Pleasure Craft Operator Cards needed - Sept 2009 ( DOC )

Pleasure Craft Operator Cards needed as of September 15 2009

As of September 15, 2009 all boaters are required to have the Pleasure Craft Operator Card in order to operate a powered watercraft. There is no grandfather clause or age exemption – this law applies to all boaters. Powered watercraft include watercraft fitted with any size motor — even an electric trolling motor.

The Pleasure Craft Operator Card applies to the driver of the boat, while a Pleasure Craft License applies to the boat itself.

A Pleasure Craft Licence is the number placed on the side of each recreational vessel as required under the Small Vessel Regulations of the Canada Shipping Act. The number is used to assist law enforcement and search and rescue organizations in identifying each individual pleasure craft.

You can apply for a Pleasure Craft License at any Service Canada Centre across the country. For the location nearest you, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca or call 1.800.O-CANADA

Not having the required Pleasure Craft Operator Card or proof of competency on board = a $250 fine (not including administrative charges).

The law will be enforced by peace officers. The law requires that the operator of a powered watercraft carry his Pleasure Craft Operator Card, as well as proof of age, with him at all times.

There is no age exemption – this law applies to all operators, regardless of age.

If you have an auxiliary engine fitted to your sailboat, then you need the Card. This applies even while you are under sail.

Regulations do apply to Aboriginals, however the regulations do not apply in situations where the craft is used for daily living or subsistence activities (such as hunting and fishing for the purpose of subsistence).

If you need to obtain this card and have not done so, please visit the http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/ for information on online exams, study guides and classroom courses available in every province and territory.

Above information is from the http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/ website.