The National Boating Safety School offers the Transport Canada-approved boater safety course and online boating exam to get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). Your boating license will be valid in Ontario and across Canada. Take the online boat license exam today and be on the water in no time!
Get your Ontario boating license (PCOC) in 3 simple steps
Our boater safety course includes interactive videos and quizzes to prepare you for the Ontario boating exam online in a stress-free environment. Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) exam can be retaken unlimited times free of charge. Obtaining your boat license in Ontario is as easy as registering for it, studying the provided materials, and taking the exam using a desktop, laptop, or even a smartphone. We guarantee your satisfaction!
Step 1: Study the Ontario boating course
We’ve made it easy for you to learn everything you need to know to get your Ontario boater’s license with interactive quizzes and videos.
Step 2: Take the official Ontario boating exam
Once you’ve studied the material from the boating course, you can take the official boating exam from Transport Canada with unlimited retries.
Step 3: Get your Ontario Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC)
You can now go boating with your temporary Ontario boating license while you wait for your Transport Canada-approved Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) to arrive in the mail.
Do you need a boat license in Ontario?
Yes! Ontario law requires all operators of motorized boats to obtain a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, more commonly known as an Ontario boat license, as proof of training from a Transport Canada–approved boater safety course.
100% Transport Canada-approved Ontario boating course
As Canada’s leading boating safety education provider, the National Boating Safety School (NBSS) offers the official Transport Canada-approved boating course. We are trusted by over 2 million Canadians and recognized in all provinces including Ontario for our boat license certification courses.
Ontario boating license FAQ
A boating safety course is the best way to ensure both your safety and the safety of your passengers. In addition to learning the navigation rules and what to do in the event of a boating accident, you will also become familiar with all of the Canadian laws and regulations related to safe boating.
Below we answer some frequently asked questions about boating licenses in Ontario.
How do I get a boat license in Ontario?
Your Ontario boating license, officially referred to as the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), can be easily obtained online from a certified provider of the Transport Canada-approved boat license exam. The National Boating Safety School (NBSS) is a certified provider of the official online Canadian boating exam. All you need to do is register online, study with our interactive course material and pass the exam (with free unlimited retries).
How much does it cost to get a boating license in Ontario?
When you register for the online course, you will have to pay $59.95 CAD to take the official Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card exam. Once the course is completed, you simply take the exam, which includes free unlimited retries.
Group and family discounts are also available from the National Boating Safety School:
- 2 People: $49.95 per license
- 3 People: $44.95 per license
- 4 People: $34.95 per license
How long does it take to get a boating license in Ontario?
The boating safety course takes about 3 to 5 hours to complete. It therefore takes only a few hours to obtain your temporary Pleasure Craft Operator Card and begin boating legally in Ontario. Your permanent card will take a few weeks to arrive.
What license do you need to drive a boat in Ontario?
In Ontario, it is a legal requirement for all motorized boat operators to possess a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).
Is the Ontario boating license hard?
No, getting your Ontario boating license is as simple and stress-free as can be!
The Boating Safety Test covering all course material must be taken and passed after you review all modules. This test consists of 50 questions and can be taken online in 30 days.
Passing the Transport Canada Boating Safety Test requires a score of at least 75%. You may retake the test after 24 hours if you don’t pass the first time.
What age do I have to be to get a boat license in Ontario?
In Ontario, there is no minimum age for obtaining a boating license. The Pleasure Craft Operator Card is required by law for boaters of all ages, including those under 16 years old. Additionally, boaters 16 years of age and under are subject to certain age and horsepower restrictions.
Do I need a boat license for a jet ski in Ontario?
To operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) such as a Sea Doo in Ontario, you must have a valid boating license. For all ages, types, and powers of watercraft, you must obtain the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC).
Do I need a license to rent a boat in Ontario?
Boaters who plan to rent a boat in Ontario must possess either a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or complete an official rental boat safety checklist prior to renting the vessel. PCOC certification is preferable, since you will learn all the knowledge you need to boat safely and confidently.
How do I replace a lost boating license in Ontario
In Ontario, you can easily obtain a replacement Pleasure Craft Operator Card online through an official provider such as the National Boating Safety School for the following fees:
- 1 card – $24.95 + taxes & shipping
- 2 cards (same name) – $29.95 + taxes & shipping
- 3 cards (same name) – $34.95 + taxes & shipping
Can I take the Ontario boat license exam on any device?
Absolutely! The Canadian boating course from the National Boating Safety School is accessible from any device, including desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile. Take the course today from the comfort of your home!
Are there any additional resources for the Ontario boating license?
Please visit the National Boating Safety School blog section for more tips and information about boating safety in Ontario.
Get your Ontario Pleasure Craft Operator Card with the National Boating Safety School
The National Boating Safety School provides a simple and stress-way way to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card in Ontario. Our service is trusted by over 2 million Canadian boaters! Register today and receive your official Ontario boat license (PCOC) in as little as a few hours.