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The following information is courtesy of C P S Head Quarters |
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- Q. Am I required to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
- A. Yes, as of April 1, 1999, anyone wishing to
operate a power-driven boat will require to show proof of competency. Certain age and horsepower restrictions
will apply for youths, and there will be "
grand fathering" and a phase-in
process.
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Q. What does "proof of competency"
mean?
A.
Proof of competency can take 1 of 3 forms:
- proof of having successfully completed a boating safety course in
Canada prior to April 1, 1999;
- a pleasure craft operator card issued following the successful
completion of a Canadian Coast Guard accredited test;
- a completed rental-boat safety checklist (for power-driven rental
boats).
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Q. What is the deadline for getting a Pleasure Craft
Operator Card?
A. The criteria are specific. If born after March 31,
1983, you must obtain the card as soon as possible. Enforcement began September 15, 1999.
If born before April 1, 1983, and if 16 years of age, or older, and operating a small
(less than 4 metres) power boat, you have until September 15, 2002 to get the card. All
other boaters, not covered by the above criteria, must obtain a card no later than
September 15, 2009.
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Q. What is the requirement for obtaining a Pleasure Craft
Operator Card?
A. You must earn at least 75% on a 36-question
multiple-choice examination, that has been accredited by Canadian Coast Guard, and written
under properly supervised conditions.
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Q. Can PCOC's be replaced if lost or
Stolen? If yes, what is the cost?
A. Yes, provided you took the
exam with CPS. Just call headquarters at 1-888-CPS-BOAT
(1-888-277-2628) and we will replace your card for the cost of $5.00.
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Q. Do I have to enroll in a Boating Safety Course before
writing the exam?
A. No. You can "challenge" the exam; but a
little time studying an accredited manual, or taking a course, is strongly recommended.
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Q. Where can I take such a Boating Safety Course?
A. The Boat Pro Manual is Canadian Power & Sail
Squadrons' accredited course. It is available through Squadrons
across Canada, and from several CPS "Recognized
Providers." It's also available through the Distance
Education Centre.
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Q. How much does The Boat Pro Manual cost?
A. You can buy a copy from CPS Headquarters, from most
Squadrons, or download it online from the Distance
Education Centre. The cost in each case is $16.00, which covers
the manual only - no instruction and no examination!
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Q. How much would a Boat Pro Course cost?
A. Check with your local Squadron, CPS "Recognized
Provider", or the Distance Education Centre.
Call CPS Headquarters at 1-888-CPS-BOAT to find your closest
resource. Recommended cost of a full 8-hour course, including the
manual (but NOT the exam) is $35.00-$45.00.
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Q. Does the cost of the Boat Pro Course include the examination?
A. No. The exam is a separate item. The suggested cost,
through a local Squadron or CPS "Recognized Provider", is
$20.00.
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Q. Where do the funds collected go?
A. The funds remain with CPS to pay for revisions to
course material, and tests, maintaining a data base of successful
candidates, and issuing the CCG card. It does not go to any
government agency.
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Q. Can I study The Boat Pro Manual at home, or with friends?
A. Absolutely - and online from home, too, through our Distance Education Centre!
The manual is ideal for home study, but you must still write the
supervised examination.
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Q. Where do I go to write the exam?
A. Check with whoever supplied your Boat Pro Manual. Your
local Squadron or CPS "Recognized Provider" will probably
be arranging group exam sittings at convenient locations and
frequent times - or check with CPS Headquarters*.
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Q. Can I re-write the exam if I fail the first time?
A. Certainly! But only once. A failed re-write requires
attendance at a Boat Pro Course.
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Q. Is there a practical, on-the-water component to the Boat Pro
Course or exam?
A. No. The course and exam are entirely theory.
Q. How long is the Pleasure Craft Operator Card good for?
A. It's a "lifetime" card.
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Q. Is there an annual cost for the card?
A. No! Earning a card is a one-time effort. The
original card comes with the price of the exam. There will be a nominal charge for
replacement of a lost or damaged card.
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Q. Do operators of Personal Watercraft require the card?
A. YES! PWC operators are considered boaters, and
must follow the same rules and regulations.
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Q. Is this card a Boat Operator Q. Is this card a Boat Operator License? Q. Is this card a Boat Operator License?
A. Definitely NOT! It is proof that a person has
achieved a defined standard of knowledge on boating safety, not a license
to operate a
boat.
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Q. Who will enforce the laws relating to the Pleasure
Craft Operator Card?
A. Any agency that currently enforces the Small
Vessel Regulations, Canada Shipping Act, and/or Contraventions Act will police the
Regulation. Enforcement may vary from Province to Province, and place to place. You can
expect the RCMP; Provincial Police; local police and auxiliaries, and Canadian Coast Guard
to check on boaters.
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Q. What penalties might there be for boaters who fail to
get the required card?
A. Most probably, the penalties will be similar to
those that currently apply for not carrying the required safety equipment on board. In
Provinces where the "Contraventions Act" has been adopted, summary ticketing
with a schedule of fines is to be expected.
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Q. Will there be a penalty for those who have a card, but
don't carry it while boating?
A. It is expected that there will be penalties
similar to those for not carrying a driver's license
while operating a motor vehicle. This
will depend upon the regulations in place, and the conditions of the Contraventions Act.
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Q. Can anyone 15 years of age or younger operate a
Personal Watercraft?
A. As of April 1 1999, NO! Children may ride on a PWC
but it must be operated by a person at least 16 years of age.
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Q. Can I help to teach the Boat Pro Course?
A. Perhaps. Contact your local Squadron, or
CPS Headquarters to learn more about teaching opportunities in
your community. The Distance Education Centre is
also looking for instructors.
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Q. Does passing the Boat Pro Course confer any other
rights or privileges?
A. Boat Pro graduates are eligible for "CPS
Associate" membership in Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons. Special boat insurance
programs, and other benefits, then become available.
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Q. Does passing the Boat Pro Course allow me to take any
of the CPS Advanced Courses?
A. At this time, no, but Boat Pro is a great
stepping-stone to the CPS Boating Course which is the requirement for "Regular"
membership in CPS, and access to the CPS Advanced Courses. The boating public can take the
CPS Elective Courses such as, Marine Maintenance, Navigating with GPS, Seamanship Sail,
etc., at any time they are offered. Check with your local Squadron
or call 1-888-277-2628.
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Q. Does passing the Boat Pro Course give me any credits
towards the more extensive Boating Course?
A. Passing the Boat Pro Course gives you a head-start
on the Boating Course, and you would not have to sit the CCG accredited exam. But you
would be required to study the full Boating Course, and pass the final, multiple-choice
examination with a mark of at least 80%, to obtain "Regular" membership status.
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Q. Is the cost of the Boat Pro Course, and exam, tax
deductible?
A. No. The basic criteria for tax exemption requires
a minimum course-cost of $100; and the course must be related to an individual's potential
to create income.
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Frequently Asked Questions - CCG Regulation