Underneath the sporadic snowy days, spring has sprung, and the urge to shine up the boat for spring is definitely there! The feeling of that wood grain wheel, those comfy, sun-warmed, vinyl seats that made it through another winter mold-free (yes!), and the gleam of that double-waxed hull means paradise is only a boat ride away.
But before you leave the dock with your Ontario boating license or Pleasure Craft Operator Card, don’t forget to bring your Pleasure Craft License to the boat and throw that sticker proudly on the bow of your boat.
Not sure what a Pleasure Craft License is? We can help with that.
If you’ve ever been behind the wheel of a car, you know what a driver’s license is, and you most likely know what a license plate is. Still with us? Good. Your boat license is the equivalent of the license plate and registration for your car.
Keep reading to learn how it works!
Pleasure Craft Operator Card vs. Pleasure Craft License: What’s the deal?
While the names are similar, the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is different than a Pleasure Craft License.
A Pleasure Craft License is a document with a unique licence number belonging to a specific pleasure craft. You must carry a copy of your Pleasure Craft License on board at all times.
This license number must also be displayed on both sides of the bow of your boat so that search and rescue and law enforcement can identify pleasure craft in emergency situations.
You’ll face a $250 fine for operating a vessel without a licence. So, be sure to license your boat before heading out. (Think of it like a license plate but for your boat.)
Tell Me More About This Pleasure Craft License
If your motorized boat or personal watercraft (PWC) is powered by 10 horsepower or more, it needs a Pleasure Craft License!
It’s important to remember that you must carry a copy of this document on board at all times. This license number (PCL) must also be displayed on both sides of the bow, above the waterline, as far forward as practical, and where it can be easily seen.
This number must also be in block letters that are at least 7.5cm high, and it must contrast with the color of the background on your boat.
Got it? Great! But why do you need one?
Why Do You Need a License for Your Boat?
Getting your Pleasure Craft License is the law for all watercraft powered by ten horsepower or more in all Canadian waters (eh?).
It helps search and rescue teams and law enforcement identify boats in emergency situations. These boat license numbers help find missing boats every year. Safety is key on the water!
How Do I Get my Pleasure Craft License?
Transport Canada, the good folks they are, have made the application for a pleasure craft license even quicker and free through the Pleasure Craft Electronic Licensing System. Or, you can submit a paper application form which you can print, fill out, and mail to the Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre.
What About the Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
Now that you understand the license you need for your boat, let’s talk about the license you need to operate it!
A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is proof of competency. It is issued following the successful completion of a Transport Canada Accredited exam.
You must pass the official test to get your boating license or BOATsmart! You must have this type of boating license to operate a boat legally in Ontario. (Think of it like a driver’s license but for your boat.)
If you choose to take the online route, fill out the form online, pay zero dollars, and wait for your Pleasure Craft License verification in the mail or your email inbox.
At the end of the day, it’s really quite straightforward. Get your boating license (PCOC), get your boat licensed (PCL), and get boating!
Let BOATsmart! Help You Get Your Boat License
If you need your Ontario boating license for this summer, let BOATsmart! help you get licensed fast! Our online boating education course is approved by Transport Canada for Ontario boaters. Plus, you can get your boat license through our site after completing the course and passing the exam.
We’ve got you covered, Ontario!
First published in April 2016. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and recency October 23, 2024.
