels will have to carry proof of competency.

Is there a grandfather clause or an age exemption?

Sorry, no. Eventually all operators of powered pleasure craft will have to obtain the card.

How can I obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?

You can obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card by scoring a mark of 75% or better on our Coast Guard accredited Online Exam or on an exam written at a freecourse.ca testing centre.

How long does it take to get my card?

When you pass the online exam, you can print your Temporary Operator Card immediately. The temporary card is good for two months. Your permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card will arrive at your home by first class mail within two to three weeks.

What is the total cost?

The $30 testing fee includes everything (all taxes, the online exam, the cost of your official Pleasure Card Operator Card, and shipping and handling).

Is this site accredited by the Canadian Coast Guard?

Yes. freecourse.ca is an accredited provider.

How can I verify that freecourse.ca is accredited by the Canadian Coast Guard?

A list of course providers that have been accredited by the Canadian Coast Guard is available at the following web site:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/BoatingSafety/providers/acc.htm.

What is freecourse.ca?

freecourse.ca is a network of instructors and testing site providers working together to provide a convenient, inexpensive way for you to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. This web site was created to provide boaters with free online instruction and easy access to our list of testing centers. Through our network of instructors and testing centers, we offer both in-class instruction and testing facilities in cities and major towns across Canada.

Can I join freecourse.ca as a trainer or exam supervisor?

Yes. freecourse.ca is developing a growing network of trainers and testing site providers across Canada and we are looking for new course instructors to join the network. If you are an experienced boater, familiar with the regulations, and interested in teaching, please send an e-mail message to: admin@safetyafloat.ca.

Is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card the only accepted form of proof of competency?

Proof of competency can take any of three forms:
1. proof of having taken a boating safety course prior to April 1, 1999;
2. a Pleasure Craft Operator Card from a Canadian Coast Guard accredited course provider following a test; or
3. a completed rental safety checklist (for power-driven rental boats).

I have already taken a boating safety course. Is it recognized?

Yes, providing it was completed before April 1, 1999. To obtain a durable Pleasure Craft Operator Card, mail a cheque for $25 payable to freecourse.ca along with your personal information (full name, full mailing address, and date of birth) and a photocopy of your boating certificate to:
        freecourse.ca
        565 Edison Avenue
        Ottawa, Ontario, K2A 1V5

Can I be fined for not having the card?

Yes. The fine for failure to have required proof of competency (such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card) is $250 per offence.

Are there other fines that I should know about?

Yes. For a summary of boating offences and fines under Canadian regulations, please go to our Boating Fines page.

Is there a time limit to complete the exam?

Yes. You have 45 minutes in which to complete the exam.

How many questions are on the exam?

36.

What is the exam format?

The exam is made up entirely of multiple choice questions.

What is the passing grade?

The passing grade is 75% (i.e. you must answer 27 out of the 36 questions correctly).

If I happen to fail, can I try the exam again? What is the cost of a retest?

Yes. You can retry the exam for $20.

Is it safe to pay by credit card to register for the online exam?

This web site is 100% secure, with 128 bit encryption. 128-bit encryption technology and Secure Socket Layers (SSL) are employed in all areas where your personal financial information is required.

How is personal information used?

Any personal information collected during the online exam registration process is kept in accordance with the Privacy Act. This personal information is for the sole use of the Canadian Coast Guard and is not sold to or shared with any third party.

Is training available?

Yes, you can train yourself using our free online course and our free downloads. In addition, in-class courses are available in several areas.

What is an Exam Supervisor?

An exam supervisor is someone who agrees to oversee your exam to ensure that no unauthorized materials or help from a third a party are used during the writing of the exam. The supervisor must be of the age of majority and cannot be related to you by birth or marriage. Supervisor registration is free and can be done anytime. When your supervisor has registered, an ID number and exam access code will be issued automatically to the supervisor via e-mail.

Where can I find an Exam Supervisor?

Almost anywhere. We recommend that you ask a friend, neighbor or colleague. If you cannot find a supervisor, you can write the exam at one of more than 150 freecourse.ca testing centers located in communities across Canada.