|
Pleasure Craft Operators Quick Help Guide
What is a PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operators Card)?
The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is legislated by Transport Canada and is
required to show that the holder understands the rules and regulations of Canadian waterways. To obtain a PCOC
you must pass a Transport Canada accredited exam
(passing grade 75%). When you are on the water you
must carry the card with you at all times. This test
only needs to be passed once and your card is good
for life.
What does the regulation consist of?
Anyone who drives a motorized Pleasure Craft under 4 metres in length must carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
This regulation is being implemented in phases:
Phase 1 - Came into effect on September 15, 1999
All
operators born after April 1, 1983 are required to have a Pleasure Craft
Operator Card
Phase 2 - Came into effect on September 15, 2002
All operators of power driven pleasure craft under 4
metres (includes Personal Water Craft) are required to have a Pleasure Craft
Operator Card
Phase 2 - Comes into effect on September 15, 2009
All operators of power driven pleasure craft are required to have a Pleasure
Craft Operator Card
What is a Pleasure Craft?
Examples of pleasure craft include powerboats,
personal watercraft (PWC) (i.e. Jet Skis), canoes,
kayaks, sailboats, sailboards, airboats, hovercraft
(i.e. air cushion vehicles, ACV) and other such
vehicles.
If your water craft is fitted with a motor
(whether it is turned on or not) you must have a
Pleasure Card Operator Card.
How do I get my Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
Please contact us. We can do group or
one-on-one testing.
What is the age limit for operating pleasure
craft?
With a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, people aged
11 and younger may operate:
- Boats under 10 horsepower without
supervision
- No personal watercraft (PWC) under any
circumstances
With a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, people aged
12-15 years old may operate:
- Boats under 40 horsepower without
supervision
- Boats of any power with supervision
- No personal watercraft (PWC) under any
circumstances
Ages 16 and up may operate:
- Boats of any power without supervision
- Personal watercraft (PWC)
Note:
This information is
offered as information only and is designed to
promote Health & Safety in the workplace and the
community. It is subject to change.
|
