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.

Reciprocity

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.”)

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.

Other Questions

For these and other questions about your boating card, please check our FAQs.