Canadian Boaters Safety Cert.

[PWood]

I heard that Ontario will begin requiring Boaters Safety Certificates on board when in Canadian water in 2006. Anyone else here this?

[SabikiRig]

Wood,

http://boating.ncf.ca/pcoc.html

Who needs one NOW?
You must have proof of competency on board (normally a PCOC *) now if you:
http://boating.ncf.ca/images/arrowrt.gif Operate a motorized boat under 4 metres (13.1')
http://boating.ncf.ca/images/arrowrt.gif Were born after April 1, 1983.

Who needs one September 15, 2009: all boat operators

Age restrictions: http://boating.ncf.ca/images/arrowrt.gif No one under 16 years can operate a personal watercraft (PWCs).
http://boating.ncf.ca/images/arrowrt.gif Age restrictions: Operators under 12 without supervision (by someone 16 or older) are restricted to 10 hp (7.5kw). Operators 12-16 years of age without supervision* are restricted to 40 hp (30kw).




The Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations require operators (as noted above) of pleasure craft fitted with a motor and used for recreational purposes must have proof of competency on board (normally a PCOC *). If required to have proof/PCOC, you must have it on board at all times. Electric trolling motors and PWCs are included. Regulations are being phased in until September 15, 2009, when all boaters will have to carry proof of competency. The Northwest and Nunavut Territories are exempt (as of 1999). Non-residents and visitors who stay over 45 days must show competency (see below).

* What is "Proof of Competency"?


* Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) will be the most common way boaters will prove competency. The PCOC can be obtained from a "federally approved agency". You take a boating safety course, pass a short test, then pay a fee for your PCOC. You have to pass a multiple choice exam about boating regulations, dealing with marine emergencies, operating a boat, and terminology. The card is good for life - unlike a license. You can study on your own, take classroom instruction (highly recommended), or "challenge" the exam from one of these agencies. Boating Safety Accredited Courses are authorized by the federal Office of Boating Safety to private companies.

If you passed the CPS boating course or Institut Maritime du Quebec before the PCOC was introduced, you are "grandfathered", and can get a card with no further exam even if you are no longer a member. The CPS Boating Course and Boat Pro Course both qualify as accredited exams to get your PCOC card.

Boat Rental:
Rental operators will be given a dockside test to replace the requirement for a PCOC.

Visiting or non-resident boaters will be exempt if their stay is shorter than 45 days. Operator card issued by your state or country will be considered as proof of competency. (All 16 U.S. states along the Canadian border either have mandatory boater education programs in place or being phased in.)

If you passed a boating safety course (CPS boating course, CYA safety course, etc.) before April 1, 1999, the course certificate or card will be recognized as proof of competency. Call your training organization or simply request a proper operator card from them. CPS "Basic Boating" course graduates can receive a PCOC after filling out a simple form. CPSS (http://www.cps-ecp.ca/) boating courses have received accreditation by both the Canadian Coast Guard and the US National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Boaters can boat in the US without further examination by carrying their CPS card.

[Ed Michrina]

This is what I was looking for :)

Visting U.S. boaters will be exempt from some Canadian regulations for such things as licensing, and differences in required equipment if their stay in Canadian waters is less than 45 days. (Read more about boat operator licensing.)