Get Your Canada Boating License Online
Take this Canada–approved course to complete your online boating safety education. Boat-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Transport Canada.
two exam attempts
Accepted in all Provinces
Do you need the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
You need education if you will be operating a pleasure craft that has a motor and is used for recreational purposes in Canada. Proof of certification from any NASBLA–approved boating course is acceptable.
Get your Canada boating license in 3 steps.
The official term is Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), which is good for all provinces.
Study and write the Official Transport Canada Exam.
The online course is $49.95 CAD and may be completed using a desktop computer, laptop, or mobile device. Upon completion, you’ll take the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test (TCBS Test). You have two attempts to pass the test. If you fail your first attempt, you must wait 24 hours before your second attempt.
Print your Temporary Boating License.
Once you successfully pass the TCBS test, you will print the online course completion document. This document will act as temporary boating license for all Canadian provinces.
Get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
You will receive your Pleasure Craft Operator Card in the mail in 2–3 weeks. The Canada PCOC is recognized in all Canadian provinces.
Transport Canada Requirements for the PCOC
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
You do not have to be a resident of Canada to take this online course.
If you want to operate a pleasure craft for recreation in Canada, you must complete a boater safety course and pass the Transport Canada Exam. If you are a non-resident boater, proof of certification from a NASBLA–approved boating course is required for boating on Canadian waters.
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What to Expect From Boat Ed
Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos
Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe boating practices.
Watch this 54-second sample to see how we put you in the driver’s seat.
Comprehensive Instruction in Canada Boating Safety Education
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Boating safety education established by Canada. Boat Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Boating laws and regulations.
Learn Your Way on Any Device
Boat Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Saved Progress
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.
Boating in Canada
Canada is truly a boater’s paradise. It features the world’s longest coastline, with a myriad of freshwater lakes and jaw-dropping views. It is estimated that more than 2 million lakes exist in Canada, and 31,752 of those lakes are larger than three square kilometers or 741.32 acres. It is guaranteed that boating in Canada is a remarkable experience you will always cherish.
Canadian residents and non-residents are required to boat responsibly. There are various rules regarding safety equipment, safe operation of pleasure craft, and environmental protections that apply in Canada. Of these rules, the Operator Competency requirements are the most significant.
The Operator Competency requirements mandate all persons who operate a pleasure craft to carry proof of competency on board if the pleasure craft has any type of motor. These regulations also apply to non-residents if they wish to:
- Operate a pleasure craft in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days or…
- Operate a pleasure craft licensed or registered in Canada (including rented or chartered boats).
The regulations do not apply to non-residents who operate their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for less than 45 consecutive days. However, proof of residence will be required on board at all times. In order to abide by the operator competency requirements, you will require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).
The Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
How to Get a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)?
To obtain a PCOC, you must take the Transport Canada–approved boating safety course. The Boat Ed® boating safety course was developed specifically for Transport Canada to meet the competency requirements for the PCOC.
You Must Carry the Card
Pleasure craft operators who are required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) must carry the card on board the vessel and have it available for inspection by an enforcement officer.
Is the Canada Boating Licence the same as the permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
No. Because the Pleasure Craft Operator Card does not expire and does not need to be renewed, it is not called the Canada Boating Licence.
I do not have a driver’s licence. Can I still get the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
Yes. You are not required to have a driver’s license in order to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
Canada Approved
Transport Canada
Tower C, Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N8
Made in North America
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
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Canada Frequently Asked Questions
Price and Payment
How much does the Canada Boat Ed Course Exam cost?
The fee for the Canada Boat Ed Course Exam is $49.95.
Taking the Course
Are there any age or operator restrictions for boating in Canada?
Do I have to complete the course all at once?
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or completed a little at a time over several days. This course is available for 365 days from time of registration and payment.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the Canada Boat Ed Course?
You do not have to be a resident of Canada to take this online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the Canada Boat Ed Course approved by the Transport Canada?
Boat Ed is accredited by Transport Canada to deliver boating safety courses and administer tests for the issuance of Pleasure Craft Operator Cards, including replacement cards, under the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations.
Is my Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card accepted elsewhere?
All provinces, territories, and states that have mandatory boater education requirements will accept the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). Likewise, Canada will accept boating education cards that are issued by states that meet NASBLA requirements as proof of competency. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
Quizzes and/or Exams
I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?
If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 80% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
After reviewing all units, you must take and pass the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test covering all the course material. You have 30 days to write the online Transport Canada Boating Safety Test, which is a 50-question test.
You must score at least 75% on the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test to pass. You have two attempts to pass. If you do not pass on your first try, you may retake the test after 24 hours. If you do not pass on your second try, you must retake the online course.
You will have 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) to complete the test. Once you begin the exam, it is strongly recommended that you complete it in one session. During the test, a timer will display your remaining time; if your Internet connection is slow, the timer will turn off while test questions and answer choices are downloading. If you run out of time before completing the test, any unanswered questions will be counted as wrong.
About Your Certification
What is the proof of online Canada Boat Ed Course course completion?
Once you pass the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test and pay for the Pleasure Craft Operator Card, you will be able to immediately print out the Temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card. This is your proof of online course completion. You can print the Temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.
What is the permanent Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card will arrive within 2-3 weeks after you complete all certification requirements.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Pleasure Craft Operator Card if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Pleasure Craft Operator Card, go to https://ilostmycard.com/.
We’re people, not robots.
Your Boat Ed course comes with a dedicated customer service team made up of real people, not robots. We’re here to provide assistance to you through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
We’re available to help you:
9:00am to Midnight EST, seven days a week.
1-800-830-2268 (toll free)
