Did you know you could become a certified boater today, starting right now? Seriously, you’re only three steps away from getting your boating license, getting out on the water, and staying safe throughout your boating adventures!
It’s as easy as pouring yourself a cup of coffee, settling into a comfy chair, and turning on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. The BOATsmart! course is online and can be completed from almost anywhere – even on your dock if you get Wi-Fi there. Is there a better place to take the course than that?
How can you get started? Keep reading to learn how to get your boating license in three steps today . . . from anywhere.
3 Simple Steps to Getting Your Boating License
It really is just this easy. With a boating license, you can boat safely (and legally) in the Canada.
Here’s how to do it:
- STEP 1: Complete Canada’s Official Boating Safety Course at BoatSmartExam.com! It’s fully animated, narrated, and designed for all ages!
- STEP 2: Pass the multiple-choice test. Retries are free and limitless! No pressure!
- STEP 3: Go Boating! You can print a temporary card (i.e., your boating license) immediately! Your official BOATsmart! The card will be in the mail, and once you’ve got it, it’s good for life! No renewal needed.
If that sounds too good to be true, it’s not. You can learn boating safety essentials through the course, take and pass the required exam, and have a card in hand – all on the same day.
OK, So Who Needs a Boating License?
I do. You do. Your neighbour does. Your grandpa, who’s been boating for 50 years, does.
It’s the law, and it applies to all ages. If you’re operating a motorized boat in Canada, you’re legally required to carry your proof of competency on the boat with you, like a boat license.
FYI: The fine for operating a boat without a boat license ranges from $250-$10,000. However, the cost of the BOATsmart! course is $49.95+ tax. So, it’s kind of a no-brainer to go ahead and get that license!
My Boat Engine is Really Small. Do I Still Need a Boat License?
You’ll need a boating license no matter the size of your boat’s engine your boat. Even small boat motors less than 10 HP require one!
A boat license is required to operate all types of motorized boats, too. So, if you attach a motor to a rubber dinghy, you better put a boating license in your pocket before that “watercraft” leaves shore!
Still Have Questions?
Canadians have a lot of questions about Canada’s boating laws and the requirement to obtain and carry a boat license when on the water.
We get asked questions like:
- What do I need to legally operate my boat?
- What side of the marker buoy do I go on?
- How do I get a boating license?
- What are the rules for boating in Canada?
We can’t answer all the questions here, but you’ll find plenty of answers on our Boating License FAQs Page! We cover many questions about licensing, alcohol and boating, some restrictions for boaters, and more. And if that page isn’t enough, start your boater education course and find more answers there.
You can also contact our Canadian Customer Care team at 1-877-792-3926 or [email protected]. They love to talk shop with other boaters!
Build Your Knowledge and Get Licensed Today
Remember, if your boat’s been sitting in storage, it needs a spring service before launching. You might also need a refresher on your boat operating skills and current rules and regulations.
Of course, if you’re new to boating and have never taken a course, today’s an excellent day to take the Canadian course through BOATsmart! to get ready for safe boating adventures this year.
Then, have a great summer on the water, Canada!
Originally published March 1, 2020. Content most recently reviewed and updated July 30, 2024.
