Can an interactive course for boater safety really prepare you for safe experiences on the water? Have you wondered what's "in" a course that isn't a traditional one with lots of reading and videos to cover the material?
Boat-Ed recently launched an updated version of our course for Canadian boaters. The latest version is an immersive, game-like experience that tells the story of Fogbow, allowing learners to embark on a journey covering the skills and topics required for boater safety certification. The course is fun, fast, and effective!
But, what is it? What does it cover? What do we mean by "interactive?"
Let's walk through a brief course overview (we don't want to give everything away) of the future of boating education through Boat-Ed! (And yes, it counts toward the boater safety requirements in Canada).
What's In the Boating Safety Course?
At its most basic level, the course material is the same approved material you find in the traditional Boat-Ed course. We cover all topics required for boaters to learn how to stay safe in the water and meet each state's requirements for boater education.
What makes our updated interactive version of the course stand out is how we present the information! The game-like format engages learners by pulling them into decision-making scenarios, quizzes with immediate wrong answer feedback, and a story that keeps them interested and makes it easier to retain information during each lesson.
As you get closer to your destination in the story, you're closer to finishing the course and passing the final exam to earn your certification. You'll be fully prepared to operate a motorized vessel safely and legally (and you've had fun learning)!
What Do We Mean by "Story?"
Different than a traditional course that typically contains a lot of reading and videos, with our Boat-Ed interactive course, you are "in" the game and the story of Fogbow.
Students choose a Virtual Instructor to help them reach their final destination while learning along the way. Picture yourself as a "first mate" onboard a boat where you get to make decisions based on real boating scenarios that influence your progress.
Think:
Immersive experience
Hands-on learning
Real scenarios that you could experience on the water
Real-time feedback from your Virtual Instructor to help you course correct
Plus, the course can move more quickly than more traditional courses, meaning you can complete the course and pass the final exam within hours. This gets you out on the water faster (while meeting Transport Canada's requirements for boater education).
Does the Course Cover What I Really Need to Learn?
Because the course is approved by Transport Canada, the answer here is "yes!"
Even though it's a game-like format and tells a story, it covers all of the safety essentials you need to learn and carry with you on the water, according to Canadian authorities.
It's a comprehensive course that helps prepare you for boating on Canada's waterways in any province. Your Virtual Instructor guides you through everything!
So, Does It Count for My Canada Boating License?
Yes — although Transport Canada (TC) doesn't require a "license." You'll receive a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) after completing the Boat-Ed interactive course and passing the final exam. TC requires motorized vessel operators to carry the PCOC on board when on the water.
Immediately after passing that exam, you can print a temporary card. Then, your "real" PCOC will arrive in the mail within a few weeks.
And, you've had fun learning everything required for this certification within a few hours from your own home! Plus, the certification is good for your lifetime. You only have to take the course and pass the exam once!
How Do I Take the Boat-Ed Boater Education Course for Canada?
Really, can I take the boater safety course online? Yes, and it's easy and fast.
Then, after paying the fee, you'll have access to the Story of Fogbow (i.e., the course) to start learning!
Learn at your own pace on any device that can connect to the internet. If you have time to take the course in one sitting, you'll finish in just a few hours.
However, if you need to start and stop, the course saves your progress. Take a break, then come back and pick up where you left off.
The Future of Boater Education is Here with Boat-Ed!
Step into virtual training with our updated course for boaters in Canada. The experience puts you at the helm, where you can "live" it (rather than read it) through our interactive story experience.
Work your way through real-world scenarios with interactive challenges, guided along the way by the Virtual Instruction you choose as your guide. Take the course at your own pace while building the skills you need to boat safely and confidently!
Canadian boaters, it's time to level up your boating skills with our interactive Boat-Ed course! Take the course today, then hit the water safely and legally.
