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No. There are no age-based exemptions. Anyone operating a motorized pleasure craft in Canada must carry a valid Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), regardless of age. Certain operating restrictions may apply for younger boaters.

All operators of motorized pleasure craft in Canada must carry a valid PCOC. This applies to boats with any type of motor, including electric motors and personal watercraft.

No. Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card is valid for life. There are no renewal requirements and no annual fees. You only need to replace your card if it is lost or damaged.

In some cases, you may challenge the exam without completing a course, but it must be done in person under the supervision of an accredited provider. The exam cannot be challenged online.

You have unlimited free retakes. You must wait 24 hours between attempts.

Minimum 3 hours (Legal Requirement) but you can go at your own pace. Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive a temporary licence immediately, and the permanent PCOC will arrive by mail after a few weeks.

Yes. The Transport Canada–approved course and exam is the same across all provinces and territories. However, local boating and fishing regulations may vary.

There is no minimum age to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. However, age-based horsepower restrictions apply when operating certain vessels.

You must contact the course provider who originally issued your card. If your card was issued by NBSS, we can process a replacement for a small fee. You do not need to retake the course or exam.

Yes, you can print a temporary card immediately after passing the final exam.