Do I Need a Boating License in New Brunswick?
New Brunswick residents who operate a motorized boat or Personal Watercraft (PWC), which is more commonly known as a ‘Sea-Doo’ or ‘Jet Ski’) must get an Official Boating License. The New Brunswick Boating License (known officially as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or PCOC) is required for all Canadian boaters, regardless of age, size of boat, or engine horsepower. Operators of motorized boats in New Brunswick and all of Canada, are required to carry this federal proof of operator competency on board during boat operation or they will face a fine of $250.
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New Brunswick Boating License Requirements
WHAT IS A PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATOR CARD?
A New Brunswick Boating License, also called a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or PCOC, is a federally mandated competency card required to operate any recreational motorized boat in Canada. Unlike your driver’s license, a boating license can not be suspended or revoked. The permanent card must be carried on board your boat at all times during operation. Photocopies of the card are not accepted. Once obtained your PCOC is good for life.
WHERE CAN I GET MY NEW BRUNSWICK BOATING LICENSE?
Boat operators in New Brunswick can obtain their boating license by taking the online BOATsmart! Course. To be certified, you must successfully pass the open-book Transport Canada Boating Safety Test. Once you pass you can print your temporary card immediately, and go boating right away. Your permanent card will arrive in the mail within 4 weeks.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET A BOATING LICENSE IN NEW BRUNSWICK?
New Brunswick boat operators of any age can take the BOATsmart! Course and get certified with their PCOC. There are no age restrictions. However, there are engine horsepower restrictions for boaters who are less than 16 years of age. For more information on Age and Horsepower Restrictions that apply see below.
AGE AND HORSEPOWER RESTRICTIONS
No children under 12 years of age can operate a powerboat with a more than 10 horsepower engine. Youths, aged 12 to 15 may only operate a boat with a motor up to 40 horsepower unsupervised. Operators must be at least 16 years of age to operate a personal watercraft, such as a Jet Ski or Sea Doo.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY BOATING LICENSE?
About 3 hours. You can complete the BOATsmart! Online boating safety course from your own home. Once you complete the course and pass the official test, print your temporary card right away. You’ll get your permanent card in the mail within about 4 weeks. Although boaters can complete an in-person classroom course and test, the online course is the fastest way to complete the process.
CAN I GET REFRESHER LESSONS AFTER TAKING THE BOATING COURSE?
It’s important to keep up-to-date on boating laws and regulations in BC, including boating safety equipment requirements, boat licensing requirements, and collision regulations. BOATsmart! has got you covered, with a free BOATsmart! Knowledge Base that includes everything you need to know about boating safety in British Columbia. Boaters in BC can also purchase the printed BOATsmart! Study Guide. Keep a copy at the cabin, or on your boat to reference the latest regulations. The BOATsmart! Study Guide is available online and at Canadian Tire.
DO I NEED A LICENSE TO RENT A BOAT IN NEW BRUNSWICK?
All boat operators in New Brunswick should obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator Card to ensure that they have all of the knowledge they need to boat safely. However, you are not required to obtain your boating license to rent a boat in New Brunswick. Boat operators may choose to complete a boat rental safety checklist to legally operate a rented boat. But keep in mind that a rental safety checklist won’t tell you how to rescue a person overboard, or what to do in the event of a collision.
Boating and alcohol in New Brunswick
NEW BRUNSWICK BOATING AND ALCOHOL LAWS
It is illegal to consume alcohol while operating a boat in New Brunswick. Additionally, open alcohol can not be transported in any type of boat in New Brunswick, while the boat is underway. Alcohol may only be legally consumed on boats that are at anchor that are equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters. Boat operators who are convicted of operating a boat under the influence will face the same fines and penalties and those for operating a motorized vehicle. The RCMP, Provincial police forces, and other local law enforcement enforce New Brunswick’s boating and alcohol laws. For more information about boating with alcohol in New Brunswick, contact the RCMP.PENALTIES FOR DRINKING AND BOATING
Boating and Alcohol offences in New Brunswick are the same as those for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence. There is NO difference between drunk driving & drunk boating. A boat operator’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level cannot exceed 80 mg. This is the legal alcohol limit in New Brunswick. Boat passengers may consume alcohol on board a boat in New Brunswick so long as the boat is licensed for alcohol consumption, or the boat has a permanent toilet, cooking facilities, sleeping facilities and it is anchored or docked.Age & Horsepower Restrictions
12 YEARS OF AGE & UNDER
Can operate a boat without supervision so long as the engine is not more than 10 horsepower and they have proof of competency. Boaters 12 years of age and under are not allowed to operate a PWC under any conditions.
12-16 years of age
Can operate a boat without supervision as long as the engine is not more than 40 horsepower and they have proof of competency. They are not allowed to operate a PWC under any conditions.
16+ YEARS OF AGE
Can operate a boat or PWC without supervision or horsepower restrictions so long as they have proof of competency.
ALL OPERATORS
All boat operators in New Brunswick regardless of age are required to obtain and carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or face a $250 fine.
New Brunswick's Boating Fines
Failure to carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card
$250
Operating a Personal Watercraft (PWC) under 16 years of age
$250
Violation of age and horsepower restrictions
Up to $500
Operating a vessel in an unsafe manner
$500
Insufficient number of Transport Canada Approved lifejackets or PFDs. Fine is applicable for EACH missing or improper lifejacket or PFD.
$200
General Boating New Brunswick FAQs
WHO ENFORCES NEW BRUNSWICK BOATING LAWS?
Both the RCMP and local municipal police detachments patrol New Brunswick waterways. Boating Emergencies: Call 911 for emergencies on the water, like a boating accident or drowning.DO I NEED A BOAT LICENSE TO OPERATE A PWC IN NEW BRUNSWICK?
A boat license is legally required for all motorized recreational vessels on the water in New Brunswick – and that includes jet-skis or any other personal watercraft! No matter what kind of vessel you’re operating, make sure that you are carrying your Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) with you at all times.How To Get a Boat License in New Brunswick
DO I NEED A PLEASURE CRAFT LICENSE?
All motorized boats and PWCs in New Brunswick powered by 10 horsepower or more are required to have a Pleasure Craft License. The number must be displayed on both sides of the bow, above the waterline, as far forward as possible, in block letters at least 7.5cm high that contrast with the colour of the boat.HOW DO I GET A PLEASURE CRAFT LICENSE?
You can obtain a 10 year license for free from Service Canada. There are two ways obtain the license: Option 1: Apply for a free Pleasure Craft License online. Option 2: Download a paper application form and mail the completed form to the Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre at the following address: Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre P.O. Box 2006 Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5G4REGISTERING YOUR BOAT
Registering your boat is different than obtaining a Pleasure Craft License for your boat. There are added benefits to registering your boat.BUYING A NEW OR USED BOAT IN NEW BRUNSWICK
Buying a boat in New Brunswick? Whether it’s a brand new boat from a dealership or a used vessel, you’re required to obtain a Pleasure Craft License. You are also required by law to ensure you carry on board all of the required boating safety equipment for the type and size of vessel.DO I NEED BOAT INSURANCE IN NEW BRUNSWICK?
No, boat owners are not required to have boat insurance in New Brunswick. However, there are benefits to insuring your boat including 3rd party liability, replacement and accidental damage coverage. Boaters who obtain their license with BOATsmart! automatically qualify to save on boating insurance.
Welcome To the Picture Province
New Brunswick Boating Destinations
It’s basically impossible to stay indoors when there’s 2,250 km of coastline, sprawled across New Brunswick to explore by boat! This boater’s paradise offers the incredible opportunity to kayak the world’s highest tides, and walk under them only a few hours later. Get your New Brunswick Pleasure Craft Operator Card and start exploring some amazing waterways like the Bay of Fundy and the lively Northumberland Strait. As one of Canada’s coastal provinces, New Brunswick is known for its secret coves and lagoons, but don’t take our word for it – get out there and see for yourself!
If fishing is your thing, New Brunswick has no shortage of lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, spanning thousands of kilometres. With 17 classes of angling licenses, make sure you find the perfect fishing license for your New Brunswick fishing trip. There’s plenty of boat launches to meet your boating needs too, so get out and check it out, boaters!
Helpful resources for boating in New Brunswick
New Brunswick's top boating destinations!
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