Operator
Competency Requirements for
Pleasure Craft Operator Card
Operator Competency Requirements include all operators of motorized pleasure craft (boats) used for recreational purposes. Operators are required to have proof of competency on board at all times.
These requirements are being phased in over ten years:
| Operator |
Date effective: |
| All operators born after April 1, 1983 |
Requirement is now in effect |
| All persons operating a craft under 4m (14') in length, including personal watercraft |
Requirement is now in effect |
| All boat operators |
September 15, 2009
Why wait -- get your card now! |
Regulations also apply to non-residents of Canada and whose pleasure craft is in Canada more than 45 consecutive days. An operator card or equivalent issued to a non-resident by their state or country will be considered as proof of competency.
Age and Horsepower Restrictions:
|
These restrictions limit the engine power which unsupervised and unaccompanied youth may operate.
| Age |
Power restrictions
as of April 1, 1999 |
| Under 12 years of age, and not directly supervised** |
Can operate a vessel with no more than 10 hp (7.5 KW) |
| Between 12 years and under 16 years of age, and not directly supervised** |
Can operate a vessel with no more than 40 hp (30 KW) |
| Under 16 years of age |
Not allowed to operate a PWC*** |
| 16 years of age and over |
No power restrictions |
** Directly supervised means: accompanied and directly supervised by a person 16 years of age or older.
***Personal Watercraft |
Note: Your Pleasure Craft Card is good for life.
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