How to Get Your Ontario Watercraft License Online
Ontario boasts beautiful lakes and rivers – it’s a boater’s paradise! But to take a motorized vessel on any of the province’s waterways, you’ll need a valid boating license or Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). Not sure how to get one or where to start? You’ve come to the right place!
Find out how to get your Ontario watercraft license in this article from the National Boating Safety School!
Getting a watercraft license in Ontario
An Ontario boat license provides proof that you have the basic skills needed to operate a motorized vessel. All operators of pleasure craft that are equipped with a motor and used for recreational purposes are required to have one.
To get your PCOC in Ontario and take to the water legally in any type of watercraft with an engine, you need to follow three simple steps:
- Take a safe boating course.
- Take an online test.
- Get your card.
The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is valid throughout Canada and once you obtain it, it’s good for life. Just like a driver’s license, you’ll need to keep your card handy whenever you operate a vessel. You could be asked to show it to law enforcement at any time.<H2> Getting a personal watercraft (PWC) license in Ontario
If you want to ride a jetski or Sea-Doo in the province of Ontario, you’ll need to follow the same steps to get your boater card. Jetskis (PWCs) and motor boats can only be operated in the province of Ontario by drivers with valid Pleasure Craft Operator Cards.
Remember, once you get your card, it’s good for life!
Ready to get your watercraft license in Ontario?
To get a boat license in Ontario, you’ll need to obtain proof of competency. This usually means taking an official boating safety course and exam offered by a Transport Canada-accredited provider. Register for an online course, study the materials provided and take the exam when you feel ready.
Before taking the exam, it’s important to go through all of the course modules to learn about required boating safety equipment, PFD rules and regulations, boat compliance notices and more. The online boating exam consists of 50 questions, and you’ll need to get at least 75% in order to pass. If you don’t succeed at first, you can try again after 24 hours.
Cost of getting a watercraft license in Ontario
When you register online at the National Boating Safety School, you’ll be charged a fee of CAN$59.95, which covers the boating safety course and the exam. If you don’t pass the exam the first time around, you can retake it an unlimited number of times free of charge.
The NBSS also offers special discounts for groups and families: $49.95 per license for 2 people, $44.95 per license for 3 people, and $34.95 per license for 4 to 10 people.
How long does it take to get a watercraft license?
You can get your boating license in just one day! The NBSS boating safety course only takes around 3 to 5 hours to complete. Once you’ve taken the course and passed the exam, you can print a temporary license and begin boating immediately, although your permanent Pleasure Craft Operator Card will take a few weeks to arrive by mail.
Get your Ontario boat license now!
The National Boating Safety School is Canada’s leading boating safety course provider. Our Transport Canada-accredited boating safety course includes interactive videos and quizzes to help you prepare for your exam, and our content is accessible on any device, so you can easily get your license online.
Register today to get your Ontario boat license and become a recognized Ontario watercraft operator in no time!