Official Transport Canada Approved PEI Boating License
The Official Transport Canada Approved Boating Safety Course to obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Unlimited test retries included & good for life.
Do I Need a Boating License in PEI?
You need a boating license in PEI (also called a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or PCOC) in order to legally drive any type of motorized boat in the province. The Canadian PCOC is required across Canada for all ages, all types of motorized boats, and all boat engine sizes. Getting your boat licence gives you access to drive a motorized boat anywhere in Canada.
Driving a motorized boat in PEI without your Pleasure Craft Operator Card on board will result in a fine of $250. Why take the risk?
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Transport Canada Approved
We've been making smart boaters for more than 17 years. BOATsmart! is Canada’s largest Transport Canada Accredited Course Provider and we’re proud to be trusted by more Canadian boaters. Your BOATsmart! Card is also accepted in more than 40 U.S. states. We’ve got you covered.
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From anywhere, on any device at any time.
Our animated and narrated Boating Safety Course is perfect for all ages. Study from your Smartphone, Tablet or Desktop and switch between devices at any time. BOATsmart! automatically tracks your progress so you can study at your own pace.
Prince Edward Island Boating License Requirements
WHAT IS A PLEASURE CRAFT OPERATOR CARD?
A Pleasure Craft Operator Card is a federally mandated competency card required by all operators of recreational motorized boats in Canada. It’s commonly called a boat license, but unlike your driver’s license it can not be suspended or revoked. The PCOC must be carried on board the boat at all times during operation. Photocopies are not accepted.
WHERE CAN I GET MY PEI BOATING LICENSE?
Recreational boat operators can obtain the PEI boating license by completing the online BOATsmart! Course and Transport Canada Boating Safety Test. Upon successful completion boaters can print a Temporary Card and go boating right away. Your Official BOATsmart! Card will arrive in the mail within 4 weeks at no charge.
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET A BOATING LICENSE IN PEI?
Boat operators can obtain their boat license (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) at any age. However, although there are no minimum age requirements to become certified, there are age and horsepower restrictions that apply to boat operators who are less than 16 years of age. For more information about age requirements, see below.
AGE AND HORSEPOWER RESTRICTIONS
Operators who are less than 12 years of age may operate a powerboat, so long as the engine is not more than 10 hp.
Operators who are 12 – under 16 years of age may operate a powerboat, so long as the engine is not more than 40 hp.
Operators must be at least 16 years of age in order to legally operate a PWC, such as a Sea door or Jet Ski.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY BOATING LICENSE?
It takes a minimum of 3 hours to get your boat license online. Once boaters complete the online course and Transport Canada Boating Safety Test, they can print a Temporary Card Immediately. Operators will receive their permanent card in the mail within 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?
Yes. With the free BOATsmart! Knowledge base you can brush-up on your boating safety knowledge at any time. Review information on navigation aids, boat safety equipment, docking, lock navigation and more to be sure that you’re familiar with all of the latest rules and regulations. PEI boaters can also obtain a printed BOATsmart! Study Guide to keep on board as a reference guide. The BOATsmart! Study Guide is available online and at Canadian Tire.
DO I NEED A LICENSE TO RENT A BOAT IN PEI?
In order to rent a boat in PEI, boaters are required to either have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or complete an official rental boat safety checklist in order to prove their competency. Obtaining your PCOC is preferrable, as you will learn all of the knowledge you need in order to boat with confidence. A checklist won’t teach you how to respond if your pontoon boat runs aground or if a passenger falls overboard.
Boating and alcohol in PEI
PEI BOATING AND ALCOHOL LAWS
It is illegal to operate a vessel in PEI while consuming alcohol. While underway, open alcohol cannot be transported on any type of boat in PEI. Alcohol may only be consumed on board vessels equipped with a galley (kitchen), head (bathroom) and sleeping quarters, and only consumed while at anchor. The fines and penalties for operating a boat under the influence of alcohol in PEI are the same as those for operating a motorized vehicle.
The RCMP and local municipal police enforce PEI’s boating and alcohol laws. Contact the RCMP for more information about the laws for boating with alcohol in Prince Edward Island.
PEI BOATING AND ALCOHOL LAWS
Boating and Alcohol offences in PEI 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 PEI.
Boat passengers may legally consume alcohol on board a boat in Prince Edward Island so long as 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 PEI regardless of age are required to obtain and carry a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or face a $250 fine.
Prince Edward Island'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 PEI FAQs
WHO ENFORCES PEI’s BOATING LAWS?
Both the RCMP and local municipal police detachments patrol PEI’s waterways.
Boating Emergencies:
Call 911 for emergencies on the water, like a boating accident or drowning.
How To Get a Boat License in PEI
DO I NEED A PLEASURE CRAFT LICENSE?
All motorized boats and PWCs in PEI 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 5G4
REGISTERING 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 PEI
Buying a boat in PEI? 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 PEI?
No, boat owners are not required to have boat insurance in PEI. 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 up to 25% off boating insurance.
A Pleasure Craft License or ‘boat license’ is a document and a set of I.D. numbers for your vessel. The document must be on board your boat at all times and the numbers must be displayed on the bow of your boat at all times.
Welcome To The Island
Prince Edward Island Boating Destinations
Looking for adventure? You’ve come to the right place. PEI offers a little bit of everything with a lot of coastal scenery. Cruise around both tips of the island and take in the view of the windmills at North Cape and East Point, or check out the massive pillars that support the Confederation bridge!
Looking to cast a line? PEI’s principal sport fish is brook trout, and it’s found in almost every stream. You can start fishing on opening day, April 15th every year. Children under 16 years of age do not require an angling license, but those who do require one can easily get theirs online. If you need a spot to cast off for a day on the water, you can find a marina within an hour of anywhere on the island and be out on the water before lunch!
Helpful resources for boating in Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island's top boating destinations!
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