How to Get a Boat License in Ontario
Are you itching to take a motorboat or jet ski out on Ontario’s beautiful waters, but not sure what the legal requirements are? You’ve come to the right place!
As of 2009, all operators of motorized pleasure craft in Canada are required to have an official license. But how exactly do you get a license? Is the process long and complicated? How much does it cost?
Find out the answers to all of these questions and more in this article from the National Boating Safety School!
What is an Ontario boat license?
An Ontario boat license is officially called a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. It 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.
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, because you may be required to show it to law enforcement at any time.
How do I get a boat license in Ontario?
To get a boat license in Ontario, you’ll need to take an official boating safety course and exam offered by a Transport Canada-accredited provider. You can simply register for the course online, study the materials provided and take the exam when you feel ready. Courses are also available in person.
Before taking the exam, it’s important to go through all of the course modules to learn about required , the Canadian Buoy system, boating regulations and how to respond in the event of an emergency. 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.
How much is a boating license in Ontario?
When you register online, 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 National Boating Safety School provides 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 people.
How long does it take to get a boating license in Ontario?
The 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 today!
The National Boating Safety School is Canada’s leading boating safety education provider. Our Transport Canada-accredited boating safety course includes interactive videos and quizzes to help you prepare for your exam, and our content is made to be easily accessible on any device. We also have a blog where we regularly post useful information for boaters.
Register for our course to obtain your Ontario boat license today, and you’ll be out on the water in no time!