Pleasure Craft Operator Card

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is a document used in Canada as proof of competency to operate a recreational boat with a motor.[1] It is required for any craft fitted with a motor, even if the motor is not in use, for example an auxiliary motor on a sailboat.

PCOC has been required since 1999. Regulations are currently defined under Canadian maritime law by the Canada Shipping Act, 2001.[2] It is not required for non-powered pleasure craft. It is not required in Nunavut and Northwest Territories. Nor is it required by certain indigenous peoples in Canada and non-residents.[3]

Requirement

The PCOC can be obtained by taking a Transport Canada accredited boating safety course, then passing a test. Transport Canada requires a minimum study time of 3 hours for the boating safety course. The boating course is generally split up into 5 chapters with a 10 question multiple choice quiz at the end of each chapter. Curriculum includes:[3]

• nautical terms
• safety equipment and procedures
• Canadian buoys and markers
• sharing the waterways
• rules and regulations
• emergencies
• safe boat operation
• navigation
• emergency preparedness
• fueling safety
• craft loading
• craft inspection

See also

• Canadian Transport Commission

References

1. "Proof of competency for recreational boaters". Transport Canada. Retrieved 20 January 2017.
2. "What Boats Need a Transport Canada Pleasure Craft License?". 2023-07-12. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
3. "Operator Card (PCOC) - FAQ". Transport Canada. Retrieved 20 January 2017.

External links

• Canada Shipping Act, 2001