Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
Frequently Asked
Questions
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- Q. Am I required to have a
Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
- A. Yes, as of April 1,
1999, anyone wishing to operate a power-driven boat will require
to show proof of competency. Certain age and horsepower
restrictions will apply for youths, and there will be
"grandfathering" and a phase-in process.
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- Q. What does "proof of
competency" mean?
- A. Proof
of competency can take 1 of 3 forms:
- proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course
in Canada prior to April 1, 1999;
- a pleasure craft operator card issued following the successful
completion of a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test;
- a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven
rental boats).
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- Q. What is the deadline for
getting a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
- A.
The
criteria are specific. If born after March 31, 1983, you must
obtain the card as soon as possible. Enforcement began September
15, 1999. If born before April 1, 1983, and if 16 years of age, or
older, and operating a small (less than 4 metres) power boat, you
have until September 15, 2002 to get the card. All other boaters,
not covered by the above criteria, must obtain a card no later
than September 15, 2009.
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- Q. What is the requirement for
obtaining a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
- A. You must earn at least
75% on a 36-question multiple-choice examination, that has been
accredited by Canadian Coast Guard, and written under properly
supervised conditions.
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- Q. Can
PCOC's be replaced if lost or Stolen? If yes, what is the cost?
- A. Yes, provided you took
the exam with CPS. Just call headquarters at 1-888-CPS-BOAT
(1-888-277-2628) and we will replace your card for the cost of
$5.00.
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- Q. Do I have to enroll in a
Boating Safety Course before writing the exam?
- A. No. You can
"challenge" the exam; but a little time studying an
accredited manual, or taking a course, is strongly recommended.
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- Q. Where can I take such a
Boating Safety Course?
- A. The Boat Pro Manual is Canadian Power & Sail
Squadrons' accredited course. It is available through
Squadrons across Canada, and from several CPS "Recognized
Providers." It's also available through the Open
Learning Centre.
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- Q. How much does The Boat Pro Manual cost?
- A. You can buy a copy from CPS Headquarters, from
most Squadrons, or download it online from the Open
Learning Centre. The cost in each case is $16.00, which
covers the manual only - no instruction and no examination!
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- Q. How much would a Boat Pro Course cost?
- A. Check with your local Squadron, CPS
"Recognized Provider", or the Open
Learning Centre. Call CPS Headquarters at 1-888-CPS-BOAT
to find your closest resource. Recommended cost of a full
8-hour course, including the manual (but NOT the exam) is
$35.00-$45.00
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- Q. Does the cost of the Boat Pro Course include the
examination?
- A. No. The exam is a separate item. The suggested
cost, through a local Squadron or CPS "Recognized
Provider", is $20.00.
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- Q. Where do the funds collected go?
- A. The funds remain with CPS to pay for revisions to
course material, and tests, maintaining a data base of
successful candidates, and issuing the CCG card. It does not
go to any government agency.
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- Q. Can I study The Boat Pro Manual at home, or with
friends?
- A. Absolutely - and online from home, too, through
our Open Learning Centre!
The manual is ideal for home study, but you must still write
the supervised examination.
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- Q. Where do I go to write the exam?
- A. Check with whoever supplied your Boat Pro Manual.
Your local Squadron or CPS "Recognized Provider"
will probably be arranging group exam sittings at convenient
locations and frequent times - or check with CPS
Headquarters*.
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- Q. Can I re-write the exam if I fail the first time?
- A. Certainly! But only once. A failed re-write
requires attendance at a Boat Pro Course.
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- Q. Is there a practical, on-the-water
component to the Boat Pro Course or exam?
- A. No. The course and exam are entirely theory.
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- Q. How long is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card good for?
- A. It's a "lifetime" card.
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- Q. Is there an annual cost
for the card?
- A. No! Earning a card
is a one-time effort. The original card comes with the price
of the exam. There will be a nominal charge for replacement
of a lost or damaged card.
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- Q. Do operators of Personal
Watercraft require the card?
- A. YES! PWC operators
are considered boaters, and must follow the same rules and
regulations.
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- Q. Is this card a Boat
Operator Licence?
- A. Definitely NOT! It
is proof that a person has achieved a defined standard of
knowledge on boating safety, not a licence to operate a
boat.
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- Q. Who will enforce the
laws relating to the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
- A. Any agency that
currently enforces the Small Vessel Regulations, Canada
Shipping Act, and/or Contraventions Act will police the
Regulation. Enforcement may vary from Province to Province,
and place to place. You can expect the RCMP; Provincial
Police; local police and auxiliaries, and Canadian Coast
Guard to check on boaters.
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- Q. What penalties might
there be for boaters who fail to get the required card?
- A. Most probably, the
penalties will be similar to those that currently apply for
not carrying the required safety equipment on board. In
Provinces where the "Contraventions Act" has been
adopted, summary ticketing with a schedule of fines is to be
expected.
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- Q. Will there be a penalty
for those who have a card, but don't carry it while boating?
- A. It is expected that
there will be penalties similar to those for not carrying a
driver's licence while operating a motor vehicle. This will
depend upon the regulations in place, and the conditions of
the Contraventions Act.
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- Q. Can anyone 15 years of
age or younger operate a Personal Watercraft?
- A. As of April 1 1999,
NO! Children may ride on a PWC but it must be operated by a
person at least 16 years of age.
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- Q. Can I help to teach the
Boat Pro Course?
- A. Perhaps. Contact
your local Squadron, or CPS
Headquarters to learn more about teaching opportunities
in your community. The Open
Learning Centre is also looking for instructors.
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- Q. Does passing the Boat
Pro Course confer any other rights or privileges?
- A. Boat Pro graduates
are eligible for "CPS Associate" membership in
Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons. Special boat insurance
programs, and other benefits, then become available.
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- Q. Does passing the Boat
Pro Course allow me to take any of the CPS Advanced Courses?
- A. At this time, no,
but Boat Pro is a great stepping-stone to the CPS Boating
Course which is the requirement for "Regular"
membership in CPS, and access to the CPS Advanced Courses.
The boating public can take the CPS Elective Courses such
as, Marine Maintenance, Navigating with GPS, Seamanship
Sail, etc., at any time they are offered. Check with your
local Squadron
or call 1-888-277-2628.
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- Q. Does passing the Boat
Pro Course give me any credits towards the more extensive
Boating Course?
- A. Passing the Boat Pro
Course gives you a head-start on the Boating Course, and you
would not have to sit the CCG accredited exam. But you would
be required to study the full Boating Course, and pass the
final, multiple-choice examination with a mark of at least
80%, to obtain "Regular" membership status.
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- Q. Is the cost of the Boat
Pro Course, and exam, tax deductible?
- A. No. The basic
criteria for tax exemption requires a minimum course-cost of
$100; and the course must be related to an individual's
potential to create income.
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